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 Charlie Womack, Don Roden, Joe Romero, Mel Brabham, Tom Whiting, Ruben Gurerro, Mike Brown, Steve Keller, Sam Judd, Harry Baker, Leonard Nelson. Jimmy Carter - NO NOT THAT ONE.
Best Moment Graduating both the SAC NCO Academy and the Senior NCO Academy.
Worst Moment Losing the aircraft (RC-135S 61-2664) I signed for in Texas in 1972 in a winter storm landing at our forward operating base, Shemya AFB, Ak on March 15, 1981, and six damned fine Officers and NCO's in the accident.
Other Memories Flight Chief Recon Branch (RC-135S,T,U,V,W). Flight Chief KC-135A Recovery. Shop Chief Repair and Reclamation.
TDY's to Hickam, Lajes, Fairchild, Castle, Shemya, and Beale AFB's.
Retirement 31 August 1983, and the shoot down of KAL-007 off the Russian coast September 1, 1983. Read the book "The Target Is Destroyed" and you'll know who the Russians thought they were shooting down.
