[VB]

You never know where life is going to take you. Sounds like a great career.

Goes to show that not everyone that was drafted turned into a shit stain when they got home.

http://www.ksl.com/?nid=157&sid=16222679

FORT BELVOIR, Va. (AP) - He didn't join the Army willingly, but as Command Sgt. Maj. Jeff Mellinger prepares to retire, he's grateful he found his calling.

Mellinger was drafted to fight the Vietnam War, and the Army believes he's the last draftee to retire, after 39 years. Most did their two years and left. But Mellinger had found home.

"I think I'm pretty good at it, but I like it. That's the bottom line. I love being a soldier and I love being around soldiers," he said.

 

[Tackleberry23]

Wow. You never hear about those that stayed in. 39 years... Sounds great. I hope he got one hell of a retirement party.

 

[mpow66m]

blown up 27 times.you earned it.

 

[cjt50]

39 years!!!

Think about all the lifes that he touched and influenced during that time. Astounding......I hope he enjoys his retirement!! He has earned it.

 

[oif0709]

Its great to serve under such accomplished men like that. If anyone has read armored cav. By tom clancy. Some of those mentioned and interviewed in the book have gone on to command the unit I was in.

 

[Tommys229]

Army. Excuse me while I vomit in my mouth a little.

 

[oif0709]

Haha. Well we know how he feels.