LaPorte, John, MSgt

Aerospace Maintenance
 
 Service Photo   Service Details
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Service Status
USAF Retired
Final Rank
Master Sergeant
Last AFSC
2A3X3-Tactical Aircraft Maintenance
Last AFSC Group
Aerospace Maintenance
Primary Unit
1972-1975, 43151C, 509th Organizational Maintenance Squadron
Previously Held AFSC's
43151C-Aircraft Maintenance Specialist
43171C-Aircraft Maintenance Technician
43191-Aircraft Maintenance Superintendent
2A3X0-Aircraft Maintenance Supervisor
3C2X1-Communications - Computer Systems Control
Service Years
1972 - 1994
Voice Edition
Master Sergeant

 Official Badges 

US Air Force Honorable Discharge (New Style)


 Unofficial Badges 

Cold War Medal


 Military Associations and Other Affiliations
Post 105AFSA 1260Air Force Memorial (AFM)
  2004, American Legion, Post 105 (Phoenix, Arizona) - Chap. Page
  2010, Air Force Sergeants Association (AFSA), AFSA 1260 (Luke AFB, Arizona) - Chap. Page
  2015, Air Force Memorial (AFM) - Assoc. Page


 Additional Information
What are you doing now:

After retiring in November of 94, I moved with my family to Vermont. Ever since I was stationed at Pease AFB NH, I always wanted to come back to the area. I always said after 20 years of living where I worked, I was finally going to work where I live. Until August of 95, finding work was limited. The local employment agencies didn't have a clue as to how to laterally apply my qualifications. In April of 95 I landed a part time position with a fixed base operator in West Lebanon NH.; Mostly transient work, parking and fueling private aircraft, and schlepping fuel to the small scheduled airlines.

In August I secured a full time position with Cannon Industries in Claremont NH. The company manufactures underground mining machinery in the form of rock drills and roof bolters. They hired me to train their customers' maintenance personnel how to maintain the equipment. After a few months of self qualification, and tech writing, I traveled coast-to-coast and into Canada doing just what I was hired for. I did this for until November of 2003.

In December of that year I took a job with the 56th Maintenance Training Flight, Luke AFB, NH. I was hired by then CMSgt Berning; now retired and a member on this TWS community. I am currently serving as an instructional systems developer for F16 maintenance training. I also teach a maintenance instructor course for incoming instructors.

In 1996 my wife and I separated and she and our two children moved to the Atlanta area. In 1999 I met my late fiancé Michele Wilcox and we moved together to the Phoenix area arriving on New Year's Eve 2003/2004. I later lost her to cancer on December 5th, 2005. You may find a memorial page on my website at www.estarevents.com  .

In 2001 we also started our own DJ/Karaoke hosting service, and I continue to operate it part-time with the assistance of my new wife Michele (formerly Petro). And through our website I also promote my talents as singer who emulates Neil diamond www.estarevents.com/rarecut  or go directly to the YouTube page http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V6VJ1BrMPUY&playnext_from=TL&videos=HWlLhJXgP_I&feature=sub for a smaple of my work.
Or, look below for a collection of personal videos via YouTube links I just added; more to come.

   

 Tributes from Members  
Plattsburgh AFB posted by 452 Vlymen, Richmond (Papa Pitt), MSgt 5136 

 Ribbon Bar


Maintenance (Master)


 
 Enlisted/Officer Basic Training
  1972, Basic Military Training (Lackland AFB, TX), 172
 Unit Assignments
509th Organizational Maintenance Squadron509th Bombardment Wing, MediumStrategic Air Command (SAC)380th Organizational Maintenance Squadron
380th Bombardment Wing, Medium3785th Field Training Wing (Staff)Air Training Command366th Wing - Gunfighters
Air Force Pentagon Communications Agency
  1972-1975, 43151C, 509th Organizational Maintenance Squadron
  1972-1975, 43151C, 509th Bombardment Wing, Medium
  1972-1980, 43171C, Strategic Air Command (SAC)
  1978-1980, 43151C, 380th Organizational Maintenance Squadron
  1978-1980, 43171C, 380th Bombardment Wing, Medium
  1980-1982, 43171C, 3785th Field Training Wing (Staff)
  1982-1985, 43171C, Field Training Detachment 911 (FTD 911)
  1985-1988, 43191, Field Training Detachment 908 (FTD 908)
  1988-1992, 2A3X0, 366th Wing - Gunfighters
  1992-1994, 3C2X1, Air Force Pentagon Communications Agency
 Combat and Non-Combat Operations
  1986-1986 Operation El Dorado Canyon (Libya)
 Reflections on Service
MSgt
Please describe who or what influenced your decision to join the Air Force.
Whether you were in the service for several years or as a career, please describe the direction or path you took. Where did you go to basic training and what units, bases, or squadrons were you assigned to? What was your reason for leaving?
If you participated in any military operations, including combat, humanitarian and peacekeeping operations, please describe those which made a lasting impact on you and, if life-changing, in what way?
Of all your duty stations or assignments, which one do you have fondest memories of and why? Which was your least favorite?
From your entire military service, describe any memories you still reflect back on to this day.
What professional achievements are you most proud of from your military career?
Of all the medals, awards, formal presentations and qualification badges you received, or other memorabilia, which one is the most meaningful to you and why?
Which individual(s) from your time in the military stand out as having the most positive impact on you and why?
Can you recount a particular incident from your service, which may or may not have been funny at the time, but still makes you laugh?
What profession did you follow after your military service and what are you doing now? If you are currently serving, what is your present occupational specialty?
What military associations are you a member of, if any? What specific benefits do you derive from your memberships?
In what ways has serving in the military influenced the way you have approached your life and your career? What do you miss most about your time in the service?
Based on your own experiences, what advice would you give to those who have recently joined the Air Force?
In what ways has TogetherWeServed.com helped you remember your military service and the friends you served with.
 Colleges Attended 
Community College of the Air ForceCommunity College of the Air Force
  1978-1985, Community College of the Air Force
  1986-1991, Community College of the Air Force
 My Aircraft/Missiles
FB-111  F-15 Eagle/Strike Eagle  F-111 Aardvark  
  1972-1982, FB-1113
  1982-1985, F-15 Eagle/Strike Eagle
  1985-1992, F-111 Aardvark
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