July 1975
Three-piece suit, valise, commuter train. Nah. Ditch that junior executive. Enlist in the U.S. Army as an infantry private and see what happens. Oh yeah, better tell your wife.
Nineteen tales, spanning from July 1975 to June 1984, sewn together with the common thread of Tyler Willett, his wife Nancy and their son Sean. Tales populated by Drill Sergeants, a collection of stalwart NCOs, and various commanders.
These tales capture the conflicts, angst, setbacks and triumphs as Willett goes from junior corporate executive to infantry private to armor lieutenant platoon leader and finally a seasoned tank company commander. Spliced throughout are candid insights into military family life with struggles and rewards often peculiar to just service families. The fears and tears taken in stride with the pride inherent in serving.
July 1975
4th of July. Normally, a time for celebration, but for Tyler Gordon Willett this would be no normal 4th. Today's fireworks would be personal. All day Willett's knotted stomach reminded him of the difficult task ahead, but he knew today had to be the day.
Three days earlier, Willett strode into the U.S. Army recruiting station in downtown Evanston, a Chicago suburb, where he told an astonished recruiting sergeant he wanted to enlist and serve in the infantry. . .