Previously Held AFSC/MOS 10-Basic Airman
81150-Security Specialist
81150A-Security Specialist
AAF MOS 188-Duty Soldier II
AAF MOS 677-Military Policeman
AAF MOS 542-Communications Chief
81170A-Security Supervisor
Best Friends Personally all members of BMTS Flight were great friends. But two stick out in my mind. Just wish I could remember their first names. The first was Smitty. As you can guess his last name was Smith. I am pretty sure he was from New York. Then there was Mac. Last name was McKee. And he was from Mississippi.
Best Moment Most probably feel graduation was our best moment. And I definitely agree. But I would say our best moment was our final PT testing and qualification. We wanted to finish together more than anything else. We did not want anyone being set back. The fact that we had inherited two trainees who had been set back midway through their training, created a strong incentive in all of us. So when we had our final PT testing and run, all of us vowed no one was going to fail. Those of us who finished our final run early, we watched the others running. We encouraged them to run and even took to pacing the "stragglers". When it was all done we completed our final together, with no failures. That to me was our shining moment.
Worst Moment My personal worst moment occured over the Fourth of July weekend. We had base liberty that day. I woke up feeling bad and sick. So I stayed in the barracks. I tried sleeping and had trouble doing that. I started feeling worse as the day progressed. I ended up breaking down and I guess a bit out of it. I was told I kept calling for Smitty. They said they found him and he made it back before I was taken to medical. Gotta love a true friend and the rest of my Flight. I was diagnosed with pneumonia. I was admitted to a ward in one of the newer barracks. (Yes! Our BMTS Flight was housed in the wooden WWII barracks.) They continued to monitor my vitals. I asked when I could return and was told once my temperature became stable. It was fluctuating badly for 3 days. I was scared that I would end up being set back, due to missed training. I ended up staying in medical for a total of 5 days. Being released on the 6th day. As I said, this occurred over the Fourth of July. It proved to be my saving grace. Because of the holiday and weekend I only missed one training day. But it was a scary moment for me.
Instructors TSgt Johnston was our Team Instructor. I want to say our Team Leader was AIC Armstrong. Both were very competent leaders for the Flight. TSgt Johnston was the rough and gruff instructor you saw in the movies. Heel taps and all. AIC Armstrong appeared to be the quiet type with his appearance. But looks were deceiving. He knew when to come down on us. They both insured we did not slack in what we had to do, to complete BMTS.
Other Memories Overall, we had a great Flight. No matter what happened or got in the way, we all pulled together to overcome. When I was in Medical, TSgt Johnston made it a point to visit and check on me. Not just to bring mail but to give me that kick in the butt I needed to get out of there. It truly showed me the true meaning of comraderie and brotherhood in the military. Something I have never forgotten