Norman a. Sinowitz

AFEES 39 Whitehall Street in New York City served as a vital Armed Forces Examining and Entrance Station (AFEES) for decades, particularly during World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. Located at the tip of Manhattan, the facility processed and inducted thousands of recruits into the United States Armed Forces, making it a key gateway for servicemen from the New York metropolitan area. The building became a symbol of the draft experience, especially during the Vietnam War era, and was frequently the site of both anxious draftees and antiwar protests. Its operations continued until the late 1970s, after which the site was eventually decommissioned and repurposed.

**US Army Garrison 4006, Fort Sam Houston, Texas,** traces its roots to the long-standing military presence at Fort Sam Houston, established in 1876. As a modern garrison unit, 4006 provides critical base operations support, ensuring the readiness and well-being of tenant units, service members, and their families. The garrison has played a key role in supporting the installation’s primary missions, including medical training, force readiness, and joint operations. Over the decades, US Army Garrison 4006 has adapted to evolving Army requirements, remaining a cornerstone of the Army’s support infrastructure in the San Antonio region.

The Armed Forces Examining and Entrance Station (AFEES) at Fort Hamilton, Brooklyn, NY, played a critical role in processing and inducting new service members into the United States military throughout much of the 20th century. Established to serve the densely populated New York City area, AFEES Ft. Hamilton conducted medical examinations, aptitude testing, and administrative processing for draftees and volunteers, particularly during periods of large-scale mobilization such as World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. The station was a central hub for thousands of recruits, reflecting the diverse urban population it served. In later years, AFEES was re-designated as a Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS), continuing its mission at Fort Hamilton to this day.

The 136th Medical Depot was a key U.S. Army medical logistics unit, originally constituted during World War II to support overseas operations with medical supplies and equipment. After the war, the unit was reactivated and stationed at Fort Sam Houston, Texas, where it played a vital role in managing and distributing medical materiel for both peacetime and contingency missions. Throughout the Cold War era, the 136th Medical Depot provided essential support to Army medical units, ensuring readiness and rapid deployment capabilities. Its legacy continues as part of the broader Army Medical Department’s commitment to sustaining the health and effectiveness of military personnel.

The 24th Evacuation Hospital was activated during World War II at Fort Sam Houston, Texas, serving as a vital medical unit dedicated to providing rapid surgical and medical treatment near combat zones. After extensive training and preparation, the unit deployed overseas, participating in key campaigns across the European Theater, including Normandy and the Rhineland, where it treated thousands of wounded soldiers. Following the end of hostilities, the 24th Evacuation Hospital continued its service by supporting occupation forces and repatriation efforts. Its legacy is marked by professionalism, adaptability, and lifesaving care under the most challenging conditions.

Company G, Fifth Training Center, was an integral basic training unit stationed at Fort Dix, New Jersey, primarily active during the height of the Cold War era. Established to support the rapid expansion of the U.S. Army, Company G specialized in transforming new recruits into disciplined soldiers through intensive physical conditioning, weapons training, and basic military skills. The unit contributed to preparing thousands of soldiers for service during periods of increased military activity, including the Korean and Vietnam Wars. Company G’s legacy at Fort Dix reflects the Army’s dedication to readiness and the foundational role of training centers in shaping the modern American soldier.