Richard L. Kaysen Staff Sgt. - U.S. Army - 1969-1971

In the late sixties, young men facing the draft had decisions to make. Many figured that about every third person drafted into military service was going to become a US Marine. That worked for some. Others wanted to guide their own futures. Richard L. Kaysen (Rick) had graduated from high school and by 1968, had a college degree as well. Once the education was completed, the Selective Service was still out there.

Rick surveyed the field and found his best choice was the US Army. Once he had passed the physical and battery of tests, he was soon bound for Fort Ord, California for basic training....