Bud Bovenschen

Name: Harold E. Bovenschen

Rank: Spec 4 E-4

MOS: Military Police/Clerk Typist

Active Service Date: August 2, 1966 to August 1, 1968

Basic Training: B-15-4 Fort Knox, KY.

AIT/ Duty Station: 19^th MP Co. Fort Carson, CO.

Salvation Testimony

On December 22, 1956, at the age of nine, I asked the Lord to be my Savior. It was the Saturday evening before Christmas that year. My Mom and sisters were Christmas shopping, and my Dad was out in the barn milking our jersey cows. I had been thinking about the fact that God had given His only Son to us at Christmas. I wanted to give something back to God. I wanted to give God my heart. I went out to the barn and talked to my Dad, and he told me what to do. I went back into the house and on the couch I asked Jesus to forgive me of my sin and save me and be my Saviour.

Personal Testimony

After being baptized I felt compelled to make a vow to God. To this day I don't remember why I came to this decision, but God evidently did. I vowed to God to never smoke or drink. I can testify that with God's help I have been able to keep that promise.

Military Time

I was serving in the U.S. Army when America was involved in Vietnam. God's protection and watch care over me was very evident. Since I was drafted I really didn't have a choice of what kind of training I would receive. At the foot of Cheyenne Mountain, just five miles south of Colorado Springs, Colorado, is Fort Carson. I was assigned to the 19^th MP Company. My Military Police duties were short lived, however. One day there were a few of us in the barracks with nothing to do. So, the “powers that be” sent us to the supply room. The supply sergeant asked if any of us could type. ( I was told before I went into the Army not to volunteer for anything.) Another fellow and I and I raised our hands. I was fresh out of high school where I had been typing at least 90 words per minute. Needless to say, when I started typing, the supply sergeant's mouth dropped below his chin, because most soldiers used the “ hunt and peck” system. Word got to the first sergeant, and before long, we (the other fellow and I) were on our way. It just so happened that our company had a Military Police Station in downtown Colorado Springs-just a half-block down from the city police station. We started working there typing the military police desk blotter, different reports to companies on post concerning soldiers in trouble with civil authorities, answering the phone, ect. This was a five and a half day a week job- Monday through Friday and a half day Saturday. I was able to attend chapel services every week. I think I only missed three Sundays during my entire time in the Army. Believe it or not, this assignment lasted until theday I was discharged from active duty. May the Lord be praised for His kindness shown to me.

Veterans at Blessed Hope Baptist Church