Intros: I'm Ed Harriman, Sp5 married to Carol. We're quartered in Enlisted Housing at Ft. Campbell, Ky. and its March of 1966. Officially known as Lee Village and more commonly referred to by residents, as Peyton Place, the reasons for which will become apparent as the story progresses.
We had just moved in following my having spent a wonderful 13 months in Southeast Asia. If there were such a thing as a "cushy" job in VietNam I guess I had one of them. Intel Analyst receiving all of those important tidbits coming in from the bush. We all know how well intel analysis went in Nam.
Back to the story. Carol and I were both 22 and due to Uncle Sam's choice of duty assignments for me we, as yet, had no children. I still had 2 years left on my second enlistment so, this would be our final post.
We were in the midst of first day unpacking when there was a knock at our back door. "I'll get it", Carol yelled. When she opened the door, she was greeted by a woman holding a cup of sugar. I know, corny but that's what she had!
"Hi, my name is Gwen. My husband Carl and I have the quarters across from you. I just wanted an excuse to meet our new neighbors and came up with this cup of sugar. Well, you might of needed one", she laughed.
"Well, I just might need a cup! Please, come in. I'm Carol Harriman and my husband is Ed.". As if on cue, around the corner I came. "Ed, this is our neighbor Gwen who was nice enough to bring over a cup of sugar."
"Gwen, nice to meet you."
"Nice to meet you too Ed. I was telling Carol that my husband Carl and I were your next door neighbors."
Gwen was kind enough to invite us to dinner on the weedend which, being starved for friends, we gladly accepted. In the ensuing couple of days I met Carl and discovered to both of our delights that were we not only sports fans but also enjoyed a beer occasionally.
Friday night finally rolled around. Carl and I both got off duty at 1600 hrs so dinner was decided on for 6:00. It went well, a couple hours of small talk and a few brews, the girls went the wine route, ladies that they were. Regular GI talk, previous duty assignments etc. Carl and Gwen didn't have kids either. About 10:30 we called it a night.
Over the next few weeks the friendship developed and we became closer and much more open with each other. The girls doing girl things while Carl and I spent our time watching sports on the tube and, of course, drinking. It was during one such evening that Carl broached a subject that would change all of our lives. We both had a few more brews than usual when he asked. "Ed, have you ever thought about doing another woman than Carol?"