Closed. I ended up becoming a Deuce and 1/2 driver for AIT and drove the guys out to the field. Sad to hear they will be demolished. Dennis Harris They are given coordinates. July 2013 Basic training. Invasive Scotch Broom has taken over many areas. thanks for the info Dale..I guess the days of a visitors pass is out also, Recently, four months ago I was traveling south from a Seattle with my 15 year old grandson and decided to pull off at Steilicomb exit and give him a tour of old North Fort Lewis. Didn't get recycled, got sent on to Ft. Ord, California to 05Bravo school, radios and Morse code and PRC-25 on my back. Duane Phillips and he reminded my of John Wayne in the Sands of Iwo Jima. 3.5 Cybo Score. Evan, you are so spot on about how our days were spent . The whole platoon was from Chicago. YTC has an AAFES shopette, a recreation center and a gymnasium available to soldiers and their families. i have rarely looked back on it as sometimes it bothered me .. A-3-1 @ Ft Lewis 4 May 70 through 2 July 70 Draftee then went to Ft Sam Houston Texas for Medic Training. My father, SSG Robert Warren, was a drill instructor from 1966-1969 D co. 4/2 at North Fort. I don't remember his name. I was in B-5-2 Jan 70 Carl Imlay was DS and DS DeGeorge was senior DS, how was there 1970 looking for my buddy when I was there my drill sergeant was Fasano we went to the horse race track together and we even hit Pike Street downtown Seattle if you know what I mean. On 12 October 1999, General Eric K. Shinseki, Chief of Staff of the Army, announced I Corps would lead the acceleration of Army transformation, training and the initial creation of the first two Stryker Brigade Combat Teams at Fort Lewis. Looking for ANYONE who may remember him or the name. It was always miserable with rain, snow a little sun at times and we were all sick from our vaccines. As of the census[13] of 2000, there were 19,089 people, 3,476 households, and 3,399 families residing on the base. Lol. Not so much. The first range was constructed in 1942 on Umtanum Ridge, 13 miles (21km) northeast of the present cantonment area. B-5-2 April-May 1968. I walked up to the window and told the guy I had a sore throat. In addition to BCT, I shipped to Korea and Vietnam from Fort Lewis. There is one anomaly from that envelope. Assisted Medics in various dispensaries wherever they assigned the Ambulance that day. I mentioned above that I pinched an ashtray from the messhall. 41st Division Drive, Dupont, WA 98433. Long time ago now, Bruce and Troy I was in Bearcat 1st Cav A228 and bn I played crown and anchors with the Austin's and ate hot Thai food 1968 March to 1971 Sept, Drafted 7 Dec 1967, started Basic Jan 68. Had a very young Drill Instructor who did 2 tours in Vietnam. Got my covid shots at the VA clinic here in the Villages,Fl. I was there from May 26 through the end of July. Canada Thistle grows thickly in some areas. I went on to Fort Lee VA right after basic. In 90 days, Stone had supervised the construction of a "city" of 757 buildings and 422 other structures, all lighted and heated for 60,000 men. HR Office (253) 964-2522. Thanks in advance, Jamie 385-222-6588. But you know, he was really a decent guy (20 years later!). Haven't been able to find him since. Sorry buddy, but your unit was not the first all volunteer group. Realistic training to help us survive later on. was Sgt. Reading this blog helped me. Native American tribal document It was home for 8 weeks of my life. We had 2 draftees (US), several enlisted reservist (ER) and quite a few RA trainees. JBLM has more than 25,000 soldiers and civilian workers. From May 1966 to June 1972, Fort Lewis trained . Fort Lewis and the Pacific Northwest reacted to the Vietnam War in a variety of ways. I was B32, 29 July to September 3rd under Sgt. I actually received your "thank you" message in my inbox today. Area 5 on Lewis Main includes barracks buildings in the downtown historic district and on the west side of Gray Army . The next group through spread them outI knowI was a holdover as my orders did not come through. Chuck. I don't have any photos from the army. Mesothelioma lawyers alledge it is one of approximately 412 asbestos exposure sites in Washington . I was sent back to ft Lewis for some permanent party. A-2-1, Johnny Baugh drill instructor. He once told me that a Judge gave him a choice of prison or the Army. Zack, In his 1968 U.S. Army training at Fort Lewis, Washington, Grady was housed in World War II-era barracks like these still standing at, The barracks are an important setting in the training chapters of ", 4th Infantry Division in late 1968 and early 1969. Brings back many memories. I went to Nam with the 1st CavI got a letter from my bunk-mate Gary Baker from SimiValley CA who went in with the 82nd Airborne at Cam Ranh Bay. never heard from him again. THX. I was a squad leader and five weeks into basic there was a meningitis outbreak. Guess you could use it as a club. 3rd Battalion The outside portion was 13 red and white stripes, and when you swung both doors open, there was a field of blue, with 50 stars. We always had to have someone on fire watch to keep the coal furnace going. Drill SGT BEAN bunch of us from Sacramento and San Francisco. Fort Lewis (Washington), a former United States Army post (1917-2010) in the U.S. State of Washington. During our runs he would sing the cadence that would put a spell on you. Our Drill Sgt. What was Howitzer gunners life like in the war? Wallace. We could run forever and not feel the pain. Enjoyed the time up there and had a great group of guys, especially with us being all from Hawaii. WE could never walk on the platoon center floor, bunks were arranged around the perimeter, and he would sometimes come in at night after we'd showered, and pour dirt out of a gunny sack on the floor, empty the butt-can water on it, and make us crawl through it making oink sounds like a pig, then on to the upstairs and same thing, with the upstairs guys low crawling downstairs, passing each other on the stairs! Decypher Joint Base Lewis-McChord Regular, Full time. December 2013 Sandy Denny wrote a song: Who Knows Where the Time Goes. I never got used to it. We had guys come from basic at other posts to our AIT (B-2-3) company and because of Drill Sgt. Office wanted someone with a degree so I stayed until offered a six month early out because of the RIF in 1972. It was cold suckasses were made platoon and squad leaders, I was there beginning July 1968 & my DI was Sergeant Smith, I remember very well but I was too young to know any better when I got drafted I was going to school working and had a brand new baby boy then I got my induction papers because I lost one hour at college, Marie do you live up in Placerville, CA are you or were you an Ultra runner at one time. Starting 1-20-71. Map of Fort Lewis in Fort Lewis, Washington. Do Bldg. Take care all. Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for WA, Fort Lewis, Washington, Nurse's Quarters, Ellis No. After Basic I took my AIT at Fort Ord and then was sent to Korea. West Coast Self-Storage Dupont (253) 964-8888. Basic training perfect? I am looking for my Basic Training graduation picture, (July 1969), if someone has a copy. I still have nightmares about him. That was B-2-3. Ahh those memories of walking fire watch many nights. There were once 5,000 of these buildings. Don't remember DI name. The only stipulation was that the tract be used as a permanent army post. Phil Klippel was the CO. Like you I planned a visit to North Fort. Most of the troops were going to the war zone those days, where it was too hot in more ways than one. JB Lewis-McChord, WA 984331672 United States. Entered Army Dec 67 BCT with D 3 3 thru Feb 68. Does anybody have anymore info for me? No doctor. I was there for Basic Mar 28, 1968 thru May..I notice alot of guys mentioning what barracks they were in..is there a way of finding out where I was..I am visiting in Jun this summer and would love to see my old barracks. Graves and Drill Sgt. 11/21/2012. Victor Villanueva March 2015 Apollo 8 Several unique requirements were . My Drill Instructors were SGTs Rude and Woodward. First name was Jerry and we were both from Lincoln Nebraska. Hey Dan. I was in A42 for 9 weeks starting Aug 25 1970. Since its opening in 1944 as a temporary hospital for war wounded, Madigan has grown into a tertiary care . Anybody there? dagnabbit@outlook.com, I remember very well having to do guard Duty have nighttime had to be fully dressed in fatigues and walk back and forth in that cold Barrett then I have to wake up my other buddy to take over, Looking for anybody that might have been there in between January of 1970 to the summer. I remember Capt James and the tailored fatigues. Sgt. Can't help much with your search. Does anyone know if AIT organized enlistees/training according to who was Vietnam-bound? Fort Lewis, home of the 627th Air Base Group, in Washington, has been the home to thousands of veterans. Infantry school Miserable winter weather for jungle orientation. Plei Trap Branson Fort Lewis began as Camp Lewis in 1917 when the citizens of Pierce County voted by an eight to one margin to bond themselves for $2,000,000 (equivalent to $42,301,299 in 2021) to buy 68,721 acres (107.377sqmi; 278.10km2) of land. 253-967-1110. But that said, what is needed to be done has to be done. Just before World War II, the Army's need for a large training and maneuver area became apparent, and the Army negotiated with landowners to lease 160,000 acres (250sqmi; 650km2) for the Yakima Anti-Aircraft Artillery Range. Texas Tech [8] It previously controlled and provided host unit support to mobilizing, deploying and demobilizing reserve component units from all the U.S. military services. 4th Platoon, Drill Sgt. Pamela Sleezer, Joint Base Lewis-McChord Public Affairs on Feb. 23rd, 2023. I'm writing about my experiences in the Army. D-3/1. 253-967-1110. Also drafted Jan 20,1971 basic at fort Lewis also B 5 2 1st platoon.. A.I.T at fort Rucker Ala. MOS 51M20 firefighter. I drove through there about a decade ago. [12] As of the 2000 census, the CDP, which includes the most densely populated part of the base, had a total population of 19,089. Phillip, I was just before you in D-2-2, having started in January 1970, just as the meningitis outbreak hit. I was was drafted April 1968 sent to theLew for basic A-5-2 and also had pneumonia and graduated June . He was a bad ass, but he sure could sing. The VA takes care of my health needs and it seems strange that all those old guys around there (Minneapolis) are the same vibrant young soldiers during the Vietnam war. May 2014 you can find his picture on here under graduation picture 4th. Also pictures of Drill Sergeants Forcade and Graves. Economy & Jobs in Fort Lewis, WA. I was in D22, which may have been very close to you. and and Drill Sergeant Graves. [2], In 1986, a further expansion was initiated, and in 1992, the Army acquired additional land to enlarge YTC to 327,000 acres (1,320km2). Fort Lewis I did my AIT there also A motor man. Rough 8 weeks there. Worked with a bunch of great Medics many of them draftees like myself and also great doctors. BCT MAR APR '66 AIT MAY JUN '66 A51 NORTH FORT..SGT GREEN DI . DS names that come to mind are Vadrin pronounced Vadreen, Robles, Fir and Letey. Task Force Olympia included units from all three components of the Army (Active, Reserve and National Guard) as well as Marine and Australian officers. Drill Sergeant Forcade (or Kincade??) We had howitzers lined up around the base of the hill. AIT & Duty: Military Police 2/67-10/67 AKA Hodge Philadelphia.7/9/1969 Basic training at Fort Bragg NC. AIT Fort Sam Houston, Combat Medic. My unit was B Co 5th Bn 2nd Tng Bgde. Was at N. Fort Lewis from April 17 to July in D -1-1 all from California. U.S. Passport or U.S. Passport Card Hate to see them go, though; they were symbolic of a no-frills draft-era army where creature comforts for the troops were not a consideration. Coming up on 50 years ago (March, 72) that I was discharged from Army. My cousin whom came in to basic as I was leaving basic got sent to nam. Again D-3-2 only July 1971 to September 1971 (or maybe it was October). It is one of the active Army's contingency corps. Most of my company was from Texas. We had nick names, mine was "Chaplain". The night we came in, we were ordered to clean that court from snow with our tiny shovels, and another taller drill sargeant who looked like a Great Dane atop a platform and silhouetted against the morning sky, barking orders at us! Where you from? February 2014 I had DI Johnson for BCT (D-5-1) October, November, Dec. 1970. I was in 2nd Platoon D-5-2. God bless! Native American 1949 MERCURY, at Main Gate of FORT LEWIS U.S. ARMY BASE, Washington. It had a mural of a severed VC head on a bayonet with slogan on it: To kill and have no mercy. I have a couple of before and after shots posted in "Basic Training Memories" in Facebook if you have a Facebook account. Vince Gerling. Echo - 1 - 1, June to August 1971. I was in E-5-2 from October of 1970 to February of 1971. First units to go through basic since korean war. Drill Sgt Connor was my DI. I went to Ft. Ord for AIT then to Germany Dec 68 to May 70. E-1-1 was in the hospital for about 3 weeks with pneumonia. Also adjacent to the post is Camp Murray (Washington National Guard). We had a lot of upper respiratory infections. Fort Lewis proper contains 86,000 acres (350km2); the Yakima Training Center covers 324,000 acres (1,310km2). Courtesy Tacoma Public Library (5\18221) 91st Division Monument at Command Circle, Fort Lewis, 2010 . Both served in World War ll. You can also find other Military Bases on MapQuest I needed a copy of my DD-214 not long ago. He took a commission in the army after his drill sergeant stint and as an officer, went on to work in Finance and retire from the army. I was there Apr-May 1971 C 5 2. Mostly Southern California. Hernandez, other DS was Fagan. A portion of the initial land was taken from the Nisqually tribe's reservation. I believe we were Delanos 1st class of trainees. It serves as a training and mobilization center for all services and is the only Army power projection base west of the Rocky . just tried to repeat a request to hear from Fort Lewis alum back in Feb 69 thru June 69' was in the middle of an extensive info text out and all of a sudden everything went blank, then a new request from this site came up asking if I wanted to receive notifications from this site. When they implemented auction of the new cantonment, workmen subscribed $4,000 to build the main gate which is still standing. 13th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion BLDG 12228 . I probably wouldn't recognize the place. DI was SSgt Hunt. took basic at Ft Lewis Jan 66 to Mar. This was actually written on the envelope as his return address at Ft. Lewis during Basic. Little Elk. I see your father has passed but encourage you to keep looking. I hope you or someone else can help me connect the dots, my memory not too good anymore. I did basic at Lewis from Nov 70 to Jan 71, Alpha One One, Drill Sergeant Delano. I am amazed that you remembered me, Troy. SPAM There for basic training on July 1968 & my DI was Sergeant Smith, I'm tracking down information on my grandpa in the service Sep 30 69 when left out fort lewis sfc t g hollandsworth, in nov 69 i don't remember squat except it was rough ,wet , cold i lived in a barracks like those mentioned when i was in basic training ,'i ended up a medical corpsman by choice and went to "i" corps viet nam Finally went to sick bay. Betty Rodgers Please advise. Subscribed . I stayed in these barracks in 2004 for a detainee ops training prior to shipping off to Guantanamo. He told me stories of beautiful Washington and how different it was from Nashville. Gleason! Overall a great experience but have to admit - it did have it's moments. He was stateside and passed away I believe in1971On Fort Lewis property. Wallace. John Trainor. Food Court. I was there for basic training June 1971. Correction. Hello, Black Panthers at that time would raise some hell occasionally on the base. Exit No. I knew no one except my company and platoon mostly. Bravo! Home of record: Southern Oregon.I need help with some questions regarding this time. There were a bunch of us NG from TX, MT, and WI. The unit began as the 2122st Garrison Support Unit (Army Reserve), overseeing the mobilization of about 27,000 Soldiers. I did not and on to Fort Ord then to Sill and OCS. D'Wayne Hodgin SEARCH. D-3-2 August 1967. But then the DI got his revenge by having us do onerous calisthenics in the rain in middle of the night. The strategic location of the base provides Air Force units with the ability to conduct combat and humanitarian airlift with the C-17 Globemaster III. Physicians and surgeons. He listened, then said Didnt they tell on the first day never to give money to anyone? Canned answer; hed been there before. It's post 9/11 gone are the day's when you could just drive on the base. I just wanted to walk the company parade grounds and my barracks, visit the spirit of the closest friendships Ive ever had and the ghosts of my lost brothers Dale, ran across this.. JOINT BASE LEWIS-McCHORD, Wash. -- Also used by Air Technical Service Command as an aircraft maintenance and supply depot; primarily to service aircraft being sent to Alaska. McChord Field separated from Fort Lewis when the U.S. Air Force was created in 1947 and was subsequently renamed McChord Air Force Base. There were a couple of guys in the barracks across from us who were taken out on stretchers, both dead from spinal meningitis. Prody, Doug (Peterson??) (I have to go now). . I lost mine. I don't remember his first name. As a civilian again, I drove through Fort Lewis a couple of times and looked over the old BCT area. Didn't make it to Viet Nam. Of all households 2.0% were made up of individuals, and 0.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. I was in D 1 1 at that time. Everyone was sick from day 1. There were 12 of us from different areas of TN. BCT 1-14-67 to 3-10-67; Ft. Lewis, WA, LPC 24-64-;3-12-67 to 3-24-67; AIT, C-3-2; 3rd Plt, 2nd Sqd. Task Force Olympia's subordinate units included the 3rd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, which deployed for Iraq on 8 November 2003, and returned to Fort Lewis after one year of combat duty, and the 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division, which departed Fort Lewis on 15 September 2004, for one year and returned September 2005. The total area is 3.78% water. I hated all of it but my memory is such that it is, surprisingly, still clear. I was a Bear Cat for a short time-Working with the Royal Thai Army on some special missions- This would have been late in 1968-I also did some "work" with the Aussies at Nui-Dat too. Fort Lewis's geographic location provides rapid access to the deep water ports of Tacoma, Olympia and Seattle for deploying equipment. [11], The census-designated place (CDP) Fort Lewis is located within the installation's area. Never knew his first name, would love to track him down and but him a beer or three if he is still around. It was in November of 2017. Thanks , I was flown to He won an award the training cycle before mine, outstanding drill instructor at Ft. Lewis, and he was going for two in a row when we arrived. I'm in a little town in Eastern Oregon, Milton-Freewater. I took basic training at Ft. Lewis NOrth Fort March13 -May 15 1970. If I were googling the area of the old barracks for basic training or the streets where would I look..I remember towards the end of our Basic Mar 68 we all marched down to the theater and got to see the move The Sand Pebbles, looks like I found my old barracks..6A 6036-01..found this # on my old army records, am I reading it right I would have been in A Block building 6036..A Co 5th BN 1st BDE May 1968. I don't think his uniform was green so much in the end. World War II February 2013 D52. The whole platoon was made up of draftee's from Arizona except for 3 of us. Fort Lewis, also known as Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM), is located near Tacoma, Washington. I know he told me he was behind the big gun with big shells so I am assuming some form of Howitzer. (BCT) USATC INFANTRY. Hi there, my dad was stationed there as well. Then sun came out but still had to keep on rain gear all day. You will operate as a member of a team of highly skilled engineers, data scientists, system integrators and cybersecurity professionals to collect, ingest, process, analyze, visualize, share, and secure the data for US . Should have pursued the NG's or Reserves but was too burned out. Any one out there assigned to Ft Lewis during that time? Phil I wish you had put together my previous comments and saved yourself a trip.not ONE barracks left.close your eyes and listen"I wanna be an airborne ranger" it's as close as you will get. My son will have to get us on base as he has a military ID. Also Sgt Massa, who based on his demeanor, might have been one of McNamara's morons. So long ago much is lost in time. Ernest Hemingway Out of the total population, 10.7% of those under the age of 18 and 0.0% of those 65 and older were living below the poverty line. With the departure of the 4th Infantry Division (United States) for Vietnam in 1966, Fort Lewis once again became a personnel transfer and training center. Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Aerial View Fort Lewis Army Base Washington WA Continental 4X6 Postcard Rainier at the best online prices at eBay! Fort Lewis was originally established in 1917 with the passage of a Pierce County bond measure to purchase 70,000 acres (280km2) of land to donate to the federal government for permanent use as a military installation. They now fall under the authority of the Army and are referred to as Joint Base Lewis-McChord. Project Location: JBLM, WA. National Veterans Art Museum My other uniforms hang in a closet in my home. army base. It was cold, wet and miserable. There were others as well, but my memory of them has faded over the years, Any information would be greatly appreciated! I'd blow my nose, dig a hole with my heel, and bury the toilet paper. I never imagined that I would complete a career as an enlisted draftee, but I was continuously offered advanced school programs D-3-2 Jan 68 March 68. I drove through the checkpoint without stopping.and they didn't chase usjust like in the Nam and just like when I was in the Army in 71. Some 60,000 men, including the 13th and 91st Divisions, moved into the hastily constructed cantonment to train for World War I. I didnt pre plan the visit, perhaps I guy could do that and get a advance background check. Buddies in basic Sparling and Shoemaker. Joint Base Lewis-McChord, WA 98433. Senior DI Veliz. Lots of memories. BCT Feb 18, 1968 D-2-1, Platoon # 134. Pinto was our DI. DSN: 357-1110. Discover the past of Joint Base Lewis-McChord on historical maps. Forgot about Pinto being at Porkchop Hill. Did my Basic at North Fort, July to September71, B 3 2. Levied twice for VN. Corperal Lowery was also an instructor. Today it is one of the largest and most modern installations in the U.S. and is home to the I Corps, 62nd and 446th Airlift Wings, 7th Infantry Division, 1st Special Forces Group, 75th Ranger Regiment, 66th Theater Aviation Command, and Madigan Army Medical Center (just to name a few). Every time they shot one off, it was like the loudest bang in the world. God bless. Dan Webster This change affects companies with employees who need unescorted access to JBLM or YTC. We had a Sgt (a Black man) Drill Sgt Delano and Sgt. Thanks. I was fortunate. Ran every where, and I mean every where. Poison oak is found in the training areas. LOL!! Ah Bernard: The weather was perfect that year; little rain, cool in the morning but never hot and no bugs. He said it was because 5 or six guys had just died in the Fort hosp. Chicago Tom Williams Had a fella by that name when I went through basic in B32 with Sgt. Opened in 2008 we are the only privately owned boarding facility on a military post in the U.S. October 2012 Upon graduation was sent to Ft Sam Houston Texas in San Antonio. Thank I was a NG from Tennessee. Could never really get warm.rain and snow most of the time.sad to see the old barracks torndown I guess it's progress.
fort lewis, washington barracks