Best Friends
Allen Peros, Wes, Burt and don't remember the others.
Best Moment
After working 12 or more hours repairing, refueling, loading weapons and prepping my bird for the last day flight of the day so that it wouldn't go hanger queen. The base Wing Commander was in the cockpit. Hearing the engine spool up and the JFS drop off line followed by the high pich whine of the intake was a sweet reward for a very long day at work.
Worst Moment
Leaving the Air Force!
Chain of Command
Systems Command, Security Forces Squadron, TAC, 4456 AGS, 72 AMU, Black Section
Other Memories
Watching my aircraft forms blow everywhere as my plane turned to taxi away during launch.
Best Moment
After spending more than 12 hours getting my jet ready for flight so that it wouldn't go hanger-queen during Operation Gunsmoke; my crew and I along with the Wing Commander and many others listened to the engine spool up to idle then launch and watched it taxi to EOR, and then take off just before dark on the clock. We watched it pull vertical pitch and climb to 20,000 feet in under 30 seconds. I was covered in sweat. Smelling like hydraulic fluid and jet fuel. Exhausted but proud. The Wing Commander congratulated me and my crew.
Worst Moment
When I left my aircraft forms on my toolbox and launched the jet. As it turned the jet blast blew the forms everywhere onto the ramp.
Chain of Command
Tactical Air Command
Other Memories
Seeing the SR-71 do a flyover then land and taxi into hanger-one engines running with armed security forces escorting it.
Criteria
The Combat Readiness Medal is awarded to military service members after August 1, 1960, for sustained individual combat or mission readiness or preparedness for direct weapon system employment.
Comments
For maintaining combat ready aircraft for a period of two years and during Operation Gunsmoke 1984.
Criteria The Air Force Achievement Medal may be awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States (and to foreign military personnel) below the grade of colonel who, while serving in any capacity wit... The Air Force Achievement Medal may be awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States (and to foreign military personnel) below the grade of colonel who, while serving in any capacity with the Air Force distinguish themselves by outstanding achievement or meritorious service but not to the extent that would warrant the award of a Commendation Medal. MoreHide
Comments
For outstanding achievement as F-16 Crewchief during Turkey Shoot Competition, MacDill AFB Tampa Florida 1984
Criteria The Outstanding Unit Award may be awarded by the Secretary of the Air Force to numbered units such as Air Forces, Air Divisions, Wings, Groups, and Squadrons and to Medical Facilities such as hospital... The Outstanding Unit Award may be awarded by the Secretary of the Air Force to numbered units such as Air Forces, Air Divisions, Wings, Groups, and Squadrons and to Medical Facilities such as hospitals, clinics, and medical centers (whether or not they are numbered) for exceptionally meritorious service or exceptionally outstanding achievement that clearly sets the unit above and apart from similar units. Heroism may be involved, but is not essential. MoreHide
Description
Award to the 56th Air Wing, 72nd Tactical Fighter Squadron, MacDill AFB, Jun 1984.
Best Friends
Didn't have any as I was here on training assignment
Best Moment
The first time I fired up a -60 Generator, it sounded just like a jet engine.
Worst Moment
Climbing into a B-52 Bomber that had been sitting on the ramp a long time in the hot sun. Our instructor told us it was 120 degrees inside. We didn't stay in it very long.
Chain of Command
82 Air Training Command
Other Memories
Completing class at 3pm then running around the base track for excercise then playing racketball then having dinner and sun bathing at the base swimming pool, then topping off my day with a cold beer in my barracks room while studying.
Best Friends
Bill MacIntosh - wish I could connect with him. Haven't talked with him since I left Wright Patterson AFB in 1983. Don't have the money to spend to find him.
Best Moment
When I was promoted to the rank of Sergeant in Feburary 1982
Worst Moment
When my daughter Annie was born, we weren't sure if she would make it.
Chain of Command
AFSC, ASD, TAC, 4456 AGS, 72 AMU
Other Memories
I remember the first time the Space Shuttle landed via piggyback on a 747 at Wright Patterson AFB. I was working at the Aeronautical Systems Division in 1980 when Mt. St. Helens blew. I was working the C-17 Source Selection Program when the then President Reagan was shot.
Best Friends
The happiest years of my service were at Wright Patterson AFB in Dayton.
Best Moment
When I was promoted to Sergeant
Worst Moment
Seeing my infant daughter in ICU after being born. Everything turned out ok of course but at the time. Oh man!
Chain of Command
Sr. Master Sergeant Richard Perryman was my supervisor. Wish I could connect with him assuming he is still alive. Dont' remember the names of the officers I worked with at the Aim 9 Side Winder programing office. Or the Lt. Col I reported to during the C-17 Source Selection program. Or the two star general I personally delivered classified messages to in Area B of ASD.
Other Memories
Haircuts were $2.65. Pipe tobacco was cheap. Seeing a movie at the base theater at Wright Patterson in the early 1980's was only $1.00.
I remember delivering classified material to a building in Area C I think. Some kind of electronics communications building. My close friend and I both went there. While we were there we walked down stairs to go out of the building on the other side to our car to leave. We walked past a dark hallway with only one entrance guarded by an SP holding an M16 assault rifle. There were no lights except for a few along the midway point of the walls.
Criteria It is awarded to all service members of the U.S. Air Force who complete four years of honorable active or reserve military service with any branch of the United States Armed Forces. The Air Force Long... It is awarded to all service members of the U.S. Air Force who complete four years of honorable active or reserve military service with any branch of the United States Armed Forces. The Air Force Longevity Service Award is a ribbon that replaces the Federal Service Stripes previously worn on the uniform. MoreHide
Comments
For extended honorable service beyond four years of continuous active duty service.
Criteria The United States Air Force awards a single ribbon, known as the Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon, for an expert qualification on either the M-16 rifle, M-4 carbine or the individuals AFSC's (dut... The United States Air Force awards a single ribbon, known as the Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon, for an expert qualification on either the M-16 rifle, M-4 carbine or the individuals AFSC's (duty) designated handgun weapon. The ribbon is issued in only one degree; however, a bronze service star may be worn on the ribbon for those who have qualified expert on both the service rifle and handgun. MoreHide
Comments
For demonstrating small arms marksmanship during duty assignment at Wright Patterson Air Force Base.
Criteria The Air Force Commendation Medal may be awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States below the grade of Brigadier General who, while serving in any capacity with the Air Force, distingu... The Air Force Commendation Medal may be awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States below the grade of Brigadier General who, while serving in any capacity with the Air Force, distinguish themselves by heroism, outstanding achievement, or by meritorious service not of a sufficient nature to justify a higher award. MoreHide
Comments
Awarded for outstanding service and support during the C-17 Source Selection Program Wright Patterson AFB Aeronautical Systems Division 1980-1981.
Best Moment
Marching my squadron to class in the mornings and back in the afternoons. Also meeeting my uncle who was retired Air Force as an Airman myself.
Worst Moment
Realizing that after graduating knowing I may not see my uncle again for a long time.
Chain of Command
81 Air Training Wing
Other Memories
Watching Battlestar Galactica the original theater release 1979. Eating a big bowl of shrimp pulled fresh from the Gulf while drinking cold beer.
Best Friends
None but I bumped into Airman Waters once in Louisville Kentucky back in the mid 80s. Haven't been able to connect with any of them since.
Best Moment
Graduation
Worst Moment
Hell night
Instructors
Dont remember our DI but our sister flight DI was Sgt Johnson.
Criteria The Air Force Basic Military Training Honor Graduate Ribbon was established in April 1976 by order of the Air Force Chief of Staff, General David Charles Jones. The ribbon is awarded to graduates of A... The Air Force Basic Military Training Honor Graduate Ribbon was established in April 1976 by order of the Air Force Chief of Staff, General David Charles Jones. The ribbon is awarded to graduates of Air Force basic training who have obtained an honor graduate designation and demonstrate excellence in all areas of academic and military training. MoreHide
Comments
For demonstrating outstanding performace as a squadron during basic military training.
Criteria The Air Force Training Ribbon is awarded to Air Force members on completing an Air Force accession training program (i.e., Basic Military Training; Officer Training School; ROTC; Air Force Academy; or... The Air Force Training Ribbon is awarded to Air Force members on completing an Air Force accession training program (i.e., Basic Military Training; Officer Training School; ROTC; Air Force Academy; or Medical Services, Judge Advocate, or Chaplain orientation courses). MoreHide
Comments
For completing Basic Military Training and Tactical Aircraft and Bombardment School
Allen Peros, Wes, Burt and don't remember the others.
After working 12 or more hours repairing, refueling, loading weapons and prepping my bird for the last day flight of the day so that it wouldn't go hanger queen. The base Wing Commander was in the cockpit. Hearing the engine spool up and the JFS drop off line followed by the high pich whine of the intake was a sweet reward for a very long day at work.
Leaving the Air Force!
Systems Command, Security Forces Squadron, TAC, 4456 AGS, 72 AMU, Black Section
Watching my aircraft forms blow everywhere as my plane turned to taxi away during launch.