My name is Frank Hendershott and I served in the Navy as a Hospital Corpsman from 1975-1976. I was broke. I was in college and broke. The military was a good way to get myself going. I decided on the navy because it was during the Vietnam years, and I’d rather patch people up than shoot em down. I wanted to be a doctor, and I was studying medicine. I served at San Diego NTCRTC, then Balboa Naval Hospital then transferred to Camp Pendleton. When at Camp Pendleton, I beat the drill instructor in the 6-mile run. He was a good sport about it. I formed some very good friendships during my time. I adapted well. I made it through boot camp. I got my share of disciplinary actions for minor infractions like marching out of step, but it wasn’t too difficult. The hardest part for me was the haircut. What changed me was the way they tear you down and then build you back up. They shaved my head and tore into every cadet. Then, they molded me into a better man. I was a
Vietnam-era vet, not a Vietnam vet. Veterans then were looked upon as baby killers. Nowadays, we get a lot more respect. It’s a pleasure to hear people thank me for my service. I later graduated from college using my GI bill. I got grants easier because of my status as a veteran. I have bad luck when it comes to holding jobs, but the military helps me back up every time. The military is a real help in life, and I am indifferent about war(against deep state and business). As I said before, the military has done so much for me. Without it, I don’t think I could have survived. I could have never dreamed of even getting access to healthcare. I still didn’t use my benefits for 20 years after leaving. When I look back, I am very proud to have served. I had some very good friends I wish I could find. My whole experience could even be described as fun.