Random Entries From My Diary

"I never travel without my diary - One should have something sensational to read" ...Oscar Wilde, 1891 30 May 48: I graduated from high school today now thank God I'm free! No more doggone homework, perplexing algebra or teachers bugging me! 7 Jul 48: Enlisted in the Air Force today! Good Lord! What have I done! The sarge said, "Forget Mom, Dad and Susie Q! You're now mine, my son!" 21 Oct 48: Finished basic training today with about a hundred other guys. I thought it'd be more like a Boy Scout Camp! Boy, was I in for a surprise! 15 Feb 49: Graduated tech school at Fort Warren and sent to the Bermuda Isles. Quite a change for a country boy! Water, water everywhere for miles and miles! 12 Oct 52: Was married tonight at Perrin AFB with Vera as my beautiful bride! She was very pert and calm, but diary, I was somewhat nervous I must confide! 23 Aug 54: Our family grew by one today! Leanna, a little girl, my fondest wish! She was measured by a nurse holding her by the heels! Just like measuring a fish! 15 Aug 55: Boarded a crowded troopship in New York and set sail for Morocco. Was beset with a bit of mal de mer since the ship was wallowing to and fro! 17 Oct 57: Our little 'arab' Leslie was born today near Casablanca! What a dolly! She has a hearty set of lungs, but that's OK, she's a healthy little dude, by golly! 11 Jan 68: Son Mark was born at the Air Force Academy and seemed a healthy tot! 9 Apr 68: Alas, we buried Mark today at Evergreen. Boy, do we miss him a lot! 24 Jun 71: My family and I arrived in Tokyo, Japan, to begin our three-year tour! Japanese is foreign! For "good morning" do I say, "ohio gazamus" or "bon jour?" 1 May 74: Chaplain Porter notified me that I had been promoted to Chief! Happy day, dear diary! I've reached the highest rank! What a blessed relief! 1 Aug 78: I retired today at Offutt AFB, after 30 wonderful years of service! After wearing the 'blue suit' all those years, wearing civvies makes me nervous! Robert L. Hinshaw, CMSgt, USAF, Retired © All Rights Reserved Placed No. 3 in Constance La France's "The Diary" Contest - April 2011