Sharing Our StoriesTim Gill I served in 1966. My M.O.S. was 68B20, which made me a valued prospect as a door gunner. This was before Cobra gun ships and M-16 rifles. This was when Cambodia was still classified, and the U. S. military’s drug of choice was Agent Orange. We used M-60 machine guns hung from a bungee cord for a good field of fire, and the atmosphere went from total boredom to insurmountable terror and back again. I still jump at loud noises, and talk to long-dead comrades on Veterans Day. I still can’t go to the Wall. What was my saving grace? I was hired by the railroad in 1970 upon my Honorable Discharge from military service. This was a time when many other veterans became invisible or much worse. I only had time to work 11 p. m. to 7 a. m. as a carman at Inman Yard in Atlanta . It was not a very glamorous job but steady with good pay -- $4.21/hr -- during a very bad time for veterans in U.S. history. My only wish was that our children would not have to bear arms in mortal combat. I have never said anything about this other than giving thanks for this job. However, at this point in history, I find that other good men and women will soon come out of military service with much the same background. I still remember a young Tim Gill that was offered a job during a time in his life when he needed it most. I am in my 33rd year working for this railroad. Let us see if we can help some of these other young men and women who will be returning home from combat duty. |
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