UNPLEASANT DUTY

Chapter 3

1968 Vietnam

Trauma is sent to some people early in their lives. Why do we mark our culture and our history as a chronology of antebellum or postbellum? JB Donaldson enlisted in 1968 too young to have graduated high school. He played his part in the era when America’s cultural fabric was torn asunder. Enlisting was the last decision JB controlled as the course of his life tangled and tied itself without his permission.

Ooh, they point the cannon at you,

Lord It ain't me, it ain't me,

I ain't no senator's son, son It ain't me, i

t ain't me, I ain't no fortunate one, no

- John C Fogerty - Fortunate Son

Apple Playlist -- Null Stillness – Credence Clearwater Revival Chronicle

UNPLEASANT DUTY

“Soldier, I am looking for Jamison Brenton Donaldson”

“Who the fuck, oh sorry Lieutenant. Jamison, must be JB. He’s in a game, why don’t I go get him. Think someone all dress uniform, might shake them more than a Charlie showing up. “

A rather haggard looking figure ambled up, one who looked much older than the 19 on his orders. “Are you Jamison Brenton Donaldson? “

“Who the fuck are you? All clean & trim, newly minted, Lieutenant.”

“I am Lt. Evans and we are going to talk to command, no you do not need to salute.”

“Thank you soldier, JB and I are going for a walk” -

Lt. Evans moved towards the HQ. JB slouched along till they got inside.

“My man in trouble Lieutenant?”

“No Captain, soldier I am sorry to inform you that your father was in an accident and was killed. I have a three-day pass for you to return with me to allow you to make a phone call home.”

“My dad, killed, I mean, here I am with Gooks trying to spill my guts, but Dad, how?”

“I was told it involved a farm tractor. I don’t know more. You are to return with me.”

The Captain waved at an orderly, “get Sergeant Kelly. You are Kelly’s?”

“Yes sir”

Kelly pitched his smoke as he stepped in. “Sergeant, Donaldson’s father was killed he is going to the rear for three days to contact his family. Bag his personal stuff and we will keep It here.”

“JB is this some jag-off move to get you out of my sight?”

“No sir, it’s the real fuck I guess.”

“Well Donaldson, I will have to find someone else for all the shit assignments for three days. Maybe we should let Charlie know probably call a three-day truce. I am sorry about your father”- Kelly slapped his shoulder and left.

“OK Captain, I have the papers to sign and then we’ll go. I do not want to keep my ride waiting, he might not wait too long. The pilot seemed queasy in this hot spot. You have your helmet and rifle, let’s get on the chopper. We’ll make sure you’re issued what you need and send you back all clean and newly minted.”

“Ah yes sir, I should watch my mouth, sir.”

Captain signed, and then said, “yes you should JB."

“Schmidt, file these. Here’s your copy Lieutenant. Donaldson I am sorry, but this war and the world these days it’s all Hell. See you in three days all clean and newly minted. I would truly like to see that Lt. Evans; Donaldson here is the least spit and polish man I have ever seen. As a Captain I should never have seen him, but idleness and JB are as explosive as napalm and dynamite. JB sometimes it doesn’t make any sense, sorry about your father”





Note photo is of Spc. Jim McCloughan