Letter: Scouts' camp brings back memories

Ah! AP Hill, the thought brings back some memories of that camp.

I had the opportunity to spend most of a summer at the chigger center. I was a member of I Co. 385th Infantry, 76th Infantry Division, in 1943.

Third Battalion was under Lt. Col. Choquette, a hardened WWI officer. He was a stickler for night marches and bayonet drills. Boy how I remember those days and nights.

How I wished he had worked me 10 times harder when I was in combat. But the training saved my life on several occasions. Those little things you think insignificant, Oh Yeah. How that rain would come down trying to drown you in its intent.

After a hard day's run or march that ice-cold shower was an awakener. If you were first in line, you might get warm water from the tank heated by the sun. I can tell you it was very rare.

Those tents were a welcome relief and the letters from home a God-send.

So congratulations to the scouts; may your days be as memorable as mine.

Thad E. Blanchard

Gerber