Tale of Johnny Ray

Thank-you very much misterG.

 

Sorry I've slowed down on the story, but thanks to business slowing down, looks like a long weekend coming up and rainy weather to boot.
Cutting that firewood will have to wait LOL Hopefully get some typing done.

 

"So how long you been in the reception center House? Seems like you know your way around here.
Thought we was only supposed to be here a day or two" asked Ant, over a cold pitcher of draught beer.
"Four days now. They got my orders screwed up. Told me to report to the evac hospital when I got here. What the hell for , I told em, I ain't sick.
Turns out there is a George J. Houseman that's a medic. Sure as hell ain't me. I told em they sure as hell didn't want me doctorin on nobody" House laughed.
"Talk I been hearin is we most like likely be joinin the 25th. Been catchin hell I hear. They supposed to be about 6o clicks from here, up in the hills..
Just hope to have some vets around me, somebody knows what they're doin. No use frettin over it. We can handle it, can't we boys?" House said as he raised his mug in a toast.
Things got quiet for a few minutes as they were all lost in their thoughts of what lay ahead. Then House blurted out "Yall gonna share that doobie?"
Reb looked genuinely clueless, while Ant couldn't supress a sly grin.
''I knew it" House said. "Ole Ernie must get a deal on that stuff I figure. Either that or he is just one generous fella.
Everbody that he picks up gets a welcome to Nam joint. Kinda like a hippie welcome wagon" Pleasantly buzzed from the beer, they all laughed at the joke.
Reb gives Ant a mock mean look and says "You been holdin out on me son? I thought we was tight?"
"Oh man, I didn't even know if you smoked or not. Didn't want you to think I was a bad guy or something" Ant said.
"Just cause I'm from the country don't mean I never got high. Where the hell you think they grow that stuff? I sure didn't see no woods up there in Brooklyn" Reb replied.
They all got a big laugh out of that. "Come on boys" House said as he drained his mug. "I know a good spot we can burn that thing"
"Just a sec" House said as he went to the bar and bought a six pack to go. "Just a little something for the night cook" he explained.
"He's a good ole boy from Arkansas. He'll let us hang out in the kitchen. Won't nobody bother us. Maybe get him to cook us a burger too"
"#### son, you done learned your way around this place" Reb said.
"Don't hurt none to know folks, I reckon. We better enjoy this, cause I got a feelin we gonna be outa here come tomorrow" House answered.

After getting the all clear from the on duty night cook, Ant lit the joint and after the first hit, promptly began coughing his head off.
House was thoroughly amused by this. "Forgot to tell you boys something. This here ain't nothing like what we got back at the house. Kicks just a might"
After it made the rounds a time or two, House looked at Reb and burst out laughing. It was contagious. Finally Reb composed himself enough to ask
"Mind telling me exactly what is so funny?"
"No, no brother. You don't look funny, didn't mean that. It's just that I finally figured it out" House explained.
"Figured out what?" Reb asked.
"Figured out who you look like. The sarge. First sergeant Jenkins. Hell, yall could be related. Think he's from Georgia too."
"That's what Ernie said, but I thought he was just messin with me. But I'd know if he was kin and I ain't got any in the military, much less over here" Reb said.
They turned to the sound of pots and pans rattling as the cook banged the door open.
"Hate to break up the party boys, but just got word I got some troops just in from the boonies coming by for some grub.
Appreciate the brew. If yall are up later on, come on back by and I'll fix you boys up with some bacon and eggs"
"No problem man. Appreciate the hospitality" They all said their thanks and headed back to the quonset hut, feeling none the worse for wear.

 

Who you calling old? LOL
See what I can do. Thanks for the support.

 

While having breakfast together the following morning the three partygoers where approached by Ernie in the mess tent.
"Morning gents. I hope you are finding your stay in Long Binh pleasant" he said with a grin.
"Why certainly, sir. Yall been most accommadating" answered House with a grin of his own.
"Finally got your orders House. I guess they finally figured out you're not a friggin doctor. Hell, I coulda told them that.
Anyway you're going to the 1st AirCav.
Operation Pershing is what they're calling it. Up in Binh Dinh. Kicking some serious butt what I hear.
But don't worry man, they needing helicopter mechanics, not door gunners.
But keep your head down brother. You Benning boys want the good news now, or you want to hear it from Top?"
"Might as well break it to us man" Reb told him.
"25th Infantry up in Chu Lai. Been doing some major reorganizing. Them boys went through beaucoup stuff in '66. Real meatgrinder in Chu Chi.
Not trying to freak ya out or anything, but you going to hear it anyway. But I heard it's a top shelf outfit. Got some real vets over there.
Soon as you're done with chow, head by supply and grab your gear. Just tell em where you're going. They will know what you need.
I got a feelin as soon as you're done with top, you boy's gonna be on the next thing smokin. Catch me before you leave though.
I'll fix you up with a nice going away present. A guy needs all the help he can get out in the bush" Ernie said with a wink.

First Sergeant Charles Jenkins was the NCO in charge of inbound enlisted personell.
He didn't make the duty assignments, but it was his responsibilty to carry them out.
This vet served as an infantry squad leader in '65 and left as a platoon sergeant thanks to a battlefield promotion.
In addition to a CIB(combat infantry badge) his dress uniform featured a bronze star (valor designation) and a purple heart.
With nineteen years service, he was more than happy to accept a desk job this time around.
His goal was to survive this final overseas tour and return to the states to complete his final year and never get this far from Valdosta Georgia again.

"Pvt Reid, Pvt Fazzone, come on in boys, have a seat. I reckon ole Ernie done told yall where you going.
That boy cain't keep a secret for nothing" 1SG Jenkins said.
####, Ant thought to himself. This man is more country than Reb. And Ernie wasn't lying, looks just like him too.
"25th Infantry Division needs bodies right now, but don't let that scare ya.
They are splitting up from the 196th Infantry and trying to build back up some.
It's a good outfit boys. I served with them in '65 and made it outa here mostly in one piece. Lotta vets there.
Just pay attention to the oldtimers.
They are oldtimers for a reason. Don't be no cowboy neither. Do your job and keep your head down.
Treat them fellas with respect and they will look out for you.
Pvt Reid, says here your HOR (home of record) is Brookfield, Georgia. That's close to Tifton ain't it?"
"Sure is top. Most folks wouldn't know that" Reb answered.
"Don't imagine they would son, but most folks ain't from right down the road in Valdosta. Been nearly twenty years since I was there though.
Dropped a friend off at the bus station one time. I was on my way to Atlanta to fly overseas.
That was right before I got killed in the line of duty" top said deadpan serious.
Reb and Ant didn't know how to respond and didn't notice the company clerk roll his eyes as if he has heard this story a thousand times.
"Actually a case of mistaken identity. Kinda like us thinkin Pvt Houseman was a medic instead of an aircraft mechanic, except a little more serious.
The very day I arrived in Germany, was still at the airport in Frankfort, as a matter of fact, a fuel tanker exploded in Baumholder, over a hundred miles away.
Three men died, including a PFC named Charles Jankins from Valley, Alabama. His serial number was one digit off of mine.
A simple typo on the number and somebody wasn't paying attention. Too busy looking at the number and not the name. It happens, still does.
Anyhow, little town like that, word spread like wildfire I was dead. Took about a week to get it straightened out.
To this day, momma's still scared to go to the mailbox or answer the phone. Can't say as I blame her.
Alright then, stay where we can find yall. I believe we got a truck going thataway about 1400 hours. Ernie will let yall know.
Good luck boys. Keep your powder dry and your stuff wired tight. Maybe next time I see ya, it will be in south Georgia and not South Vietnam"