Page 86 - The Jazzsipper Novel

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THE JAZZ SIPPER

physical punishment to pay. When Vance left his barracks he had to go
through all of the same military protocol as he did to entry the barracks, this
went on for about 20 to 30 minutes with him retrieving and returning his
toothbrush, until his company commander got wind of what was going on and
put an end to it. When Vance got to the dental department he was exhausted,
but fully committed to never making that mistake ever again. Never volunteer
information unless you were specifically asked a question. A recruit, who
cannot work as part of a team and comply with the routine tasks of basic
training, is more likely to place him, herself, or comrades and the mission in
jeopardy. The training regularly included physical fitness and instruction in
military courtesy; tradition, history and uniform care and wear. Boot camp was
over within three months. Vance and the rest who made it through were then
sent to their first permanent duty stations.

Prior to going to his duty station Vance had two weeks of leave; which
coincided with the Christmas Holidays. He spent all of the Holidays and his
leave at home in New Orleans with Aunt Jessie, Uncle Frank and Cheryl. The
only time Vance left home was when he went with Uncle Frank to the horse
track and met up with Mr. Ramous. They spent most of the time talking about
their times in the military, other than that Vance did not leave the house the
whole time while on leave unless he left with one of them.

One afternoon before Vance left, he and Aunt Jessie were talking; when
Aunt Jessie told him that Regina had called. Aunt Jessie said, that she told
her that he had enlisted in the Navy and was away in boot camp at the time
and she had asked for his mailing address. Vance asked Aunt Jessie how
long ago it was that she had heard from Regina. About three weeks ago, Aunt