Title

Oral History with Anthony Certano

Creation Date

January 18 2024

Description

2024.006.001    Joined Army at age 19 - some family history of military service. Basic training in Fort Knox - usual yelling, etc. Advanced training in Fort Lee, Virginia in supply area which was his actual job throughout his 10 years military stint.
First 5 years or so at Fort Campbell, Kentucky with 101st ABN in supply area from a company standpoint - many deployments such as Panama (twice) for jungle type experiences; Puerto Rico for joint missions in other branches of the service; Egypt for six months in desert operations. Also frequent training rotations throughout his career to Fort Irwin, California (death valley area) for hot weather training. 
To Germany 1996 indifferent and 1/52 and 1/18 of the 197 infantry brigade. Different supply role due to "mechanized" nature of the mission - e.g. responsible for signing out helicopters. On the border in communist Czechoslovakia/towers in armed guards. Had to drive through check point Charlie to retrieve AWOL prisoner. The Berlin wall is still up. A wonderful ten day get away in Spain. Young and too much beer drinking, etc.
Ended ten year in Fort Benning, Georgia. Had to handle battalion affairs including storage, of personnel items when unit was quickly deployed to desert storm. Married at Fort Benning. Medical discharge, otherwise would have considered twenty year career. Positive view of his military experience.