Best Moment I really enjoyed the thought I was selected the SAC representative to rewrite the master sergeant promotion test. The orders stated: To attend Subject Matter Specialist on SKT Development Team #189-81, AFSC 20670. This was at Randolph AFB, TX. I enjoyed this assignment immensely and learned I expected to much from people, my math questions were to difficult so they removed all the ones I wrote.
Worst Moment At the weekly Staff Meeting I asked the colonels why my performance report was NOT ENDORSED BY THE General? One smart ass Colonel answered with,"He doesn't want to degrade his signature by signing your APR!" I blew up and told him where to go in very explicit four letter F words realizing my Air Force was now over. This occurred Friday evening. So I contacted my good friend at CBPO and called in a favor he owed me. He initiated retirement orders effective 0800 hours the following Monday Morning. I knew the Squadron would initiate Office Hours on me first thing Monday morning. Can you imagine Officer Hours on a Master Sergeant! So early Monday morning everyone filed into the Commanders Office and I DELAYED UNTIL 0810 AND ENTERED using the correct USMC protocol. I had spent until 0300 getting my uniform with ribbons and spit shined shoes preparing for this event. After they read me the Riot Act and said all those lies of what they were going to destroy my 21 year career I just remained silent standing at parade rest. When my turn to speak I simple handed everyone a retirement order I had inside my shirt and said, "Gentlemen, I retired at 0800 hours this morning and I am going home. Thank You." I wasn't planning on retiring just yet but there are times when you know the time is right to retire from the military service.
Chain of Command Headquarters 3902 Air Base Wing (SAC) 544 Imagery Exploitation Squadron (SAC)
Other Memories Even though I qualified for my Associate Degree from Georgia Military Technical College back in November 1977 they waited until 1 Dec 1982 to present it to me. One Lt Col who suddenly retired came up to me and said, "John, we always thought you were a liability but obviously DIA believes you are an asset to the Air Force. Is there anything I can do for you now, like putting you in for that DSIATP school you always wanted?" I told him it was a little to late in my career for that now. I can mentioned many more negative things that occurred to me especially after making Master Sergeant but it would not enhance the SAC that General LeMay created. I persevered and retired a Master Sergeant. I am proud of my career sprinkled with honor and integrity and knowing I did the very best I could for the United States Air Force even under adverse conditions.
