The Diary of a Soldier — February 8, 1985. This chapter picks up during the later part of REFORGER '85, when the fast pace of the exercise finally gave way to a day trip and a chance to look for an old high school friend stationed in Stuttgart.

A Day Trip to Stuttgart

The day before, I got permission to take a trip to Stuttgart. Last I heard, an old high school buddy of mine was an MP stationed there. I thought it was worth a try to look him up and see how he was doing.

I left at 0830 for Stuttgart on a tour bus. We arrived at Stuttgart PX, Robinson Barracks at 1045. I went to the USO office and asked the receptionist for her telephone directory. I didn't find my old high school buddy's name listed.

Train station in Hammelburg, Germany
Train station in Hammelburg, Germany — one of the photographs tied to the REFORGER '85 memories.

Cold War Background

In just 28 short months, from November 1982 to March 1985, the Soviets went through four leaders: Brezhnev, Andropov, Chernenko and finally Gorbachev. During this time the U.S. was led by one man, President Ronald Reagan.

David Battaly driving while Greg served as gunner
David Battaly driving while I rode as gunner — one of the photographs that still brings back the feeling of the exercise.
I'm the gunner and my friend David is my chauffeur.

Security Escort Duty

Sgt. G during REFORGER 85
Sgt. G during the REFORGER period.

During the last two weeks of January and the first week of February, things were moving at such a fast pace that I really had no time for my notebook.

Bratwurst stand in Germany during REFORGER 85
A bratwurst stand in Germany — the kind of small scene that helps place the memory in a real setting.

Thursday, February 7. The last group of 4/61 ADA left for the Netherlands and their return trip home. Only two of us from 4/61 remained, SFC Sawyers and myself. There were four other soldiers from Carson that remained with us, for a total of six Security Escorts with our equipment.

I had a hot shower, only my third since January 9. Reading that entry from my notebook brings back memories.

SFC Sawyers during REFORGER 85
SFC Sawyers, one of the soldiers who remained behind as part of the security escort group.

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Greg Cook

About Greg Cook

Greg Cook writes about firearms collecting, personal history, and the stories behind interesting guns. His Army MOS was 76Y, Unit Armorer, and his REFORGER '85 memories remain part of the way he looks at serious rifles and military history.