Every service member remembers their drill sergeants/instructors. I took basic training at Fort Jackson in December 1976. 50 years later, I still remember many of their names and faces. They were some of the finest people I have ever met.

The drill sergeant in action. Funny interactions.

Vaccination day. At the time, the army was using a Ped-O-Jet injector. It tended to cut the skin if you flinched. Well, I started getting nervous and kept moving around, shifting my weight, and rocking back and forth in formation. A drill sergeant grabbed me by the arm and said, “You with the low ASVAB score, what in the world are you doing?” She looked at my name tag and said, “Jackson, I once knew a guy by the name of Jackson, and I didn’t like him worth a damn either.” Square yourself away.

Mess hall/dining facility

A trainee entered the building wearing a road guard vest. Drill sergeant: “Private, do you plan on stopping any buses or trucks in the mess hall today?”

Double time.

We were housed in WWII-era wooden barracks. A group of trainees was supposed to be running double time in the area. However, when they were in a blind spot, they started walking. All of a sudden, out of nowhere, we heard a drill sergeant hollering, “Drop, drop, drop.” Come to find out, he had climbed up on the roof of the barracks.

Army Women In History

Women have served our nation with honor, courage, and integrity since the Revolutionary War. Jessica was one of ’em. May she rest in eternal peace.

Anyone with credible information about Jessica’s murder should contact the San Antonio Police Department Homicide Unit at 210-207-7635 or the Army Criminal Investigation Division at 210-221-1050. You could be eligible for a $50,000 reward. You can remain anonymous. Submit a tip.

Crime Stoppers San Antonio is also offering a $5,000 reward. Call 210-224-7867.  Submit a tip.

Robert Jackson
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
405-200-7176
popsmoke@protonmail.com