Garrett, Edward, A2C

PLEASE DESCRIBE WHO OR WHAT INFLUENCED YOUR DECISION TO JOIN THE AIR FORCE.
Grew up during WWII & Korea, felt it my duty and obligation to those who served in the Armed Forces in those wars, to follow in their footsteps and serve my country during the dangerous Cold War period. Felt it was an opportunity for travel, education and personal development.

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?
After basic training at Lackland AFB, went thru a OJT training program at Bunker Hill AFB (Grissom) and served there as Air Policeman, performing security and law enforcement duties.

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?
Served Nov 1956 thru Dec 1959, Cold War period and was not called upon to participate in any combat operations.

OF ALL YOUR DUTY STATIONS OR ASSIGNMENTS, WHICH ONE DO YOU HAVE FONDEST MEMORIES OF AND WHY? WHICH WAS YOUR LEAST FAVORITE?
Lajes Field, Azores, a great duty station where I served with a fine bunch of NCOs & Airman. Was given the opportunity to further my education while there, taking night college courses. Spent many enjoyable days exploring the Island, taking hundreds of photos and relaxing on the beach.

FROM YOUR ENTIRE MILITARY SERVICE, DESCRIBE ANY MEMORIES YOU STILL REFLECT BACK ON TO THIS DAY.
My time at Lajes Field, Azores with the 1605th Air Police Squadron, where I had the opportunity to perform various security & law enforcement duties and work the Air Police desk. I look back on my time there as some of the best memories of my life. Would do it all over in a minute if I could!!

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 Air Police brassard & badge. I felt it was one of the most important career fields in the USAF.

WHICH INDIVIDUAL(S) FROM YOUR TIME IN THE MILITARY STAND OUT AS HAVING THE MOST POSITIVE IMPACT ON YOU AND WHY?
T/Sgt Luther Holland my flight NCO 363rd AP SQ, at Shaw AFB, one of the toughest SOBs I ever met, we would have walked thru fire for that guy and T/Sgt Bernard Duke, my flight NCO 1605th AP SQ, Lajes Field, Azores. He allowed me time off duty on the 3pm-11pm shift to attend college classes on base and further my education.

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.
A/3C Roy Walls-Bunker Hill AFB, IN Dec-56 thru Aug,57, A/1C Kelley, A/1C Burton, Sgt Bowers.
A/2C Marshall, A/2C Holt, A/2C Smith-Shaw AFB, Sept'57 thru March'58.
A/1C Bradshaw, A/1C Hancock, A/2C Boone, Sgt Kyser, Sgt Salazar, Lajes Field, Azores March'58 thru Nov'59.

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?
During a particular stormy winter period while serving at Lajes Field, we went for about 1 1/2 weeks without mail getting in or out. I got a phone call while on patrol on a day shift to report to the nearest phone, when I did I found my Mother on the phone, worried that she hadn't heard from me and was worried.

When I went to the Airmen's Club that night for a beer, a chorus of voices from my "friends" rang out loudly "Airman Garrett, your Mommy's on the phone". I continued to hear that for weeks after.

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 service, trained and worked as a insurance claim investigator, subsequently became self employed and happily working in the same field up to the present.

WHAT MILITARY ASSOCIATIONS ARE YOU A MEMBER OF, IF ANY? WHAT SPECIFIC BENEFITS DO YOU DERIVE FROM YOUR MEMBERSHIPS?
Air Force Association-keep up to date with their monthly magazine on the present Air Force operations. past history and requirements for the future.

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?
My military training instilled self discipline, pride in appearance and the performance of my work, and the ability to work with others easily.

BASED ON YOUR OWN EXPERIENCES, WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO THOSE WHO HAVE RECENTLY JOINED THE AIR FORCE?
Take pride in the service you are providing to the country and never forget that the people of the USA appreciate and are grateful for your sacrifice and service. Perform your duties to the very best of your ability. wear the uniform with pride and honor.

IN WHAT WAYS HAS TOGETHERWESERVED.COM HELPED YOU REMEMBER YOUR MILITARY SERVICE AND THE FRIENDS YOU SERVED WITH.
It has allowed me to keep in touch with those who also honorably served this great country, exchanging information and ideas with them and maintaining the lasting bond we have of having worn the uniform & served with pride.

DMR