Thanks a Lot, God

24
Mark Gengler
I was now officially a member of the 3 rd Infantry Division.
I took my Advanced Infantry training and was assigned to
the motor pool. I was surprised to learn that only two in
ten draftees and drivers licenses. I was trained in the
workings of the M38A1 Willys Jeep and was assigned to a
general transportation unit. We transported everyone
except generals. Figure that one out! Normally, if an
officer above the rank of lieutenant needed transport, one
of us would pick him up and be his driver for the day.
I was also authorized to drive the 2.5-ton truck and
often did. I liked the duty and soon was promoted from
Private First Class to Specialist E-4. I was sending home
savings bonds that I could cash in later with interest.
The summer was hot and humid with occasional rain
that turned the Georgia clay to a bright red muck that was
hell to drive through. Without 4-wheel drive, it would
have been impossible.
Miriam and I wrote every week as promised. I would
tell her about the officers I drove around, and she would
tell me about new Bible verses. I told her how much I
missed her, and she told me about working as a layperson
at the church.
I waited for mail-call every day. Sometimes my mom
would write with home news. I never got a letter from my
brother, but then, I never expected to. The week before I
had written Miriam that I had been in the Army for nine
months now and was soon due for a leave. I told her I had
something really important to ask her. I had not yet talked
to her about getting married, but I figured now was as