Keys, John, 1stSgt

PLEASE DESCRIBE WHO OR WHAT INFLUENCED YOUR DECISION TO JOIN THE AIR FORCE.
The movie 12 O'Clock High with Paul Burke was my biggest influence to join the Air Force.

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 enlisting in 1966 I was stationed at Grand Forks AF Base. I was assigned to CE, Roads and Grounds, snow removal on base and missile sites. Then on to Ton San Nhut Vietnam to build roads and repair flight line Rocket damage. Form there to Niagara Falls to cut grass and remove more Snow. After an early out I joined the Maryland National Guard for a year as a medium truck operator (fuel truck driver). Then on to the 46th Aerial Port Sq AFRES as a Material Handling Instructor. Then on to the 326 Airlift Sq. Back to active duty with the 3rd Airlift Sq. In 1983 I was reassigned to the 435 CMB Germany that later became the 4th MAPS. In 1988 I was assigned to the 9th ALS where I remained until retirement in 1996.

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 in Vietnam and my mentor was TSGT Ryan. I participated in Operation JUST CAUSE, Granada, Iran conflict, South Africa, Desert Shield, Desert Storm, Croatia and Skopja.

OF ALL YOUR DUTY STATIONS OR ASSIGNMENTS, WHICH ONE DO YOU HAVE FONDEST MEMORIES OF AND WHY? WHICH WAS YOUR LEAST FAVORITE?
I think 4th Maps because the constant change of the mission

FROM YOUR ENTIRE MILITARY SERVICE, DESCRIBE ANY MEMORIES YOU STILL REFLECT BACK ON TO THIS DAY.
Our mission to all 3rd world locations left a lasting impression.

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 5500 accident free flying hours in both the C5 and the C130..

WHICH INDIVIDUAL(S) FROM YOUR TIME IN THE MILITARY STAND OUT AS HAVING THE MOST POSITIVE IMPACT ON YOU AND WHY?
Col. Doug Senter and SMSgt Les Morgan. Chief Roddy and SMSgt Harness.

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?
Our trip to Utopal Thailand.

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 am now the Maintenance Supervisor for a 55 and over Condo Property.

WHAT MILITARY ASSOCIATIONS ARE YOU A MEMBER OF, IF ANY? WHAT SPECIFIC BENEFITS DO YOU DERIVE FROM YOUR MEMBERSHIPS?
AFA, AF Sargent's Assoc. VFW.

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?
The Military has influenced my whole way of life. To say what you mean and mean what say.and no matter what the truth is always the best bet.

BASED ON YOUR OWN EXPERIENCES, WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO THOSE WHO HAVE RECENTLY JOINED THE AIR FORCE?
Always be true to yourself. always respect your fellow man or woman and treat everyone as you want to be treated.

IN WHAT WAYS HAS TOGETHERWESERVED.COM HELPED YOU REMEMBER YOUR MILITARY SERVICE AND THE FRIENDS YOU SERVED WITH.
It's always nice to hear from those that you have proudly served with.

DB 2/1/2017