Engelmeier, Robert, Col

PLEASE DESCRIBE WHO OR WHAT INFLUENCED YOUR DECISION TO JOIN THE AIR FORCE.
I joined a Reserve Unit (USAF Early Commissioning Program) to "beat the draft" long enough for me to complete Dental School. Upon graduation, I volunteered for duty in Vietnam which the Air Force quickly accommodated. By 1970, many of my childhood and college friends had deployed to Vietnam, many as "grunts" who were the ones who had to fight the war. I was honored to have been one who took care of those brave "grunts". I also sought to do as much Med-Cap as I could.

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 served 2 years as a General Dentist. I separated and opened a private practice in Provincetown, MA, but stayed in the Mass. Air National Guard for 2 years. I decided to go on to specialty training and reentered active duty. The Air Force trained me in Prosthodontics at Lackland AFB and the U of Texas at Houston. They sent me through an additional program in Maxillofacial Prosthetics at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston. I was very fortunate to have been given those opportunities.

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?
We did get rocket attacks at Cam Ranh Bay but the toughest task for me was body I.D. I was only 26 at the time and found myself at times "I D'ing" men 4-5 years younger than me. The ones that we saw were lost airmen who were badly burned and mangled . Many were not fresh kills and were significantly bloated and maggot ridden. The stench was horrific.

OF ALL YOUR DUTY STATIONS OR ASSIGNMENTS, WHICH ONE DO YOU HAVE FONDEST MEMORIES OF AND WHY? WHICH WAS YOUR LEAST FAVORITE?
Hickam AFB, Hawaii: This was by far the most beautiful place that I have had the pleasure of living in. The views, flowers, smells. and ,of course the "Aloha" spirit of the culture all did make this a paradise. Hawaii is steeped in history and has many interesting museums. The greatest thing is visiting the other islands. My favorite was the Big Island of Hawaii with its volcanoes. My favorite town there was Hilo on the windward side. The worlds best kept secret is Kilauea Military Camp on the rim of the volcano, It's run by the Army. That's one trip that you'll never forget. The "Aloha" spirit permeated our clinic. I loved working there and truly loved the folks with whom I served.

FROM YOUR ENTIRE MILITARY SERVICE, DESCRIBE ANY MEMORIES YOU STILL REFLECT BACK ON TO THIS DAY.
1. My time in Vietnam. 2.Having been a part of the Prosthodontic Program at Wilford Hall USAF; Medical Center, Lackland AFB first as a Resident ('75-'78) and then as Faculty ('91-'95 ). My experiences at Lackland have defined me professionally.; 3.My 9 years on the USAF National Pistol Team.

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?
1. My Vietnam Service Medal; 2. My Distinguished Pistol Shot Badge; 3. My Legion of Merit; These all required the most effort and commitment from me and so gave me the greatest sense of accomplishment in return.

WHICH INDIVIDUAL(S) FROM YOUR TIME IN THE MILITARY STAND OUT AS HAVING THE MOST POSITIVE IMPACT ON YOU AND WHY?
Paul Mazerov, Col/USMS-Ret: Paul is bigger than life, a prime mover and role model in my life, He swore me in and taught me how to shoot. He has been far more than a true friend. We have become family. Paul was a combat Marine during the Korean War. He retired as a Marine Reserve Colonel after about 38 years total service.

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?
How I thought I could put 2 1/2 ounces of Government gold in a Sentry Dog's mouth and have it go unnoticed. Boy was I dumb. I had a lot to learn about accountability. For the whole story see. http//www.vspa.com/k9/dentist.htm

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 taught for 14 years at the U of Texas -Houston Dental Branch where I directed the Graduate Prosthodontic Program. Currently I am Professor and Chair of the Prosthodontic Department at the University of Pittsburgh. As I said earlier, my Air Force prosthodontic training at Wilford Hall Medical Center has defined me professionally.

WHAT MILITARY ASSOCIATIONS ARE YOU A MEMBER OF, IF ANY? WHAT SPECIFIC BENEFITS DO YOU DERIVE FROM YOUR MEMBERSHIPS?
In Country Motorcycle Club; All members are "in country" Vietnam Veterans. We are a one generation club. Our cause is "Vets helping Vets". The cause of my local Chapter is raising money and providing help and support for "Homeless Vets"

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?
Having spent most of my adult life in uniform, I am part of a culture that enjoys a level of standards and ethics beyond our civilian counterparts. My military career taught me responsibility and accountability. Perhaps most significant in what I learned during my military career is trying to lead a life of service, to my family, my co-workers, my community, and fellow vets.

BASED ON YOUR OWN EXPERIENCES, WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO THOSE WHO HAVE RECENTLY JOINED THE AIR FORCE?
Stay the course. Your country needs you whether it knows it or not. Yours is a noble cause no matter how insignificant that it might seem at times. Thank you for your service.

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

TWS and The USAF

It has helped me to reconnect with long lost past comrades and has included me with the "good and honorable company" of this incredible web site.

*J*