Feb. 18, 1970 was my first night in basic training at Fort Dix, N.J. I remember our drill sergeant addressing us that evening.

"My name is Drill Sgt. Milton R. Ellis, that's E-Double-L-I-S," he said. "I promise you, you will never ever forget that name."

He was right, I spent 20 years in the Army and have been retired for nearly 22 more years (with a four-year break in service), and I have never, nor will I ever forget that name. To say that he made a lasting impression good and bad is an understatement.