Two or three years later in boot camp for the U.S. Coast Guard, John (a friend) and I got caught with stealing paint thinner in desperation to get high. We had to go before several commanders in order to face our fate. John and I both decided that we would travel to San Francisco, never to talk to our families again. I don't know why John would leave his family, but for me, I couldn't handle facing my parents after disappointing them again. They were so thrilled I had joined the Coast Guard.
For money John thought we would sell ourselves as male prostitutes / gigolos. Upon reflection, I was not too thrilled with the idea. Nevertheless, we had settled on San Francisco.
The officer taking us to the commander told us we were getting kicked out of the service and as I waited outside of the commander's office John was taken in for what seemed like an eternity. When he came out he was smiling, showing me a sheet of paper. "We're out!" It was a bit surreal as I walked into the commander's office waiting for my papers.
The commander asked me about my drug history. I told him everything because I just didn't care. He asked me why I joined the Coast Guard. I told him, "To find the answer to life." "Did you find it?" I looked down, "No." "You don't know what you're talking about," he replied. "Yes I do." "No you don't." "Yes I do." He stopped the bantering. I felt like we were like two kids, but then I was only 18. He was in his middle ages.
"We have decided to toss out your friend on a medical discharge - he has a soft spot on his temple. And if we get rid of him, you won't be a problem." In fact, we're going to put you in 'Red Belt' camp for a couple of weeks to get you in line."
Red Belts was where the losers and troublemakers went. Boot Camp was torture for everybody except Red Belts; it was pure hell for them.
