Bechtel, Ronald, A1C

PLEASE DESCRIBE WHO OR WHAT INFLUENCED YOUR DECISION TO JOIN THE AIR FORCE.
Long history of family in the military. In 2010 nephew discharged honorably and a couple of tours in Iraq. 60% disability. Middle brother served in USAF in 1964 through 1970 including a tour in Vietnam. An uncle fought in Korea as well as a couple tours in Vietnam and a career Marine. Father was USN from 1939 to 1959 and was involved in WWII and Korea. I had a great grandfather (John Frederick Hoffmann) fighting for the Union while another grandfather (Allen John Goodson) fought for the Confederate forces. John's daughter, Mary Hoffman(n), married Jame's son, James Alston Goodson. There are dozens of other family members including Samuel Leidy 1757 - 1845 in America's bid for freedom in the new country.

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 boot camp I was sent to Amarillo for training as an Inventory Management Specialist. From there My first duty assignment was at March AFB in Riverside, California in the 22nd SUPRON, Hq 15th AF. (As best I can recall after 50 years) In 1963 I was selected for a program called "Short Spurt" and served in the 7101st Material Command. I was assisting the reestablishment of the Supply system after they lost a building to a fire. In January 1964 back at March Field our task was the change over from the B-47s to the B-52s. In June 1964 I was reassigned to Egland AFB in Fort Walton, Florida. My primary duty was the delivery (and ordering) of parts for the B-52s. I was on a 24 ON/48 OFF schedule. In August 1965 I received my Honorable Discharge and returned to California and spent two years in the Reserves.

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?
No. I served in the Cold War era and as I was preparing for my discharge, the US became more involved in Vietnam.

FROM YOUR ENTIRE MILITARY SERVICE, DESCRIBE ANY MEMORIES YOU STILL REFLECT BACK ON TO THIS DAY.
In 1963 while at Weisbaden Air Base my CO was a Captain Ferguson. He presented me a lesson on achievement: "Observe the lowly turtle, he progresses only when sticking out his head." After my discharge I earned an AA in general ed, a BA in Social Sciences (Geography) graduated with Distinction, a Masters in Education Administration, a Teaching Credential in both California and Washington as well as Administrative certificated from Washington. Additionally, I earned a doctorate from Pepperdine University in Malibu, California.

WHAT PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENTS ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF FROM YOUR MILITARY CAREER?
No. Just those of Good Conduct, National Defense and Over Seas Tour.

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?
National Defense. Although I was not involved in combat, I served honorably for my country.

WHICH INDIVIDUAL(S) FROM YOUR TIME IN THE MILITARY STAND OUT AS HAVING THE MOST POSITIVE IMPACT ON YOU AND WHY?
Staff Sergeant Small. He was my immediate supervisor while at March Field. He was tough in his teaching but gave me a good boost in my AF experiences.

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?
Although not funny I still remember my tour in Germany. I flew commercial from Riverside to Los Angeles, New York then England. Sitting in a seat in front of me was Tommy Heinson of the Boston Celtics. In departing Europe I again flew commercial and I was in "coach" and Vincent Price boarded the plane in England and of course was in "First Class.".

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?
Currently retired. I spent over 34 years in education with my last six years serving on the faculty of the Special Education Department of the School of Education at San Diego State University. I taught for several years, served as a school principal for over 19 years, was an Adjunct Professor at Chapman University at Whibdey Island Naval Air Station, Washington. I also served as a Supervisor in the General Education Department at Montana State University, Missoula.

WHAT MILITARY ASSOCIATIONS ARE YOU A MEMBER OF, IF ANY? WHAT SPECIFIC BENEFITS DO YOU DERIVE FROM YOUR MEMBERSHIPS?
Not currently involved with any.

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?
Hurry up and wait. I learned to be early. My closet is straight and shoes shined. If I'm not sure of something I don't hesitate to question.

BASED ON YOUR OWN EXPERIENCES, WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO THOSE WHO HAVE RECENTLY JOINED THE AIR FORCE?
Follow directions, be detailed orientated, don't turn down an opportunity and be respectful to those you pass on your way up. You may meet them again...on your way down!

IN WHAT WAYS HAS TOGETHERWESERVED.COM HELPED YOU REMEMBER YOUR MILITARY SERVICE AND THE FRIENDS YOU SERVED WITH.

TWS and The USAF

Not yet.

*J*