Dilworth, Robert L. S., CMSgt

PLEASE DESCRIBE WHO OR WHAT INFLUENCED YOUR DECISION TO JOIN THE AIR FORCE.
I was about to get married and had a child on the way so I needed a job/career to support a family.

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?
My entire career was in Aircraft Control and Warning (AC&W). I started as an Air Surveillance Operator, but prior to the end of my first assignment (A remote at Okino Erabu Shima, Okinawa) I was trained to be an Intercept Control Technician (ICT). Three and a half years later, and now a three striper (A1C) I went to my second remote (Kume Jima, Okinawa). The second week I was there the TSgt in the Radar Operations Training Shop had a heart attack and had to be helicopter evacuated from the island. Two days afterward I was placed in the training shop and verbally told what had to be done. I made many phone calls to Naha Airbase and learned more about what I was required to do and what manuals and regulations I should read. Within a week or so I was made the OJT Airman for the site, because Radar Operation had 18 guys on OJT for their five level. Radar Maintenance only had five guys on OJT for their five level. It was a small island and little to do other than work so I worked seven days a week and made tests for the Operations guys to see if they remembered what they were studying.

About half way thru my year tour, me and the 23 guys on OJT were sent to Naha Airbase on the Mainland, for them to take their five level test. Twenty-two of them passed their five level and about a month later I was promoted to SSgt. Afterward, most places I was assigned to, placed me in the Training Shop if it was a unit that controlled fighter aircraft.

In 1971, while assigned to the 801 AC&W Squadron at Malmstrom AFB, MT I asked to be transferred to the 24th Air Division there so I could get some SAGE experience. SAGE (Semi-Automated Ground Environment) was the first computerized radar system. While assigned to 24 AD I was sent to Interceptor Weapons School (IWS). at Tyndall AFB, FL and Fort Lee AFS, VA. Prior to being sent to IWS Air Defense Command (ADC) held its first Air Divisions competition (Freddie Smith) and we won the first Freddie Smith Award.

Less than two months after completing IWS I volunteered to help reopen Dauphin Island, AL and departed Malmstrom on 31 Oct 72. I completed my tour at Dauphin Island on 1 January 1974 and went to the NCO Academy at Tyndall, where I won the Commandant Award and afterward was assigned to Fort Lee AFS.

After two years and four months there, I received my first overseas long tour to Hessisch Oldendorf AS, Germany where I served as the Mobility NCO for the 609 TCS (Tactical Control Squadron) (Mobile Radar). I was next assigned back to Fort Lee as the NCOIC ot the Combat Training Branch until I made SMSgt and was reassigned to Stan/Eval, and later as Combat Crew Chief.

I next went to my fourth remote at Wallace AS, Philippines as the Superintendent of Radar Operations. After four months there, Clark Airbase CBPO sent paperwork for my commander to sign approving me attending the Senior NCO Academy. While at SNCOA Hq Personnel at Randolph AFB, TX called me and informed me I was not suppose to have been sent to SNCOA while serving a remote.

After my tour at Wallace I was assigned to the 728 TCS at Eglin Duke Field where I did a 90 days TDY to Honduras, and the entire unit did a 47 days TDY to Korea for Team Spirit. I made Chief at Eglin and in July 1988, I was reassigned to the Warrior Preparation Center (WPC), which is a high profile USAF Europe unit staffed by Air Force and Army personnel. My boss was an Army Colonel and he awarded me an Army Achievement Medal when I was reassigned to USAF Europe because my slot at the WPC was deleted after I was there only 14 months.

At USAF Europe I was assigned to the Tactical Air Control Directorate and was the senior enlisted person in my career field in USAF Europe. I also was the Chief Enlisted Manager (CEM) for my career field in USAF Europe and Personnel asked my advice on a one issue while there.

I departed Germany 2 June 1991 on 90 days terminal leave after serving 30 years and 17 days. It was a great career.

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?
I served a tour in Vietnam 8 Oct 69 to 7 Oct 70. I survived rocket attacks at three locations. I was assigned to the 619 TCS (Tactical Control Squadron) at Tan Son Nhut Airbase. As the Radar Operations Training NCO I was sent to Bien Thuy to check their Arc Light procedures and while there the base was attacked with rockets. While at Tan Son Nhut in December 1969 we had lights on our two radar towers. One had lights in the shape of a star and the other had lights in the shape of a Christmas Tree. At about 2:00 AM on 19 Dec 1969 we had a rocket attack. The rockets were aimed at the towers. One rocket landed in the Army Compound prior to the Radar Compound and killed an Army guy. We lived in a compound on the opposite side of the Radar Compound. One rocket landed in a Basketball Court just past our living compound. I was lucky to again survive a rocket attack. The lights on the towers were not turned on again after that night and were taken down.

About three months later I was sent TDY to Hon Tre Island to check their Arc Light procedures and while there a rocket attack occurred. Those three rocket attacks were the closest I came to combat.

FROM YOUR ENTIRE MILITARY SERVICE, DESCRIBE ANY MEMORIES YOU STILL REFLECT BACK ON TO THIS DAY.
I arrived at the 728 TCS (Tactical Control Squadron) 31 Jan 84. Three weeks after my arrival we were notified of a pending ORI. A few days later I was informed that since moving to Eglin AFB (Duke Field) the unit had not received a Satisfactory rating during an ORI. We had the ORI in April 84 and received a Satisfactory rating. Around September 1985 we received another ORI and I was assigned to the third convoy to ride in the trailing vehicle with a Vehicle Maintenance person. We came across a vehicle from the second convoy that had broken down and was waiting for repairs or a wrecker to come tow it. One of my Radar Operators was the shotgun in the broken vehicle. I made the decision for him to replace me in the trailing vehicle of convoy three and continue to the deployed location, and I waited with the broken vehicle. When I and the broken vehicle finally got to the deployed location, I was informed that one of the ORI team members was not happy that I, as the Superintendent of Operations, had stayed with the broken vehicle and allowed one of my Operators to continue to the deployed location. I explained that I wanted that Operator to get to the deployed location and help with putting up the TSQ-91, because that was a major factor in our rating.

Well the 91 got up and we controlled aircraft in time for an excellent ORI rating. From that day forward we never received anything but excellent ratings on ORIs and MEIs, and became known as the best Tactical Control Squadron (TCS) in the Tactical Air Command (TAC). I conducted the Operations briefing each morning and at the end of the day. The Operations Officer was so proud that he had the Commander come to one of the morning briefings and from that day forward if we had a visitor to the squadron, the Commander always brought the person to my morning briefing. On three occassions, National Guard TCS people came to the 728 TCS to observe us deploy and watch our operation. The Operations Officer or his senior NCO always sought me out. When I left the 728 TCS I was given a party and a beautiful Bronze Eagle on a stand that I still have today.

My boss wrote on my performance report, "DON'T EVER LET THIS CHIEF OUT THE AIR FORCE".

WHAT PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENTS ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF FROM YOUR MILITARY CAREER?
I did not receive any awards for valor. I received the normal awards for service in Vietnam. Additionally I was awarded a Bronze Star for assisting a Weapons Controller with bringing in a shot up fighter. I got the clearance and had all other aircraft moved out the way for a straight in landing and having crash response waiting. I also worked with a Weapons Controller on several critical Immediate Close Air Support missions. The South Vietnam military awarded me the Vietnam Honor Medal Second Class.

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 Bronze Star is probably the most meaningful to me because it got it when I was a young SSgt, and I did not know my first boss in Vietnam put me in for it, even though he rotated four months before I did.

WHICH INDIVIDUAL(S) FROM YOUR TIME IN THE MILITARY STAND OUT AS HAVING THE MOST POSITIVE IMPACT ON YOU AND WHY?
Many people had a positive influence on my career, but the person that had the most positive influence on me and my career was CWO-4 John F. Layne.

Mr. Layne encouraged a Captain Madson to assign me to the Training Shop in 1967. When I arrived at Tan Son Nhut AB, Vietnam on 8 Oct 69 he walked in the Orderly while I was in-processing. He immediately told me I was going to work for him. He sent me on two TDYs to check units Arc Light procedures and ensured my recommendations were followed. He told the Operations Officer to follow for recommendations for President Nixon air escort and air cover while he was on the ground. He sent me TDY to Monkey Mountain to get tanker qualified and come back and train others, and he left Vietnam in July 1970, but wrote my Bronze Star before he departed. Mr. Layne started my career in Training Shops and gave it a big boost in Vietnam. I owe others like MSgt Walter Jackson, CMSgt Jerry Mainer, CMSgt Phil Himes, CMSgt Dessie Evans, Capt Robert Lippincott, Capt John Van Ooyen, Capt Robert Burkholder, Lt William Ashford, Major Roy Patrick, Lt. Col. Harvey Stevens, Lt . Col. James Keys, and Captain Fred Castro. As you can see I had many mentors and I probably don't remember some, but CWO-4 John F. Layne had the most influence.

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.
Gary Wassell - Tech school at Kessler AFB, MS and Okino Erabu Shima, Okinawa. We were placed on the same crew and learned to play Pinocle together. He was from Monongahela, PA . After Okino he went to AEW&C at McCellen AFB, CA. I never heard from him again and would love to be able to contact him.

Calumet AFS, MI - Larry Cohen, Lindsey Collier, Walter Jackson(Died), Nevis Bethel(Died), TSgt Chandler, and Lt Mink. All were great people. I am in contact with Cohen and Collier. Jackson was the voice behind me getting my third stripe with only two and a half years in the AF. Bethel who was a cook and was from my home state(FL) insured I always ate good and had lots of milk to drink.

Snow Mountain AFS, KY - Grant T. Bennett, and Melvin Ayers. I am in contact with Bennett. He helped me through a tough time with my first wife. Ayers got out after that assignment. He was from West Virginia and I will never hear from him again because he owes me money.

Kume Jima, Okinawa - CWO-4 John Layne, SSgt Keys, and CWO-4 Robert Downing. Mr. Layne recommended I be assigned to the Training Office. Mr. Downing put me in for my first Air Force Commendation Medal. I lost contact with Mr. Layne after he left Plano, TX. Never was in contact with Mr. Downing again, although I know he was at Keesler AFB, MS.

McCoy AFB and Homestead AFB, FL - Ray Betton(Died), and Lloyd Evans. I am still in contact with Evans. We worked together again at Fort Lee AFS, VA and he introduced me to my second wife and was my best man when we got married,. Betton and I had part time jobs together while at Homestead and hung out together a lot.

Tan Son Nhut AB, Vietnam - CWO- John Layne(again), CMSgt Phil Hines(Died), and SSgt Russ Clark(retired CMSgt). Mr. Layne came into the orderly room when I was in-processing and immediately grabbed me to come work for him in the Training Department. He also put me in for my Bronze Star. Phil Hines later helped me get to Fort Lee AFS, VA. Russ Clark spent five years in Vietnam, and he took me under his wings and taught me how to be safe while in Vietnam. I am still in contact with Russ Clark.

Lewistown AFS, MT - Sgt Pennington. He was a great neighbor, and ensured I had cold weather gear for the cold weather. I would like to make contact with him.

Malmstrom AFB, MT - MSgt Holmes helped be get assigned to SAGE at Malmstrom. I wanted to get experience in the computer radar system(SAGE) and he found out about a guy who was inbound to Malmstrom and did not want to go to SAGE. He got CBPO to switch the guy to the 801st Radar Squadron and transfer me to SAGE(24th Air Division)

Dauphin Island AFS, AL - Capt Johannes Van Ooyen, SMSgt Hudson, and TSgt Howard Holland. Capt Van Ooyen had great confidence in me and choose me to stay on day shift and advise the commander during an event which put us on 24 hours alert in 1973. I informed SMSgt Hudson I wanted to attend the NCO Academy and he called the Commandant of the NCO Academy at Tyndall and got me a slot. TSgt Holland was a person I hung out with and he help me get much needed supplies for Radar Operations. I have not been in contact with any of them since that assignment, but I would love to be able to contact all of them, especially Capt Van Ooyen.

Fort Lee AFS, VA - There are too many to name. However, I am fortunate to still be in contact with most of them. A few names are Lloyd Evans, Redd Williams, Kenneth Chesson, Capt Lippincott, Major Patrick, Col Bradshaw, CMSgt Evans(Died),Tom Baldwin(Died), and Melvin Kirk. This was probably my best assignment. There were many others that I will never forget.

Hessich Oldendorf AS, Germany - SSgt James Brown, Capt Burkholder, Lt Ashford, TSgt Jake Johnson, and TSgt John Sellers. Burkholder asked me to be the Mobility NCO, Jake Johnson walked me thru what ever I need to do to order Mobility supplies, Ashford later became my supervisor and put me in for my first MSM. Seller was a great buddy that helped me with getting my furniture in storage when I took leave and went to Virginia and married Nancy. Brown and his family kept Nancy company when I worked my part time job at night as the bartender and the Consolidated Club. Nancy and I would love to be able to contact the Browns. I am in contact with Johnson and Sellers. I saw Ashford when he joined AFTWS and we have made email contact. I would love to be able to contact Burkholder.

Fort Lee AFS, VA - This was my second assignment to Fort Lee. Lt Col John Postas, and SMSgt Jame Harrod were added to the great people I knew. I am still in contact with them. Postas was my boss early and made a Capt stop trying to make me do jobs that were not mine. Harrod taught me a lot about Positive Launch Control which led to me replacing him in that area when he went PCS and NORAD rating it excellent.

Wallace AS, Philippines - Lt Col Harvey Stevens, MaJor James Keys, MSgt Percy Arnold, TSgt Curtis Martin(Died), and SMSgt Paul Melton(Died). Stevens approved me going to the Senior NCO Academy from that remote assignment, which was three months. Arnold let all the officers and NCO know he felt I was the greatest addition to Radar Operations. I saw Steven during my last assignment in Germany where he was the Director of Air Defense Radar at USAFE. Keys was my final Supervisor and had a Capt make my retirement medals, ribbons, and chevrons case, and my flag case. I have Arnold phone number and address and can contact him. I would like to be able to contact Stevens and Keys.

Eglin AFB, FL - Retired MSgt Frank Turberville, SMSgt Alonzo Smith, SSgt George LeSane, Lt Col McKenzie. and Lt Col Green. Turberville was a buddy and we maintain contact. I have Smith phone number and can contact him. He invited me to his SNCO Academy graduation. LeSane recently contacted me and he still lives in North Carolina. McKensie sent me a note congratulating me when I made Chief. Green always brought visiting dignitaries to my morning briefings and told them he completely trusted my judgement. I almost forgot Major Kirk Hunter who wrote on my APR " Don't ever let CMSgt Dilworth get out of the Air Force. I would like to be able to contact McKenzie, Green, and Hunter.

Warrior Preparation Center and Headquarters USAFE, Germany - I will never forget Col Doug Campbell who was my boss at the Warrior Preparation Center. I was there only 14 months and my position was eliminated. He awarded me an Army Achievement Medal. I worked with Major John Seward and we still maintain contact. An Army Lt Col who was married to a friend that my wife grew up with called and asked to speak to me. He asked for Sgt Dilworth and Major Seward answered the phone. He informed him I was Chief Dilworth and if he wanted to talk to me he needed to ask to speak to Chief Dilworth. My wife is a Jehovah Witness and she met Vanessa Gregory at the Kingdom Hall. We became friends with Army SFC Clent Gregory, Vanessa, and their children and remain friends in contact. They adopted Nancy as their mother and me as Pops. Their children call Nancy grandma and me Pops. We stay in contact and visit each other occasionally.

I had an outstanding career and will never forget the friends I made, and all the places I got to see. I would never have got to see all those places if not for the Air Force, and that does not include all the places I got to go TDY to. Thank you Air Force for a great career.

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?
The funniest incident I remember occurred when I made SSgt. I was in the Radar Operations room and the telephone rang on the top dias. A guy answered the phone and yelled it was for me. I went up to the top dias and he handed me the phone and said it was the commander. The commander said "Airman Dilworth when we use to have something wrong in the Unit Training Area I could always say we have a young inexperienced AIC filling the position, but they done screwed that up, by making you a SSGT". I was shocked but very happy. When I hung up the phone I yelled so loud everyone thought I was going crazy.

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 military service I worked as a security guard for 13 months, then in manufacturing for two years and a month. I then came to work for the Postal Service and have now been with it for 16 years. I started as a Mail Carrier and did that for three and a half years. I then got a job in Personnel and worked there for nine and a half years years. Personnel was phased out and I got a job in training which is what I really enjoy.

WHAT MILITARY ASSOCIATIONS ARE YOU A MEMBER OF, IF ANY? WHAT SPECIFIC BENEFITS DO YOU DERIVE FROM YOUR MEMBERSHIPS?
I am a member of DAV and the American Legion. I do not derive any specific benefits from them.

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?
Serving in the Air Force taught me that life is good. It influenced my life by helping me to see that no matter where I go, I will find something that I will enjoy and there are good people everywhere. The Air Force taught me that people are the most important asset we have, and it is so easy to treat people with kindness and respect and gain their confidence. The Air Force is a great believer in human relations; which is very lacking in the civilian sector. The Air Force trained us to be supervisors and managers and to practice good human relations. Civilians don't get that kind of training.

BASED ON YOUR OWN EXPERIENCES, WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO THOSE WHO HAVE RECENTLY JOINED THE AIR FORCE?
Learn all you can about your career field. Go to every school your field offers. Strive to be the best in your career field. When you see something that needs to be done, do it without waiting for your boss to tell you. Be a great follower and become a good leader. Listen to your people. Always be reliable and dependable. Always be on time. And, do unto others as you would have them do to you. Have a great time but always be responsible and honest.

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

TWS and The USAF

It is great to be able to go to the forum and read posts from people who also served. I feel a common bond with the people on the site. I enjoy reading about their past experiences and their current life.The people on the site encourage each other and help each other. One (JR) sent me a heater control knob for my 94 Chevy S-10 that I had been unable to find, and he also gave us a great recipe for SOS. Thank you Togetherweserved.com.

DS 3/15/17