Just finished writing my Memoir of my service years, and a major undertaking of doing a re-write of the family military history (1770's to 1983. Being the last member of my family to serve, probably puts me at the pinacle. Hopefully the kids who are just now growing old enough to understand willspend the time to read both and accept the challenge of returning the favor of securing our freedom for their grandkids.
Other Comments:
I served as an Aircraft Maintenance Ground Crewman, Assistant Crew Chief, Crew Chief and Aircraft Maintenance Superintendant. Crew Chief Duties were on B-52H, KC-EC-RC-WC-135, C-141A and Enroute Maintenance Team Chief for all MAC - boy that's OLD - aircraft, including Commercials, transiting through Andersen AFB, Guam 1968 thru 1969. My last assignment was Night Shift NCOIC Production and Mobility for the Field Maintenance Branch, 6th CAMSq, 6th Strategic Recon. Wing, Eielson AFB, AK.
After my retirement I went to work for the State of Alaska as a Correctional Officer/Prisoner Transport Officer for another fifteen years. Received my Commission from the Alaska State Troopers in 1985 and retired it in 1997. Retired from the DOC in 1998.
Drove School Bus for a year, and then went into Private Security. Worked two years under the Federal Protective Service as a Security Officer/Sergeant at the U. S. Federal Building in Fairbanks, AK. Retired due to health.
Moved back to Michigan in 2004 to pursue my dream of completion of a degree in drafting. When it's over I'm going back to Alaska and ship my two sons to Florida. LMAO.
Just a note: Crew Chiefs went by numerous nicknames while I was in that line of work. Some readily identifiable examples were "Ramp Apes", "Screw Chiefs", "AGE Monitors", "Gorilla," and so on. Along about 1980 something, I first heard the term "Crew Dawg" used by an Aircraft Commander. When asked what that really meant, he replied "Dedicated, Able, Worthy, Guardian!" I agreed. The "DAWG" is the man or woman who has an awesome responsibility.
Best Friends Julius Warbiany, James Wright, Sam Taylor, James Tate, James Thomas.
Best Moment Leaving "The Goose".
Other Memories Assigned to 95th CAMSq., Tanker Branch.
Working on RB-47, assigned C-97, U-1A and HU-16B as well as the KC-135A REFLEX birds when they arrived for their Alert tours.
A Family Friend Comes To Visit:
RCAF Flight Officer George, "Cap'n Bill", Kelly arrived on station one fine Canadian summer day in 1966.
I was informed by the Squadron Commander that I'd been invited to dinner by FO Kelly of the RCAF, at the Officers Club, and that I was to accept and atend.
Well, being a young A2C, I already knew the rules about fraterinization with Officers by Enlisted men and was very hesitant. Again, I was told to accept the offer.
So, I dressed in Blues and went and had a wonderful dinner with a fine group of RCAF Officers, drinks after, and went back to my room at the leave of FO Kelly.
What I didn't know was that the Base Commander and his wife were at the next table. I'd never met the gentelman?.
The next day I was summoned to his office for an "INTERVIEW". I was verbally 'interviewed' by him for about ten minutes and then informed that my career was in deep jeapordy, and that promotions were upcoming. Mine began to look most unlikely.
It happened that I had made friends with a Sgt. Major on the Canadian side of the base over the winter and informed him over coffee of what I'd been through.
He spoke with the Canadian Base Commander, who in turn had a conversation with my Base Commander, and I received an immediate relief from the threats because of something about being 'a guest of the Canadian Government'.
