Best Friends
Tito Garcia - loved the hell out of bowling; made MSgt at Robins & took my place when I retired. Ron Pitt - Pitter (that was his nickname) was heavy into the stock market and checked the Wall St Journal & the business channels daily. Made TSgt at Robins & was well on his way to going higher in minimum time. Pitter was a HUGH Tenn Vols and Minnesota Vikings fan. Tito Garcia and I knew it would be a bad Mon & Tue IF either the Vols or Vikings lost over the weekend. Both men were awesome. Wish them well.
Best Moment
Nominated for scheduling position at the White House - scheduling the Presidential Fleet. Three of us were nominated Air Force wide but all three of us were not selected. I had about 20 months to go before retirement and I didn't want to move anymore, one turned down the offer (same reason as me - close to retirement) and the third didn't get past the initial interview. It was still an honor to be nominated.
Chain of Command
AFLC
Other Memories
I was originally suppose to go to Edwards Flight Test Center when I left Kadena but, again, had my assignment changed to Robins AFB. I really, really wanted that flight test assignment so by the time my family and me got to Robins, I was not, repeat, was not a happy camper. Had to attend the SNCO Academy for the second time. First time was by correspondence when I was in the Air Guard. They said that didn't count. I did what I had to do to graduate; wasn't big on the classroom stuff. All I wanted to do was run the Flight Records Branch. I had done a lot, seen a lot and I just wanted to retire - I had enough. . Retired from the Air Force.
Criteria The Meritorious Service Medal may be awarded to members of the Armed Forces who distinguish themselves by outstanding noncombat achievement or by meritorious service to the United States, but not of a... The Meritorious Service Medal may be awarded to members of the Armed Forces who distinguish themselves by outstanding noncombat achievement or by meritorious service to the United States, but not of a degree that would warrant the award of the Legion of Merit. MoreHide
Comments
Awarded for meritorious service at Robins AFB, Ga
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
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
Criteria
The NCO Professional Military Education Graduate Ribbon is awarded for successful completion of all levels of resident professional military education.
Criteria The Meritorious Service Medal may be awarded to members of the Armed Forces who distinguish themselves by outstanding noncombat achievement or by meritorious service to the United States, but not of a... The Meritorious Service Medal may be awarded to members of the Armed Forces who distinguish themselves by outstanding noncombat achievement or by meritorious service to the United States, but not of a degree that would warrant the award of the Legion of Merit. MoreHide
Other Memories
Did the scheduling of the F-15 Incentive flights - never got around to scheduling a flight for myself. I really regret not taking advantage of the beauty of Okinawa and seeing and partaking of the culture of Okinawa and its people with my family - just didn't do enough. My son and I are planning on returning to Okinawa, hopefully soon,
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
Criteria
The Air Force Overseas Long Tour Service Ribbon is issued for completion of a standard overseas service assignment of two years or more in length
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
Criteria
The NCO Professional Military Education Graduate Ribbon is awarded for successful completion of all levels of resident professional military education.
Best Moment
Worked for the best boss ever in the Air Force - LtCol Alex Napier. He was one super individual. Love those Friday afternoon "training sessions."
Other Memories
I could never figure out how they scheduled SAV's. We always went to the northern tier bases in the winter (Loring, KI Sawyer, etc) and southern bases in the spring & summer. Thank God the planes had heaters.
Criteria The Meritorious Service Medal may be awarded to members of the Armed Forces who distinguish themselves by outstanding noncombat achievement or by meritorious service to the United States, but not of a... The Meritorious Service Medal may be awarded to members of the Armed Forces who distinguish themselves by outstanding noncombat achievement or by meritorious service to the United States, but not of a degree that would warrant the award of the Legion of Merit. MoreHide
Criteria The National Defense Service Medal is awarded for honorable active service as a member of the Armed Forces during the Korean War, Vietnam War, the war against Iraq in the Persian Gulf, and for service... The National Defense Service Medal is awarded for honorable active service as a member of the Armed Forces during the Korean War, Vietnam War, the war against Iraq in the Persian Gulf, and for service during the current War on Terrorism. In addition, all members of the National Guard and Reserve who were part of the Selected Reserve in good standing between August 2, 1990, to November 30, 1995, are eligible for the National Defense Service Medal. In the case of Navy personnel, Midshipment attending the Naval Academy during the qualifying periods are eligible for this award, and Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps (NROTC) Midshipmen ae only eligible if they participated in a summer cruise that was in an area which qualified for a campaign medal. MoreHide
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
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
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
Other Memories
I went to work for the Air Guard full time after I got out of the Air Force in Dec 67. In addition, you had to join the Guard and do the "weekend warrior" thing plus the two weeks each summer. Back in the late 60's a lot of people didn't care too much for returning Vietnam Vets and that pretty much was the same feeling in this Air Guard unit. With the guardsmen, they joined to beat the draft, some had school deferments; chances are they would not have gone to SEA anyway. The unit maintained a very low profile. I returned to active duty with the Air Force in July 81 and never looked back. Did not regret that move one bit. I retired from the U.S. Air Force Sep 1997.
Criteria The Armed Forces Reserve Medal is awarded to United States Armed Forces Reserve component members (or former members) who complete (or have completed) a total of ten years service. This service need n... The Armed Forces Reserve Medal is awarded to United States Armed Forces Reserve component members (or former members) who complete (or have completed) a total of ten years service. This service need not be consecutive, if it was performed within a period of twelve consecutive years. For the purpose of this award service as a member of a Reserve component MoreHide
Criteria The Air Reserve Forces Meritorious Service Medal is awarded for exemplary behavior, efficiency, and fidelity during a three year period while serving in an enlisted status in the Air Reserve Forces. ... The Air Reserve Forces Meritorious Service Medal is awarded for exemplary behavior, efficiency, and fidelity during a three year period while serving in an enlisted status in the Air Reserve Forces. MoreHide
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
Criteria The Air Reserve Forces Meritorious Service Medal is awarded for exemplary behavior, efficiency, and fidelity during a three year period while serving in an enlisted status in the Air Reserve Forces. ... The Air Reserve Forces Meritorious Service Medal is awarded for exemplary behavior, efficiency, and fidelity during a three year period while serving in an enlisted status in the Air Reserve Forces. MoreHide
Criteria The Air Reserve Forces Meritorious Service Medal is awarded for exemplary behavior, efficiency, and fidelity during a three year period while serving in an enlisted status in the Air Reserve Forces. ... The Air Reserve Forces Meritorious Service Medal is awarded for exemplary behavior, efficiency, and fidelity during a three year period while serving in an enlisted status in the Air Reserve Forces. MoreHide
Best Friends
Stick Armstrong, Moon Mullins, Don Welch, Pat McCafferty, Dave Shigley, Robert "Bob" Thomas, Ray Payne, Mike Price, Charlie Phippin, Doug Campbell
Best Moment
Getting on the "Freedom Bird" and heading home.
Worst Moment
When Tide 86 was shot down - whole crew lost. Fred Sebers getting killed Nov 67.
Other Memories
We were actually stationed at Det #1 at Nha Trang AB, RVN. Outside the cities the country was beautiful; the people just wanted to be left alone. Damn shame the war messed the country up.
Criteria The Distinguished Flying Cross may be awarded to military members who, while serving in any capacity with the Armed Forces, distinguish themselves by heroism or outstanding achievement while participa... The Distinguished Flying Cross may be awarded to military members who, while serving in any capacity with the Armed Forces, distinguish themselves by heroism or outstanding achievement while participating in aerial flight. MoreHide
Criteria The Air Medal may be awarded to individuals who, while serving in any capacity with the Armed Forces, distinguish themselves by heroism, outstanding achievement, or by meritorious service while partic... The Air Medal may be awarded to individuals who, while serving in any capacity with the Armed Forces, distinguish themselves by heroism, outstanding achievement, or by meritorious service while participating in aerial flight, but not of a degree that would justify an award of the Distinguished Flying Cross. MoreHide
Criteria The Air Medal may be awarded to individuals who, while serving in any capacity with the Armed Forces, distinguish themselves by heroism, outstanding achievement, or by meritorious service while partic... The Air Medal may be awarded to individuals who, while serving in any capacity with the Armed Forces, distinguish themselves by heroism, outstanding achievement, or by meritorious service while participating in aerial flight, but not of a degree that would justify an award of the Distinguished Flying Cross. MoreHide
Criteria The Air Medal may be awarded to individuals who, while serving in any capacity with the Armed Forces, distinguish themselves by heroism, outstanding achievement, or by meritorious service while partic... The Air Medal may be awarded to individuals who, while serving in any capacity with the Armed Forces, distinguish themselves by heroism, outstanding achievement, or by meritorious service while participating in aerial flight, but not of a degree that would justify an award of the Distinguished Flying Cross. MoreHide
Criteria The Air Medal may be awarded to individuals who, while serving in any capacity with the Armed Forces, distinguish themselves by heroism, outstanding achievement, or by meritorious service while partic... The Air Medal may be awarded to individuals who, while serving in any capacity with the Armed Forces, distinguish themselves by heroism, outstanding achievement, or by meritorious service while participating in aerial flight, but not of a degree that would justify an award of the Distinguished Flying Cross. MoreHide
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
Criteria The Vietnam Service Medal was awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who served at any time between July 4, 1965, and March 28, 1973, in Vietnam or its contiguous waters or airspa... The Vietnam Service Medal was awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who served at any time between July 4, 1965, and March 28, 1973, in Vietnam or its contiguous waters or airspace; or, for any period of service during the same time period in Thailand, Laos, or Cambodia or the air spaces thereover and in direct support of operations in Vietnam. MoreHide
Comments
For service in Vietnam from Aug 1966 to Aug 1967
Criteria The Vietnam Service Medal was awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who served at any time between July 4, 1965, and March 28, 1973, in Vietnam or its contiguous waters or airspa... The Vietnam Service Medal was awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who served at any time between July 4, 1965, and March 28, 1973, in Vietnam or its contiguous waters or airspace; or, for any period of service during the same time period in Thailand, Laos, or Cambodia or the air spaces thereover and in direct support of operations in Vietnam. MoreHide
Criteria The Republic of Vietnam Meritorious Unit Citation (Gallantry Cross Colors) was authorized to be worn by units individually cited for service in military operations in support of the government of Sout... The Republic of Vietnam Meritorious Unit Citation (Gallantry Cross Colors) was authorized to be worn by units individually cited for service in military operations in support of the government of South Vietnam. The actions cited are for the same services that would have resulted in the award of a Valorous Unit Citation by the Army or a Navy Unit Citation. MoreHide
Description
Received award for actions during my tour of duty.
Criteria This medal is awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who: 1. Served for 6 months in South Vietnam during the period 1 Mar 61 and 28 Mar 73; or 2. Served outside the geographical l... This medal is awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who: 1. Served for 6 months in South Vietnam during the period 1 Mar 61 and 28 Mar 73; or 2. Served outside the geographical limits of South Vietnam and contributed direct combat support to the RVN Armed Forces for an aggregate of six months. Only members of the Armed Forces of the United States who meet the criteria established for the AFEM (Vietnam) or Vietnam Service Medal during the period of service required are considered to have contributed direct combat support to the RVN Armed Forces; or 3. Did not complete the length of service required in item (1) or (2) above, but who, during wartime, were: a. Wounded by the enemy (in a military action); b. Captured by the enemy during action or in the line of duty, but later rescued or released; or c. Killed in action or in the line of duty; or 4. Were assigned in Vietnam on 28 Jan 73, and who served a minimum of 60 calendar days in Vietnam during the period 29 Jan 73 to 28 Mar 73. MoreHide
Criteria The Air Medal may be awarded to individuals who, while serving in any capacity with the Armed Forces, distinguish themselves by heroism, outstanding achievement, or by meritorious service while partic... The Air Medal may be awarded to individuals who, while serving in any capacity with the Armed Forces, distinguish themselves by heroism, outstanding achievement, or by meritorious service while participating in aerial flight, but not of a degree that would justify an award of the Distinguished Flying Cross. MoreHide
Criteria The National Defense Service Medal is awarded for honorable active service as a member of the Armed Forces during the Korean War, Vietnam War, the war against Iraq in the Persian Gulf, and for service... The National Defense Service Medal is awarded for honorable active service as a member of the Armed Forces during the Korean War, Vietnam War, the war against Iraq in the Persian Gulf, and for service during the current War on Terrorism. In addition, all members of the National Guard and Reserve who were part of the Selected Reserve in good standing between August 2, 1990, to November 30, 1995, are eligible for the National Defense Service Medal. In the case of Navy personnel, Midshipment attending the Naval Academy during the qualifying periods are eligible for this award, and Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps (NROTC) Midshipmen ae only eligible if they participated in a summer cruise that was in an area which qualified for a campaign medal. MoreHide
Criteria
The Air Force Overseas Long Tour Service Ribbon is issued for completion of a standard overseas service assignment of two years or more in length
Best Friends
My roomie Fitz - we gave "Old Grandad" hell-85 proof was okay, 100 proof could kick my ass. Next to Jim Gines he was my #2 roomie.
Best Moment
Bar hopping on Gate 2 and BC streets. Just could not stay out of the Far East. Even today, I have that desire to go back check these places out. I just plain love the Orient.
Worst Moment
We had a kid in our unit by the name of Purdy. He was about 18. He & I went drinking one night, got shit faced. Came out of a bar carrying beer bottles, MPs saw us and we took off. Didn't get caught but never went drinking with that clown again.
Other Memories
Flight Chief by name of Tom Smith (TK) He was a fair man - gave me good APR's. Kissed up when we worked days but that didn't bother me - that meant he stayed out of my hair. We all would start the swing shift; TK would soon depart usually after days went home and I would take over. I ran the mid shift; Smitty very rarely showed for the mids. That also went for when we worked weekends. You could count on one hand how many times TK Smith worked the weekends. Guess that's why we had a good flight.
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
Worst Moment
For me not clearing my TDY with my boss, I was sort of put on the "bad boy/attitude list" til I left.
Other Memories
Having been in PACAF for two years and a tactical fighter squadron, coming back to a stateside non-flying unit was a BIG come-down.. PACAF was almost like a separate Air Force back in the 60's and was a little easy on the 35-10 stuff so when I got to Tinker it was brutal. I had some fatigues that I had made over in Japan and I was told I had to buy new ones because they were not according to the regs. Just about all the airmen had tailor made fatigues (extra pockets on the sleeves, side-pockets (much like the forthcoming jungle fatigues), wing/unit patches etc). I was like a fish out of water. The BIG thing was Oklahoma had a 21 yr old drinking age - I was 20. THAT SUCKED! It was also a somewhat college town. Sure as hell no josans or akadama wine. That was/is the flatest area I have ever seen. My assignment was changed from Andrews AFB, DC to Tinker 2 weeks before I left Japan and I was not a happy camper. As soon as I got to Tinker I was volunteering to go TDY to France, I loved Tinker soooo much.
Criteria
The Air Force Overseas Long Tour Service Ribbon is issued for completion of a standard overseas service assignment of two years or more in length
Best Moment
They were all good moments; Loved the josans and the Akadama wine. Could not have asked for a better first assignment. Me & my roomie (Jimmisan Gines) took a 5 day leave down to Nagasaki, Japan by train. Awesome city (Hard to believe the place got nuked in WWII) Took in the sights of Nagasaki. The people were awesome as was their food. We really had a great time. We wore the 505's w/shorts and knee-high tan socks on the train ride down to Nagasaki. The Japanese especially the girls giggled and pointed the entire train ride down to Nagasaki. We wore regular clothes back.
Worst Moment
The only bad moment was when we had the Cuban Missile Crisis. All of PACAF went on alert and we just waited. As the deadline drew near, our pilots were sitting in the cockpits & ready to go. Me - thought I'd never see home again; I only had apx 60 days before I went back to the states. It sure as hell got hairy and damn glad the bad guys chickened out.
Other Memories
Japanese people were and are some of the nicest people I have ever met. Their country & culture was/ is really beautiful; just frickin awesome. Even today, it's hard to believe that 16 years after the end of the WWII, Japan and the USA were friendly. The average Japanese citizen was just like us - trying to get by. Best damn fighter squadron - 80th TFS "Headhunters"
Tito Garcia - loved the hell out of bowling; made MSgt at Robins & took my place when I retired. Ron Pitt - Pitter (that was his nickname) was heavy into the stock market and checked the Wall St Journal & the business channels daily. Made TSgt at Robins & was well on his way to going higher in minimum time. Pitter was a HUGH Tenn Vols and Minnesota Vikings fan. Tito Garcia and I knew it would be a bad Mon & Tue IF either the Vols or Vikings lost over the weekend. Both men were awesome. Wish them well.
Nominated for scheduling position at the White House - scheduling the Presidential Fleet. Three of us were nominated Air Force wide but all three of us were not selected. I had about 20 months to go before retirement and I didn't want to move anymore, one turned down the offer (same reason as me - close to retirement) and the third didn't get past the initial interview. It was still an honor to be nominated.
AFLC
I was originally suppose to go to Edwards Flight Test Center when I left Kadena but, again, had my assignment changed to Robins AFB. I really, really wanted that flight test assignment so by the time my family and me got to Robins, I was not, repeat, was not a happy camper. Had to attend the SNCO Academy for the second time. First time was by correspondence when I was in the Air Guard. They said that didn't count. I did what I had to do to graduate; wasn't big on the classroom stuff. All I wanted to do was run the Flight Records Branch. I had done a lot, seen a lot and I just wanted to retire - I had enough. . Retired from the Air Force.