Curry, Donald, SMSgt

PLEASE DESCRIBE WHO OR WHAT INFLUENCED YOUR DECISION TO JOIN THE AIR FORCE.
When I was 5 I use to watch DC-3's take off and land at Hartsfield Airport in Atlanta, Georgia. In 1977 I was working at a gas station in McDonough, Georgia when a Staff Sergeant stopped for gas and to change out of his Uniform. We struck up a conversation and this peaked my interest in the USAF. A few months went by and I found myself talking with a USAF Recruiter. Went into delayed enlistment with a guaranteed career field in Aerospace Propulsion. My recruiter knew nothing of this career field and was not much help prior to me leaving for basic training. I have always been a mechanic and can now say that I have worked on engines that range form lawn mowers and weed eaters to some of the largest jet engines and rotor assemblies made. It was a blast and continues to be rewarding as an Supervisory Aviation Safety Inspector for the Federal Aviation Administration, my dream job after my incredible USAF career.

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?
Started as an Aerospace Propulsion Technician, Jet Engines, in 1979 and decided early to become a career Airman, remaining in this career field for almost 23 outstanding years. I grew my career from a Basic Technician (E-1) all the way to holding the title of Maintenance Superintendent/Supervisor (E-8) of Arnold Engineering Development Center's (AEDC) $4.3 Billion Dollar Test Facility and Infrastructure.

My last assignment was one that gave me some of the best memories of my USAF Career as well as one that not many Superintendents are selected to serve. There are not many mechanics that can say they have worked with Rocket Scientists, but AEDC gave me this distinct opportunity.

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?
My support seemed to be from behind the scenes and state-side. The one time I was slated to deploy at the start of Enduring Freedom. My wife said a prayer to keep me safe and out of harms way, which did not happen in a normal fashion. I was running across the flight line at McChord Air Force Base and sub-located my left knee. This put me into a full leg cast for the next six weeks, which took me off the deployment list. I was assigned to perform inspections on commercial aircraft that would be used as troop carriers into Saudi Arabia and the other areas in the region. Not exactly what I expected, but she got her answer and I got a leg cast.

OF ALL YOUR DUTY STATIONS OR ASSIGNMENTS, WHICH ONE DO YOU HAVE FONDEST MEMORIES OF AND WHY? WHICH WAS YOUR LEAST FAVORITE?
Arnold AFB, TN was by far my favorite. Arnold AFB is located on a 44,000 acre reservation with base housing on a peninsula jetting out into a 4,000 acre reservoir. Wildlife running all around you and no real worries. The area is full of wildlife and very beautiful. This area is truly breathtaking. What else could you ask for?

FROM YOUR ENTIRE MILITARY SERVICE, DESCRIBE ANY MEMORIES YOU STILL REFLECT BACK ON TO THIS DAY.
Making E-4 Below-the-Zone under three years and then making E-5 at my 4-year mark has remained one of the highlights of my Air Force Career.

Being blessed with all good assignments throughout my Air Force career and having an impact on where I went and finding ways to ensure I was able to get to the locations that allowed my family to come with me.

Having really great supervisors that, even though we did not always see eye-to-eye, they were willing to hear my input before making the final decision. This was truly one of the best memory of my career.

Finding ways to help the Air Force retain the best airmen and help these airmen succeed in their careers.

The many memories I have of the numerous assignments while assigned to the 356 TFW at Myrtle Beach AFB.

Looking back over the 22 plus years I served our great Nation, I would gladly do it all over again. The Air Force was a great way of life and I met some many outstanding people.

WHAT PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENTS ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF FROM YOUR MILITARY CAREER?
I was selected for E-4 "Below the Zone and then selected for E-5 at four years.

Air Force Achievement Medal: Developed the first Aircraft Maintenance Qualification Program training course while stationed at Myrtle Beach AFB, SC. This course was 60 days long. A new A-10 specialist in Propulsion would come into the course with no knowledge or experience on the A-10 and would graduate fully qualified and certified as an A-10 Propulsion Specialist, including aircraft ground handling.

Air Force Commendation Medals for four years as a Instructor in the Field Training Detachment at McChord AFB on the C-141 aircraft training program. During this time I taught numerous courses associated with aircraft propulsion systems, technical orders, instructional system designs and a host of internal training for FTD instructors.

Senior Non-commissioned Officer of the Quarter at Tinker and Arnold Air Force Bases.

Air Force Meritorious Service Medal: Served as one of the Senior Non-commissioned Officers selected to develop, train, and maintain the new Two Level Jet Engine Maintenance Program at Tinker Air Logistics Center (Depot). This program actually moved the Field Level Maintenance program to the Depot and integrated the Field and Depot level maintenance into the Two-Level Maintenance Program (2LM). Our original team grew from seven Senior NCOs to a combine enlisted group of 25 NCOs that changed the direction of jet engine maintenance for the USAF.

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?
Tactical Air Command's Aircraft Maintenance Qualification Program (AMQP) Propulsion Instructor. I was the first AMQP Instructor for the A-10 aircraft to complete two 60 day classes.

Aerospace Propulsion Systems Instructor for the C-141 aircraft at McChord AFB, Washington. Taught personnel on the propulsion systems as well as the Air Force Technical Order systems for active duty and reserve personnel.

Two-Level Jet Engine Maintenance Program (2LM). I was one of the original SNCOs selected for starting this program at Tinker AFB Air Logistics Center and was part of the training team for over 1500 civilian workers that became the 2LM workforce.

WHICH INDIVIDUAL(S) FROM YOUR TIME IN THE MILITARY STAND OUT AS HAVING THE MOST POSITIVE IMPACT ON YOU AND WHY?
I met and was privileged to have worked with some of the brightest enlisted, officers, and civilians from all branches of the US Military during my Air Force career. Several still stand out because of their impact on my US Air Force career and beyond:

TRAVIS AFB: 60 FMS Propulsion Branch: CMSAF Gaylor - who I was privileged to meet while assigned to the TF-39 Jet Engine Shop; Civilian Crew Chiefs Craig King and Bobby Romans (TF-39 Engine Shop); MSgt Smith, MSgt Pedro Gacutan, TSgt Ronald Fred, Civilians Tony Ramos, Ted Williams and Wayne (Dan) Daniels in the C-141 Isochronal Inspection Hangar.

MYRTLE BEACH AFB: Sgt David Christiansen, SSgt Jerry Gatlin, SSgt Greg Major, SSgt Tony Blackwell, SSgt Matt Crocker, TSgt Luis Rodriguez, and MSgt Hanson, 356 TFW (Demon Squadron) who taught me, in detail, everything I needed to know about maintaining the A-10 Attack Aircraft; 1st Lieutenant Rodriguez, Maintenance Officer; CMSgt Rowe, Chief Enlisted Advisor, 354 TFW (Panther Squadron), MSgt Blair, Specialist Flight Supervisor, TSgt David Burson, SSgt Brian Heaston, Sgt Donald Blocker, and SRA Brian Adams, 354th TFW (Panther Squadron) for their support while I was assigned to a Supervisory role in the Specialist Flight of the Panther Squadron.

McChord AFB, WA: CMSgt Cherry and CMSgt Sims. These two outstanding SNCOs assisted me in moving my career in a totally different direction as they supported me in being selected to help create the Two-Level Jet Engine Maintenance Program at Tinker AFB, OK. Prior to leaving the ATC Field Training Detachment for the 62 FMS Propulsion Branch my supervisors, MSgt Kotalik and MSgt Dixon mentored me in deciding the best path for my next assignment and beyond.

Tinker AFB, OK: CMSgt McClain and Sam Brown for their continued support in helping our group change the Depot and Field level engine maintenance programs into the hybrid program known as the Two-Level Jet Engine Maintenance program (2LM). Additionally, Brigadier General Sieg for his personal support of my tenure as a Project Officer for the Raytheon maintenance contract associated with the 2LM maintenance. I was also supported by General Sieg as the Officiating Officer at my retirement from the USAF at Arnold Air Force Base, TN.

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?
Bomb Loader races during Wing exercises at the Forward Operation Location Training Area (FOLTA) at Myrtle Beach AFB in the winter of 1983. We had one get off the pavement and got stuck. When our aircraft returned from their sorties, we were down loaded and did not miss a beat. Later, our Commander asked what happened and we told him the truth. Those of us that were involved became casualties during the next FOLTA base raid by enemy forces.

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?
I stayed in Aviation with the Federal Aviation Administration. I worked my way through the different positions and I am currently a Supervisory Aviation Safety Inspector. My present position is Assistant Office Manager in the FedEx Certificate Management Office in Memphis Tennessee that has over 64 Aviation Safety Inspectors and Administration personnel.

WHAT MILITARY ASSOCIATIONS ARE YOU A MEMBER OF, IF ANY? WHAT SPECIFIC BENEFITS DO YOU DERIVE FROM YOUR MEMBERSHIPS?
Member of several Top-3 organizations from my assignments. I have received coins from each Top-3 group and also designed a Base Coin while stationed at Arnold Engineering Development Center. I have a lot of great memories from the events that I was part of during my tenure with each Top-3 group, Easter events, Christmas wrapping, serving during base events like Open-House or Air Show events.

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?
I remain driven, disciplined, and organized. I continue to not use positional authority to get things done. Instead I seek to gain personal buy-in by those that are part of a tasking or project. I always work to support our people in order to get the job done. Giving direction and mentoring and coaching others to exceed their expectations, then work toward recognizing those achievements. Always valuing what each person brings to the "table" and embracing the diversity and variances from each person.

BASED ON YOUR OWN EXPERIENCES, WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO THOSE WHO HAVE RECENTLY JOINED THE AIR FORCE?
1. Decide early what you want to get from your Air Force career, then start working toward those goals.

2. Always remain centered and focused on your goals and desires, then look around to find ways to achieve them. The Air Force can and does help prepare you for your future, so make sure YOU are in charge of your future. If not, you may not like how your career progresses (or not progress). Be in the driver seat if you are making the Air Force a Career.

3. Always look for ways to enhance your Air Force career and gain experience and skills along the way.

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

TWS and The USAF

Causing me to remember names, places, and events that I have not thought of in over twenty years.

Allows me a means to make contact with other members and finding those that I served with many years back. The site has many features and opportunities to share and also read about others that served as well.

A great place to continue our eternal fraternity.

DS 3/10/17