Service Photo |
Service Details |
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Current Service Status
USAF Retired
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Current/Last Rank
Technical Sergeant
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Current/Last Primary AFSC/MOS
30474-Ground Radio Communications Technician
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Current/Last AFSC Group
Electronics Maintenance
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Primary Unit
1972-1977, 30474, Joint Communications Support Element (JCSE), Joint Enabling Capabilities Command (JECC)
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Previously Held AFSC/MOS
92210-Personal Equipment Helper
92230-Apprentice Personal Equipment Specialist
92250B-Aircrew Life Support Specialist
92250-Personal Equipment Specialist
92250-Protective Equipment Specialist
92250A-Personal Equipment Specialist
92270-Personal Equipment Supervisor
92270-Protective Equipment Supervisor
30434-Ground Radio Communications Equipment Repairman
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Service Years
1954 - 1977
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Official/Unofficial US Air Force Certificates
Cold War Certificate
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1978, Air Force Sergeants Association (AFSA)
- Assoc. Page
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1979, Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States (VFW), Post 4093, Carleton Post (Carleton, Michigan)
- Chap. Page
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1985, The Retired Enlisted Association (TREA)
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2011, Air Force Together We Served
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2014, American Legion, Post 225 (Vice President) (Lansing, Michigan)
- Chap. Page
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2015, Air Force Memorial (AFM)
- Assoc. Page
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What are you doing now:
100% Retired
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Other Comments:
After I retired in 1977, I attended ST. Clair County Community College and Majored in Electronic Technology. I completed my associate degree studies in 1 year and graduated cum laude. While attending school I helped teach some of the courses I was taking and also tutored several students.
In 1978, I was hired by Detroit Edison as a Startup Test Technician at Fermi II Nuclear Power Plant. I directed instrument repairmen in instrument calibration, repair and Startup systems testing. I also wrote initial procedures for calibrating instrument and control loops.
In 1983, as an Engineering Technician, I was the Instrument And Control Procedure Coordinator. I reviewed Surveillance Procedures, scheduled the rewriting of Procedures and implemented Procedures by performing Initial tests and calibrations of Instrument and Control Systems.
In 1987, as a Senior Engineering Technician, I worked in Plant Safety as an Operating Experience Coordinator. In that position I reviewed Nuclear Power Plant Operating Experience Reports (OER) to determine applicability to Fermi. If found to be applicable, any corrective actions that were found to be needed, were taken to avoid similar occurences at Fermi. I also input OER information into data bases and maintained files.
In 1993, I retired from Detroit Edison. I had, by then, had two silent heart attacks that caused major damage to my heart muscle. This left me with only one functioning artery and no possibility of correction with bypass surgery.
After retiring from DTE, I was hired by Target as a Building Specialist. I was in charge of all store maintenance. This included lighting, wiring, painting and repairing of all store equipment. I also wrote preventive maintenace procedures for items such as the Store Emergency Generator and Trash Compactor.
In 1998, I retired from Target and have remained retired.
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1954-1955, 92210, 3358th Student Squadron (Cadre)
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1954-1955, 92210, Stead Air Force Base
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1955-1956, 92230, 3505th Pilot Training Squadron (Cadre)
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1956-1956, 92250B, 28th Operations Support Squadron
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1956-1957, 92250A, Ellsworth Air Force Base
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1956-1957, 92250, 4th Strategic Support Squadron
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1957-1957, 92250, 339th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron
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1957-1960, 92250, 4th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron
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1957-1961, 92250, Misawa Air Base
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1960-1961, 92250, 39th Air Division
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1961-1962, 92250A, 551st Operations Squadron
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1962-1963, 92250A, 551st Supply Squadron
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1963-1964, 92250A, 317th Supply Squadron
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1964-1965, 92250, 7333rd Air Transport Squadron
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1965-1966, 92250, 513th Supply Squadron
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1966-1966, 92250, 7333rd Combat Support Group
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1966-1967, 92270, 4500th Supply Squadron
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1966-1970, 92270, 316th Tactical Airlift Wing
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1967-1967, 92270, 38th Troop Carrier Squadron
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1967-1969, 92270, 38th Tactical Airlift Squadron
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1969-1970, 92270, 36th Tactical Airlift Squadron
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1970-1970, 30434, 3406th Student Squadron (Cadre)
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1970-1970, 30434, 3394th Student Squadron (Cadre)
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1970-1971, 30474, 780th Air Defense Group
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1971-1972, 30474, Detachment 11, 1131st USAF Special Activities Squadron
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1971-1972, 30474, American Forces Vietnam Network (AFVN)
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1972-1977, 30474, Joint Communications Support Element (JCSE), Joint Enabling Capabilities Command (JECC)
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Reflections on TSgt Capps's
US Air Force Service
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PLEASE DESCRIBE WHO OR WHAT INFLUENCED YOUR DECISION TO JOIN THE AIR FORCE.
In Apr 1954, I was 18 and did not have many prospects for employment. Also, I couldn't afford to go to college. I decided to enter the military to get more education and technical training to provide skills that could aid me in later life.
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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?
I originally trained in Survival and Personal Equipment at Chanute AFB, Illinois and Stead AFB, Nevada in 1954/55. In 1955 I was assigned to Greenville AFB, Mississippi in the Personal Equipment Field. From there, in 1956 I was assigned to Ellsworth AFB, South Dakota. I was a Survival Trainer for a short time and then supported the Personal Equipment on C-124 Aircraft. In 1957 I was assigned to Chitose AFB, Japan as 92250. When the 339th FIS was transferred, I was assigned to the 4th FIS at Misawa AFB, Japan in the 92250 Career Field. In 1961, I was assigned to Otis AFB, Massachusetts where I Inspected and repaired Life support equipment on EC-121 Aircraft. In 1963, I was assigned to Evreux-Fauville AFB, France as a 92250. During the time I was stationed at Evreux, I performed periodic inspections of Personnel and Life Support equipment on SHAPE aircraft stationed at Orly Airport in Paris. From France In November 1966, I was assigned to Langley AFB, Virginia as a 92270.
In 1968, during TET in Vietnam, my unit, the 38th TAS, was sent TDY for 6 months to Tachikawa AFB, Japan and Nha Trang Vietnam to support Troop and Cargo movement with our C-130 Aircraft. Upon return to Langley I was reassigned to the 36th TAS. In 1970 I went to Keesler AFB, Mississippi to cross train in course 3ABR30434. I completed the 36 week course in 32 wks. From Keesler AFB, in October 1970, I was assigned to Fortuna AFS, North Dakota. At Fortuna, I worked at the GATR site in Ground to Air Radio maintenance and repair. In November 1971, I was assigned to Saigon, Vietnam as a 30454, and worked at American Forces Vietnam Network (AFVN) as a station Engineer. In 1972, I was assigned to Macdill AFB, Florida. I worked at the Joint Communications Support Element (JCSE). While there, I supervised the Tactical Radio Section until I retired in 1977.
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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?
My fondest memories are of my tour at Misawa AFB, Japan. I married my first wife while I was there and my oldest daughter, Carol, was born at the Base Hospital. In addition, my belonging to the Misawa Dusters Motorcycle Club provided many friends. I particularly enjoyed the two Sea Survival Courses that I attended at Numazu, Japan during my stay there.
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FROM YOUR ENTIRE MILITARY SERVICE, DESCRIBE ANY MEMORIES YOU STILL REFLECT BACK ON TO THIS DAY.
The particular thing that stands out is the time I spent in 1959 and in 1960 at the 5th Air Force Survival School at Numazu, Japan. In a short period of time it included many aspects of water survival. There were things included, that I didn't expect, such as UDT pickups, helicopter rescues, and practice Parachute landings from a moving LSM.
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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?
The Small Arms Marksmanship Ribbon is most meaningful, as it is the only one that required physical effort on may part.
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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?
The NCOIC of the Personal Equipment Shop at Evreux- Fauville AFB, France, MSGT Delbert Daniels, provided the most impact on me. His leadership ability, Knowledge of the Personal Equipment field and Mission knowledge influenced me in my future assignments. He provided me with organization skills and a better attitude toward others.
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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?
After I retired in 1977, I completed requirements for an Associate Degree in Electronic Technology. In 1978, I was hired by Detroit Edison as a Start-up Test Technician at Fermi II Nuclear Power Plant. The work included Instrument and Control System calibration and testing. In 1983, I became an Engineering Technician and Procedure Writer/Coordinator. In 1987, I was promoted to Senior Engineering Technician and worked as an Operating Experience Coordinator until I retired from DTE in 1993. After retiring from DTE, I went to work for Target as a Building Specialist. I was in charge of all store maintenance. I retired from Target in 1998 and am now completely retired.
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WHAT MILITARY ASSOCIATIONS ARE YOU A MEMBER OF, IF ANY? WHAT SPECIFIC BENEFITS DO YOU DERIVE FROM YOUR MEMBERSHIPS?
I am a Life Member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. This organization provides me with comradeship with other veterans and also, through the VFW Magazine and Washington Weekly Newsgram, news of matters affecting veterans.
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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?
The military gave me self-confidence, taught me patience, and caused me to be able to organize my life.
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BASED ON YOUR OWN EXPERIENCES, WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO THOSE WHO HAVE RECENTLY JOINED THE AIR FORCE?
Keep your nose clean, follow orders, and try to to the best job you can.
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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 |
Now that I am getting more involved in remembering my service career. With the aid of together we served and its methods of prompting, my memory is starting to return and I am now beginning to identify with more service personnel. Also through the forums, I am beginning to identify more with things that are going on around me. DS 1/16/17
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