James Fortune ~Education & Experience
PFC James Fortune is still at Fort Sill, Oklahoma.
I like Jim's outlook. He did not finish high school, but has taken courses to get his G.E.D. which he does in the army. He also has attended two training courses in mechanics, so that he can work on jeeps, tanks, generators...
He mentions in this letter to his parents that he is now a PFC, mentioning that in the army the more experience you have the higher you can go, but everyone starts at the bottom.
21 Feb, 69
Dear Mom & Dad,
I am now a PFC, which isn't bad at all. I am sending you a stripe that I wear. It looks real nice on my uniforms. I hope to keep getting promotions right along. But as the old saying goes you have to start at the bottom and work up.
Not doing much of anything today. I just got done talking to you a little while ago. I must say I don't really know what to think of my brother. He knows the difference from right and wrong. I wonder if he will ever grow up? I think that he should have grown up by now. He is 21 years old (3 years older than Jim). You think that he should be able to accept responsibility by now. But some guys never grow up. I know you must feel bad but it isn't your fault. You did everthing you could for him. Look at Chris and me. We're not like that. You can't blame anybody but Larry. He has a mind of his own. (In 1972 Larry will be stationed in Korea.)
I want you to put my diplomas away. Cause when I get out. They will get me a real good job. I think that I have gotten a real good education. But there is still one more course that I want to take when I get back from Korea.That is the master mechanic course. I think that I have gotten as good a education that I could have gotten if I would have went to a school in civilian life, but I am not done going to school yet. I want to further my education as much as I can possibly can.
I am now a PFC, which isn't bad at all. I am sending you a stripe that I wear. It looks real nice on my uniforms. I hope to keep getting promotions right along. But as the old saying goes you have to start at the bottom and work up. Well mom and dad I will close for now. Be good and be careful. I hope to be home soon. Remember I love you both very much.
Your loving son,
PFC. Jim