After serving on active duty with the Air Force for 8 years, I spent 4 years in the Michigan Army National Guard in an Infantry unit. My experience as a Security Policeman was very beneficial when I became a Squad Leader when I served with Co. B 1/125th Infantry.
I have spent the last 20 years as a Police Officer and a Detective.
My oldest son is in the Air Force and is stationed in the UK.
My middle son is in the Army National Guard.
My youngest son is in the Army and is currently deployed.
Other Comments:
Some of my favorite quotes:
"A boss says go. A leader says let's go." (unknown)
"There are three types of leaders. One who makes things happen, one who watches things happen, and one who wonders what happened." (unknown)
"To succeed in life, you must carry your own ruck."
It's mind over matter. If you don't mind, it don't matter.' (unknown)
"If ya ain't cheatin, ya ain't tryin." (MSgt Paul Wheeler- 55th SPS, ABGD Flight Sgt- Volant Scorpion Deployment, a very motivating leader)
Aircraft/Missile Information
The Boeing Company's model 367-80 was the basic design for the commercial 707 passenger plane as well as the KC-135A Stratotanker. In 1954 the Air Force purchased the first 29 of its future 732-plane fleet. The first aircraft flew in August 1956 and the initial production Stratotanker was delivered to Castle Air Force Base, Calif., in June 1957. The last KC-135 was delivered to the Air Force in 1965.
Of the original KC-135A's, more than 415 have been modified with new CFM-56 engines produced by CFM-International. The re-engined tanker, designated either the KC-135R or KC-135T, can offload 50 percent more fuel, is 25 percent more fuel efficient, costs 25 percent less to operate and is 96 percent quieter than the KC-135A.
Specifications StatsCentral Model Boeing KC-135R Stratotanker Length 136.25 ft | 41.53 m Width 130.84 ft | 39.88 m Height 41.67 ft | 12.70 m Engine(s) 4 x CFM F108 turbofan engines generating 22,000lbs of thrust each. Empty Weight 106,307 lbs | 48,220 kg MTOW 322,503 lbs | 146,285 kg Max Speed 610 mph | 982 km/h | 530 kts Max Range 2,880 miles | 4,635 km Ceiling 41,719 ft | 12,716 m | 7.9 miles Climb Rate 1,290 ft/min (393.2 m/min) Hardpoints 0 Armament None. Accommodations 3