This is a story of Lorretta Lynn’s kindness and willingness to spend a few minutes with a couple of draftees back in 1968.

We were nearing the end of boot camp at Fort Campbell, KY when a couple of busloads of civilization starved, soon to be solders, were driven into Nashville, TN for a Sunday afternoon adventure. I think the Army wanted to see if we still remembered how to behave in a city full of civilians.

Anyway, we toured the replica of the Parthenon somewhere in Nashville, which is pretty impressive. Pretty sure we toured the capital building, too. Then, we were taken to the Country Music Hall of Fame.

It was there that a buddy and I were taking in the memorabilia in the exhibits when a gentle lady approached us. I had no idea who she was, but she seemed to know a lot about the exhibits. She walked with us for several minutes, chatting, asking us where we were from, pointing out certain display items. Mostly it was just small talk. I don’t remember the conversations. She made us at feel, not important, but somehow special.

Shortly after she moved on to other GI’s, we were told to assemble near a small stage. This lady’s 16-year-old sister was going to sing a few songs for us. We all thought, OK, that’s cool.

Well, of course, that sister was Crystal Gayle.

Meeting Lorretta Lynn didn’t turn me into a country music fan, but she did make an impression on a very young, Midwesterner. I’ve always respected her for way she made us feel welcomed.