In 1971, John Pietruszewski faced a reality many young Americans knew all too well—the Vietnam draft. With a draft number of 26, he knew his chances of being called were high. Rather than wait, John made a decision that would change the course of his life: he enlisted in the Army with one goal in mind—earning the Green Beret.

In Part 1 of this conversation, John shares his journey from growing up in Northeast Minneapolis to Basic Training at Fort Knox, Infantry School at Fort Ord, Airborne School at Fort Benning, and eventually the path that led him to Special Forces. Along the way, he talks about military life in the early 1970s, jump school, drill sergeants, KP duty, and the determination it took to chase a dream that few ever achieve.

This is the beginning of an incredible story of service, perseverance, and a young man who refused to leave his future to chance.

Semper Try Podcast

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