The year was 1968. It was a year in which this country found itself embroiled in war abroad, civil unrest at home, and an economy suffering from first twinges of inflation. One U.S. political leader and a social leader were assassinated within 3 months of each other. It saw the election defeat of the Happy Warrior and the political resurrection of the only man to be elected President and then resign in disgrace before he could be impeached. The original Hawaii 5-O premiered on television along with 60 Minutes. New York City’s Madison Square Garden opened and toy maker Mattel introduced Hot Wheels. The American Football League team, the Cincinnati Bengals, was founded and the Detroit Tigers won the World Series. The Civil Rights Act of 1968 (The Fair Housing Act) was signed and Mr. Rogers welcomed us to his neighborhood.
And on June 18th of that year I joined the Marine Corps and the world has never been the same.