Security Police |
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TWS Ribbon Bar |
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Service Photo |
Service Details |
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Current Service Status
USAF Veteran
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Current/Last Rank
Staff Sergeant
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Current/Last Primary AFSC/MOS
81170A-Security Police Supervisor
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Current/Last AFSC Group
Security Police
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Primary Unit
1974-1975, 81150A, 635th Security Police Squadron
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Previously Held AFSC/MOS
10-Basic Airman
81150-Security Specialist
81150A-Security Specialist
AAF MOS 188-Duty Soldier II
AAF MOS 677-Military Policeman
AAF MOS 542-Communications Chief
81170A-Security Supervisor
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Service Years
1972 - 1986
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Other Languages
Thai
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Official/Unofficial US Air Force Certificates
Cold War Certificate
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1972-1972, 10, 3725th Basic Military Training Squadron (Cadre)
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1972-1974, 81150, 99th Security Police Squadron
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1972-1974, 81150, Strategic Air Command (SAC)
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1974-1975, 81150A, 7th Air Force
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1974-1975, 81150A, 7/13th Air Force
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1974-1975, 81150A, 635th Security Police Squadron
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1974-1975, 81150A, 8th Air Force
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1974-1975, 81150A, 13th Air Force
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1974-1975, 81150A, United States Pacific Air Forces (PACAF)
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1974-1975, 81150A, 635th Combat Support Group
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1975-1976, 81150A, Strategic Air Command (SAC)
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1975-1976, 81150A, 341st Missile Security Squadron
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1975-1976, 81150A, 341st Strategic Missile Wing
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1976-1979, AAF MOS 188, US Army (USA)
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1979-1980, AAF MOS 677, Army National Guard (ARNG)
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1980-1983, AAF MOS 542, Army National Guard (ARNG)
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1983-1986, 81170A, Ohio Air National Guard
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1983-1986, 81170A, 180th Tactical Fighter Group
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1983-1986, 81150A, 180th Security Forces Squadron
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1983-1986, 81170A, 180th Weapons Systems Security Flight
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1983-1986, 81150A, 180th Fighter Wing
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- Bane, Herbert, Sgt, (1950-1954)
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Reflections on SSgt Sinica's
US Air Force Service
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PLEASE DESCRIBE WHO OR WHAT INFLUENCED YOUR DECISION TO JOIN THE AIR FORCE.
In 1972 I had dropped out of high school and was working at the Garde Theater in New London, CT. My best friend at the time, William Dart, was also working there. We both got the idea we would enlist in the service. At the time the Selective Service was still in full swing and we didn't want to take a chance on just getting thrown into the Army without checking all the services. For me, the Navy was not an option. New London was a Navy and Coast Guard city. We had the Submarine Base and Coast Guard Academy. After checking around we settled on the Air Force. We went for our Delayed Entry Program physicals and William was found unsuitable for enlistment because of health issues. I entered the DEP with a guaranteed AFSC of 812XX, Law Enforcement, departing for Lackland in September 1972. Because of personal issues, I forfeited my guarantee and entered the Air Force on June 8th, 1972.
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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?
It was my intent to remain in the Air Force but due to personal family issues, I opted out of my one (1) year extension and took leave in conjunction with my ETS date. While home I had reconciled my problems and attempted to remain in the Air Force. So with a week left before my separation, I contacted the local recruiter, who contacted Malmstrom AFB, about reenlisting. The understanding and explanation I received were that it was short notice and a reenlistment number could not be issued at that time. I would have had to wait ninety (90) days from my separation date to reenlist. I hate to admit this but I wanted to stay in the military at that time. So I did some checking around and the Army said they would accept me once I received my discharge in the mail. So one (1) week after my separation from the Air Force I was enlisting in the US Army.
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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?
While stationed at U-Tapao Royal Thai Navy Air Base, our unit, 635th Security Police Squadron was involved in three (3) separate operations through the 635th Combat Support Group. Directly and indirectly.
The first being Operation Eagle Pull on April 12th, 1975. Though officially a Marine operation, U-Tapao was used as a staging area and refugee holding area. We were responsible for patrolling the southern area of the base where the refugees were set up in a tent city.
The second was Operation Frequent Wind on April 29th and 30th, 1975. This was a Joint Military Operation involving the Air Force, Marines, and Navy. Some of the evacuation was also accomplished by pilots and former pilots of South Vietnam. This was an awesome and troubling time for me. Not only were the evacuees taken to Naval Vessels many were brought to U-Tapao and also staged on the southern beach area of the base in another tent city. Seeing the fear and uncertainty of what was to come made me realize just what I had been an American. It also brought out a side of me that felt sorry for these people, realizing the only difference between myself and them was our country of origin.
The last operation was the Mayaguez Incident that began the afternoon of May 12th, 1975. Lasting until May 15th, 1975. This operation really hit home and hard. It affected two (2) separate military bases in Thailand and three (3) specific units involved. Two (2) those units were the 21st Special Operations Squadron and the 56th Security Police Squadron from Nakhon Phanom Royal Air Base (NKP), in Northern Thailand. The third unit being the 635th Security Police Squadron at U-Tapao. Initially, these units were tasked to be part of the rescue operation of the Mayaguez crew. During the deployment from NKP to U-Tapao, on May 13th, one of the CH-53 helicopters (Knife 13) of the 21st SOS crashed killing all twenty-three (23) personnel on board. Eighteen (18) 56th Security Police personnel and the five (5) man crew of the 21st SOS. When the remaining contingent arrived we found out what happened. Emotions ran the gambit that night. Sorrow! Pity! Hate! Remorse! The most rampant was revenge. We could feel the pain the 56th was experiencing. We all wanted to avenge the loss of our brothers. We were all staged at the base gym. Sleeping on cots and the floor. Our full combat issue with us waiting for the call to roll on. That call never came. The Marines were called in and arrived at U-Tapao on May 14th. This caused another flurry of the previous emotions with the added emotion of rage. Why were we being denied the right to avenge our losses? These emotions still affect me to this day. Putting the Air Force side of this mission aside, I do have to reflect on the Marine side of this operation. I have no doubt that all preparations and contingencies for this operation were prepared to the best of what was presented to the higher command. To hear and see what those Marines had to endure that day, May 15th hit just as hard as hearing what happened to Knife 13. So many lives lost during that four (4) day period. To this day I think back to that period of time. Wondering why? Why? Why? It still hurts. The only thing I can say at this time is directed to those directly involved. The Marines; The 56th SPS; The 21st SOS and the 635th SPS. Though I may not have known each and every one of you personally, "You Are And Always Will Be My Brothers!"
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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.
I would have to refer you to the last question. Specifically the Mayaguez Incident. Once the request was made for volunteers and those of us selected were equipped I realized there would be a chance myself and others may not return. But as I stated, both Security Police Squadrons were made to stand down. Other than the fact that the crew of the Mayaguez was released there was no high point or positive outcome, with the loss of so many lives.
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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?
I can't really say any of my duty stations was the least favorite. Each of them was different because of their geographical location. Westover AFB in New England where I was born and raised. Loved the fall weather and winter season. U-Tapao with the beauty of the countryside, the friendliness of the locals and the comradeship formed during our trying times there. Malmstrom AFB, Montana was memorable for its dry winter and extreme cold. So wide open you could see for miles and the buttes in the distance. So if I really had to pick a least favorite it would be Malmstrom but only because I left U-Tapao on Christmas Day to be assigned to Malmstrom. Going from actually being very cold in 70-degree weather to absolutely freezing in below zero weather.
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FROM YOUR ENTIRE MILITARY SERVICE, DESCRIBE ANY MEMORIES YOU STILL REFLECT BACK ON TO THIS DAY.
Again I have to refer back to the Mayaguez Incident. It was during this time that so many of us realized what brotherhood was really all about. It was not just about knowing the person directly but the fact that we belonged to a select unit where we depended and relied upon each other in our time of trials and tribulations.
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WHAT PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENTS ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF FROM YOUR MILITARY CAREER?
Personally, I am most proud of the moment I received my Security Police Shield. It took another 8 weeks of training, from the Security Police Training Squadron, at Lackland AFB, Texas. My second proudest moment was Air Base Ground Defense training at Lackland, before my deployment to Thailand. That being coupled with my training and completion in Heavy Weapons as an 81mm Mortar Crewman and Fire Direction Controller. While stationed at Westover AFB I was actually privileged and proud of the fact that our Flight Chief felt confident enough about me to perform as an Alarm Monitor and Alternate Comm/Plotter as an Airman First Class (an E-3) at that time.
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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?
Again the most meaningful time of my career was receiving my graduation certificate and awarding of my Security Police Shield. It showed that I could accomplish what many believed was not possible. The second most important award I received was my GED certificate, awarded to me while at Westover AFB. As I said I had dropped out of high school. This helped me to bring things to a completion knowing I could move on with my education. Ultimately I did receive an AAS as an Emergency Medical Technician-Paramedic.
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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 first person to have a positive impact on my military career would have to be my TI at Lackland. TSGT Johnston. No doubt he was the rough, tough, hard-nosed instructor you saw in movies. But he did his job to ensure we all could become the best Airmen possible. Though he had that rough and tough persona, he did show that he cared about his people. Over the 4th of July holiday in 1972 I came down with pneumonia and was admitted for care. TSGT Johnston made it a point to visit and keep me in a positive state of mind. I knew if I had missed an excessive amount of days I would be recycled to another BMT Flight. So he wasn't just bringing me my mail but he told me to keep a positive outlook. The next person would have to be one of my assistant Flight Chiefs, SSGT Viera. Now he was prior Army turned Security Police Specialist. Another person who watched over his personnel. Pointed out our deficits and strong points during training exercises. Lastly was SSGT Bertrand while I was in Thailand. I had strayed a bit while there initially but I was assigned to him for a period of time. He helped me to realize that even though I had a minor pitfall, I could overcome it and be the best airmen. He also gave me a positive recommendation for reenlistment.
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LIST THE NAMES OF OLD FRIENDS YOU SERVED WITH, AT WHICH LOCATIONS, AND RECOUNT WHAT YOU REMEMBER MOST ABOUT THEM. INDICATE THOSE YOU ARE ALREADY IN TOUCH WITH AND THOSE YOU WOULD LIKE TO MAKE CONTACT WITH.
While at Westover I had several friends but the one who sticks in my mind is Steve Warren. Did quite a few things together but his main claim to fame for me was his standing up as one of the groomsmen at my wedding. Not many would have done that.
While at U-Tapao I became friends with Dutch Kruthaup. Along with SSGT Bertrand, he was the next person who could keep me heading in the right direction. Someone I could call a friend and mean it.
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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?
Actually, there are two incidents I can think of that fit this category. One occurring while on duty and the other while off duty. Both events happening at Westover AFB. The on-duty incident occurred while working the Weapons Storage Area (WSA). I had been relieved from my Alarm Monitor position to go to chow. It was winter. When we returned to Alternate CSC I heard radio traffic from one of the K-9 handlers in the area. He was not making sense and we could not determine where he was located. The Area Supervisor and I jumped into our vehicle to locate the handler. Once we found him, his dog was on a leash and just standing over him. He heeled the dog as we approached. We could see he was pretty shaken up and looked like he had been in a rumble. Possibly a problem with his dog. WRONG! The WSA was a natural nature reserve and had many deer and foxes. It seems one of the bucks had attacked him. The statement was to the effect that the buck was trying to mount him. The Supervisor and I just looked at each other. Saying nothing we called for the K-9 supervisor and a base ambulance. When he was removed from the area we returned to Alternate CSC and related the story to the others and could not stop laughing. Made for an interesting entry on my Desk Blotter that night.
The off-duty incident actually involved me and three other airmen. We had been out partying and the weather was blizzard conditions. I didn't think I was in decent shape for driving, under those circumstances, let alone great circumstances. I let A1C Mackey drive my '68 Camaro back to base. Once on base, we decided to drive around for the heck of it. When we got near the flight line Mackey drove onto the parking ramp adjacent to the maintenance hangar. We were laughing as he was pulling donuts. We saw an LE vehicle approaching and Mackey took off. We headed to the barracks. LE was not keeping up but we passed another who turned to give chase. We made a turn to the barracks area and watched as LE slid into a snow bank. We finally made it to the barracks parking lot. When we got out, the first LE vehicle pulled up and A1C Steve Bubenas got out hollering and screaming at me. Pretty upset to the point he took off his LE cap and threw it to the ground saying he hoped we were proud of ourselves. Long story short Mackey was issued a 1408. When I reported for Guardmount the next day. I was handed a letter of counseling. The kicker here is that the letter was not written against me. It was written against my Camaro.
When I think back on both of these incidents I laugh. Both were definitely not funny at the time. It was determined that the K-9 handler was wearing an aftershave or cologne that made the buck act as it did. During the chase, no vehicles were damaged but looking back there could have been serious consequences.
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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?
When I left the Air Force in 1979 I enlisted in the Army for 3 years. I went in as an Infantryman. Was stationed at Ft. Riley, KS. While processing in I was told I was being assigned Special Duty to the Adjutant General Company because of my clerical scores and prior service duties. I served my entire 3 years at Ft. Riley. When I separated from the Army I worked as a taxi driver and enlisted in the National Guard as a Military Policeman. In 1980, after my wife separated from the Army we moved to Lima, Ohio and I attended Lima Technical College and the Lima Branch of Ohio State University where I earned my AAS as an Emergency Medical Technician-Paramedic. I worked in that career field for 4 years and worked as a Taxi Driver to keep up on street locations. For six (6) years I was part of the Ohio Army National Guard (3 years) and the Ohio Air National Guard (3 years). As I am writing this I am just a lowly newspaper delivery person. I love it. Just driving around enjoying the peace and quiet. But then you would be surprised to know I call 911 at least twice a month. For various reasons.
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WHAT MILITARY ASSOCIATIONS ARE YOU A MEMBER OF, IF ANY? WHAT SPECIFIC BENEFITS DO YOU DERIVE FROM YOUR MEMBERSHIPS?
Presently other than TWS I am not affiliated with any other military associations. I am a past member of both the American Legion and AMVETS. I simply let my memberships lapse. Presently I am looking to become a part of both again. I am also looking to become a member of the VFW. Something I was told in the past that could not be done as I did not serve in country. Even though our unit was involved in the evacuations of Vietnam, Cambodia and the Mayaguez Incident. I just became aware of changes that were made to campaigns qualifying for Vietnam Service Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, and the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal. So I am looking to make changes to my discharge.
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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?
Overall, even with problems I encountered after my military career, the military helped me to approach all situations in a logical manner. Mind you being logical does not always work but then improvisation comes into play. Again something the military instilled in myself and I am sure many others. Above anything else, I learned the true meaning of respect, trust, and comradeship.
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BASED ON YOUR OWN EXPERIENCES, WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO THOSE WHO HAVE RECENTLY JOINED THE AIR FORCE?
The best advice I can give any new recruits is to listen, adapt and put into action all you learn while going through basic training (BMT). The next thing is to trust in your leaders, your instincts, and your fellow airmen. And unless you are forced into a solo type of situation remember you are part of a team. No military branch can really succeed without the concept of teamwork.
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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 US Air Force |
TWS helped me to think back on a very important part of my life. Slowly it helped me to realize that what I had done back in those years was not for naught or in vain. It was my own personal feelings that I let shut me down. I have committed myself to reclaim who I was and am. The memories that are coming back bring me both joy and sorrow. Emotions I had found hard to express for many, many years. Thank you TWS. DS 12/20/17
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