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Service Details |
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Current Service Status
USAF Veteran
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Current/Last Rank
Staff Sergeant
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Current/Last Primary AFSC/MOS
27270B-Air Traffic Control Technician
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Current/Last AFSC Group
Air Traffic Control
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Primary Unit
1984-1986, 27170, 911th Tactical Airlift Group
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Previously Held AFSC/MOS
43230-Apprentice Jet Engine Mechanic
99000-Basic Airman
43250-Jet Engine Mechanic
27230-Air Traffic Control Operator
27250B-Air Traffic Control Operator
27250A-Air Traffic Control Operator
27270-Air Traffic Control Technician
27270A-Air Traffic Control Technician
27170-Air Operations Supervisor
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Service Years
1972 - 1986
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| Official/Unofficial US Air Force Certificates
Cold War Certificate
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1988, American Legion, Post 127 (Anderson, Indiana)
- Chap. Page
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1998, Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), Dept of Indiana (Indianapolis, Indiana)
- Chap. Page
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2003, B-52 Stratofortress Association
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2008, Korean War Veterans Association (KWVA)
- Assoc. Page
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2008, UTAPAO Alumni Association
- Assoc. Page
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2008, National Rifle Association (NRA)
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2008, Air Force Together We Served
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2009, Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA)
- Assoc. Page
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2016, Air Force Memorial (AFM)
- Assoc. Page
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What are you doing now:
After almost 32 years of Government Service with the USAF and the FAA, I retired in 2004. 12 years Active Duty with one break and Two years Active Reserves, I served in Southeast Asia, Northeast Asia and Ten CONUS assignments as a Jet Engine mechanic (B52's and KC135's) an Air Traffic Controller ( Tower/ Radar and the MOB) and an Airfield Management Specialist (Reserves) and I can say I enjoyed all of them. I just enjoyed some more than others! I left the Air Force in 1984 when the FAA gave me an offer I couldn't refuse. I spent two more with the Air Force Reserve at Greater Pitt. After 30 years of telling pilots where to go, I hung up my headset and now I watch my 16 year old son grow up. And Yes he wants to be an Air Force Fighter Pilot. He's a Plane nut just like his dad!
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Other Comments:
The Aircraft in this profile I either worked on as a mechanic, or controlled as an Air Traffic Controller in the US Air Force or the FAA. Some have interesting stories if you click on the photo.
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1972-1972, 99000, 3728th Basic Military Training Squadron (Cadre)
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1972-1972, 99000, HQ USAF, Headquarters Command (HQ USAF)
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1972-1972, 43230, Technical Training Center - Chanute (Staff)
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1972-1972, 43250, 8th Air Force
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1972-1972, 43250, 307th Strategic Wing
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1972-1972, 43250, Andersen Air Force Base
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1972-1972, 43250, 43rd Strategic Wing
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1972-1974, 43250, Strategic Air Command (SAC)
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1972-1974, 43250, 17th Field Maintenance Squadron
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1972-1974, 43250, Second Air Force (2nd Air Force)
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1972-1974, 43250, 17th Bombardment Wing, Heavy
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1972-1974, 43250, 17th Bombardment Wing, Heavy
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1974-1974, 27230, Technical Training Center - Keesler
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1975-1976, 27250B, 2110th Communications Squadron
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1976-1978, 27250B, 2066th Communications Squadron
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1978-1978, 27270B, 7th Air Force
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1978-1979, 27250B, 8th Tactical Fighter Wing - Wolf Pack
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1978-1979, PACAF Pacific Communications Area (PACOMMAREA)
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1978-1979, 27250B, 1982nd Communications Squadron
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1979-1980, 27250A, 2179th Communications Squadron
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1979-1981, 27270, Air Force Communications Service (AFCS)
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1979-1981, 27270A, 2nd Combat Communications Group
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1980-1984, 27270, 1915th Communications Squadron
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1980-1984, 27270B, Air Force Communications Command (AFCC)
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1984-1986, 27170, 911th Tactical Airlift Group
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1984-1986, 27170, Air Force Reserve Command
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1984-1986, 27170, 439th Tactical Airlift Wing
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1984-1986, 27170, 911th Tactical Airlift Group
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Reflections on SSgt Jones's
US Air Force Service
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PLEASE DESCRIBE WHO OR WHAT INFLUENCED YOUR DECISION TO JOIN THE AIR FORCE.
I wanted to fly. Didn't care that much about being an Airline Pilot. I wanted to be a Flight Engineer. Something about knowing every nut and bolt on all that metal flying in formation. Parents couldn't afford College so I entered a Technical School called American Jet. Somehow, I don't remember how, I ended up talking to the Air Force Recruiter. He explained I could accomplish the same thing and wouldn't have to pay tuition, get paid and at the same time serve my Country. Sounded good to me!
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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 intentions were to complete my seven level as a Jet Engine Mechanic and then cross train as a Flight Engineer. After my hitch was over I would try to get a job with an airline! "Best laid plans of mice and men." I returned from Thailand and the unit career adviser (former FE) sat me down and explained that if the war ended there would be a surplus of FE's. It was a lateral career field and I could end up working on engines again instead of flying. Sometime shortly after that I was on the flight line helping drop an engine. It was about 20 degrees, snow was blowing and ice forming everywhere. The QD on the fuel line failed and I got showered with ice cold JP-4. At the end of the ramp was the Control Tower. I looked up and this Staff Sgt with a hot cup of Joe and a cigarette laughing his ass off. I decided then that my AF career was taking a different turn.
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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?
Served in Guam and Thailand during Linebacker ll. Someone got an idea to dispatch a group of mechanics of various type in a go team and have them in Thailand in case any Andersen based birds had to divert.
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OF ALL YOUR DUTY STATIONS OR ASSIGNMENTS, WHICH ONE DO YOU HAVE FONDEST MEMORIES OF AND WHY? WHICH WAS YOUR LEAST FAVORITE?
Best State side (CONUS) assignment probably was Myrtle Beach AFB. Remember a lot of friends and my first Approach Rating. It was a beautiful base. Best overseas assignment was Kunsan Korea. Loved the food, people and the camaraderie. Least favorite was Guam/Thailand. Sent TDY to Guam and then TDY to Thailand for Linebacker II. Scared 19 year old. Got to see the country but not good times. Would maybe go back to see the other side.
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FROM YOUR ENTIRE MILITARY SERVICE, DESCRIBE ANY MEMORIES YOU STILL REFLECT BACK ON TO THIS DAY.
The heat in Thailand, the bugs, the jet noise seems like 24 hours a day. Didn't enjoy it much. Hated Guam worse though. I met a friend in the early 90's. Turns out his dad was a tail gunner on a B-52 at Utapao and was shot down on November 19th 1972. That haunts me! Never knowingly met Charlie Poole but I probably watched them take off that day. His son and I are good friends. It kinda makes me feel like everything I did in over 11 years was so small and insignificant. Rest in peace Charlie! Another memory that stands out is I was credited with a save of a P-3 and KC-135 while in Korea. If had I not seen what was happening they would have had a midair at 23,000 feet. Sixteen lives saved and the guys in the KC-135 didn't even know what had happened.
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WHAT PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENTS ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF FROM YOUR MILITARY CAREER?
Air Force Commendation Medal. Exemplary Service Award in Korea for an Aircraft Save.
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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?
Commendation Medal. For my service in Korea. The Humanitarian Medal for the ATC strike in 1981. Lot of good and bad memories.
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WHICH INDIVIDUAL(S) FROM YOUR TIME IN THE MILITARY STAND OUT AS HAVING THE MOST POSITIVE IMPACT ON YOU AND WHY?
CMSgt. Walter D. McClain. Msgt. Ralph D. Rostock. Both were good mentors and good friends.
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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 was offered a job as a Certified Air Traffic Controller with the FAA after the controllers strike in 1981. I was hired as a GS-11 in 1984 and retired as a ATC-10 in 2004. Equal to a GS-14 step 10 pay wise, so it was a good decision. I loved working airplanes!!!!!
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WHAT MILITARY ASSOCIATIONS ARE YOU A MEMBER OF, IF ANY? WHAT SPECIFIC BENEFITS DO YOU DERIVE FROM YOUR MEMBERSHIPS?
Life member of the VFW and VVA. Member of the Legion for over 20 years. I enjoy belonging and being able to help other Vets deal with the VA.
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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?
Everything I've done in life has been influenced by my military service. It molded my person, my being and what and how I believe and live. The way I interact with others. A very profound effect on my being!
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BASED ON YOUR OWN EXPERIENCES, WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO THOSE WHO HAVE RECENTLY JOINED THE AIR FORCE?
Get all you can from serving. It's you, it will be you from now on! Learn a career and finish your education. It's all there for the taking. A great way of life!
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IN WHAT WAYS HAS TOGETHERWESERVED.COM HELPED YOU REMEMBER YOUR MILITARY SERVICE AND THE FRIENDS YOU SERVED WITH.
Just by being able to talk and listen to brothers and Sisters who have walked in the same shoes. Who are able to relate! The camaraderie that we all experienced knowing we were all in the same boat; the same situations. DB 7/4/2016
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