Molly, John and The Hawkeyes - A Very Special Memory Kit Moment

Iowa Hawkeye Sammie Harris (11) victorious, being carried off field after winning game vs Wisconsin at Kinnick Stadium. Iowa City, IA 10/15/1960

The fall after my graduation Molly and I were married – on October 14, 1960. She had one more year to receive her BSN degree. It was natural that we would spend our first weekend together in Iowa City. The day after we got married we went to the Iowa/Wisconsin football game. It was an exciting game and Iowa won. We had a lot of fun partying after the game telling friends we had gotten married. I don’t think we paid for many beers that night! 

​We returned to our hotel very late, and received an unexpected surprise. I had a telegram from my military unit ordering me to return to the base immediately. Molly’s initial reaction to the telegram was, “you’re on leave, they can’t do this!“ I had my A-bag with me so I knew it was possible. The next day she drove me to the airport in Iowa City, which was still in service back then. The airline bumped a passenger to get me, and my duffel on board, and I flew to Memphis and caught a navy flight to fort Campbell. 

It was a tough way to start a marriage, and it only lasted 55 years. 

John Gray

About This Post
This past weekend I attended the home opening SEC football game in Sanford Stadium at the University of Georgia. My grandson had been asking me to do this since his freshman year. Now, he is a senior, and our granddaughter is a sophomore, so it was the perfect time. It was exciting to be there in that crowd for pre-game rituals as the team entered the stadium of 90,000 plus fans.

For me, it wasn’t just about the game. We toured the campus. I was able to see where they lived, and attended classes. I met some of their friends, and walked through Athens. We bought Bull Dog shirts for the game. We had a beer, played pool, and tail gaited. All part of those college football weekends. A big plus, Georgia won the game in style.    
    
During the return flight to Los Angeles, I began to remember my college days. My senior year at the University of Iowa was quite special. I was beginning to date Molly. She loved football and the Hawkeyes. I knew several members of the team because I lived in the athletic dorm my freshman year. They would hang out with our group the night after games.  

This is what The Memory Kit is all about.

​  - John

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