AWOL Story
There was a story today about AWOL soldiers who refused to fight in the war returning from Canada to turn themselves in. Reminded me of an AWOL story from the Army days. No, not me going AWOL, thats another story.
When I was stationed in Germany at the 981st MP Co. I was in a room with 5 other guys. One of which, some guy who’s name I can’t remember. (It was a long time ago in a land far far away so my memory is somewhat foggy.) I do remember that he was a good ol boy from the hills of Kentucky. Soon after he arrived, he realized that Army life was not for him. Especially in Germany. He missed his home, his family and his girlfriend. Everyone does that, but this guy decided to do something about it. For some reason he confided in me and told me his plan. Since he was working as clerk in the office, he add access to Dept. of Defense leave papers that were kept under lock and key. He would then forge the papers to grant himself a leave (at the time, this was all that was needed to get on a plane at an international airport), buy a ticket and then fly back to his old Kentucky home. As a gesture of good faith (or was it to buy my silence? I dont remember), Kentucky gave me one of his prized possessions, a Kentucky Pacing Derby Beer mug.
The guy left just as planned and apparently made it back home. Of course when his next work day rolled around and he wasn’t there, it did cause some grief. Questions were asked, an investigation ensued, and nobody knew nothing. Never heard from Kentucky again, but the platoon sarge did mention that he ended up turning himself in after realizing the mistake he had made. As you can see, I still have the mug!
