03/27/2015 12:00:00 AM story The United States was at war in Korea in 1952, and I was a senior at North Texas. I was 1A in the draft, so my future seemed uncertain. Upon graduation, I immediately began looking for a job, but no one would hire me because of my 1A status. After two weeks of pounding the pavement in Dallas, I returned to North Texas and talked with Dr. C.L. Littlefield, my industrial management professor, about my problem. His words were, "I'll get you a job," which he did. I was hired at Consolidated Aircraft in Grand Prairie as a production planner trainee. If I remained in the training program for the full six weeks, I would be exempt from the draft because I would then be an essential to industry. However, after two weeks, I was drafted. I will never forget what a wonderful man, teacher and friend Dr. Littlefield was and what his concern for me meant to me during that time. I served in the Army, in Germany, for two years, then worked for Exxon for 33 years, took early retirement and bought a hardware store in Tyler. After 20 years selling nuts and bolts, I sold the hardware store last year. I finally retired at age 83 and now spend my time in my woodshop making furniture and toys for my grandchildren. Thanks for the memories! James Kirkpatrick ('52) Flint