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TWS Ribbon Bar |
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Service Photo |
Service Details |
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Current Service Status
USAF Retired
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Current/Last Rank
First Sergeant (E-8)
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Current/Last Primary AFSC/MOS
8F000-First Sergeant
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Current/Last AFSC Group
Special Duty
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Primary Unit
1992-1995, 8F000, 314th Supply Squadron
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Previously Held AFSC/MOS
63150-Fuel Specialist
63130-Apprentice Fuel Specialist
63150A-Fuel Specialist
63050-Fuel Technician
63170B-Fuel Supervisor
63170A-Fuel Supervisor
63190-Fuel Superintendent
63170-Fuel Supervisor
10090-First Sergeant
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Service Years
1969 - 1995
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Official/Unofficial US Air Force Certificates
Cold War Certificate
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Voice Edition
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1971, Non Commissioned Officers Association (NCOA)
- Assoc. Page
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1983, Air Force Sergeants Association (AFSA), AFSA 658 (Finance Officer) (Little Rock AFB, Arkansas)
- Chap. Page
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1995, Disabled American Veterans (DAV), Chapter 7 (N Little Rock, Arkansas)
- Chap. Page
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1995, Associates of Vietnam Veterans of America
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2010, Air Force Together We Served
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2012, Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States (VFW), Dept of Arkansas (Little Rock, Arkansas)
- Chap. Page
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2012, Tan Son Nhut Association
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2013, United Services Automobile Association (USAA)
- Assoc. Page
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2013, American Military Society
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2013, American Legion, Post 1 (Vice President) ( Little Rock, Arkansas)
- Chap. Page
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2015, Air Force Memorial (AFM)
- Assoc. Page
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1969-1969, 63130, Kincheloe AFB
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1969-1969, 63150, Strategic Air Command (SAC)
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1970-1971, Military Assistance Command-Vietnam (MACV)
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1970-1971, 63150A, 377th Combat Support Wing
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1971-1971, 63050, Little Rock Air Force Base
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1971-1971, 63150, 314th Supply Squadron
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1971-1974, 63170, Tainan Air Base
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1974-1975, 63170B, Military Airlift Command (MAC)
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1974-1975, Tactical Air Command (TAC)
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1975-1978, United States Pacific Air Forces (PACAF)
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1975-1978, 63170A, 475th Supply Squadron
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1975-1978, Yokota Air Base
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1978-1981, 63170A, 100th Supply Squadron
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1978-1981, Beale Air Force Base
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1978-1981, 100th Air Refueling Wing
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1981-1984, 63190, 36th Fighter Wing
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1981-1984, 63170, 36th Supply Squadron
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1981-1988, 36th Fighter Wing
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1981-1988, United States Air Forces in Europe (COMUSAFE/USAFE)
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1981-1988, Bitburg Air Base
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1984-1988, 36th Transportation Squadron
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1988-1988, 10090, 62nd Airlift Squadron - Blue Barons
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1988-1990, 10090, 314th Aerial Port Squadron
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1990-1992, 8F000, 2nd Mobile Aerial Port Squadron
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1992-1995, 8F000, 314th Supply Squadron
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1971, Non Commissioned Officers Association (NCOA)
- Assoc. Page
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1983, Air Force Sergeants Association (AFSA), AFSA 658 (Finance Officer) (Little Rock AFB, Arkansas)
- Chap. Page
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1995, Disabled American Veterans (DAV), Chapter 7 (N Little Rock, Arkansas)
- Chap. Page
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1995, Associates of Vietnam Veterans of America
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2010, Air Force Together We Served
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2012, Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States (VFW), Dept of Arkansas (Little Rock, Arkansas)
- Chap. Page
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2012, Tan Son Nhut Association
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2013, United Services Automobile Association (USAA)
- Assoc. Page
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2013, American Military Society
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2013, American Legion, Post 1 (Vice President) ( Little Rock, Arkansas)
- Chap. Page
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2015, Air Force Memorial (AFM)
- Assoc. Page
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Reflections on 1stSgt Brown's
US Air Force Service
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PLEASE DESCRIBE WHO OR WHAT INFLUENCED YOUR DECISION TO JOIN THE AIR FORCE.
Actually, my story is quite funny. In 1969 I received my draft classification of 1A. Meaning that I was soon to be drafted. Shortly after receiving the classification I was directed to report to MEPS for an entry physical. At that particular time, you were either going to be a | Pre Air Force |
Marine or Army. I was selected to be a Marine. Don't get me wrong I have the highest respect for all members of my sister services, however, at that time in my life being a Marine and going to Vietnam just did not appeal to me. While waiting for a notice to report I went to see the Navy recruiter who told me all of his billets were full and I could expect a 6-month wait. I then went to the Air Force recruiter and ask to join. It must have been my lucky day. The recruiter asked if I could leave the next day. Without any hesitation, I said "Yes Sir" and was soon signed up with the United States Air Force. The funny part of the story came after I left for basic training one of my closest friends decided to enlist in the Marine Corps, where he received orders to Puerto Rico for his complete enlistment. Needless to say, I went to Vietnam a short time later. Oh well, just the luck of the draw.
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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?
United States Air Force, Military industry: May 22, 1969 - May 31, 1995 (26 years 9 days) Last Rank - SMSgt (First Sergeant). I began my Air Force career on May 22, 1969, as a Petroleum Fuels & Lubricants Specialist. After technical training at Chanute AFB in Rantoul, IL I had assignments as a POL troop at Kincheloe AFB, MI 1969; Tan Son Nhut AB, Vietnam 1970; Little Rock AFB, AR 1971, Tainan AB, Taiwan 1971-1974; Little Rock AFB, AR 1974 -1975; Yokota AB, Japan 1975-1978; Beale AFB, CA 1978-1981; Bitburg AB, Germany 1981 -1984 (TDY Khartoum Sudan 1983) as a POL troop; moved to the First Sergeant Field (Human Resources) in 1984, remained at Bitburg until 1988; Little Rock AFB, AR 1988 - 1995, (Deployed Desert Shield & Storm, 1991). Survived my first retirement from the Air Force May 31, 1995. Now working on my fourth retirement. AB -- May 22, 1969, Airman -- July 9, 1969, A1C -- November 1, 1969, Sgt -- April 1, 1971, SSgt -- April 1, 1973, TSgt -- January 1, 1980, MSgt -- October 1, 1984 SMSgt -- April 1, 1991.
As I look at the date of ranks I had above, I can only reflect back on how blessed I was. Now, I will say that there were times I had doubts when the next stripe may come. Many of you will remember when you were promoted you normally received a set of orders directing this promotion. Usually, the orders would read something like "You are hereby promoted to the permanent grade of (Rank), with an effective date of Rank of." I must admit between the rank of Staff Sergeant and Technical Sergeant I thought they were really serious when they said the "Permanent Rank of..." it took me almost seven years to get off of the "Permanent grade" of Staff Sergeant.
Regretfully in 1995, the high year of tenure had been changed to 26 years for Senior Master Sergeant. Therefore I had no choice except to retire with 26 years and 9 days. I have been asked many times would you do it again? My answer "without hesitation".
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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?
Vietnam being my first exposure to what some will call being shot at. Of course at 20 years old after the initial shock of the M-22 attacks, we began to think we were invincible. So during a rocket attack, we would jump from our bunk if sleeping, put on the | Vietnam |
old flack vest and crawl back into the bunk. Roll the clock forward some 21 years and the age is now 41 in Desert Storm where many of us placed more value on our lives and realized that to our dismay we are not invincible. Now we have graduated from M-22's to SCUD's and when the alarm sounded we were donning Chem. Gear and looking for the bunker. This is where I learned to appreciate by brothers and sisters in the United States Army. Because each time the SCUD was headed our way, the Army was there waiting with the Patriot Missile to take Mr. SCUD out. I looked at it like this, each time the Army sent a Patriot up to intercept the SCUD; I figured they had just invested $1,000,000 protecting me. I was one of the lucky ones. I came home unharmed. But many of my fellow brother's and sister's in arms were not so lucky. They paid the ultimate price. God rest their souls.
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DID YOU ENCOUNTER A SITUATION DURING YOUR MILITARY SERVICE WHEN YOU BELIEVED THERE WAS A POSSIBILITY YOU MIGHT NOT SURVIVE? PLEASE DESCRIBE WHAT HAPPENED AND WHAT WAS THE OUTCOME.
It was high noon in February 1991. We had been deployed to King Fahd in Saudi Arabia for Desert Shield and Desert Storm. Normally the Scud's seemed to used to disrupt our sleep patterns 3/4 times a night forcing us to don the chem gear and head for the bunkers as the sirens blared. On this particular day, we were having noon chow, when all of a sudden this gigantic boom sounded, causing the building to literally shake, rattle and roll. As we hit the floor to take cover one could sense the fear as if we may have had a direct hit. Fortunately for us, it was not a direct hit but, an incoming scud landing very close to our building. certainly, it got my attention.
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OF ALL YOUR DUTY STATIONS OR ASSIGNMENTS, WHICH ONE DO YOU HAVE FONDEST MEMORIES OF AND WHY? WHICH WAS YOUR LEAST FAVORITE?
Although we were blessed with many good assignments, Bitburg Germany was by far the best assignment we had as a family. We were so privileged to be involved in the local community and with other countries due to our affiliation with the Masonic bodies, Volksmarching and American Square Dancing. Additionally | Troop Train Orders Trip To Berlin |
we were able as a family to visit places most people only dream about, like Paris, Rome, Istanbul, London, Amsterdam, Luxembourg, Belgium, Prague, Salzburg (Austria), Switzerland, Gothenburg (Sweden), Denmark, the Black Forest (Germany), Munich (Hof Brau Haus), Bulgaria, East Germany, Berlin and Check Point Charlie. As part of our experiences with square dancing we got to dance on an airplane, a train, the border between Luxembourg and Germany where they actually closed the border crossing for our performance, a wine (a big one) barrel. At one point with the many square dance demonstrations we put on for our European friends, we danced in five countries in one day (Germany, Luxembourg, France, The Netherlands, and Belgium). They loved us especially in our American Square Dance outfits as we marched in proudly carrying "Old Glory." Also at Bitburg, I was afforded an opportunity to have the best job I have ever had or will have and that was a 1st Sergeant for the 36th Transportation Squadron, Commanded by Colonel (Ret.) Phil Jung.
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FROM YOUR ENTIRE MILITARY SERVICE, DESCRIBE ANY MEMORIES YOU STILL REFLECT BACK ON TO THIS DAY.
One of the first lessons learned in my Air Force career had to be, "pay attention to detail and listen. After arriving at Lackland on May 22, 1969, before the TI came to meet us we smoked our last cigarette for about three weeks. After the three weeks past | First Sergeant Academy Keesler AFB, MS |
our TI SSgt Rhodes gave us the infamous signal "smoke em if you got em" command. As we lit up a strange sensation came over us called dizziness. What would one expect after three weeks without? Of course, the story does not end here, because the very next day I paid dearly for not paying attention to detail. We were given squadron liberty to go to the BX. At the BX I saw this pouch or carrier that had elastic straps in which one could place their cigarettes.This gadget strapped to one's leg, therefore, allowing one to carry their cigarettes without having a uniform violation by carrying items in our pockets. Purchasing this item, I needed to be cool, so I immediately strapped the carrier to my leg and covered it with my pants leg. Well, squadron liberty was soon over. SSgt Rhodes then told us to dress for PT. Which consisted of T-shirt, shorts, and sneakers. I ran into the dorm and changed quickly. But, I fail to remember the cigarette carrier strapped to my leg. We fell out into formation and after three weeks at Lackland, I had this formation thing down to an art. I stood smartly at attention with my squadron. The next thing I knew SSgt Rhodes was in my face. And I do mean in my face. As the brim of his Smokey The Bear hat was about even with my lips he started to raise his voice. He said (hollered) BROWN, what is this as he looked at the cigarette carrier neatly strapped to my leg? After several more expletives with my name being wedged between the words SSgt Rhodes grabbed the carrier and pulled it away from my leg. He then released it. After several more pull and release motions, my leg begins to sting. Needless to say, I learned a very valuable lesson in "ATTENTION TO DETAIL" This is only one of many stories I have to tell after 26 years service. Career-wise the most exciting time of my career has to be when I became a First Sergeant.
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WHAT PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENTS ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF FROM YOUR MILITARY CAREER?
I was blessed many times over with an Air Force career that I would not trade for any other job I have held. Therefore, I would have to say that overall my career in the Air Force made me proud. When we talk about individual recognition the First Sergeant of the Year award for two wings, the 36 TFW, Bitburg Germany 1985, and the 314th Airlift Wing, Little Rock AFB, AR 1990 certainly rate at the top of my list. I would honestly say that there were other forms of recognition or awards that I was just as proud of. They include nomination for the Air Force Lance P. Sijan Leadership Award, Outstanding Unit Award 377th Combat Support Group Tan-Son-Nhut AB Vietnam where I received the V Device for Combat Operations.
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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?
| POL Kartoum Sudan 1983 |
By far the Meritorious Service Medal. I received three MSM's each related to special duty performance or accomplishment in my career. The Senior Fuels Specialist Badge stands out also. This was my first 15 years in the Air Force. Of course, I would be remiss if I did not include the ribbon I received for qualifying marksman with the M-1 and M-16.
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WHICH INDIVIDUAL(S) FROM YOUR TIME IN THE MILITARY STAND OUT AS HAVING THE MOST POSITIVE IMPACT ON YOU AND WHY?
There were many NCO's and Officers that I had the privilege of being in their command or under their supervision. Each one taught me something. However, two very special individuals stand out in my mind that had the most positive influence on my career.
1. CMSgt (Ret.) Ray Keesling - Superintendent POL - I served with Chief Keesling from October 1978 until October 1981 at Beale AFB CA. Chief Keesling taught me what a true leader is all about and he was instrumental in shaping my leadership style. He truly believed in his troops. Although the Chief is no longer with us I have a feeling he is working in God's Army teaching others as he taught me. And that was to do what is right.
2. Colonel (Ret) Phil Jung - Commander 36th Transportation Squadron - I served as Colonel Jung's First Sergeant at Bitburg from November 1984 until August 1986. During this period Colonel Jung and I developed a very special relationship as we were very successful in leading the 36th Transportation Squadron to Excellent and Outstanding IG inspections. It was as if we read each other's thoughts and knew what to do next. We cried together as we lost one of our troops to a tragic accident or at the times we had to discipline a young Airman. But, we also laughed together as we were happy to see many of our troops turn into outstanding Airmen, NCO's and Officers. Colonel Jung was certainly the best commander I ever had the honor of serving under!!! And brother, I was blessed with some good ones.
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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?
One can only imagine the incident a First Sergeant faces in their day-to-day duties. There were many incidents that were maybe not so funny now, but by knowing the players involved in this particular incident causes me to chuckle every time I tell the story. As a brand new First Sergeant, | First Sergeant Stripes |
I remember one day sitting in my office and receiving a phone call from a "Chief" maybe an E-9 because the individual had the rank but lacked any communicative ability what so ever. The Chief is shouting and says "Brown get your a- - up here right now". Being summoned by the Chief I headed for his office and walked in. I noticed immediately one of our female drivers sitting in front of the Chief's desk. I then noticed the Chief completely flustered and what I will call mumbling for lack of better terms. Inquiring, I asked the Chief what was going on he simply pointed to the young female Airman (Pam was her name). I turned my attention to the Airman. I asked her what was going on. As calm as one could be she looked me straight in the eye and said, "First Sergeant, I just asked the Chief if he had ever seen one of these." At which time she raised her blouse to expose her breasts. Being almost as shocked as the Chief I gathered my thoughts after the initial shock and told her to cover up. Needless to say, the young Airman was given an Article 15 and eventually discharged from the Air Force.
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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?
| Vice President |
The training I received in the Air Force prepared me for success after the Air Force. I was blessed with an after service career in human resources, safety, risk management, training and administration management. I have served in both the private and public sectors helping my employers manage their most vital resource. "It's people." In addition to my current position, I have served as an adjunct professor at two major universities since 1998. Up until recently since 1995, I also had the privilege of serving as a volunteer lecturer for the Department of Labor (DOL), Military Transition Assistance (TAP) program. This program directed by the DOL was specially designed to assist separating and retiring military members with the transition from their military career to their civilian career following the military service. My current position is Vice President for a regional Distributor of Rubber product responsible for company administration, human resources, risk management, safety, & training for a 14 location company in six states.
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WHAT MILITARY ASSOCIATIONS ARE YOU A MEMBER OF, IF ANY? WHAT SPECIFIC BENEFITS DO YOU DERIVE FROM YOUR MEMBERSHIPS?
| Vietnam Veterans |
I am a life member of the Air Force Sergeant's Association, where I was honored to serve as Chapter President for two Chapters and as a Division Officer, I also had the privilege of starting a ground roots chapter of the Non-Commissioned Officers Association (NCOA) at Tainan Air Base Taiwan, as the first President, the Disabled American Veterans and the Veteran's of Forge in Wars (VFW). Although in a true sense, I am only a member of the association as a contributor, I believe the Wounded Warriors Program certainly should be considered. Certainly, the benefit here has to be the ability to in some small way help our brother's and sister's in arms that have been wounded in service to our country through the many programs made available to this worthwhile organization. The benefits of the organizations are many, with the primary benefit being the lobbying effect these organizations have in supporting our men and women in uniform.
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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?
| Leadership |
It is the cornerstone of my life and career allowing me to continue to be successful, and build upon my career. The Air Force gave me many opportunities to learn and at each juncture helped me to improve my leadership skills both in and out of the military service.
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BASED ON YOUR OWN EXPERIENCES, WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO THOSE WHO HAVE RECENTLY JOINED THE AIR FORCE?
Stay the course. No matter how many footballs you try and kick falling on your back, just get up and try, try, try again and you will be successful. Give your all to this great nation. Stand tall, be proud and seize every opportunity to take care of your people.
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IN WHAT WAYS HAS TOGETHERWESERVED.COM HELPED YOU REMEMBER YOUR MILITARY SERVICE AND THE FRIENDS YOU SERVED WITH.
| TWS and The USAF |
Gee whiz, is this a loaded question? No, seriously I cannot name the ways. But certainly on those days when I am having a bad day just being able to reflect back on my career and maybe find an old buddy makes the day much better. Thank you TWS!!! DS 11/21/17
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