My Story 17

Getting into the army routine, I had the feeling that sergeant Haase developed a dislike towards me. I told myself I did not care. I may have said a few annoying things, that must be it. Or I would keep smiling when he yelled at me, something like that would probably bug him. Then one day he would try to embarrass me, but I think I won that one! That is how you play that game.

We were to have an open house for family and other interested parties. For this purpose they needed a mannequin, you know one of those that you see in store windows to sell clothing. "Decock, that is your assignment today!", he yelled with an annoying grin. Everybody laughed. But I thought that this was like telling me that I had the day off. Great!

I got my pass, and went for my first attempt to borrow a mannequin. I went to large clothing store downtown, called C & A. I found the manager, explained what we were about to do, and asked if he would support us by lending us a mannequin. He said: "Good, How are you getting it over to the barracks?" " We will send a small truck at your convenience". So, all done for the day, now what? I am not going back to the barracks just yet, they will make me participate in drills and marching. Instead I hung around town, snacked here and there, and saw a movie. Since I never needed to spent money on travel, and I did not drink, I always had a few guilders in my pocket. Buddies even came to me to borrow a money when they needed it. Around suppertime I decided to go to the barracks for supper.

When I reported to the sergeant I told him how it was all arranged, and I requested a truck to go pick up the mannequin. Again I had most of the day off. In the army you never volunteer for anything, and you always go as slow as you can. I took the (female) mannequin to the office, again, to the amusement of my peers, and jokes about having a new girlfriend. I said:"At least she looks better than some of you guys!" Sergeant Haase said:" Since she is your girlfriend, you can dress it, in full battle gear!" Again laughter. I said "Yes Sir". But I thought: "Another day off, I cannot believe this". And the rest of the platoon, believe it or not, was going on an all day march. Now I was laughing!

The Open House days came and went, lots of people attended, but none of my family did. I said I did not care, yet it hurt a little bit...... Still, I believe those years in the army were "forming" years. You get to know who you are and what you can do.