I'm not a veteran, but Dad was A D-Day veteran and then retired out of the AirForce in 1964.OverEasy wrote:US Navy, AIMD Rota Spain, 70, 71, 72. I was an E5 and I couldn't spend all my money between pay days. I lived in an apartment off base and we had a maid to clean up and do the laundry. Wine, from the bodega, down the street was 7 CENTS a liter. We had a jug in a wicker basket that we let float in the swimming pool with us. We shared a pool with 7 other apartments. Fine dinning was only a couple of bucks a meal. Oh, and sangria by the pitcher. Barber shaves with a straight razor after the hot towel. Tailor made slacks, sport coats and suits. We weren't allowed to wear our uniforms off base.
That experience taught me how the 1% live. I have never been able reach that standard of living again.
I would make the sacrifice all over again, if I had to............, OE
In 1958 he was transferred to Zaragoza for 3 years. I was just a kid, but we did live well for a TSgt with 4 kids. 5-room new home, new car, a maid, and everything was dirt cheap. This was back when Americans were Kings - and big black American cars were held in awe. Best years of my childhood. Plan to visit there soon as possible.