Read Online Return To Forever by James Frishkey - Free Book Online
Authors: James Frishkey
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future. When they got home and told their families the news, their mothers were devastated. Johnny’s dad suggested he consider going to Canada which was becoming a popular way to avoid the draft but would have life altering consequences no one wanted to talk about. This was not an option Johnny wanted to pursue.
Joe still had the Navy Reserve card to play and asked his dad to get the wheels moving. He would be required to take a written test, followed by another physical performed by Navy doctors with standards unique to that branch. It was possible to fail the Navy physical but still be acceptable to the Army.
While this drama was unfolding, Joe’s mother was transferred to the Bridal Boutique at the Hudson’s department store she had been working at. This was the most prestigious sales position in women’s clothing and she excelled in helping young brides-to-be select the perfect gown for their big day.
One afternoon after her lunch break she returned to the boutique where several girls and their mothers were browsing the display gowns. One girl in particular looked very familiar and when she turned to face her, his mom almost fell over…it was Mary. After exchanging greetings, Joe’s mom excused herself and went to her supervisor. “I can’t wait on that girl. She broke my son’s heart and I will not help her find a gown to marry someone else.” The supervisor understood and took over helping Mary while Joe’s mom went to the break room ready to punch something.
When Joe’s mother got home she was torn about telling Joe what had happened. She knew he was still in pain over losing Mary and this news might reopen that wound that was beginning to heal. Her Italian blood was boiling and it was impossible for her to keep this inside so she decided to tell Joe when he got home from work that evening.
Joe’s mom heard the roar of the Corvette as it pulled into the garage and got up and made some coffee. It was late and Joe was a little buzzed from post-work beer guzzling but she had to talk to him no matter the time. “Sit down Joey. I made some fresh coffee for you.”
Joe kicked off his shoes and sipped the piping hot coffee as his mother continued to speak. “I had a surprise visitor today in the bridal boutique. Mary and her mother can in to look at bridal gowns.”
Joe almost fell off his chair. “What did she say?” he asked hoping for more details. “How did she look?”
“I wouldn’t wait on her,” his mother answered. “I turned her over to my boss. I couldn’t believe she would be that bold to expect me to help her buy a wedding gown. She looked the same as before.”
CHAPTER 14
July, 1968 – Gio Linh, South Vietnam
T he 12th Marines were positioned along with an Army unit and were directing artillery fire over the DMZ into North Vietnam. Joe was one of three sergeants in his outfit at the time and each would rotate leading a night ambush patrol. Every third night, regardless of the weather conditions, he would be out all night in the shit. On the other days he would stand radio watch, do repair work, or erect radio masts. He had the “thousand yard stare” and had become conditioned to the sight, sound and smell of death.
Joe’s route to the Marines was sudden and almost destroyed his mother. He just didn’t give a fuck anymore after hearing of Mary’s pending marriage. His father was successful in getting Joe fast tracked to the top of the list for the Navy Reserves but Joe didn’t care. The toughest man he had every met was a second cousin who served in the Marines in WWII and Joe wanted to get the best, or worst, of that life. He wanted to hurt someone, even if it was himself.
Larry was an F4B Phantom plane captain on the Enterprise in the Gulf of Tonkin along with 4,800 enlisted men and over 350 officers. As the flagship of Rear Admiral Henry L. Miller, the Big E was leading Task Force 77 in the air and sea bombardment of the enemy.
Johnny was drafted, as expected,
Joe still had the Navy Reserve card to play and asked his dad to get the wheels moving. He would be required to take a written test, followed by another physical performed by Navy doctors with standards unique to that branch. It was possible to fail the Navy physical but still be acceptable to the Army.
While this drama was unfolding, Joe’s mother was transferred to the Bridal Boutique at the Hudson’s department store she had been working at. This was the most prestigious sales position in women’s clothing and she excelled in helping young brides-to-be select the perfect gown for their big day.
One afternoon after her lunch break she returned to the boutique where several girls and their mothers were browsing the display gowns. One girl in particular looked very familiar and when she turned to face her, his mom almost fell over…it was Mary. After exchanging greetings, Joe’s mom excused herself and went to her supervisor. “I can’t wait on that girl. She broke my son’s heart and I will not help her find a gown to marry someone else.” The supervisor understood and took over helping Mary while Joe’s mom went to the break room ready to punch something.
When Joe’s mother got home she was torn about telling Joe what had happened. She knew he was still in pain over losing Mary and this news might reopen that wound that was beginning to heal. Her Italian blood was boiling and it was impossible for her to keep this inside so she decided to tell Joe when he got home from work that evening.
Joe’s mom heard the roar of the Corvette as it pulled into the garage and got up and made some coffee. It was late and Joe was a little buzzed from post-work beer guzzling but she had to talk to him no matter the time. “Sit down Joey. I made some fresh coffee for you.”
Joe kicked off his shoes and sipped the piping hot coffee as his mother continued to speak. “I had a surprise visitor today in the bridal boutique. Mary and her mother can in to look at bridal gowns.”
Joe almost fell off his chair. “What did she say?” he asked hoping for more details. “How did she look?”
“I wouldn’t wait on her,” his mother answered. “I turned her over to my boss. I couldn’t believe she would be that bold to expect me to help her buy a wedding gown. She looked the same as before.”
CHAPTER 14
July, 1968 – Gio Linh, South Vietnam
T he 12th Marines were positioned along with an Army unit and were directing artillery fire over the DMZ into North Vietnam. Joe was one of three sergeants in his outfit at the time and each would rotate leading a night ambush patrol. Every third night, regardless of the weather conditions, he would be out all night in the shit. On the other days he would stand radio watch, do repair work, or erect radio masts. He had the “thousand yard stare” and had become conditioned to the sight, sound and smell of death.
Joe’s route to the Marines was sudden and almost destroyed his mother. He just didn’t give a fuck anymore after hearing of Mary’s pending marriage. His father was successful in getting Joe fast tracked to the top of the list for the Navy Reserves but Joe didn’t care. The toughest man he had every met was a second cousin who served in the Marines in WWII and Joe wanted to get the best, or worst, of that life. He wanted to hurt someone, even if it was himself.
Larry was an F4B Phantom plane captain on the Enterprise in the Gulf of Tonkin along with 4,800 enlisted men and over 350 officers. As the flagship of Rear Admiral Henry L. Miller, the Big E was leading Task Force 77 in the air and sea bombardment of the enemy.
Johnny was drafted, as expected,
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