Berk Hotchkiss, U.S. Army

Local resident Berk Hotchkiss said his time in the Army gave him an opportunity to become an adult.

Hotchkiss served in Army's 101st Aviation Battalion, which is part of the 101st Airborne Division, from 1960 to 1963.

As a young man from New England, Hotchkiss said he enlisted in the Army after high school with the hopes of attending college afterwards. However, he said it would have been difficult for him to finish college if he attended right out of high school.

"I knew I would've dropped out [of college]," Hotchkiss said. "So I joined the Army and that inspired me to get an education."

His first job in the military was as a cook on a military base. Hotchkiss said he disliked being a cook and requested a transfer to a new position.

"Your around food all day, and you are stuck in the mess hall," Hotchkiss said. But you are separated from the rest of your buddies."

Hotchkiss then became a radio transmitter operator (RTO) where he spent the majority of his military service. He said the job consisted of maintaining communication between units. Hotchkiss had to be proficient in Morse code, a skill he said he has forgotten.

Hotchkiss served on bases in New Jersey, Virginia and Kentucky.

After his third year, Hotchkiss said he was done with the Army and wanted to pursue his education. He attended Drake University for two years and the University of Vermont to finish his education. He received his degree in Classical Languages with the help of the G.I. Bill.

"I may have been able to get through college [without military background], but it would have been a lot harder both mentally and financially." Hotchkiss said.

He said his time in the military provided him with many attributes outside of just an education. He was able to meet a diverse group of people, and still remains friends with many of the people he served with.

"It gave me a real diverse view of people ... race, color, creed - you name it I met many of them. For a hick from the sticks like me, I got to meet a lot of different people," he said

He said it was hard to say where he would be without his experience in the military, but he said his experience certainly made him grow up.

 

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