January 18, 1949 was a typical cloudy cold winter day in Connersville, Indiana, when a skinny teenager ran across the street from his high school to catch the bus just pulling up to the stop.
“Well hello, kid,” the driver grinned as the young man dropped his nickel fare into the coin box, “It’s only noon; are you playing hooky from school this afternoon?”
“No, Butch, I’m not going back there anymore. Today is my 17th birthday and I’m off to see the world.”
“Well, this bus will take you downtown.” Butch was laughing now, “That’s about all I can do for a world traveler.”
“Well, that’s all I need to get to the Greyhound Station, catch a bus to Richmond, walk into the recruiting office, and join the Marines.”
A few hours later, a dejected young man was riding the bus home. Much to the painful disappointment of the adventurer, he would not be able to realize his dream that day, one that he had kept in his head since he commanded an army of tin soldiers in his backyard sandbox – the Marines had a temporary freeze on enlistments. Back home it was tedious waiting time, holding on to the promise made by the recruiter that as soon as the freeze was lifted, they would call him and he would be sent overseas very soon thereafter.
Connected with his desire to be a soldier so he could travel was his belief that a military life would give unlimited opportunities for gambling, a passion he had pursued, influenced by two much older brothers, since he was a preschooler. So during this wait to be called by the Marines, he became more impatient as he heard all the exciting military gambling stories told by the veterans at the card tables in the pool halls and cigar stores where he continued to hone his gambling skills.
In June, he gave up on the Marines, who still hadn’t called. He went to the Army recruiting office, took his test, and was ready to sign on the dotted line when the Air Force recruiter in the same office offered a deal to the Army recruiter. “How about a trade? I have a recruit here but he didn’t achieve the higher test score the Air Force requires but it is good enough for the Army. Let me trade for your guy since he had a higher score.”
The Army recruiter looked at his enthusiastic wannabe soldier, “What do you think of this idea?
The Air Force recruiter looked at him and saw by his face that he would need some persuading, “In the Air Force you won’t eat meals off a tin tray. They’ll be served on tables with white tablecloths.”
And that is how this adventurer ended up in the Air Force, started his world travel by being stationed in Japan, and was put in charge of base supply where he could run a daily blackjack game in the back room behind his office.
Happy 85th birthday, Brad, from your loving traveling and gambling companion who joined your adventure for these last 31 years.
Happy Birthday Brad! May a happy Royal Flush await you on your special day!
Happy 85th Birthday Brad! Many more happy adventures for you and Jean in the upcoming Year!
MO
Great story and a true testimony of fate for the two of you.
So Brad dragged an innocent midwest teacher into the abyss of gambling, not the other way round?
Great story.
Happy 85, Brad!
TC
Thanks for sharing. Always wondered where you got your start. Happy birthday!
Once again, so entertaining and heart warming! Aside from this, wanted to add that we were thrilled to run into you in Las Vegas at Gold Coast the other day. You and your daughter are such gracious and genuinely welcoming folks! It was definitely one of our highlights for our annual trip. Thank you for chatting with us and being so very kind!!! Best wishes always to you and your lovely family!
Happy 85th Birthday Brad and thanks to Jean for publishing the great journey!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY BRAD !!!!!!!!!!!
My goal is to be as active as you are when I reach your age.
My very best.
George
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Great story. Thanks for sharing
That’s a great story. It makes me think of how small turns of fate greatly affect our lives. That Air Force recruiter doesn’t happen to be there and overhear the conversation, maybe Brad winds up as a foot soldier in Korea just as the war breaks out. I understand that Japan was the best duty possible in that theater, so Brad caught a break. Not to mention, Japan was a prime liberty destination for soldiers in Korea, who had freshly filled wallets, and Brad’s blackjack game was conveniently there…what could have been better?
Happy 85th birthday Brad. And many many more!!
Happy Bday, Brad! I, too, consider myself fortunate to have been a part of your adventures over the past 20-odd years, having heard some of your incredible stories (including about you and Jean) in that time! My kids also still, and will always, think of you as their surrogate Poppy!
Happy Birthday! Love you both ❤
That was quite a story. A small event that also might have saved his life….and set in motion your future lives togethet.
Happy Birthday Brad! Great post Jean – was a fun read!
That’s a beautiful story. Hope you and Brad continue to share your lives and journey for many years to come.
Happy Birthday!! I hope it is your best birthday ever and that you two enjoy good health and wealth!!