Religion

Later during my enlistment, I learned more about how things functioned. From time to time, I guess I was a thorn in the side of a few people.

It always ended up working in my favor though. In my fourth year in the USAF, I was no longer interested in military service. I had nine months left to go. Just then, as an E-4, I got confronted with the whole United Way 100% unit participation thing. Since pay for an E-4 at the time was $256 per month, I was not eager to contribute, and declined.

Over a couple of weeks, the pressure grew for me to change my mind. I remained firm. Finally, I found myself in my Class A uniform standing at attention in a General's office at Ft. George Meade in Maryland. I had reached the top level of pressure, apparently. I continued to refuse, and cited regulations by number. "Get out of here, Sergeant!"

So, I left after following the usual protocols for exiting from a General's office. Two days later, I was discharged. Apparently they found an early release program they could use, so I left with an Honorable Discharge, nine months short of my end of enlistment date. I got in my old Volvo, and started off for California and a new life. The unit finally had 100% United Way participation, and I had my freedom.

The folks I worked with at the big building on that base with no windows were not happy that I was leaving. I had a particular special talent that was very useful to them. Useful enough that they offered me a GS-14 position if I would stick around. I declined that, too.

Oh, well. Sometimes sticking to your guns has unexpected benefits. I never thought about going through legal channels. Hmm...It all worked out just right, though.