Brady, Donald, Sgt

PLEASE DESCRIBE WHO OR WHAT INFLUENCED YOUR DECISION TO JOIN THE AIR FORCE.
Just got out of high school and the Vietnam war was in progress. Got my notice to report for military testing. Passed my tests. Didn't want to get drafted so I enlisted in the Air Force. My father was in the Army Air Corps during WWII.

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 interest in Electronics. Was going to be an aircraft engine mechanic but there were too many waiting for training. My electronic score was high enough that the corp offered me a choice to wait for mechanic school or computer training. I took the Electronic training.

OF ALL YOUR DUTY STATIONS OR ASSIGNMENTS, WHICH ONE DO YOU HAVE FONDEST MEMORIES OF AND WHY? WHICH WAS YOUR LEAST FAVORITE?
My duty station was at Kirkland AFB in Albuquerque, New Mexico .There I worked on Rb57-F and Rb57-C aircraft. They flew air sampling missions which they were flown through atomic test clouds that were done by other governments. The test were to determine the size and power of the weapon. The TDY missions were the most interesting. My favorite was to Panama. Also to Mandoza, Argentina.

FROM YOUR ENTIRE MILITARY SERVICE, DESCRIBE ANY MEMORIES YOU STILL REFLECT BACK ON TO THIS DAY.
I became the NCOIC on second shift. There were times I saw the sun come up getting the aircraft ready for the next mission. Worked all night and never missed a mission.

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 outstanding unit citation was the most rewarding. We worked very hard everyday to complete all our missions.

WHICH INDIVIDUAL(S) FROM YOUR TIME IN THE MILITARY STAND OUT AS HAVING THE MOST POSITIVE IMPACT ON YOU AND WHY?
A Tech Sergeant named Thebadeaux was very helpful in getting me ready for my duties as NCOIC. He made me confident that I could do the job.

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 working for Rockwell International when I enlisted and went back to work for them when I got out. I was a machine setup ,operator. I setup gear cutting machine for Semi-truck axles. I worked 30 yrs.I retired in 1997. Went to work for many different types of companies after retiring. I am working for Michael's now. Never thought I would work in retail but I enjoy the challenge.

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?
Fear nothing, have confidence in all that you do.

BASED ON YOUR OWN EXPERIENCES, WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO THOSE WHO HAVE RECENTLY JOINED THE AIR FORCE?
Be proud of your service. There is no better service.

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

TWS and the US Air Force

With the limited number of people in the field I was in, it is hard to find members who I served with but I am glad to say that I have reconnected with some I have had the joy to serve with.

DS 3/9/17