Always take the shit detail
I have to say I was quite dismayed to find there were no running toilets when we landed in Vietnam in April of '67. So we had to burn our human waste with diesel fuel. Every morning.
It was often used as punishment, mostly for troops who couldn't get there uh, stuff together. And that's where you would find me at reveille.
A fitting tribute to a budding future chef. It was there I held court as the sun came up and the bombs came down. I would tell jokes, do impressions and make believe I was cooking the First Sergeant's breakfast. An unwise move in a war zone.
It was called the shit detail. Later in life, the shit detail would set me apart in my many careers. All occupations have them and I volunteered for every one I could find. I knew the value in having different experiences and knew it would give me a rock steady reputation.
In the restaurant business I would always man the toughest stations and get worked to the nub. I would work these crappy distribution centers for Dupont and never complain. It was vacation coverage and there was never any time to train. It was hell. A great job for Lucille Ball.
It would take me weeks to recover. I said to my boss once, "If you can't kill me, you better promote me." I've had a great ride and I would tell anyone just coming up and looking to grow, always take the shit detail, you'll get used to the smell. ")