Some years back I decided (after several long, loud, discussions with my wife) that I would go down and re-enlist.

I gathered up all the old paperwork I could find and sat down in front of a sharp young first class petty officer recruiter and announced my availability.

That was in 1980.

I was pleased to see that he was impressed with my records. I had several Navy schools to my credit as well as other training, and I had advanced every time I was eligible.

He shook my hand warmly and said "Great! Let's get the show on the road". He took out a pad and pencil and asked for my name and Navy service number. I gave them to him and then he asked for my date of birth.

I said 1933. After a pause he said "You DID say nineteen FORTY three?

Nope. Nineteen THIRTY three.

He stood and shook my hand warmly again and escorted me out the door.

Too darn old.

The story of my life.


Jim