I Won a Life in the Lottery

This true coming of age story that shares the humor, drama, and romance of a forty-year love affair that begins with me being picked number one in the Vietnam War draft lottery. Some have compared this story favorably with Forest Gump or The Wonder Years. Winning the lottery shaped and molded my life. No, I didn't win the Power Ball or some other Million Dollar prize. On July 1, 1970, I won the Vietnam War Draft Lottery when my birthday, July 9th was chosen number one. I Won a Life in the Lottery - The Vietnam War Draft Lottery, chronicles the true-life adventure that resulted from being drafted during the Vietnam War. This dramatic yet humorous adventure began with marrying my sixteen-year-old sweet heart and moving her across country from her family and everything she knew to serve at the United States Army Intelligence School. This couple of naïve teenagers not only faced the realities of the war, but medical emergencies, encounters with cults, and being able to assist Interpol with drug smugglers. They together faced life threatening emergencies, heights of winning "Soldier of the Year, and surprises of sitting in the dugout during the World Series at Dodger stadium in Los Angeles. Most importantly this young couple learned they could handle anything if they stuck together, counted on each other, trusted in the Lord, and let their love grow into a forty-year love affair. Winning the draft lottery gave them a life worth living, a life of true adventure filled with laughter and tears. This humorous heartfelt story is inspired by the unexpected opportunities provided after my birthday was the number one pick in the Vietnam War draft lottery.