When I was in my late teens, I had my first visit to Downey. I grew up in La Mirada, a city 7 miles east of Downey, and the only knowledge I had with Downey was that the Carpenters singing group was from there.
La Mirada didn't have any military recruiting offices, so I went to this small strip mall on Paramount Blvd in Downey to go through the process of enlisting in the army. They had me take an aptitude test that gave me several options for my training. I chose to go to X-ray technician school. Once I finished my enlistment, I was able to get my license to be an X-ray technician in California without going back to school. I also received several benefits from the GI bill.
The recruiting office for all the armed services is now on the corner of Firestone Blvd and Patton Road, across from Downey High School.
What was your first visit to Downey?
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