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An up close and personal interview with U.S. Air Force Veteran and Togetherweserved.com Member:
CMSgt Gerald Lowther U.S. Air Force (Ret) (1965-1989)
PLEASE DESCRIBE WHO OR WHAT INFLUENCED YOUR DECISION TO JOIN THE AIR FORCE?
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| The Wild Blue Beckons! |
To this West Virginian, having listened to the stories of the adults in my life, most of who had served during WWII, I knew my destiny was the military life. Although most of my kin had served either in the Army across Europe or the Navy throughout the Pacific, it was the Air Force that beckoned me. From the 9th grade forward to graduation, I knew where I was bound and, as reflected in my high school yearbook, it was the Air Force that I called home for almost 25 years.
WHETHER YOU WERE IN THE SERVICE FOR SEVERAL YEARS OR AS A CAREER, PLEASE DESCRIBE THE DIRECTION OR PATH YOU TOOK. WHAT WAS YOUR REASON FOR LEAVING?
This Country Boy knew he was home when, arriving at Lackland for basic, our first food was SOS (hamburger Gravy for the uninitiated). KP to marching in the hot Texas July heat as we saluted the red flag signifying no outside activity. I loved it. To Keesler and tech school
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| I don't know what's going on, but I'm liking it! |
was but a progression of the journey. Biloxi and its dislike for young airman (but greed for our dollars) along with its very visible "whites only" signs (it was, after all 1965). I was so glad when that all was done and behind me as I embarked upon my very first assignment. Wallace Air Station, RPI - OMG! Young airman - right out of Tech School and fresh from the innocence of West (by God) Virginia - wow! One Hundred Air Force, 4 bars and associated "honeyco's", I know not how I survived, but I did. Within a very short time after this inexperienced 3-level radio relay technician arrived, the TSgt 7-level left and I found myself the AIC of radio relay. That was a 15-month adventure of a million tall tales and scares that actually helped me throughout the remainder of my career. Wiser and certainly more "worldly", I returned to the Land of the "Big BX" (with many fond memories of this land of "Shock and Awe") and continued the journey.
Being that Radio Relay was only used overseas, coupled with the fact that the powers that be had to bring you home occasionally, I returned as a cross-trainee to flight simulators at MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa, Florida. Loved it - a duck to water loved it. F-4 fighter sims - jocks and attitude - Vietnam and air-to-air loved it! Tampa is a great town, tons to do and I did it all. From fishing to bar-hopping - did it. Got married, got a 67 GTO - did it all. Of course, the Air Force - in all of its wisdom, realized that a happy airman might be an issue, it was off to bigger and better things and it was "away we go" again. And thus it went for many years, overseas as Radio Relay, back to Conus as flight simulators. It became a matter of the "Redheaded Stepchild" though, for no one wanted to put a lot into folks such as I it seemed. The times I was told that I would never rise above Tech or Master Sergeant was enough to make you cry in frustration. On top of that, with every PCS came an entirely new job and the ever-present need to learn a new set of job skills. Technician, shift supervisor, branch chief, QC, Program Manager, I ended up doing a bit of everything it seemed. The fear of failure, an old nemesis, became my best of friends and motivated me the entirety of my career once I found that no matter what Uncle Sugar sent my way, I would not only succeed, but thrive. The constant back and forth twixt radio relay and sims finally settled down to communications as the years went by and my rank rose and the military investment in me grew and expanded as did my experience and knowledge.
I eventually settled down and stayed in communications. I did a bit of everything though over the years it seemed as the Air Force played its on-going test of 'bet you can't do this" sense of humor. Screwdriver tech to Quality Control to Combat Comm to Pacific Program Manager for our Satellite Earth Stations, my fear of failure drove me to succeed in areas I never would have guessed I could do. The Air Force, like a good grandparent, rewarded me over the years beyond this Country Boys wildest expectation. Promotions to awards, and even gave me a paycheck for what I would have (almost) done for free. Assigned to the Pentagon as the Maintenance Superintendent of the 7th Communications Group, an exciting job with some of the Air Forces best and brightest was the highlight of my career despite the fact that my orders clearly said "Non-Volunteer". Things we did during the day would often be seen on the news in the evening, exciting but, when it was all said and done, the traffic, the schools and small townhouses tied this "gimme space" Chief and family over the edge. Not being able to grab an assignment to elsewhere, I, so, so reluctantly, decided to retire. Although it took me years of mental anguish to get over that decision, here I set with nothing but fond memories of past assignments and all of the great folks I had the honor and privilege to work with over the years, quite willing to turn back the clock and do it all over again!
IF YOU PARTICIPATED IN ANY MILITARY OPERATIONS, INCLUDING COMBAT, HUMANITARIAN AND PEACEKEEPING OPERATIONS, PLEASE DESCRIBE THOSE WHICH WERE THE MOST SIGNIFICANT TO YOU AND, IF LIFE-CHANGING, IN WHAT WAY.
I would guess that the most interesting and challenging aspects of my career regarding this question would be our assignment to Egypt under the "Proud Phantom" Banner while I was assigned to the 5th Combat Communications Group at Warner-Robins AFB. Shortly after the Russians left Egypt, the US administration opted to fill the void if you will. Donating some US F-4's and sending our pilots and maintenance crews to train the Egyptian Air Force on their use and application, the 5th was selected to provide the comm. Sent in three packets (set-up, operation and tear-down, we were there for several months. Set up on one of their bases, it provided many "war stories" and such. While I only went to "town" one time, I can say that I walked across the Nile, got chased off the pyramids at Cheops . . . an interesting trip indeed.
Another notable from my career was being on the island of Crete during the Cypress situation back in 74. Being allies with both Turkey and Greece, we tried to stay neutral so as not to offend, I guess. During the event, we at Iraklion Air Station faced firebombs, rocks and such as those from the mainland arrived with threats of kicking us into the Aegean. During the rather long and at times concerning situation, we hunkered down and made it through with flying colors. At one point, the US Navy 7th Fleet was prepared to evacuate all of our civilian dependents and such. As noted, interesting. I might add that on the Cypress situation, I got to read the book from both sides of the cover, what with my next overseas assignment being to Turkey during the embargo that the Cypress conflict had generated.
OF ALL YOUR DUTY STATIONS OR ASSIGNMENTS, WHICH ONE DO YOU HAVE FONDEST MEMORIES OF AND WHY? WHICH ONE WAS YOUR LEAST FAVORITE?
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| TUSLOG DETACHMENT 107 |
My favorite assignment would clearly have been Wheeler Air Force Base in Hawaii. Not only was my job as the Program Manager for all Air Force satellite installations in the Pacific challenging and exciting, I fell in love with collecting seashells, snorkeling, boogie boarding and - most of all - body surfing on North Shore. Great food, terrific people, and great history - you name it. My worst assignment, without doubt, was absolutely Detachment 107, Izmit, Turkey! Hidden at the tip of the Sea of Marmara, there were 8 Air Force, 35 Army on this Turkish Army infantry training Base. During the embargo over Cypress, I can only say that it was a lonely, miserable year out of my life. No good stories!
FROM YOUR ENTIRE SERVICE, INCLUDING COMBAT, DESCRIBE THE PERSONAL MEMORIES WHICH HAVE IMPACTED YOU MOST?
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| Gallant Eagle 80 - 5th CCG |
The camaraderie of the many excellent and fine folks I have had the honor and privilege to have known. From regular folks just doing their job to those of meteor like proportions who burned brightly and went on to legend. The likes of Generals "Whip" Wilson, "Chappie" James, Ron Fogleman, Steve Ritchie - all of whom I had occasion to meet are forever in my memory just as all of the hard working airmen - pulling shift 24/7 no matter the situation. The work ethics of those who served and laid it on the line day in and day out - those who unswervingly strived to preserve the freedoms we enjoy - no where do you find that outside the military of the United States of America. Retiring here in Bay County Florida - home of Tyndall AFB - I must say that the high percentage of active and retirees who live here certainly takes the sting out of not being in uniform anymore.
WHAT ACHIEVEMENT(S) ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF FROM YOUR MILITARY CAREER?
I guess the most memorable achievement would be that I was able to have a career in the finest military the world has ever known. I received many awards and medals over the years I guess - can't say for sure if I earned them or not - in most
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| Best Job in the World - Bar None |
cases I would say that the fine folks I worked with just made me look good and covered my rear end. While all of us like to have our feathers stroked now and again - to be recognized for our efforts, I can honestly say that most of us were too busy to think about reward and, when they came, we were honestly surprised. The one achievement, if I must pick one, was making "Chief". When I went in in '65, I told myself - promised - that I would make "Chief" before I turned 20-years in. Well, I not only made it once, but twice (without getting "busted" once), but that's a story for another day). In any case, "Chief" is - to me - the finest job in the world, shiny eagles and stars notwithstanding, no other rank can help our young airman and the mission more effectively that a "Chief" unafraid of censure for doing the right thing.
OF ALL THE MEDALS, AWARDS, FORMAL PRESENTATIONS AND QUALIFICATION BADGES YOU RECEIVED, OR ANY OTHER MEMORABILIA, PLEASE DESCRIBE THOSE WHICH ARE THE MOST MEANINGFUL TO YOU AND WHY?
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| Three that followed |
Not discounting all of the 'things' hanging on my "I love me" wall - which I would trade none of, mind you - the thing that brings back the fondest memory would be situations such as a young Major shaking my hand at my retirement ceremony, showing me a shiny new set of Lt. Colonel rank insignia and thanking me for the efforts in his behalf for being promoted. Or an airman taking the time to say Thanks for being a good example, or any number of things over the course of a career that let you know you've done the right thing no matter. That all of my younger brothers (3) followed in my footsteps and made the Air Force a career as well based on the examples I set (or the fun they felt I was having) was a highlight that I am very proud of.
WHICH INDIVIDUAL(S) FROM YOUR TIME IN THE MILITARY STAND OUT AS HAVING THE MOST POSITIVE IMPACT ON YOU AND WHY?
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| General Fogleman, a great example of what it's all about |
Folks that had a positive impact on me during my career? There is not enough space or paper to rightfully recognize all who had an impact on me throughout my career, but a few excelled in getting my attention. . . CMSgt Bernie Himsl, Hawaii, Program Manager extraordinaire; Colonel Shelby Sullivan, Comm expert & special ops (JCSE, etc.) guru; General Ron Fogleman, leader of men, noteworthy example of no matter your rank, people count. That's but three that come to mind, but over my career, I've crossed path with so many great people - nowhere but in the military do such people exist and miss it I do indeed.
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?
While stationed at Clark Air Base, PI., a good friend, Chuck Willis, and I heard that tuna were running offshore at San Fernando, La Union which was the other end of the island. We took off on our days off to see about catching some. Rented a banka (sp) boat
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| . . . . glub, glub . . . wait fer me! |
and off we went. At one point, it being hotter than Hades, I jumped out of the boat to cool off a bit in the South China Sea. Long story short, my buddy decided it would be hilarious were the driver to throttle up just enough to stay a few feet ahead of me as I tried to return to the boat. Well, I guess as he noted my growing struggle was probably not an act (and I informed him that I was watching my life in review) and eventually stopped and pulled my near lifeless body back aboard. I was so tired I could not carry out the evil things I had promised to inflict upon him. Now, years later, it is but a shallow chuckle. I get my tuna out of a can now!
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?
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| Always Mountains to Climb |
After my retirement, I held several jobs. I've been a retail manager with AAFES at Tyndall AFB, a technician with Hughes-Raytheon on the F-15 simulators at Tyndall as well, I was Bay County Florida's Utilities first Instrumentation & Control Technician/Supervisor, and I was honored by being elected City Commissioner for Springfield, Florida. Now, as a widowed, single parent, I am active in in my son's Boy Scout Troop 366, etc. Somewhere in that job review is "retired", but I have not noticed that yet.
WHAT MILITARY ASSOCIATIONS ARE YOU A MEMBER OF, IF ANY? WHAT SPECIFIC BENEFITS DO YOU DERIVE FROM YOUR MEMBERSHIPS?
I am currently a member of American Legion (Paul Airey) Post 392 here in Panama City, Fl. One of the fastest growing posts in Florida, aside from the camaraderie and such, my membership helps support those who do so much for our vets. Besides just being a great bunch of folks and a post that puts out great food - "Monster" burgers and such - they are always involved in something to do with helping our local Vets in need. Not your "set around the bar telling war stories" kind of Post!
IN WHAT WAYS HAS SERVING IN THE MILITARY INFLUENCED THE WAY YOU HAVE APPROACHED YOUR LIFE AND YOUR CAREER?
Aside from growing up in West Virginia and being mentored by a lot of dedicated WWII vets (family and friends) who taught me my basic attitudes for success and a good life, the Air Force further instilled in me the ethics of living life to do the "right thing" no matter the cost. As in all things I do, I do so with enthusiasm, drive and a "Can Do" attitude - failure to accomplish your objective is not an option. It is this quality that I teach my children as well (tough in the environment our kids live in now days).
BASED ON YOUR OWN EXPERIENCES, WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO THOSE WHO HAVE RECENTLY JOINED THE AIR FORCE?
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| I'd Do It All Again - My Way. |
In a growingly tougher world, I can truly say "Be true to yourself" and uphold that which you know to be right, and never allow yourself to give into peer or public pressure simply as the easier path just to avoid confrontation. Stay the course to smile in the mirror at the end of the day, knowing that you've done the right things no matter the opinion of others.
IN WHAT WAYS HAS TOGETHERWESERVED.COM HELPED YOU REMEMBER YOUR MILITARY SERVICE AND THE FRIENDS YOU SERVED WITH.
Together We Served is a gate to the past - a memory flood gate if you will. As I open the web site, memories of days gone by come flooding back as if but yesterday. TWS gathers, collectively by picture and wording, all of that which is reminiscent of our youth and such in one spot making it difficult not to wonder down the hallways of yesterday. Organized and efficient, where else could I have rambled on as I have without someone calling the cops! Thanks TWS - as Bob Hope would say - for the memories.
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TWS VOICES
TWS Voices are the personal stories of men and women who served in the US Military and convey how serving their Country has made a positive impact on their lives. If you would like to participate in a future edition of Voices, or know someone who might be interested, please contact TWS Voices HERE.
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For current and former serving Members of the United States Air Force, Army Air Corps, Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard TogetherWeServed is a unique, feature-rich resource helping Airmen reconnect with lost Wingmen, share memories and tell their Air Force story.
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