Time to Move!

Things in the barracks were getting pretty out of hand. We hardly ever had inspections anymore and GI parties were few and far in between. Laundry turn-in was becoming practically non-existent. We were issued bedding from the Army and every Tuesday was laundry turn-in day. You'd take your sheets, blankets, etc to the supply room and turn them in for a clean fresh set. When I first got to 1st AD when I'd go to turn in my laundry the line was always very long. I eventually turned my stuff in for good and bought my own civilian sheets and bedding to use. The Army only gave us flats sheets so we had to do those annoying hospital corners and the blankets were those green wool blankets that had US Army stamped on them in black. I opted to buy my own stuff. So as time went on I'd notice the laundry line was getting shorter and shorter until there wasn't anyone in line at all. So you think everyone was using their own military sets but no, that wasn't exactly the deal.

Everyone "decorated" their barracks area and instead of looking like an Army barracks it looked more like a college dorm room or worse yet, frat house. The guys were especially messy and out of control. I'm not sure what all they had going on up there but from what I heard, it was pretty bad.

1SG had just about enough of it and decided to get control of his barracks back. So one day in formation we all got scolded, military style. 1SG told us how many sheets sets were signed out --it was hundreds and yet, no one was turning in laundry. Basically, the guys were never ever cleaning or changing their sheets. We were allowed alcohol in the barracks and I guess there was one room that was literally taken over by empty beer cans. 1SG went on and on about the numerous infractions and then announced the barracks were going to be redone. First of all, each of the rooms was going to be repainted and uh, we were the ones that were going to be doing the painting. Secondly, no more "private" areas were allowed. All of the beds were to be bunked and all of the wall lockers were to be lined up against the walls. It was going to all be common area living --and much like the old Army movies where you'd see beds/bunks just lined up in a large room.

Well Connie decided she wasn't having any of that. She said she was going to get an apartment and asked me to room with her. The problem was she was already an E5 so she didn't need permission to go. I was still yet an E4 so I had to get my NCOIC's permission and my 1SG to allow me to live off post. I wasn't too worried they'd say no but with 1SG's new policies, I wasn't sure he was going to allow it.

Soon Connie was out apartment shopping and since neither one of us had a car, we had to be within walking distance of Hindenburg. Both of our NCOIC's had no problem with us moving out of the barracks but they said it was contingent on 1SG's approval. The only requirement was we had to have a phone. We submitted the paperwork for 1SG to sign off on. One day while I was walking into the barracks I happen to run into 1SG. He mentioned the paperwork and was sort-of giving me a hard time about moving out. Then he said because Connie and I were never in any trouble he didn't see a problem with us moving out but one of our NCOIC's would have to see our apartment and approve our living area. Yeah, I don't know why but you know, that's the Army --you don't exactly ask why. So Connie and I decided to ask her NCOIC to look at our apartment because hers was a female and mine was male.

It wasn't long before Connie found us a place to move into only it was a studio apartment --the "bedroom" and living room were all one room. It wasn't too small. There was a kitchen area and though it was not large enough to have a table in it, it was big enough to be a full service kitchen. It also had a window which I loved. I love kitchen windows, for some reason. The bathroom was actually quite large but only had a shower, no tub. The living area was adequate. We had two twin beds that were pushed together and served as a couch. There was a small eating area with a table and two chairs. We also had a huge "Wardrobe" that we shared. Our apartment was on the second or third floor (can't remember which) over a tavern. When you walked in from the outside there was a small entry way. To the right was a door leading to the tavern and directly in front of you a set of stairs going up to the apartments. It was kind of old fashion and European-ish. I loved it.

One day after work I came in and just being curious, I walked into the tavern and sat down to order a drink. As soon as I walked in the place got awfully quiet and when I sat down everyone in the place just stared at me. They were all older German men and it was like this was their "Cheers" place and I was an unwelcome stranger. I had visions of it too being my after work hang out place but I quickly realized they weren't interested in having new patrons --so I ordered a drink, downed it and left -- never to return again.

Connie had all the electronic stuff; TV, stereo, VHS, movies, etc. so I bought all of our kitchen ware. It didn't take much for a small place for just the two of us. I purchased a set of pots and pans, a few dishes, some dish towels and a few utensils. I was mostly excited about getting kitchen curtains for our window. Still have no clue why kitchen windows appeal to me so much.

Guess who helped move us in! Yup --Staff Sergeant Newsome! We loaded all of our things into his blazer and he moved us to our new apartment. SSG Dean even made his way over to see our new place --and commented how tiny it was. After moving us in Newsome left and later come back with a bag full of groceries and said he knew we didn't have any food in the place.

What I loved most about the apartment, other than it not being the barracks, is that our key was one of those old fashioned skeleton keys. It was big and bulky and always in the way but I didn't care --it was so cool looking.