Earl was called back to New York a few months later to serve in active duty with the New York Army National Guard. He did Basic Training at Ft. Dix in New Jersey and was invited to do the Jerry Lewis Telethon - in uniform - on a two-day pass from training. He had to audition for the commanding officer before being allowed to go and was informed that he was representing the United States Army and was expected to do so proudly. He did.