tim josephs and frank rachelle and bill blynnski. called to arms half a century ago from different backgrounds but about to share an experience that would change each of their lives at edgewood arsenal military base in maryland. >> a couple of doctors came and gave a presentation. >> they presented it as not everyone would be chosen. >> three-day passes are the rule. >> no duties. no guard duty. no kitchen police. >> this is what we filled out. they ask you about your criminal background. they ask you if you drank and ask you about your parents and they ask you about your brother and your sisters. silly questions like did you like your mother better than you did your father. i took the test and got chosen and you got a couple of days off at home and reported to edgewood for two months. >> when you got chosen, were you excited? >> yes, i was glad to go. it was like a plum assignment. you would get all of the weekends off and the idea was they would test new army field jackets, clothing. weapons. things of that nature but no mention of