Winter, Thomas E., CMSgt

PLEASE DESCRIBE WHO OR WHAT INFLUENCED YOUR DECISION TO JOIN THE AIR FORCE.
I joined the Air Force in 1953 because if I hadn't done so when I did, I would have been drafted into the Army. Shortly after I joined the Air Force, I received a draft notice on which I noted my Air Force commitment and returned it to the sender.

WHETHER YOU WERE IN THE SERVICE FOR SEVERAL YEARS OR AS A CAREER, PLEASE DESCRIBE THE DIRECTION OR PATH YOU TOOK. WHERE DID YOU GO TO BASIC TRAINING AND WHAT UNITS, BASES, OR SQUADRONS WERE YOU ASSIGNED TO? WHAT WAS YOUR REASON FOR LEAVING?
After a series of tests, I was selected to train in communications-electronics maintenance at Scott AFB, Illinois. I became a Radio Relay Equipment Repairman, staying in Comm Maintenance throughout my 30 year career. I went from Repairman to Technician, then to Superintendent, then onto Communications-Electronics Systems Manager.

IF YOU PARTICIPATED IN ANY MILITARY OPERATIONS, INCLUDING COMBAT, HUMANITARIAN AND PEACEKEEPING OPERATIONS, PLEASE DESCRIBE THOSE WHICH MADE A LASTING IMPACT ON YOU AND, IF LIFE-CHANGING, IN WHAT WAY?
I did so indirectly while serving with the 1974th Comm Gp in Thailand. I managed a new communications system until it became fully operational, providing a communications net work for people who were directly involved in combat operations.

I also participated in the 1965 Dominican Republic experience. My duties were Radio Relay Equipment Maintenance Supervisor.

I traveled daily in a jeep from San Isidro Air Base to points around Santo Domingo where radio relay equipment was positioned. During these trips, I was required to carry a rifle and 300 rounds of ammunition.

If that wasn't combat, it sure seemed like it.

FROM YOUR ENTIRE MILITARY SERVICE, DESCRIBE ANY MEMORIES YOU STILL REFLECT BACK ON TO THIS DAY.
When I was Chief of Maintenance, 2160th Comm Sq, my Maintenance Team won two European Comm Area Maintenance Effectiveness Awards and one Air Force Communications Command Maintenance Effectiveness Award in three years. It was a fine way to end my 30 year Air Force career.

OF ALL THE MEDALS, AWARDS, FORMAL PRESENTATIONS AND QUALIFICATION BADGES YOU RECEIVED, OR OTHER MEMORABILIA, WHICH ONE IS THE MOST MEANINGFUL TO YOU AND WHY?
The Bronze Star Medal for meritorious service with the 1974th Comm Gp. I toiled long and hard with no publicity in support of a vital Air Force mission for which the pilots and air crews rightly earned the medals for valor and with them all the publicity. Receiving a unique combat decoration meant a lot to me then and still does now.

The Meritorious Service Medal for meritorious service with the 2160th Comm Sq, my last assignment with the Air Force. It was a memorable way to finish a career.

WHICH INDIVIDUAL(S) FROM YOUR TIME IN THE MILITARY STAND OUT AS HAVING THE MOST POSITIVE IMPACT ON YOU AND WHY?
CMSgt Walter Hulden, 1969th Comm Sq Maintenance Superintendent, was my mentor. I was an ordinary TSgt until he steered me towards increased commitment and responsibility. He single-handedly got me promoted to MSgt and got me my first Air Force Commendation Medal. It wasn't easy then to receive decorations. I remember many outstanding NCOs never receiving one decoration during their entire careers. Chief Hulden motivated me, changing my career attitude, which put me on a path to further unexpected promotion.

CAN YOU RECOUNT A PARTICULAR INCIDENT FROM YOUR SERVICE, WHICH MAY OR MAY NOT HAVE BEEN FUNNY AT THE TIME, BUT STILL MAKES YOU LAUGH?
There was one story that got around; however, it's not printable. So I'll leave it at that.

WHAT PROFESSION DID YOU FOLLOW AFTER YOUR MILITARY SERVICE AND WHAT ARE YOU DOING NOW? IF YOU ARE CURRENTLY SERVING, WHAT IS YOUR PRESENT OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTY?
When I retired from the Air Force after 30 years, I was 48 years old, and I never worked for salary again. I didn't have to since I retired in the United Kingdom. My wife and I travel a lot throughout Europe and parts of the USA. We bought our home and paid for it before I retired from the Air Force, and it takes a lot of our time managing its up keep.

We have always owned dogs (English Springer Spaniels), and we spend a lot of our time walking and exercising them.

WHAT MILITARY ASSOCIATIONS ARE YOU A MEMBER OF, IF ANY? WHAT SPECIFIC BENEFITS DO YOU DERIVE FROM YOUR MEMBERSHIPS?
The American Legion, Veteran of Foreign Wars, Air Force Sergeants Association, National Association for Uniformed Services, Air Force Communicators & Air Traffic Controllers Association, and the Air Force Association.

The main benefits derived are support in getting congressional action supporting military active and retirement programs.

Keeping up with what is going on in the Air Force today. Pride in having served. Watching and learning how the active duty folks are doing their Air Force jobs and coping with life.

IN WHAT WAYS HAS SERVING IN THE MILITARY INFLUENCED THE WAY YOU HAVE APPROACHED YOUR LIFE AND YOUR CAREER? WHAT DO YOU MISS MOST ABOUT YOUR TIME IN THE SERVICE?
The discipline associated with military life has remained with me and influenced the way I brought up children and nurtured grand children.

It has also influenced me how I take care of my self, allowing me to stay in good physical condition (with the help of our many dogs).

It has also influenced me in how I manage my life in moderate terms. The Air Force leadership and management experiences dictate how I now deal with my association with other people.

BASED ON YOUR OWN EXPERIENCES, WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO THOSE WHO HAVE RECENTLY JOINED THE AIR FORCE?
Work hard at your job, taking all the courses necessary to perfect your skills. Off duty education at the college/university level is important to widen your knowledge of your surroundings, but major in courses that will enhance your Air Force career. Lead by example. Take care of those who work for you. If you take care of them, they will work hard and successful for you. Be proud of your Air Force service to your country.

IN WHAT WAYS HAS TOGETHERWESERVED.COM HELPED YOU REMEMBER YOUR MILITARY SERVICE AND THE FRIENDS YOU SERVED WITH.
I've only scratched the surface because it is difficult for me to make contact with people of my age who served during the years that I served. But I have made new friends, and most of my wingmen are new friends. Togetherweserved has certainly helped me maintain a bond with the Air Force.

One thing that strikes me is the large number of medals and ribbons that Air Force members now wear. It seems to me that having so many medals or ribbons with questionable value devalues hard earned decorations and campaign medals or ribbons. It's apparent to me that there is a large collection of seemingly meaningless medals and ribbons, which in many cases duplicate already available awards.




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