Service Photo |
Service Details |
|
|
|
|
Last Photo |
Personal Details
|
|
|
Home State
Georgia | |
|
Year of Birth 1940 |
|
This Military Service Page was created/owned by
Diane (TWS Admin) Short, SA
to remember
Jones, Gerald (Jerry), SSgt.
If you knew or served with this Airman and have additional information or photos to support this Page, please leave a message for the Page Administrator(s) HERE.
|
|
Contact Info
|
Home Town Claxton, Georgia |
Last Address Boynton Beach
|
Date of Passing Sep 29, 2018 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1959-1959, 3275th Technical School
|
|
1959-1959, 3277th Student Squadron (Cadre)
|
|
1960-1962, 21st Air Division
|
|
1960-1963, 815th Combat Support Group
|
|
1960-1963, 8th Air Force
|
|
1960-1963, Strategic Air Command (SAC)
|
|
1962-1962, 40th Bombardment Wing, Medium
|
|
1963-1963, Tinker Air Force Base
|
|
1963-1963, 11430, Air Education and Training Command
|
|
1963-1963, 60630, Air Education and Training Command
|
|
1963-1964, 60650, 29th Air Transport Squadron
|
|
1963-1964, 60650, 1611th Air Transport Wing
|
|
1963-1965, 21st Air Force
|
|
1963-1965, 60650, Military Air Transport Service (MATS)
|
|
1964-1965, 60650, 38th Air Transport Squadron
|
|
1965-1965, 60650, 18th Air Transport Squadron
|
|
1965-1965, 17th Air Force
|
|
1965-1966, Rhein Main Air Base
|
|
1966-1966, 60650, 40th Military Airlift Squadron (HEAVY)
|
|
1966-1966, 60650, 7310th Air Base Wing
|
|
1966-1966, 60650, 7310th Air Base Group
|
|
1966-1966, 60650, United States Air Forces in Europe (COMUSAFE/USAFE)
|
|
1966-1966, 438th Military Airlift Wing
|
|
1966-1966, Military Airlift Command (MAC)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Reflections on SSgt Jones's
US Air Force Service
|
|
|
TO THE BEST OF YOUR KNOWLEDGE, WHAT INFLUENCED HIS/HER 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.
|
TO THE BEST OF YOUR KNOWLEDGE, PLEASE DESCRIBE THE DIRECTION OR PATH HE/SHE TOOK IN HIS/HER MILITARY SERVICE. WHERE DID THEY GO FOR BASIC TRAINING AND WHAT UNITS, BASES OR SQUADRONS WERE THEY ASSIGNED TO? WHAT WAS HIS/HER 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 THEIR ENTIRE MILITARY SERVICE, DESCRIBE ANY PERSONAL MEMORIES, YOU MAY BE AWARE OF, WHICH IMPACTED HIM/HER THE MOST.
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 HE/SHE RECEIVED, WHICH WERE THE MOST MEANINGFUL TO HIM/HER 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.
|
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?
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.
|
IF HE/SHE SURVIVED MILITARY SERVICE, WHAT PROFESSION(S) DID HE/SHE FOLLOW AFTER DISCHARGE?
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.
|
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 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.
|
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?
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.
|
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 |
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
|
|