JAN 29, 26 (2 / 2).. A SPECIAL DAY ON MY CALENDAR..
On January the 29th, 1958, in downtown, Detroit, Michigan, I was formally accepted into the United States Marine Corps as a recruit.
Until you successfully finish Recruit Boot Camp, you are NOT a Marine. Many get dropped out during Boot Camp.
At that time, I can’t speak for the present, a recruit had to pass a rigorous physical and medical examination. Other applicants were turned down and many were actually crying and weeping and sobbing with disappointment at not being able to enlist in the the Marine Corps. I passed all the tests and medical examinations with “Flying Colors”.
I had decided to stop my studies at the University of Michigan. When I enlisted in the Marine Corps, I had completed three and one half years in residence at the Main Campus in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
I had completed three full years in the 5 year program of Architecture and had enrolled in the School of Natural Resources to study Forestry. After one semester studying Wildlife Management I was totally unsure of where it was I was heading.
I grew up wanting to be a Marine and so out and off I went.
My father was so upset at my dropping out of the University of Michigan after three and a half years (that he had paid for) that he “Dis-inherited me”.
To this instant in time, as I write these words, it is Wednesday evening, January the 28th, 2026..
To this instant in time, my joining the Marine Corps was the very best single decision of my entire life.
THE REST OF THE STORY..
After getting my Honorable Discharge from active duty in early 1960, I had gotten married during my active duty in the Marine Corps, I had one son born August the 29th, 1959.
In September of 1960, I enrolled fulltime as a student at Wayne State University in Downtown Detroit, Michigan, in the Department of Civil Engineering.
In June of 1963, with two sons, and top honors and membership in the two top Engineering Honor Societies and ranking at the top of my class I graduated.
On that day in June 1963, my now proud of me father, welcomed me back into my family. All was forgiven for my dropping out of the University of Michigan in January of 1958.
In July of 1964, I was commissioned an Ensign in the United States Navy Sea Bees. THAT began another life adventure for yours truly.
Hi De Hi For Semper Fi !!
Cap