Summer Jobs & Hope

Vietnamese border guards bust drug trafficking operation from Laos ...

You know about Ray Manzarek and The Doors and what a fine musician Ray was. You can probably hear Ray’s organ intro to “Light My Fire” right now, if you’ll just listen. And we both know what a good man he was. But I want to tell you something about Ray that you might not know—at least not the way I do. Because I was on Okinawa with Ray, when he spelled his name “Manczarek” with “PFC” (Private First Class) in front of it, and both of us were in the army. And for both of us it was a mistake.

Joining the Army for Film and Language

Joining the army was a really bad mistake, for Ray and for me. And we found ourselves on Okinawa, part of Japan, with a big antenna field called Torii Station. Ray had joined the army with the hope of studying film, while I wanted to learn Russian to read Dostoyevsky. However, reality had other plans for us. Ray ended up not studying film and I found myself listening to an oversized radio for long hours each day. It was not what we had expected.

Avoiding the Security Clearance

Ray faced a dilemma regarding the security clearance required for his work in the Army Security Agency. He didn't sign the clearance because he wanted to be able to visit his ancestral homeland of Poland once he left the army. However, this decision angered the army as they had invested a substantial amount of time and money in getting him the clearance. They wanted to use his skills for the Cold War effort, but Ray's stance was firm.

The Casual Platoon and Personal Transformation

Aging South Korean veterans want to help battle North Korea - Los ...

Ray's refusal to sign the security clearance landed him in the casual platoon at Torii Station. This platoon was meant for soldiers who presented problems for the army and needed time to think. During this period, Ray grew his hair long and donned a rebellious Cossack-like mustache. However, a run-in with the company commander led to him shaving his mustache and conforming to military standards.

Laos and the Herb Collection

Eventually, Ray was sent to Laos in an attempt by the army to change his mind. However, his resistance continued, and after several months, he was granted a discharge. In Laos, Ray discovered the perfect climate for growing a particular herb, which he started collecting and storing in a duffel bag. He entertained thoughts of selling it to fund his film school education at UCLA.

Rock 'n' Roll and Ray Manzarek's Journey

Ray's time in the army and his subsequent experiences shaped his artistic and rebellious spirit, which eventually led to his involvement in The Doors and the world of rock 'n' roll. His refusal to conform to the military machine and his pursuit of his passions are emblematic of the rock 'n' roll ethos. Despite the challenges and mistakes of his time in the army, Ray persevered and made a significant impact in the music industry.

Hot Metal Bridge

Hot Metal Bridge is a literary magazine based in Pittsburgh that provides resources and opportunities for aspiring writers. They publish creative works and offer support to emerging talents through their publications and workshops. If you're looking for a platform to showcase your writing or to learn from experienced writers, turn to Hot Metal Bridge for inspiration and guidance.

Litblogs, Writers' Resources, Journals, and Mags

For writers seeking further resources and inspiration, consider exploring the vast world of literary blogs, writers' resources, journals, and magazines. These platforms often feature writing prompts, publishing opportunities, and insights from established authors. Engaging with these resources can help hone your skills and expand your network within the writing community.

Remember, even legendary artists like Ray Manzarek faced challenges and made mistakes along the way. It's through perseverance and embracing one's passions that great achievements are born. So, keep pushing forward, follow your dreams, and let your creative spirit ignite.