Steve hosted a reception for us at his place. This was very welcome as it turned out Steve was a pretty good cook. Who knew? On that way out of the Judge’s, I shook his hand and gave him the palmed double sawbuck. He looked at his hand and loudly said “What’s this?” So much for discretion. On the way to Steve’s, a car barely missed hitting us head on. This time it was not my fault, but that would have been of little consolation. It was a nice reception and our friends presented us with some champagne flutes which we still have. Finally it was time to go. On the way down, Belinda’s high heel got caught in the steps. She almost pitched headfirst from the second story, another close call.
Now that we were married, Belinda moved in with me. It was chilly in the apartment so Donald lit the gas fireplace. It was the first I had used it and the last. The gas ignited with a substantial fireball nearly engulfing Donald’s entire head. Fortunately, it was the last near disaster of the day.
My parents arrived a few days later, having no idea what had transpired. They took the news well and were happy for us despite having missed all the excitement. The week flew by and then I was off to Ranger School. My heart was not entirely in it but I made it through with no recycles. Most of the Rangers to be were from the battalions or officers on their second attempt. All in all a great bunch. One guy in my platoon had to leave due to huge marriage difficulties and divorce. He and his soon to be ex-wife had been childhood sweethearts with a long romantic involvement. I was a little spooked by this as Belinda and I had a short history. I was concerned that if trouble could envelope a well established couple, would it be more likely for us? Needless to say, I was glad to be heading back to Fort Knox immediately after graduation. I wanted to make the trip in one long stretch but this was not to be.
While driving through a construction area outside Nashville, I heard a loud chattering from the engine compartment and suddenly lost all power. I coasted to a stop as close to the roadside as I could get. I was wondering “now what?” when a white van pulled behind me. I hadn’t been stopped over five minutes. I explained my situation and the guys pushed my car with their van up the road to a car repair facility. Turns out the water pump in my relatively new cadet car had failed.
Luckily the engine was not ruined, but the pump could not be replaced until the following day when the parts store opened. The guys at the garage were very helpful, brought me to a nearby motel stating they would pick me up the once the car was fixed. Good to their word, next day a car arrived. I got my Mustang and resumed the journey. The mechanics were interested in C-Ration can openers, so after my return I sent them some P-39s. I made it back to Fort Knox to begin my life as an Armor Officer and Husband. Of benefit, my AOB time was still considered TDY vice PCS so I got to keep all the per diem money.
I had a persistent worry that the marriage was not recorded properly. I figured the Army might decide my claim for dependents was fraud if the Judge hadn’t delivered the form. I thought the chances were 50/50. I really did not want to inquire and get some bad news. Before I PCS’d I had to find out so I went to the courthouse. Thankfully everything was in order. I shall always be grateful to Cheryl for saving the day. I cannot ever think about these events without having appreciative thoughts of her!
We later had a church wedding. When not sporting my class ring, I wear two wedding bands. Belinda and I are still going strong; we are very fortunate. We have three wonderful daughters who have successful marriages and two talented grandchildren with bright futures. Our life together may not be as we envisioned but it is all we could have hoped for.
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