Travels Of The Most Reluctant Draftee: A Unique Journey Through Uncertainty

Have you ever embarked on a journey that you were completely reluctant to take? A journey that ended up shaping your life in ways you never imagined? Today, we bring you the extraordinary tale of one such traveler - The Reluctant Draftee.

Born and raised in a small town in the heart of America, The Reluctant Draftee grew up with dreams of adventure, exploration, and an insatiable curiosity about the world. However, he never considered himself the typical "wanderlust-filled" traveler. Rather, he was the embodiment of reluctance when it came to stepping outside his comfort zone.

It all began when The Reluctant Draftee received a mysterious letter - an official draft notice for mandatory military service. The news hit him like a brick wall, as he had never envisioned himself entering the military. He was torn between his longing for adventure and his fear of the unknown.

Cold War Germany: Travels of the Most Reluctant Draftee (The Reluctant... Book 1)

by Dean Lewis(Kindle Edition)

4.9 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	14071 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	132 pages
Lending	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported

FREE

The Reluctant Draftee's Cross-Country Odyssey

Determined to make the most out of an otherwise unfortunate situation, The Reluctant Draftee decided to turn his draft into a true adventure. With a backpack full of essentials and a heart full of uncertainty, he embarked on a journey that would forever transform him.

His first stop was the bustling city of New York. A complete contrast to his small-town upbringing, the towering buildings and endless crowds overwhelmed him at first. But as he delved deeper into the city's diverse neighborhoods, mysterious alleyways, and fascinating history, he began to feel a sense of excitement and wrapped himself in the city's rich tapestry of culture.

Next on his journey, The Reluctant Draftee found himself in the breathtaking landscapes of the Grand Canyon. As he stood on the edge of the vast chasm, feeling its immense power and timeless beauty, he couldn't help but be awestruck. It was in that moment that he realized the world had so much more to offer than he had ever imagined.

The Reluctant Draftee's path led him to the vibrant city of San Francisco, where he encountered a community of like-minded individuals who inspired him to push beyond his limits. From the iconic Golden Gate Bridge to the eclectic streets of Haight-Ashbury, he immersed himself in the city's bohemian spirit and embraced the diversity that surrounded him.

Continuing his journey, The Reluctant Draftee found himself in the captivating landscapes of the Rocky Mountains. As he hiked through scenic trails, he discovered a newfound love for nature's grandeur. Every step he took seemed to dissolve his doubts and fears, slowly transforming him into a bolder, more resilient version of himself.

But it was during his visit to the mysterious swamps of Louisiana that The Reluctant Draftee faced his most significant challenge yet. Surrounded by thick fog and haunting silence, he confronted his deepest fears head-on. In the depths of the swamp, he discovered resilience he didn't know he possessed and emerged stronger than ever before.

The Reluctant Draftee: A Journey Within

As The Reluctant Draftee's journey continued, he realized that his true transformation had not solely been about the places he visited or the sights he saw. It was about the internal journey he embarked upon.

Every twist and turn along the way forced him to confront the reasons behind his reluctance. He discovered that it wasn't a fear of the unknown or a lack of confidence that held him back. Instead, it was a fear of letting go of the life he had always known, the familiarity of his small town and the comfort of routine.

Throughout his travels, The Reluctant Draftee learned to embrace uncertainty and relinquish control over his destiny. He built resilience, developed adaptability, and discovered the magic that lies outside one's comfort zone.

Lessons Learned and Wisdom Earned

Now, as The Reluctant Draftee looks back on his remarkable journey, he shares these hard-earned lessons with others who may be equally reluctant to embark on their own adventures:

1. Embrace the Unknown:

Life is full of uncertainty, and it is through embracing the unknown that we grow and develop as individuals. Stepping out of our comfort zones allows us to experience the richness that exists beyond our familiar boundaries.

2. Discover the Power of Resilience:

The Reluctant Draftee realized that resilience isn't about avoiding hardships but rather bouncing back from them. It is through adversity that we discover our inner strength and learn to persevere even when faced with the most challenging of circumstances.

3. Seek Out Diversity:

Exploring different cultures, communities, and environments broadens our perspectives and enriches our understanding of the world. Embracing diversity not only fosters personal growth but also promotes empathy and appreciation for the beauty of our shared humanity.

The Reluctant Draftee's Extraordinary Epilogue

As The Reluctant Draftee's transformative journey came to an end, he found himself back in his small town, surrounded by familiar faces and comforting routines. However, he was no longer the same person who had embarked on that fateful adventure.

The Reluctant Draftee had become a storyteller, sharing his experiences with others and inspiring them to conquer their own reluctances. Through his words, he encouraged others to take a leap of faith and unleash the incredible potential hidden within them.

So, dear reader, if you find yourself at a crossroads - torn between reluctance and curiosity - remember The Reluctant Draftee's extraordinary tale. Let his journey be a beacon of hope, guiding you towards a future filled with adventure, growth, and a profound sense of self-discovery.

Cold War Germany: Travels of the Most Reluctant Draftee (The Reluctant... Book 1)

by Dean Lewis(Kindle Edition)

4.9 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	14071 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	132 pages
Lending	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported

FREE

We wrote this book each in our own voice to describe the life of a "Draftee" and his "Dependent" during the Cold War in Germany in the early 1970s. The Cold War timeline is detailed by hyperlink up front and shows the full length of German "occupation" at the same time of Vietnam, Korea, and Chinese expansion. Together, we describe the major tension German civilians faced from the Russian nuclear threat while they struggled to make economic recovery just 25 years after losing World War II.

This story is told as the whiff of plutonium covered Baden-Württemberg with Warsaw Forces lining up along the Czech/German border. Both sides rattled their chains every August when the NATO forces exercised at Grafenvöhr. The concept of Mutually Assured Destruction (MAD) prevailed. It was a fine balance of threatening but not using the “Red Button”. The stress on troops keeping sharp and alert in "peacetime" took its toll with low morale, drugs and alcohol. Drafted Vietnam Vets, many given the choice of "jail or Army", came with bad attitude returning through Germany to serve out their time bringing their addictions and FTA attitude with them. For the most part, these kids came from rough backgrounds. So they were in Germany: pissed off, disoriented, disgusted and marking off every day until they could go back “to the World.”

Yet the story shows that not all drafted guys felt the battlefield. Many of our high school buddies went to the rice paddies to hunt “gooks” and some paid a heavy price. But most U.S. draftees were service providers working in finance, hospitals, mess halls, admin, or were MPs, nipple greasers, and truck mechanics. They built and repaired things, ran radio services and sang in the Army Choir in Heidelberg or taught at the Army Ski School.

The book written 47 years after the events, shows that "what goes around, comes around" in that:
• Germany still has a guest worker adoption problem from North Africa, the Balkans and Middle East
• U.S. Army juveniles are still competing for drugs, girls and Stuttgart apartments, causing tension
• NATO relations continue strained as Germany relies on Russia for energy while fearing invasion
• U.S. military presence in Stuttgart appear to piss on General Rommel’s hometown by just being there.

It is also very personal story. At 21, we were trying to make a young cross-border marriage work, delay a career, and postpone kids while not getting slaughtered by the Baader-Meinhof Gang or getting caught up with the PLO at the Munich Olympics. We were compelled to live this “slice of life” as a Draftee, and we were very determined to make the best of it. And so we did.

Together we:
• learned German
• visited every major museum, library, cathedral and ski field within the range of a Pershing 1A missile
• drove 60,000 km in a brand new M.G. Midget (mostly with the top down) from the tip of Scotland to Croatia
• flew free on Military Hops to Turkey, Morocco, Greece and Spain
* camped on the parking lot at the Munich Olympics
• hosted over 25 New Zealanders enjoying their OE

The authors worked as service providers to the field personnel. Initially drafted into MOS15E20 (Nuclear Missile Crewman on Pershing 1A),Dean was moved to repair battalion financial records and then was seconded to 5th General Hospital Bad Cannstatt to screen malingerers for the shrinks before being assigned to advise on drug and alcohol abuse in the ranks. Nan worked as a "Foreign National" social worker within Pattonville, a large "on-Base" enlisted community with a myriad of problems. Skiing in Austria, we started a family, hitch-hiked through northern Morocco and took an early out to study Development Economics at Leeds University in England.

This book gives detailed voice of life lived in Germany before the Wall came down and is written by a guy who uniquely returned to Czechoslovakia for the World Bank/IFC to help in the economic recovery of the East.