Currently totally retired. Prior to that I was the Eglin AFB, FL Government Special Security Officer (GSSO).
Other Comments:
After I retired from the USAF, I worked for the Dept of Energy Strategic Petroleum Reserve in New Orleans. Then onto General Motors, Detroit. Left Michigan for the sunshine of Florida. I was employed at Eglin AFB for the next 16 years and enjoy each day. Lots of former co workers here and the USAF's finest, Air Force Cops, working, living and retired in this area. Always time for a good story or two. :>)
I had the opportunity to fly on the Columbine III, former Pres Eisenhower's 121 from Andrews AFB, MD to Tinker AFB, OK in 1962. Lots of brass on the plane but I was the only enlisted troop (one stripe) on the plane and was fed a steak and trimmings. I thought the AF was a great way to go.
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VC-121 Colombine III Details
Aircraft/Missile Information
The aircraft on display, the only VC-121E built, was President Dwight Eisenhower?s personal airplane between 1954 and 1961. Mrs. Eisenhower christened it Columbine III in honor of the official flower of Colorado, her adopted home state, in ceremonies on Nov. 24, 1954. Columbine III served as the presidential aircraft until President Eisenhower left office in January 1961. It remained in service transporting government officials and visiting foreign dignitaries throughout the world until it was retired to the museum in 1966.
SPECIFICATIONS: Span: 123 ft. Length: 116 ft. 2 in. Height: 24 ft. 9 in. Weight: 133,000 lbs. maximum Armament: None Engines: Four Wright R-3350s of 3,400 hp each Cost: $2,647,000 Serial number: 53-7885
PERFORMANCE: Maximum speed: 330 mph Cruising speed: 255 mph Range: 4,000 miles Service ceiling: 33,600 ft.
