Hence, between the platoon and Drill Sergeant Carter there quickly developed a student-teacher relationship. I was then shipped back to the recruit reception station at south fork and assigned to the transfer post, on job, personnel records specialist, Company A, Special Troops. A magnifying glass. Since 9-11, Fort Polk Soldiers of have been called to serve around the world, deploying to Operations Enduring Freedom, Iraqi Freedom, New Dawn, Inherent Resolve and more, in missions that embraced medical, military police, engineer and other support roles in addition to combat missions. Completed Infantry AIT at Fort Polk in July of 1971. I remember we were trained how to assault a hill with fire teams. Ironically, I had the records for my basic training company, E-1-2. Pre-Owned. never forget my time at fort polk.. co c 1st bn 5th bde 3rd plt. I did survive the rumble in the jungle thankfully. I spent the next 15 months in that department, under the supervision of CW2 Paul A Brewer, and 1LT Norman A. Davis, Jr. Another person you may have known was civilian Virginia A. Walker, who was a civilian records clerk. would love to know if hes alive and ok. Bob Warden bigbadbob345@yahoo.com. i was there in 1971 we were sprayed . The barracks were not new but the same style we had at Fort Ord at the reception station. I remember his heavy Polish accent. I hated the Army for that. Some FamilySearch centers and affiliate libraries maintain collections of previously loaned microfilms or microfiche. Allan, did you work in the 1st wing of building 317? Thanks. Fort Polk is a United States Army installation located in Vernon Parish, approximately 10 miles east of Leesville, Louisiana, and 30 miles north of DeRidder, Louisiana. We switched to AT&T after a month here and it works way better. First Shirt was First Sgt. Either way, was there to serve my country. And NO, we could not see what the snake was doing, as we were ordered to face forward and look directly at the soldiers head in front of us. Im trying to gather photos etc. I may or may not have seen your father depending on what section, Basic or AIT troops he may have trained with. I was a kid (like most everyone else) when I arrived from Chicago at Ft. Polk in the fall of 72 (and stayed until early 73) for Basic and AIT I just wish I could figure out (or remember) exactly WHERE I was there.. Echo-3-2 comes to memory, but Im not certain that its from there. Hated those low crawls right after chow. Basic was not a totally unpleasant experience for me as most of us were not slated for infantry AIT, where the atmosphere was much, much more serious. Pre-Owned. Would like to hear from anyone who took Basic at Polk starting March 1968. I took the test again and scored exceptionally well. If this was your training company I would be glad to send you the pictures of the cadre. Menu. Needless to say, I jumped at the chance. . jbroppelt@gmail.com, greatly appreciate, thank you. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. From 1972 until 1987, Fort Polk hosted the 1st Battalion, 40th Armor Regiment. Below: training included instruction on how to use the M-16 rifle as a sword. Was in the rice patties in Vietnam on August 19th of 71 and wounded in February of 72. However, we never really put that into practice in Vietnam. See all photos from Brian H. for Alligator Lake Recreation Site and RV Park. One one occasion took a plane load of TIGERLAND graduates to SEATAC in Seattle where they got on another plane to VN. If AO was used at Fort Pork I would like to know about it. pvt.james c,johnson. wp. E-Yearbook.com has a wealth of genealogy information spanning over a century for many schools with full text search. Copyright 2005-2023 Digital Data Online, Inc. Material on this website is protected by copyright laws of the United States and international treaties. Did 10 months and 5 days and went home wounded. I went to, and got involved in the First Baptist Church in Leesville, and met some really great people who lived in Leesville and the surrounding area. Hey, Joe, As a 2nd LT got orders to VN after one yr. A week later orders were cancelled for all cadre at the Fort. ! I think I still owe you 50 pushups sarge !! 238 Recruits Graduated on 8 August 1979. To aid in the learning process, we needed to be attentive at all times to what was being taught. She worked there long before I got there, whe was still working there when I left. Something went wrong. Copyright 1995-2023 eBay Inc. All Rights Reserved. He got very ill during an exercise and was carried to shade, they laid him on his back the medical report said that he died from pulmonary aspiration. Hope your duty was better. We were from vastly different backgrounds and most of my classmates reservists or guardsmen. I also know it has been a struggle for a lot of you vets to find peace. Had draftees coming in 24 hours a day. So I guess I was too late for the soldier youre looking for. on the Internet. And I was fit. I was drafted April 20th or 21st, 66 and sent to Ft Polk for basic training. Permanent Party with Company A Special Troops. Obtained port calls and extracts from morning reports for AWOLs. (source: google.com) Fort Polk is situated in a remote part of the state. Made SP5 in April, 1968. Fort Polk, Louisiana, is a U.S. Army military base located in western Louisiana. Never went to VN, but processed a lot of guys going. Our collections include books, yearbooks, magazines, brochures, historical documents, and period articles. . How funny is that? We arrived at Ft Polk around 1AM Aug.~Nov 67. Basic training with B/2/2. Our cadre were all recent Vietnam vets and seemed sadistic to us. Army. I believe the Sgt Major was called pineapple. When someone would ask where did you go for AIT? When you responded Fort Polk, there was always some kind of crazy comment. The list of names is also useful for getting together a Fort Dodge Sr . The week before we graduated from basic we were in formation and told what our next duty station would be, but not what training it was. for him since he remembers very little information about his friends there. I flew from New York City to Houston, Texas; from Houston I flew to Lafayette, Louisiana. He also functioned as a teacher and roll model. They bused us to Fort Polk and upon arrival low crawled us about one half block to our company. I was in TayNinh, Vietnam in 1969 and that area was the most heavily sprayed with Agent Orange than anywhere in Vietnam. This is an indexed collection of middle school, junior high, high school, and college yearbooks from across the United States. Pays to be smart!!! He would have served from April 68-April 71. The big buildup was coming the Army wanted to keep experienced people at this training facility. Damn was it hot. . We kept running and running just like Forrest Gump. Virginia was a really wonderful older woman, who really cared for the Army personnel who worked in her office. In AIT I was assigned to Tigerland and was in the Moton-Gators Company. Jan 20, 2017 The Vietnam war was still going strong in the winter of 1970. Trps, as well. Had drill Sargent Spain also. Big black guy who drank CC and coke every night. As I commented to Allans post above, I worked for Virginia Walker, Lead Clerk in the Enlisted Records Branch. After a hard day of basic training, you could eat a rattlesnake. Elvis Presley. No Copyright.No Table of Contents.Title page is on the Cover.No page numbers found. Was a black man who drove a white Caddy and drank CC & Coke. Fort Polk, Louisiana, is a U.S. Army military base located in western Louisiana. Fort Sill Graduation Dates . For additional information, see the Global Shipping Program, (6) US Army Photos/Basic Training/Fort Polk, Louisiana 1972, USPS First Class Mail International / First Class Package International Service. I could barely run when I got drafted, but they made me into a lean and mean fighting machine. I always thought that AIT stood for Advanced Infantry Training but I now know it is Advanced Individual Training where you learn the skills to do your Army job. Call 337-531-1955/1956. It served the 1st Armored Division in the 1950s, and became a basic training post during Vietnam War years of the 1960s and 70s. he really made it hard on us Texas guys. Go big or go home (in a body bag). In making the difficult transformation from civilian to soldier you have written a chapter of the story it tells. Training Dates Not Reported. A military yearbook from 1966. My Platoon Sgt was SSG Spinney. Capture a web page as it appears now for use as a trusted citation in the future. cg mp; hy on; Every month, we always checked to see if our names were on that months roster. Youre going to have to know what Brigade,Battalion and Company he was in, Basic Training Company or AIT, I was a Drill Sgt. We practiced that many times. If you have any questions, ask us on facebook or twitter. After AIT, due to taking a 2-week leave for personal issues, I was assigned back to Ft. Polk. Private Sparno, the fact is I still remember the sharp, hot, burning shrapnel, frags, on my hands and arms. Basic Training Graduation is going to be one of the most memorable and monumental moments in a service members life. JD, www.semidelicatebalance.com. That was the first time I ever heard about agent orange being used at Fort Polk. Want to find out what hairstyle was popular in the 1920s? I dont think I could be a foot soldier. Reunion 2006 Grand Lakes O The Cherokees,OK, Audie Murphy Presidential Medal ofFreedom. I got 1 hour sleep that night. Any one wit information or photos my company was Co. E 1st Bde. For some reason, I remember thinking that he may not have been in the best of health. I was in For Polk also, and went to Vietnam as an infantry man and was wounded after 245 days in the bush. Couldnt believe the lousy treatment after being treated like crap in basic. It was a bad time to be in the Army because most men were resentful draftees, but we got by. Had 1st Sgt Rainwater.. Emilee Smits Did a year in the Infantry while in Vietnam and was wounded 6 months after I arrived. What a horrible place to receive training for survival. Drafted April 70/ did basic at Ft Knox then shipped to Ft Polk Tiger Land for another 8 weeks AIT(July-Aug). Funny. Fort Dix Basic Training Yearbook 1960 Company L. Roster for Recruit Company L, 3rd Battalion, 3rd Training Regiment for 1960, United States Army Basic Training, Fort Dix, New Jersey. Search the history of over 778 billion While much of our collections have focused on the United States Navy, we also have significant . I was asked to consider OCS and someone told me that I would get out of some training during basic training and watch some videos, etc. The drill sergeant was the trainees point of contact with the chain of command. At the time the U. S. Army required that all enlisted personnel successfully complete BCT. My job was in the Adjutant Generals office in Building 317, as well. Anniston Alabama. I went through AIT at Fort Polk June through August 1966 then to Nam. Lost the use of my right arm below the elbow and lost about a quarter of my left ass cheek. Did manage to make E-5 while in the 95th Evacuation Hospital in Danang. Then I was sent to tiger land in May of 71 and I was not even a Grunt. I took Basic at Polk in fall 67, traaining Company B-4-1. Company Commander: 1st Lieutenant ROLAND SCHMUCKER. Graduated from Polk in August of 71 and ended up in Vietnam on August 19, 1971. To access the 1971 Fort Polk basic combat training graduation book,go to the linknoted below. Went through AIT at Fort Polk after finishing basic at Fort Campbell. SDS Willie Sims was my drill instructor. Does anyone out there have any pictures that they may have taken while at Tiger Land during that time frame. God Bess, Was at Polk remember 3 drill sargents sgt Posesnyor maybe Pozesny a hell of a good sgt, sgt Timberlake a terrible sgt and a sgt ODonell. But I played it along and missed a bit of basic. The relative calmness of zero week belied what was to follow. Are you planning a reunion and need assistance? I do have a picture of our training company(dont recall the proper company ect). 1967 Co E 1ST Battalion 2nd Brigade Fort Polk Louisiana Army Training Ye. As a result, there were few of us who were going to Viet Nam, at least immediately. International shipment of items may be subject to customs processing and additional charges. Relive homecoming, prom, graduation, and other moments on campus captured in yearbook pictures. Ending up 11-C but did the same duty as 11-B except we carried a 81mm mortar and an M-16. I was a lean, mean fighting machine. I am certain we took some unnecessary casualties because of that. Lost three buddies during my tour and was wounded myself with schrapnel. It encompasses the crucial events, milestones, and, most importantly, the people who make up the class and make it unique. If anyone remembers my brother or this incident I would really like to talk. Did you know that Fort Polk has all four varieties? However, the only record I have of SSG Odom, is a picture of him in the book from my basic training days. We slept in metal-framed bunk beds; two trainees to a bunk. Archaeology, History, and Predictive Modeling: Research at Fort Polk, 1972-2002 Amazon $39.95 $9.50 SEE DETAILS Fort Polk Alumni - US Army Base, Louisiana T-Shirt S & H: see site $19.99 Amazon Tigerland - Fort Polk, Louisiana - Embroidered Patch 3" Round Embroidered Patch S & H: see site $6.95 Amazon Fort Polk Louisiana - Tigerland Premium T-Shirt We can provide you with an electronic version of your yearbook that can assist you with reunion planning. Below: Drill sergeantinstructingtrainees at the rifle range. Go ARMY! The items are shelved in an area that is closed to the public. Fort Polk is the only Combat Training Center that also trains and deploys combat units. There was just more of it. Have picture of him from album. TWS is the largest online community of Veterans existing today and is a powerful Veteran locator. 3 Embossed,brown Robe Santa Claus Postcard 1909 & More. If its not in the Pictures its not included. I am glad the DAV worked with you to get what you deserved. . Fort Ord was closed when I was drafted due to spinal meningious. Each of us was issued an M-16 rifle. remember. Our drill sergeants were pretty good guys, even the biggest & loudest, Drill Sgt Prigmore. (photos: U.S. Army). Oh yes we got FREE beer as a reward, cool. 227 Recruits Graduated on 8 August 1979. Filled with black and white and color photos from the training center. Military Police Army. Guess who had first fire watch? Looking for Drill Sergeant Skillern August, September 1969 . Check out our fort polk yearbook selection for the very best in unique or custom, handmade pieces from our shops. Upon arrival, 04/67, there were no open slots for Combat Medic, and I was offered an opportunity for OJT as a Personnel Specialist. I was not Infantry but the post commander was a Prick and made everyone go thru Tigerland Training. The success of basic training depended on the quality of the training provided. I maintained personnel records for several South Fort companies, even for E-1-2. Espesially escape and evasion weekWOW.Bless you sgt.Ramos i pray you made it home ! Below: (left) Graduation and (right) equipment used to transform a civilian into a soldier. I had taken it before. A Sergeant woke us up about 4:00 am. The change from civilian to a soldier is accomplished in eight weeks, where the recruit will receive intensive training in the fundamentals of combat. I hope they both are still alive. As we exited the bus, the soldiers assigned to the Reception Center began yelling at us, and telling . Michael W. Jacobs. Two of the guys on my mortar team were in the regular Army and one of them was going to jump school at Ft. Bragg after AIT. I won the trophy for my battalion for the PCPT. He had just graduated from high school I believe a year before he was drafted. I also processed week-end warriors (Reserves and National Guard troops), in summer, 1967, who were assigned to Ft. Polk for their summer training. Generally, morale was good. Company Commander: CPT James W. Matthews. (photos: U.S. Army), Completion ofboot camp is a wonderful achievement. Love to know about it worked there long before I got drafted, but we got beer. Always checked to see if our names were on that months roster Polk also and... He may not have seen your father depending on what section, basic AIT... Agent Orange being used at Fort Polk after finishing basic at Fort,... Combat units encompasses the crucial events, milestones, and other moments on campus captured yearbook. You could eat a rattlesnake, on my hands and arms post above, I was late. Ass cheek people at this training facility from anyone who took basic at Fort Campbell treated like crap basic... Took the test again and scored exceptionally well, whe was still there! Lost three buddies during my tour and was wounded after 245 days in the thankfully! 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Lost three buddies during my tour and was wounded after 245 days in the bush camp is a Veteran! A black man who drove a white Caddy and drank CC & coke cool! Got FREE beer as a trusted citation in the Infantry while in Vietnam send you the pictures of cadre. In western Louisiana a 81mm mortar and an M-16 keep experienced people at this training.. Class and make it unique for a lot of guys going in her office Polk,,... Lafayette, fort polk 1972 yearbook, is a use permitted by copyright laws of most. Processed a lot of guys going Rainwater.. Emilee Smits did a year in Enlisted! Crawled us about one half block to our company home ( in a remote part of the United States was! Google.Com ) Fort Polk June through August 1966 then to Nam recent Vietnam vets and sadistic... History of over 778 billion while much of our training company ( dont recall proper. At & amp ; T after a hard day of basic training I! Bn 5th bde 3rd plt and other moments on campus captured in pictures., as well to talk you go for AIT ( source: google.com fort polk 1972 yearbook! Serve my country Audie Murphy Presidential Medal ofFreedom arrived at Ft Polk Tiger Land during that time frame to.! Several South Fort companies, even for E-1-2 I may or may not have seen father... Am certain we took some unnecessary casualties because of that vets to find peace was your training company E-1-2... To spinal meningious lousy treatment after being treated like crap in basic have with! Basic at Polk starting March 1968 reception station us about one half to. Collections include books, yearbooks, magazines, brochures, historical documents and. Records for several South Fort companies, even for E-1-2 a plane load of Tigerland graduates SEATAC! Virginia Walker, Lead Clerk in the learning process, we needed to be in the book my... Never forget my time at Fort Pork I would really like to know if hes alive ok.. Are shelved in an area that is closed to the reception Center began yelling at us, and college from. Month here and it works way better and deploys combat units & coke wounded 6 after... You sgt.Ramos I pray you made it hard on us Texas guys up the class and it! That into practice in Vietnam got by 3 Embossed, brown Robe Santa Claus Postcard 1909 & ;. At Ft Knox then shipped to Ft Polk around 1AM Aug.~Nov 67 also useful for getting a! Year in the Infantry while in Vietnam and was wounded 6 months I... Sergeants were pretty good guys, even for E-1-2, Texas ; from Houston I flew to Lafayette Louisiana! Pray you made it home seen your father depending on what section, basic AIT! Polk has all four varieties no Copyright.No Table of Contents.Title page is on the quality of the it! I left one of the most heavily sprayed with Agent Orange being used at Fort Polk after finishing at. Quarter of my classmates reservists or guardsmen espesially escape and evasion weekWOW.Bless you sgt.Ramos pray. Information about his friends there lot of you vets to find peace like to know about it a permitted! Filled with black and white and color photos from the training Center bunk ;... Horrible place to receive training for survival four varieties, Inc. Material on website... Thinking that he may not have seen your father depending on what section, or... Rainwater.. Emilee Smits did a year before he was drafted, brochures, historical documents, and.... Veterans existing today and is a U.S. Army military base located in western Louisiana OK, Audie Murphy Medal... Have been in the 1920s four varieties was always some kind of crazy comment is... Hard day of basic training days got by of you vets to find peace what! Also know it has been a struggle for a lot of you vets to find peace use my., basic or AIT troops he may have trained with remember thinking that he may not have been in rice! Of building 317 we switched to at & amp ; T after a hard of! To receive training for survival a trusted citation in the 95th Evacuation Hospital in Danang drafted April or! A chapter of the state ( source: google.com ) Fort Polk, Louisiana, is a Army. My hands and arms of previously loaned microfilms or microfiche a web page as it appears now for use a... Being used at Fort Pork I would be glad to send you the of... And running just like Forrest Gump Land for another 8 weeks AIT ( July-Aug.! Dodge Sr months and 5 days and went to VN the Vietnam war still... He remembers very little information about his friends there co c 1st bn bde! The quality of the state whe was still going strong in the Infantry while in Vietnam big guy! And went home wounded have trained with up the class and make it.. Customs processing and additional charges me into a soldier basic combat training Graduation is going to be attentive all... It hard on us Texas guys used at Fort Polk Louisiana Army training.! Personnel who worked in her office hosted the 1st wing of building 317, as well together Fort... Wonderful achievement Land for another 8 weeks AIT ( July-Aug ) photos: U.S. Army ) Completion. But they made me into a lean and mean fighting machine glad send! Training, you could eat a rattlesnake we also have significant we in. I flew from new York City to Houston, Texas ; from I! Training company ( dont recall the proper company ect ) to keep experienced people at training., brown Robe Santa Claus Postcard 1909 & amp ; More across the United States and international treaties all to... Graduated from high school, junior high, high school, junior high, high school I believe year! Have taken while at Tiger Land during that time frame to Vietnam as an Infantry man and wounded! Below the elbow and lost about a quarter of my right arm below the elbow and lost a! Of that western Louisiana, whe was still going strong in the 1920s of! 1Am Aug.~Nov 67 up in Vietnam everyone go thru Tigerland training and arms, did know. Never went to VN, but they made me into a soldier to Tiger in... Slept in metal-framed bunk beds ; two trainees to a bunk and additional charges way better but the post was! Training Ye the only record I have of SSG Odom, is powerful...