Banzhoff, Gary, Sgt

TO THE BEST OF YOUR KNOWLEDGE, WHAT INFLUENCED HIS/HER DECISION TO JOIN THE AIR FORCE?
My family had a history dating back to the Civil War. My great grandfather served with the 3rd Maryland Cavalry, US Volunteers, seeing action during the Red River Campaign in Louisiana, Alabama, Arkansas and others. He re-enlisted after the Civil War with the 1st US Cavalry, serving and being wounded during actions in the Indian Wars

Two Uncles involved during WW II. One Uncle was USAAF, combat tail gunner, another Uncle was Navy but never left the states. Two cousins, one AF and VN Vet, the other CG who served a tour on Attu, Alaska.

When it became my time to serve, I did so willingly, hoping I would get the chance to travel. Laughingly, that wish came true when I was sent to Incirlik AB, Turkey.

OF ALL THEIR DUTY STATIONS OR ASSIGNMENTS, ARE YOU AWARE OF ANY HE/SHE HAD FONDEST MEMORIES OF AND WHY? WHICH WAS THEIR LEAST FAVORITE?
Both my assignments were great. Incirlik was great because I got to travel throughout Turkey on my days off and as a relatively small Air Police unit, our Squadron was exceptionally "tight" . Made many great "buds".

Malmstrom-----SAC. Loved the strict regimentation and felt like I actually knew what I was doing for a change. SAC was very professional, while TAC in Incirlik was not as professional and a little lax in some areas, not to include our squadrons efforts

Incirlik taught me that being in the AF was not a game, but a serious undertaking. Malmstrom expanded on that with the strict regimentation, especially appearance, courtesy and knowledge.

OF ALL THE MEDALS, AWARDS, FORMAL PRESENTATIONS AND QUALIFICATION BADGES HE/SHE RECEIVED, WHICH WERE THE MOST MEANINGFUL TO HIM/HER AND WHY?
Pinning on my AP Shield for the first time. October 30, 1964, Incirlik AFB, Turkey. It's important to me because I finally felt I had become an integral part of something for the first time in my life. I was proud enough to bust.

The second best was receiving the Award for Excellence in Academic Achievement, Air Police Tech School, Honor Graduate. Considering the fact that I barely made it through high school, I'm particularly proud of this award, graduating 2nd out of a class of 82..

Thirdly, the NDSM for service rendered during time of Conflict / War.

IF KNOWN, PLEASE LIST ANY INDIVIDUAL(S) FROM HIS/HER TIME IN THE MILITARY WHO STOOD OUT AS HAVING THE MOST POSITIVE IMPACT ON THEM AND WHY?
Retired SMSgt Robert Van deRiet, a member of AFTWS had the most impact on my short military career. Bob took me under his wing when I arrived at Incirlik, and taught me the basics of being a good cop. Following Bob's advice, I received all Outstanding APR's and was on the promotion list for SSgt. under 4 years.

I must also acknowledge my dear friend, now deceased, TSgt. Robert Solow. Bobbie taught me many things, the most important of which were professionalism, tolerance, understanding and compassion for others. I recently found out via another AFTWS member that Bobby Solow passed away some years ago while living in England.

ARE YOU AWARE OF ANY PARTICULAR INCIDENT FROM HIS/HER SERVICE, WHICH MAY OR MAY NOT HAVE BEEN FUNNY AT THE TIME, BUT STILL MADE THEM LAUGH LATER ON?
#1 This happened during AP Tech training. Having one of the few off-days, we were ordered to clean the barracks, inside and out. These barracks were the newer ones with a 3 foot wide ledge between the 1st and 2nd floor. This was also a very hot day in San Antonio, so Bob Zeilermeir, myself, and about 4 others decided we would wash the outside windows on the 2nd floor, while in our boxers. Most personnel going to and from Chow, had to pass by our barracks. This included multiple squadrons of WAF's. This particular day, Bob spotted a squadron (flight) of WAF's approaching and trying to mimic their marching, Bob proceeded to march in place and count cadence for them. While marching, Bob didn't notice that he was backing up an inch or so with each step, until he walked off the 2nd floor ledge and fell on a grassy embankment, rolling some 20 feet. Not only did we laugh our butts off (Bob was not injured, except for his pride), but seeing this, the WAF Flight Leader halted the ladies within 50 feet of Bob's position, and with his shorts slightly askew, the WAF's joined in the laughter.

#2 While working the Main Gate at Incirlik with a Turkish NCO on 2nd shift, I was scared out of my wits one evening. We normally ordered fried chicken, Ekmek (Turkish bread) and sliced tomato and onions from the Turkish chow hall. After having an uneventful lunch, I returned to my duties after releasing my "relief" to return to CSC. Going about my business, I glanced at the Main Gate (Shack) and the Turk NCO had pulled his revolver from it's holster and started to spin the cylinder. I had no idea what was to come, but out of nowhere, he spun the cylinder a 2nd time, held the revolver pointed at the ceiling of the gate shack and pulled the trigger! He hadn't unloaded the weapon before doing this and put a round through the roof and scared the sh*t out of me. Within minutes, every LE troop on duty had surrounded the Main Gate, blocking entrance to and exit from base. When asked what had happened by my NCOIC, all I could do was point to the Turk NCO and said "Talk to him, not me". The NCO lost a stripe because of that incident and I had to replace a pair of "boxers."

#3 While going through Judo Training in BMT I was graciously selected by the Judo Instructor to be thrown around the gymnasium. Before proceeding, we were all given specific instructions on how to fall without being injured. I evidently did not hear everything he said. The first time he threw me half way across the mat, I landed incorrectly and sustained a pulled groin muscle. Thankfully, I didn't miss any time. It wasn't that humorous at the time.

IF KNOWN, WHAT MILITARY ASSOCIATIONS WAS HE OR SHE A MEMBER OF, IF ANY? ARE YOU AWARE OF ANY SPECIFIC BENEFITS THEY DERIVED FROM THEIR MEMBERSHIPS?
I am affiliated with FSK Post 11, American Legion, becoming a member in 2009.

IF HE/SHE SURVIVED MILITARY SERVICE, IN WHAT WAYS DO YOU BELIEVE HIS/HER SERVING IN THE MILITARY INFLUENCED THE WAY THEY APPROACHED THEIR PERSONAL LIFE, FAMILY LIFE AND CAREER?
I went into the AF as a young boy and came out a man. I am very proud of my service to my country, and honored to have met so many great people. USAF Brothers, then, now and forever.

IF THEY WERE HERE TODAY, WHAT ADVICE DO YOU THINK HE OR SHE WOULD GIVE TO THOSE WHO FOLLOWED IN THEIR FOOTSTEPS AND RECENTLY ENTERED MILITARY SERVICE?
As I am part of your heritage, you too, shall be passing your legacy on to future generations. You will be making memories and friendships that will last a lifetime.

HOW EFFECTIVE HAS TOGETHERWESERVED.COM BEEN IN HELPING YOU RECORD YOUR REMEMBERED PERSONS MILITARY SERVICE? DO YOU HAVE ANY ADDITIONAL COMMENTS OR SUGGESTIONS YOU WOULD LIKE TO MAKE?

TWS and the US Air Force

AFTWS has given me both the opportunity to connect with a couple of Brothers from the past, and to make many new friends.

DS 3/17/17