The late Kris Kristofferson---Alabama Trained

 

"He was under pressure from his family, and joined the U.S. Army and was commissioned as a second lieutenant, attaining the rank of captain. He became a helicopter pilot after receiving flight training at Fort Rucker, Alabama.

He graduated Airborne School, Ranger School, and flight school, served in Germany, and volunteered for Vietnam as a helicopter pilot, but instead was offered a professor of English Literature position at USMA West Point. Disappointed that he was not allowed to fight in Vietnam, he resigned his position in 1965.

He joined the Army in 1960, training as a helicopter pilot at Fort Rucker in Alabama and later completing Ranger School,” the feature stated. “In the early 1960s, Kristofferson received his commission and served with the 8th Infantry Division in West Germany. But Kristofferson never lost his love for writing and music. While in Germany, he continued to practice his songwriting and performed with a band of fellow soldiers.”

 

SOURCE: American Hereos Homecoming