Jones, Gerald, SSgt

PLEASE DESCRIBE WHO OR WHAT INFLUENCED YOUR DECISION TO JOIN THE AIR FORCE.
I was nearing graduation from high school in Collins, Georgia. There were no opportunities for employment as the primary occupation in the area was and is farming.

My best friend and I planned to go Army Airborne on the buddy system. We took the written exams and physical at the processing center in Atlanta. However, at the last minute Larry's father decided to deny him the opportunity to get away from working every day from daylight to dark on their farm. I was not deterred and entered the Air Force as soon as I could. Even then, I thought that service offered better opportunities.

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 was a member of the squadron basketball team. Lieutenant Brown was on my team and he worked in Manpower and Personnel. He mentioned an opportunity that was available to become a Flight Traffic Specialist/Loadmaster. The massive buildup for the Vietnam War had begun and just about anyone who was willing to relocate and accept flight status (hazardous duty pay) was selected. For me, it was an easy decision to support the war effort by being involved at many levels. I thought of the excitement, camaraderie, increased pay and world travel. However, it put me in a position where I had very little family life with my wife and two small children. Overall, I would say my military experiences were very worthwhile and will be with me forever. I imagine it is the same for most of us.

FROM YOUR ENTIRE MILITARY SERVICE, DESCRIBE ANY MEMORIES YOU STILL REFLECT BACK ON TO THIS DAY.
This particular memory starts out pretty bad but in the end turned out quite well. My flying squadron was on alert and my flight crew was called out. However, for some reason I forgot about my status and went off base. The next morning I found myself across the desk from my NCOIC. He had the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) handbook open on his desk to the appropriate page. He asked about my whereabouts when I did not report for duty yesterday. I knew I was in serious trouble and was honest with my response. Consequently, I was placed on detail with two others who failed to respond to the call. The squadron parking lot looked much better with all the freshly painted parking lines.

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 Aircrew Badge is the most meaningful among my medals and awards. It recognizes personnel who typically undergo advanced training in aircraft in-flight support roles. As such, one realizes the importance of training in many aspects of what goes on aboard the aircraft and especially the safety of other crew members and passengers, if any. I considered my role as very important.

WHICH INDIVIDUAL(S) FROM YOUR TIME IN THE MILITARY STAND OUT AS HAVING THE MOST POSITIVE IMPACT ON YOU AND WHY?
MSgt. Sivigny was a Flight Examiner. He pretty much filled the role of a good sergeant who enjoyed military life and was dedicated to providing effective leadership and training. He could be cool and collected but was forceful when his trainees failed to appreciate his role. MSgt. Sivigny was an example to be followed as a supervisor in his AFSC whether on a mission or off duty.

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 graduation from Kansas State Teachers College I began a full-time career in Veterans Affairs and retired after approximately 27 years. After retirement I spent about 30 hours a week managing/monitoring a stock portfolio and buying/selling Florida real estate as a private investor. I continue to manage the stocks on a market days.

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?
I am certain I would have been unsuccessful in locating a meaningful career on my own. I would probably have worked on the farm and looked for part-time jobs.

The Air Force provided the opportunity that I needed to get on track with my life. I knew I wanted to go to college upon discharge so I tried to keep myself familiar with the GI Bill. Sure enough, the new GI Bill was enacted about the time I was discharged.

My wife was a teacher so I attended classes during the days and worked part-time on nights and weekends.

The Air Force and its standards of excellence were exactly what I needed. The discipline and motivation were there for me. So, I became the first Jones in my family to graduate with a college degree.

BASED ON YOUR OWN EXPERIENCES, WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO THOSE WHO HAVE RECENTLY JOINED THE AIR FORCE?
The Air Force can mold your life and set you on the path to achieve what you want out of life. I wouldn't change a thing.

If you don't want to make the Air Force your career, make sure you have a plan for initiation when you are separated or discharged. Also, make sure you enjoy the valuable lessons of military life they will serve you forever.

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

TWS and the US Air Force

For me, Togetherweserved.com offers a very worthwhile way to restore the military memories that we all have and carry with us. My career in Veterans Affairs has given me a great foundation for working on the site with my work knowledge and experience. Furthermore, it is pretty ideal as a hobby with the ability to interact with fellow Airmen.

DS 5/11/16