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An up close and personal interview with U.S. Air Force Veteran and Togetherweserved.com Member:
SSgt David King U.S. Air Force (1966-1969)
PLEASE DESCRIBE WHO OR WHAT INFLUENCED YOUR DECISION TO JOIN THE AIR FORCE?
Having dropped out of college in the early winter of 1965, I knew I was about to be drafted into the Army or Marines. That would probably have been a trip as an Infantryman to Vietnam which was not my most desirable career path. Finding only long waiting lists for slots in the Coast Guard, Navy, National Guard and Reserves, I was very lucky to fall into a slot which had been left by someone who had only just flunked his/her ASVABs in the Air Force Mechanical Career Field. I immediately took advantage of the opportunity. My company was about to go out on strike and we were working Saturdays to get prepared for it. I had called in sick that Saturday after receiving my draft notice so I could visit recruiters. I was on plane to Lackland the following Monday.
WHETHER YOU WERE IN THE SERVICE FOR SEVERAL YEARS OR AS A CAREER, PLEASE DESCRIBE THE DIRECTION OR PATH YOU TOOK.
I went to basic at Lackland in Jan 1966. Very shortly into my training, there was a meningitis outbreak at the base. We remained in training, but physical activities were highly curtailed and we were pretty much coddled for the rest of BCT. This made life easy, but a little  too easy for one who had always been active and wanted the challenge.
I well remember career counseling near the end of basic. We were given a book describing the various career fields within the Mechanical field, much like a college course catalog. We were also given a piece of scrap paper to write six fields (or that is what I recall) in which we would be interested in serving. Thinking ahead to civilian life, I put down jet mechanics, reciprocating engine mechanics, helicopter mechanics, and so forth. Running out of interests, and having driven a forklift for GE for three months, I put down Air Freight as my last choice. We then had our personal interviews with the career counselor, stripes all up and down his arm and the official paperwork and all my documentation in front of him. "What's your first choice?" he asked. "Jet Mechanics, Sergeant," I said. "Don't have any slots available in jet mechanics. What's your next choice?" And so forth until we came to my last choice. "Oh! I see you drove a forklift for GE. Put down Air Freight for your first choice." "But Sergeant, Air Freight isn't my first choice," I argued. "I SAID PUT DOWN AIR FREIGHT AS YOUR FIRST CHOICE!" So here was another fine young Airman who got his "first choice" in career fields. Outside comparing notes with all my barracks mates I found out they got jet mechanics, helicopter mechanics, and so forth. Yes, Air Freight was a critical Career Field at that time and they wanted experienced bodies.
I was sent to Shepherd AFB for tech school. While we were waiting for classes to start we were given busy work: mowing lawns, spit polishing the barracks floor with neutral shoe polish, etc. The atmosphere was very relaxed, even though we still had TI's in charge. As always, the Air Force was very accommodating, and I was allowed to bring down my wife and live off base while I attended school. Before classes had even started, I received orders for my first assignment and had to go to the office to pick them up. They were for the Philippines. After looking them over I said, "This is an 18 month unaccompanied tour, and I just got married." The response was pretty much, "So?" I replied that the orders were for an Air Freight Specialist. "Suppose I flunk the course?" "You won't flunk it." Me, slyly, "But suppose I do?" "Do you mean that you would deliberately flunk the course to keep from going to the Philippines?" Grin, with no comment. "How would you like to go to Vietnam as an AP or a cook?" Needless to say, I passed the course, though it did not keep me out of Vietnam.
My first tour was 18 month at Clark in the PI, from there to Travis AFB, CA and from there to Quan Loi Army Airfield, RVN. During that time, I spent my entire short career in Air Freight and most of that out on the flight line loading and unloading aircraft.
 At Clark AFB in the Philippines , we worked twelve hour shifts, which rotated weekly (if I recall correctly) between day and night - very difficult to adjust to. You'd just get your Biorhythms back in synch when it was time to switch again. When my wife became pregnant, my thoughtful superiors put me on inventory, which was a day shift only job; we were both grateful for their consideration.
We were also delighted with our apartment in Balibago. The relatives of one of our civilian co-workers on base rented the upper floor of their house to us. They were gracious and pleasant hosts, who would occasionally invite us to share a delicious meal with them. The beauty and history of the country, the friendship of the Philippine people and the willingness of the Air Force to work with us during my "unaccompanied tour" contributed to a very happy and exciting first two years for this young married couple.
Though the first promotion after school was long in coming, I did make Staff Sergeant in Vietnam.
I was discharged in 1969. In 1983 I experienced a bout of PTSD and with severe survivor guilt I attempted to re-up. The AF said I was too old so I eventually found myself in the USAR as a Drill Sergeant candidate. After 17 good years in the USAR in various MOS I retired in 2003 as I would not have been able to complete another enlistment due to age.
DID YOU PARTICIPATE IN COMBAT OPERATIONS? IF SO, COULD YOU DESCRIBE THOSE WHICH WERE SIGNIFICANT TO YOU?
I was at Quan Loi Army Airfield from Jan-Dec 1969. Whatever was going on at that time, I was involved with it. Elements running Quan Loi at various times were the 1st Cavalry Div., the 1st Infantry Div., and the 11th Armored Cav. We had daily rocket attacks often fired  by '5 O'clock Charlie' and at other times, all day barrages of H&I. During one rocket attack I was blown off my forklift by a 107mm rocket which resulted in no injuries other than a wounded forklift. Ground attacks occurred about every other week, ranging from sapper probes to full-fledged NVA battalion level attacks. Pretty much I just went with my weapon to my fighting bunker and never had to defend my position. Watching the Cobras and Spooky work was extremely impressive, particularly during a night attack.
The photo is of the 'Quan Loi Queen.' This C-130 took a 122 mm rocket just behind the right wing, delivered by '5 O'clock Charlie.' The loadmaster, A1C Norman Thomas, was killed in the attack. The Queen is known as the most severely battle damaged aircraft to return to service. During her repair, she became a mortar magnet, and was frequently moved from one end of the runway to the other, during which times our Air Terminal operations would move to the opposite end. I rotated out before she left.
She was due to stand down at the Air Force Museum, but was later destroyed in 1972 in another rocket attack at Kontum. Ironically and tragically, the round that hit her was the only one received that day.
OF ALL YOUR DUTY STATIONS OR ASSIGNMENTS, WHICH ONE DO YOU HAVE FONDEST MEMORIES OF AND WHY? WHICH ONE WAS YOUR LEAST FAVORITE?
I would have to say it was Clark. It was enjoyable mostly because my wife joined me there and where our daughter was born. The duty was hard, consistent and worthwhile, which gave me a sense of achievement and usefulness. As were all my assignments, come to think of it.  The local population was friendly for the most part and we had civilian acquaintances both on and off base. We also had several close friends in the AF whom we followed around from base to base as our careers progressed. I can only regret that we did not continue to keep in touch when I left the service. We learn too late!
The photo is of Charlie Wood, John Murray, myself and my wife, Sharon, (with soon to be daughter, Stephanie) as we took some time off at Long Beach. We spent much time together, both on and off the job. My comrades were a great comfort to the both of us and kept an eye out for my wife when need be, as we lived in the barrios.
I can't say I had a least favorite tour, though Quan Loi should qualify for obvious reasons. Also--for reasons obvious to many--that tour has a great hold on me and is one whose memory I treasure. I had only three duty stations and all of them were exciting opportunities to experience new people and cultures, to meet new challenges and overcome them. Being in a Critical Career Field during wartime helped this attitude also as I always felt that whatever job to which I was assigned was purposeful and important. Even if I include basic and tech school, I cannot say that I wasn't satisfied with most aspects of any of my assignments.
FROM YOUR ENTIRE SERVICE CAREER WHAT PARTICULAR MEMORY STANDS OUT?
That was my year at Quan Loi Army Airfield. One can never forget all the sights, sounds, smells; the adrenaline rush; the coming close to death and beating him at his game; the demands of the job at hand and knowing how much depends on you; the satisfaction that comes  with knowing your job and doling it well. Nothing before or since comes close and there is no explaining the hold it has on you. But the loss of friends, acquaintances and fellow airmen in your profession is the most powerful hold. It is something you must live with the rest of your life: That you came home and they didn't. The guilt is always there. The contradiction of the love and the hate of it all is the most difficult to reconcile.
I suppose a "particular memory" that "stands out" would have to be getting blown off that forklift. Even today the memory is still clear. There was the whistle of an incoming rocket and almost immediately I saw the explosion in slow motion, like today's action movies. First a hole opening in the ground just to the right of my right fork, then the red flash gradually turning to yellow, then black; like a flower quickly growing, then dying. The next thing I remember is lying on the ground with soldiers running from the waiting area to see if I was all right. I recovered just as they reached me and let off a stream of every curse word in every language that I knew at the SOB who had sent that rocket. At that, one of the soldiers said, "He's OK."
Another would be the Chicago Convention riots in '68. My team was one of several at Travis that was on alert when the call came to send troops to keep order. We loaded our gear and ourselves on a C-141 and flew into Denver (I believe). It was eerie. We looked out the windows and the flight line was completely empty - no planes, no vehicles,  no personnel. It was like a scene out of "The Twilight Zone." Someone got off the plane and went into Ops to see what the deal was. It turned out we were in the wrong place. We got back into the air and landed somewhere in Texas, I think. What a difference; mass confusion; gear and soldiers all over the place. From then on it was 52 straight hours of uninterrupted, frenzied activity as we loaded troops, vehicles and gear headed to Chicago. I remember several loadmasters being quite rightly concerned with weight distribution, given the lack of accurate documentation, but there were no untoward incidents that I was aware of. It was quite a relief when the planes quit coming and we all pretty much collapsed. Even at Quan Loi during the Combat Essential to supply the troops under siege at Bu Dop, we were able to get some rest - planes wouldn't come in after dark.
The picture to the lower left is of me and SGT Willie Miller, my good friend. Willie was a hard worker who could be counted on in any situation. He was the first person to run to the Quan Loi 'Queen' after she was hit, without regard to his safety from fire or further rockets. I put him in for a Bronze Star, but I DEROS'd before learning if Willie was approved for the medal.
Among my favorite memories was a mixed-breed mutt named 'Baby.' Baby belonged to Jon-Jon, a soldier I befriended from the Army Supply directly across the flightline from our terminal. She had the good life: eating real dog food purloined from the K-9 supply and showed no signs of mistreatment. One day she showed up at our hooch and never left. I have no idea why she left Jon-Jon or why she attached herself to me but whatever the reason, I will always be grateful.  Jon-Jon did not seem to mind. Baby was now my dog with a steady diet of C-Rats or leftovers from chow. Occasionally I talked Jon-Jon out of some real dog food. I loved that dog. Besides being a comfort she was protective and kept her hated rats out of the hooch. I always wished I could have taken her home with me.
IF YOU RECEIVED ANY MEDALS FOR VALOR OR AWARDS FOR SIGNIFICANT ACHIEVEMENT, PLEASE DESCRIBE HOW THESE WERE EARNED.
I have a Bronze Star with 'V' Device. It was earned for rescuing a wounded Rough Terrain Forklift (RTFLT) while under fire. My certificate says I was blown off my fork by a mortar while transporting ammunition, recovered, chased down the runaway vehicle and brought it under control to save personnel and material. In all reality, we were under 107mm rocket attack, and while backing out with a load of chain link fence, a 107 blew me off the fork. Since the 10K AT forklift has a dead man throttle, the vehicle wasn't going anywhere very fast, particularly with two flat tires from the blast, so it was no problem catching it. The round hit just to the right of the right fork; any closer and of course the forklift would have been destroyed (along with me); any further away and I very probably would have received shrapnel. As it was, the two right tires took the brunt of the blast with a couple of inconsequential punkies elsewhere. Me? I couldn't hear well for a couple of days. But all things considered, I am everlasting thankful to the higher power that my time was not yet to be. In the photo, I am holding some of the remains of that rocket.
While I was at Clark, the 604th MASS was awarded the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, and as such I was authorized to wear that ribbon permanently. I was proud to be a part of that organization that was recognized by higher authority for its wartime efforts. I always felt that the contributions of me and my fellow 605's were important and appreciated.
OF ALL THE MEDALS, AWARDS, QUALIFICATION BADGES OR DEVICE YOU RECEIVED, PLEASE DESCRIBE THE ONE(S) MOST MEANINGFUL TO YOU AND WHY?
 Tough calls since there are three very close contenders. I'm ashamed to say it is probably that BS with 'V' though I feel it is undeserved. Because I was there - I survived!
Secondarily is my Drill Sergeant badge from the USAR. I pushed troops for three years and it is a very rewarding experience to train young Soldiers. In close competition is my First Sergeant 'Diamond.' Being responsible for a company of Soldiers is a quite similar and humbling experience.
WHICH INDIVIDUAL(S) FROM YOUR TIME IN THE MILITARY STAND OUT AS HAVING THE MOST POSITIVE IMPACT ON YOU AND WHY?
There were many officers and NCO's who encouraged me and led me to my full potential. I regret to say I don't remember any names or instances from my AF service. Maybe because in most cases I was part of a small team during wartime when there was not much difference in rank and where we all knew and performed our jobs well together as a team. Perhaps the most positive impact that I recall came from my  Training Instructor in Basic. Though strict as he needed to be, he was also fair, patient and open to questions. I modeled my behavior as a Drill Instructor in the USAR on the way he had treated me.
CSM Robinson and (then) CPT Goyne (standing to my left, respectively) were two who stand out from the USAR. Both were encouraging in my progression though the ranks and willing and able to advise and teach.
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?
An Army unit at Quan Loi asked me to move their latrine for them. The latrine was located in the midst of the rubber plantation and the Army forklifts were unable to maneuver to pick it up. This was an easy task for our 10K AT forklift with the articulated steering and long forks. Rather than building a raised latrine under which a partial 55 gallon drum was placed to receive the ablutions, this unit just placed the latrine over a large hole- when the hole was filled, they covered it up with dirt and started over.
 To continue the story, I moved the latrine over the new hole, parked the fork, and went into the Grunt's hooch to receive my pay, which we sat around and drank for a period of time. When I opened the door to leave, I saw my 10K sunk up to the axle in an old latrine hole which I had unknowingly parked over. Even the 4-wheel drive couldn't get me out of the hole and the machine was soon covered with toilet paper and crap as the wheel spun. The Grunts had to bring an APC in as close as they could and put a pulley on a tree at the proper angle to winch me out. It was funny then and the memory of it is still funny now.
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 went to Cornell University majoring in Animal Science and was involved in the dairy industry for 40 years in various aspects and careers of research, artificial insemination, and herd management.
 In the USAR, I served as a Combat Engineer Drill Sergeant, a General Supply Specialist and a Petroleum Supply Specialist, rising through the ranks as Squad Leader, Section Sergeant and First Sergeant.
I am currently recently retired and am still trying to cope with the extreme changes from a life of physical and purposeful activity.
WHAT MILITARY ASSOCIATIONS ARE YOU A MEMBER OF, IF ANY? WHAT SPECIFIC BENEFITS DO YOU DERIVE FROM YOUR MEMBERSHIPS?
I am a member of the American Legion and the C-7A Caribou Association. I have not yet partaken of any benefits and am not particularly active in either organization.
I subscribe to the Vietnam magazine and to the Army Times, and receive news-feeds from the Army Times all of which keep me informed and up to date on a part of my life that was very important to me. I am a lifetime member of both AFTWS and ATWS and have whatever benefits go with that.
IN WHAT WAYS HAS SERVING IN THE MILITARY INFLUENCED THE WAY YOU HAVE APPROACHED YOUR LIFE AND YOUR CAREER?
 Having been a small team member throughout my career in the AF and particularly in VN, I have since pretty much been a loaner. I prefer to have to depend on as few people as possible. I take full responsibility for my actions and the actions of my subordinates. I have a virulent love of country and family and will defend both to the death.
On the other hand, how I was brought up prior to my time in the military had a great influence on my approach to my service careers. I was raised to have a high sense of justice, fairness, personal responsibility and respect for authority. All these qualities are important for a successful and satisfactory military tour of duty. So at what point my military experience influenced my civilian experience, and vice versa, is extremely difficult to determine.
BASED ON YOUR OWN EXPERIENCES, WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO THOSE WHO HAVE RECENTLY JOINED THE AIR FORCE?
Don't fight the BS. It will always be there. Grin and bear it, ignore it, do you proud and always stand up for what is right. Given my experience as a Platoon and First Sergeant, I cannot emphasize enough that young troops need to take personal responsibility for their careers, even if at the time they are not thinking of making a career of it. Most importantly, make sure your personnel records are accurate and up-to-date and keep copies of virtually every piece of paper with your name on it - forever; you never know when you will need or want it. (Wish I had followed that advice when I was in the AF, if it was ever given.)
 I cannot recommend enough that you keep a diary of your time in the service. It can be short, cryptic notes for each day or detailed accounts of important events. Our memories fade but the written account will remain true to the details and if it is something impertinent to a VA claim, you'll be glad you took the time to write it down when it happened. Also, include the names and hometowns of your friends so if you want to reconnect, you will have a place to begin.
Take advantage of all opportunities to improve not only your chances for promotion but also to enhance your whole life experience - education (both military and civilian), cross-training, extra duties, TDY's, etc. Don't just do as you are told, but seek out opportunities to add value to whatever mission you are assigned. Some of this, but not all, will be forced on you and much that should be will not. There is more, but you get the idea. I say again, take charge of your own career. Don't waste those years in service, but find the positive learning experience in whatever you do.
IN WHAT WAYS HAS TOGETHERWESERVED.COM HELPED YOU REMEMBER YOUR MILITARY SERVICE AND THE FRIENDS YOU SERVED WITH.
AFTWS has brought me together with my fellow servicemen and women. I have not yet found anyone I have served with, but given only four years in a small team environment, that is not surprising. Also the years have faded the memories, so I may be missing some I have forgotten. At the same time, though I may think that my particular experience was exciting and unique, it is quite humbling to read the experiences of others; occasionally we all need to come to ground and put our lives in perspective.
Overall, TWS has given me companionship that is difficult to find in a civilian world that is far removed from a military base.
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