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An up close and personal interview with U.S. Air Force Veteran and Togetherweserved.com Member:
Maj Robert Storey US Air Force (Ret) (1962-1990)
WHAT INFLUENCED YOUR DECISION TO JOIN THE MILITARY?
The draft! It was 1962, I had just graduated from high school (barely) and knew I did not want to be drafted into the Army. I also knew if I stayed in Childersburg, Alabama my best job opportunities were working in one of two local mills; a paper mill or a fibers mill. I did not see myself in either of them. I felt the Air Force was the better branch of service, so I enlisted on 10 Jul 1962. I was 17 at the time and had to have my parent's permission. My Dad had served in the Army during World War II which made my Mom the difficult one to convince.
BRIEFLY, WHAT WAS YOUR SERVICE CAREER PATH?
My first AFSC was 29252, Non-Morse Radio Intercept Operator with the US Air Force Security Service. After initial training at Goodfellow AFB, TX I was sent to Misawa AB, Japan for a two year tour. The tour was curtailed so I rotated back to the states as an Administration Specialist,  70230. I remained in the Administration career field for the remainder of my career. Although I had a CONUS Imbalanced AFSC (29252) which meant I was supposed to go overseas as a Radio Intercept Operator, my next overseas assignment was to DaNang AB, RVN as an Administration Specialist. I did my best to convince the CBPO folks that was wrong. I lost that argument. I lost another career path argument upon selection for OTS. I wanted to be a Procurement Officer, but the Air Force kept me in the Administration Officer career field. That turned out to be a true career path because in 1979 I became an Instructor in the Admin Officer Course. I was also the Course Supervisor in 1981. I stayed in Air Training Command with assignments to Chanute and Lowry AFBs. Upon retirement I became the training coordinator/supervisor/manager for a manufacturing company.
DID YOU PARTICIPATE IN COMBAT OPERATIONS? IF SO, COULD YOU DESCRIBE THOSE WHICH WERE SIGNIFICANT TO YOU?
I was credited with three Vietnam War campaigns: Counteroffensive Phases II and III and Tet Counteroffensive. I was assigned to the 480th Tactical Fighter Squadron as Admin Specialist in the Operations Section and later as the Orderly Room Clerk. Jul 15, 1967 was my first time under fire when the  VC launched the biggest rocket attack, to that date, on DaNang AB. My bunk was on the barracks second floor and also the top bunk. I don't remember how I got to the bunker, only being in it, listening to the rockets launch and then waiting for the impact. When I returned to the barracks, there was a hole in the roof above my bunk. I never did find what made the hole. The second rocket attack occurred on Sep 2, 1967. It was not nearly as lengthy as Jul 15, but still, hearing the rockets launch and waiting for the impact was the most scared I've ever been. I was awarded the Air Force Commendation Medal for my actions during the Sep 2 attack. To this day, I do not believe I deserved it. Tet 68 brought more of the same.
FROM YOUR ENTIRE SERVICE CAREER WHAT PARTICULAR MEMORY STANDS OUT?
My tours in Vietnam and Somalia. In both tours I felt we were there for good reasons. I saw Vietnam as a stand against communism. In Somalia, to train and provide non-lethal logistical support to the Somali Army and Air Force. When I arrived in Mogadishu in Sep 1989,  there was a US Army Green Beret team there to train the Somali Army on small unit tactics. By Jan 1990 about half of them were sent back to the States. The rest of them left before I departed on 1 Jul 1990. We sent Somali Army and Air Force members to training courses in the United States. My memories of Vietnam are mostly of the pilots of the 480 TFS who flew missions they felt were high risk. For many of them, the risk was too high. So, here's a salute to those who died or were captured and became POWs:
KIA - Lt Col John W. Armstrong (Sq CC), 1st Lt Lance P. Sijan (Medal of Honor), Capt John M. Martin, Capt Richard L. Whitteker , 1st Lt James L. Badley, Major Smith Swords III, 1st Lt. Murray L. Wortham.
MIA/POW: Major Kenneth R. Hughey, 1st Lt Melvin Pollack, 1st Lt Thomas N. Moe, Capt William J. Baugh, 1st Lt Donald R. Spoon.
WERE ANY OF THE MEDALS OR AWARDS YOU RECEIVED FOR VALOR? IF YES, COULD YOU DESCRIBE HOW THIS WAS EARNED?
PRESIDENTIAL UNIT CITATION - 366 TFW
366th TFW aircrews shot down twelve MIGs and probably destroyed two others from 23 Apr to 1 Aug 67. Four of the MIGs were shot down using the 20mm Gatling gun hung under the fuselage of the F-4Cs. Three of those four were scored  by crews of the 480 TFS.
AF OUTSTANDING UNIT AWARD with V device - 480 TFS
THE AIR FORCE COMMENDATION MEDAL - The attached citation tells the AF version of the 2 Sep 67 rocket attack on DaNang AB. Here's my version. When the rockets started hitting we evacuated the barracks to our bunker. Once in the bunker one of my squadron mates (wish I could remember his name) was sitting on the ground and made a noise. Someone said he was swallowing his tongue. I was next to him so I put my finger into his mouth to straighten his tongue. He clamped down with his teeth on my finger. I tried to pull my finger out but instead pulled his head down between his knees. He regained consciousness and released my finger. (I was a First Responder in my civilian career and now know what really happened. First, it is impossible to swallow your tongue. Then getting his head down got blood back to his brain, hence, regaining consciousness.) Meanwhile, back at DaNang: Soon the all clear was sounded so we went back into the barracks. Its was then I realized the cut on his head probably needed medical treatment. He said he ran into a metal locker in his evacuation to the bunker. I told him he should go the the hospital because it probably needed stitches. He did not want to go. I said I would go with him. We walked to the hospital and he was treated (two or three stitches I think).
As I said earlier, to this day I do not believe I deserved this medal.
OF THE MEDALS, AWARDS AND QUALIFICATION BADGES OR DEVICES YOU RECEIVED, WHAT IS THE MOST MEANINGFUL TO YOU AND WHY?
The Presidential Unit Citation and the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with V device. Both were awarded for combat situations. I am extremely proud to have served with men of the character and courage to perform their duty under the most adverse conditions. As has been said by others, the  heroes are the ones who died, the rest of us are survivors.
The Meritorious Service Medal for my assignment with the 81 FMS/EMS. That tour at RAF Bentwaters/Woodbridge (75-79) was my favorite. The camaraderie of everyone was the best I've ever seen.
The Defense Meritorious Service Medal for the United States Office of Military Cooperation (USOMC), Mogadishu, Somalia (89-90). That was my last tour of duty in my career. The USOMC consisted of four Army, two AF and two civilian members. The other AF person was Lt. Col Wally Wethe. Wally was the Deputy Commander and a pilot. We had a C-12 twin engine aircraft housed on the military side of the Mogadishu airport. As the Admin Staff Officer, I published the flight orders and coordinated them with the Somali military. Our Somali liaison was an Army Lt. Col. who had been in the US Army. He resigned his commission to return to his native Somalia. He made our work very easy. I wish I knew his fate and remembered his name.
WHICH INDIVIDUAL PERSON FROM YOUR SERVICE STANDS OUT AS THE ONE WHO HAD THE BIGGEST IMPACT ON YOU AND WHY?
There were many who had an impact on me, but the one who stands out is Lt. Col Ramon Lopez, Commander 81 FMS/EMS. He was a Major during our tour together. He taught me, by his actions, how to really be a leader. He had a wonderful sense of humor and more than once forgave my mistakes. He gave me opportunities to excel, such as standing in for him during the DCMs evening stand-up meeting a few times. The first time I did that the DCM wanted to know why I (an Admin Officer) was there. I simply said that Maj Lopez was dealing with pressing squadron maintenance issues and asked me to take the meeting. The DCM never questioned my presence there again. When Maj Lopez was selected for Lt. Col. I had rotated back to the States. He wrote me a letter thanking me for everything I did that got him promoted.
CAN YOU RECOUNT A PARTICULAR INCIDENT FROM YOUR SERVICE THAT WAS FUNNY AT THE TIME AND STILL MAKES YOU LAUGH?
New Year's Eve 1967, DaNang AB. I was a Sgt, Orderly Room Clerk, 480 TFS. 1st Lt. Don J. Newell, Jr., a pilot, was the additional duty Admin Officer. He was from Montgomery, AL and graduated from Auburn University. I was from Childersburg, a small town between Montgomery and Birmingham,  AL. We had a special bond. On New Year's Eve my buddies and I started celebrating at the NCO Club. We came back to our barracks to continue the festivities. I called Lt Newell at his quarters to wish him a Happy New Year. He told me to come on over. When I arrived in Officer's Country, we shared a few drinks. He then gave me a flight jacket and said we were going to the DOOM Club. I was not too sure about that, but had enough to drink that I didn't care. Inside the DOOM Club we had a few more drinks and then a Major began to eyeball me. He questioned that I was really an officer and was about to make a big deal out of it when Lt Newell came to my rescue. I don't remember what he told the Major. We finished our drinks and got out of there. With our arms around each others shoulder, we laughed all the way as we staggered back to Officer's Country. I know this sounds like a MASH TV episode, but it really did happen.
In 1976 I was sent to Squadron Officer School at Maxwell AFB. One day as I entered the BOQ I noticed a card in the window that identified the building custodian as Don J. Newell, Sr. I called him and he confirmed he was Lt Newell's dad. I can't remember where he said Don was stationed at the time.
In 1981 I enrolled in the Air Command and Staff College course by seminar at Kessler AFB. In the materials I received was a listing of the ACSC staff at Maxwell AFB. Major Don J. Newell, Jr. was one of them. We talked several times on the phone.
WHAT PROFESSION DID YOU FOLLOW AFTER THE SERVICE AND WHAT ARE YOU DOING NOW? IF CURRENTLY SERVING, WHAT IS YOUR CURRENT JOB?
I retired from the AF on 1 Oct 1990. Struggled in finding a job and worked part-time for a Sears store.
In early Jun 1991, I was hired by the President of JD Edwards Company as his assistant. My role was to write correspondence that he did not want  to handle. After one month, he was made Vice President and I was reassigned to the Vice President of Sales. In Aug 1991 I was laid off.
In late Nov 1991 I was hired as the Training Coordinator for OEA, Inc. OEA made rocket motors used in military aircraft ejection systems, initiators for automobile airbags, and eventually the entire airbag inflation system. I stayed with OEA through a buy out in 2000 by Autoliv, Inc. Autoliv was an international company headquartered in Sweden. It had been a competitor of OEA in the automobile safety systems industry. In 2003 Autoliv announced they were closing our plant in Colorado and I was again laid off in May 2003.
With the advance notice of plant closure, I began preparing myself to be self-employed as an OSHA General Industry Authorized Trainer. I performed contract work for the Colorado Safety Association and Front Range Community College. In 2007 I was hired as a contract trainer for SkillPath Seminars teaching their OSHA Compliance seminar. In 2009 SkillPath made a business decision to discontinue the OSHA seminar. I tried teaching other seminars for them, but did not really enjoy it like I did the OSHA one. I am now retired, yet working part-time at games for the Colorado Rockies and Denver Broncos.
WHAT MILITARY ASSOCIATIONS ARE YOU A MEMBER OF, IF ANY? WHAT SPECIFIC BENEFITS DO YOU DERIVE FROM YOUR MEMBERSHIPS?
I am an at-large Life Member of the Air Force Association. I enjoy receiving their monthly magazine, "Air Force".
HOW HAS MILITARY SERVICE INFLUENCED THE WAY YOU HAVE APPROACHED YOUR LIFE AND CAREER?
 My AF service taught me discipline and to pay attention to the details. It also taught me to allow others to do their jobs their way as long as they were efficient, effective, and ethical. When I became a commissioned officer, I realized my real role was to make sure my people had the necessary resources to accomplish their jobs. Those resources include, but certainly not limited to: (1) Training - I made sure they were properly trained and that they understood the training. (2) Make sure each person knows their job responsibilities, the amount of authority they have in making decisions, and that they will be held accountable for their actions. (3) The materials/supplies they need. (4) That they have my support.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU HAVE FOR THOSE THAT ARE STILL SERVING?
Seek every opportunity to increase your job and professional knowledge. Take advantage of Professional Military Education and earn a college degree. Being a supervisor of people, at all levels of the chain of command, is one of the toughest jobs in the world. You are responsible for your subordinates  performance and for the results they achieve. Make sure you and they know your and their job responsibilities, authority, the consequences of being held accountable. Never go to your supervisor with a problem unless you have a possible solution. Practice "management by walking around". That means get out from behind a desk, out of the cockpit, to watch your people perform their job. Assess each persons talent, strength, weakness, performance, and behavior. Practice the ABCs of documentation: A - accurate and actual, B - behaviors only and job related, C - consistent. You must be consistent in your everyday actions. Mentor your top performers to prepare for more challenging tasks. Know who is an informal leader. Coach your good performers who accept your efforts to improve their performance. Use discipline on your poor performers who consistently refuse your efforts to improve their performance. Delegate tasks to the right person, giving them the right instructions and the right resources so they can be successful. Avoid asking, "Do you understand?" rather ask, "What do you understand?". Have the courage to speak openly and honestly. Finally, do the right thing because it's the right thing to do.
Thank you for serving our country.
IN WHAT WAYS HAS TOGETHERWESERVED.COM HELPED YOU MAINTAIN A BOND WITH YOUR SERVICE AND THOSE YOU SERVED WITH?
Every time I log on, I am reminded of the dedication and professionalism of our Air Force. Reviewing members' assignments and accomplishments keeps me humble. I've reconnected with several with whom I served. It makes me proud of my and their Air Force careers.
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70230. I remained in the Administration career field for the remainder of my career. Although I had a CONUS Imbalanced AFSC (29252) which meant I was supposed to go overseas as a Radio Intercept Operator, my next overseas assignment was to DaNang AB, RVN as an Administration Specialist. I did my best to convince the CBPO folks that was wrong. I lost that argument. I lost another career path argument upon selection for OTS. I wanted to be a Procurement Officer, but the Air Force kept me in the Administration Officer career field. That turned out to be a true career path because in 1979 I became an Instructor in the Admin Officer Course. I was also the Course Supervisor in 1981. I stayed in Air Training Command with assignments to Chanute and Lowry AFBs. Upon retirement I became the training coordinator/supervisor/manager for a manufacturing company. 
VC launched the biggest rocket attack, to that date, on DaNang AB. My bunk was on the barracks second floor and also the top bunk. I don't remember how I got to the bunker, only being in it, listening to the rockets launch and then waiting for the impact. When I returned to the barracks, there was a hole in the roof above my bunk. I never did find what made the hole. The second rocket attack occurred on Sep 2, 1967. It was not nearly as lengthy as Jul 15, but still, hearing the rockets launch and waiting for the impact was the most scared I've ever been. I was awarded the Air Force Commendation Medal for my actions during the Sep 2 attack. To this day, I do not believe I deserved it. Tet 68 brought more of the same. 
there was a US Army Green Beret team there to train the Somali Army on small unit tactics. By Jan 1990 about half of them were sent back to the States. The rest of them left before I departed on 1 Jul 1990. We sent Somali Army and Air Force members to training courses in the United States. My memories of Vietnam are mostly of the pilots of the 480 TFS who flew missions they felt were high risk. For many of them, the risk was too high. So, here's a salute to those who died or were captured and became POWs: 
by crews of the 480 TFS. 
heroes are the ones who died, the rest of us are survivors. 
AL. We had a special bond. On New Year's Eve my buddies and I started celebrating at the NCO Club. We came back to our barracks to continue the festivities. I called Lt Newell at his quarters to wish him a Happy New Year. He told me to come on over. When I arrived in Officer's Country, we shared a few drinks. He then gave me a flight jacket and said we were going to the DOOM Club. I was not too sure about that, but had enough to drink that I didn't care. Inside the DOOM Club we had a few more drinks and then a Major began to eyeball me. He questioned that I was really an officer and was about to make a big deal out of it when Lt Newell came to my rescue. I don't remember what he told the Major. We finished our drinks and got out of there. With our arms around each others shoulder, we laughed all the way as we staggered back to Officer's Country. I know this sounds like a MASH TV episode, but it really did happen.
to handle. After one month, he was made Vice President and I was reassigned to the Vice President of Sales. In Aug 1991 I was laid off. 
My AF service taught me discipline and to pay attention to the details. It also taught me to allow others to do their jobs their way as long as they were efficient, effective, and ethical. When I became a commissioned officer, I realized my real role was to make sure my people had the necessary resources to accomplish their jobs. Those resources include, but certainly not limited to: (1) Training - I made sure they were properly trained and that they understood the training. (2) Make sure each person knows their job responsibilities, the amount of authority they have in making decisions, and that they will be held accountable for their actions. (3) The materials/supplies they need. (4) That they have my support. 
performance and for the results they achieve. Make sure you and they know your and their job responsibilities, authority, the consequences of being held accountable. Never go to your supervisor with a problem unless you have a possible solution. Practice "management by walking around". That means get out from behind a desk, out of the cockpit, to watch your people perform their job. Assess each persons talent, strength, weakness, performance, and behavior. Practice the ABCs of documentation: A - accurate and actual, B - behaviors only and job related, C - consistent. You must be consistent in your everyday actions. Mentor your top performers to prepare for more challenging tasks. Know who is an informal leader. Coach your good performers who accept your efforts to improve their performance. Use discipline on your poor performers who consistently refuse your efforts to improve their performance. Delegate tasks to the right person, giving them the right instructions and the right resources so they can be successful. Avoid asking, "Do you understand?" rather ask, "What do you understand?". Have the courage to speak openly and honestly. Finally, do the right thing because it's the right thing to do.
