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An up close and personal interview with U.S. Air Force Veteran and Togetherweserved.com Member:
Sgt Vic Currier U.S. Air Force (1967-1973)
PLEASE DESCRIBE WHO OR WHAT INFLUENCED YOUR DECISION TO JOIN THE AIR FORCE?
In 1966-67 the radical socialist Students for Democratic Society (SDS) and the growing violent "Weathermen" faction led by communist Chicagoan Bill Ayers and wife Bernardine Dorn, coupled with the Black Panther violence in Oakland, were on the rise. I was an "Eisenhower Era" baby growing to adulthood among massive demonstrations,  riots and bombings by student activists. I knew several from the West Coast personally and didn't care for their politics, but I participated like a "spectator" because it was the "IN" thing to do.
At the same time, I was in the Air Force ROTC program at the University of Arizona and excelled, becoming one of the top 10% of cadet officers in a 2,500 man program, serving as one of the Cadet 1st Lt. officers. It was during time I had the distinct pleasure of knowing Dan James III who was in the same unit.  Dan was the son of Daniel "Chappie" James Jr., the first African American to reach the rank of four-star general. Dan's father pinned his Distinguished Flying Cross on him.
I wanted to fly jets - specifically, the new F-4 Phantoms used by the Marine Corps. At the time, they were training Warrant Officers to fly so I went to the Marine recruiter at the end of my sophomore year to sign up -- but was told that program had been canceled. He told me if I wanted to fly they had a program for me -- Huey helicopters -- the average operational span for a Huey pilot/navigator/gunner was less than a month in Vietnam before being shot down or shipped home in a body bag.
I walked out the door a very disappointed young man, went two-doors down and volunteered for the Air Force. I settled for something less than flying, but it worked out fine. I spent a total of four assigned tours in Vietnam: one regular 13 month tour, plus three extension tours of six months each. I was working top secret crypto communications out of Cam Ranh AB in II Corps traveling frequently by Huey to Pleiku, Ban Me Thout, Dalat, Tuy Hoa, Phan Rang, Ton Son Nhut and many trips to the 5th Special Forces base at Nha Trang. (Best Aussie lobster dinner of my life at a little French restaurant on the beach there).
My base, Cam Ranh, suffered 34 enemy attacks during my stay -- mostly 122mm rockets and 81mm mortars. Dinks got inside the wire a half dozen  times while I served at night as a combat augmentee for the highly decorated 12th Security Police Squadron.
I saw the world, literally: Traveled to Japan, Philippines, Kuala Lempur, Darwin, Sydney, Melbourne (3 or 4 times), England, and Denmark -- all on "Uncle Sam's" dime. I never looked at the adventure with shame, though American public opinion was against us soldiers. I did the right thing, served the right cause, and I would do it again in a friggin' heartbeat. Made dozens of the best lifetime friends right there in Vietnam!
WHETHER YOU WERE IN THE SERVICE FOR SEVERAL YEARS OR AS A CAREER, PLEASE DESCRIBE THE DIRECTION OR PATH YOU TOOK.
I went through basic training in 1967 at Lackland AFB, San Antonio.
First assignment was working in the Comm Center for the Weather Relay center at the 1901 Comm Squadron at busy Travis AFB near San Francisco. I had many great times in "the City" and at Stinson, McNear, and  Muir Beaches. Bar tended part time at a little place just off base for extra money. Next I was sent TDY to the 49th Tac Fighter Wing HQ at Holloman AFB in New Mexico, just a few miles from my parent's home in El Paso. Then back to Travis, on to "survival & marksmanship" training at Hamilton AFB, then flew from McChord AFB to Elmendorf, to Yokota, to Guam, to Cam Ranh Bay.
Arrived the day "Tet of '69" started Feb 24, 1969 and stayed with the 1881st Comm Squadron, first, in the Comm Center for 5-months, then the rest of the tour as NCOIC of the NCMO command post briefing room -- until I received an early-out because of the troop draw down.
Left "the CRAB" on Apr 14, 1971 and was discharged the next day at McChord AFB. Checked into the Sea-Tac Ramada Inn, took off my muddy boots and uniform, tossed them in the corner -- went downstairs and got drunk with the piano player and four airline stewardesses -- flew to San Francisco for a "proper welcome" from my then-girlfriend -- and never looked back ! 3 and 1/2 years later, I got out ALIVE -- now any day above ground is a good day!
IF YOU PARTICIPATED IN COMBAT, PEACEKEEPING OR HUMANITARIAN OPERATIONS, PLEASE DESCRIBE THOSE WHICH WERE THE MOST SIGNIFICANT TO YOU AND, IF LIFE-CHANGING, IN WHAT WAY.
Yes. Cam Ranh Bay Air Base was attacked 34 times (documented by USAF) during my stay in-country. The most memorable for me was 8 and 10 August 1969, just a few months after I arrived. Zips attacked the 6th Convalescent Hospital at the north end of the  base, throwing satchel charges into the hospital bays -- then waited outside after the explosions as severely wounded G.I.'s crawled out of the destroyed buildings -- and shot them as they crawled out. 9-US KIA -- 54-US WIA. The men in the hospital were not armed, they had very little perimeter protection --- That attack was NOT war. It was murder. From that day forward I felt it was my job to see to it, as best I could -- that every communist SOB who raised a hand or carried an AK-47 -- died. End of story. Score: Americans - 58,000 --- North Vietnamese regulars and Viet Cong - 2,000,000 -- May they all rest in peace!
OF ALL YOUR DUTY STATIONS OR ASSIGNMENTS, WHICH ONE DO YOU HAVE FONDEST MEMORIES OF AND WHY? WHICH ONE WAS YOUR LEAST FAVORITE?
Best --Dalat in the Central Highlands was "neutral" territory. American and Aussie G.I.'s did official in-country R&R's there --- known to the grunts as "I & I" (intoxication and ...well, you know...) trips. Best food, best beer, and best scenery in Vietnam. When the sun went down,  we turned it over to the Viet Cong for their "I & I" trips!
You did not want to be caught in the Central Highlands at night without a gun !
Second best -- The beach at Nha Trang City ...French wine, food and women !
Worst -- Probably Ban Me Thout ...the 20th Special Ops base, a jumping off place for Cambodia --- Ooops -- I forgot -- We weren't there - RIGHT???
Anyway, I hated that trip by Huey from Cam Ranh to BMT. It took about 90-minutes over "free fire" zones. The door gunners lit-up the jungle --- but not sure they ever hit anything. I hated that trip! Only had to make it twice ...but they WERE NOT pleasant trips.
FROM YOUR ENTIRE SERVICE, INCLUDING COMBAT, DESCRIBE THE PERSONAL MEMORIES WHICH HAVE IMPACTED YOU MOST?
My attitude -- I went from innocent, spit & polish super-cadet, in 1968 squadron Airman of the Quarter nominated for "Travis AFB Airman of the Quarter (or Year - don't remember, now)" ....to making friends in Vietnam with Korean ROK marines and Australians, drinking a lot in SEA  ...to introverted, jaded, and hardened by war and life in general --- by 1971 --- by the end of my 4th tour in Vietnam -- I could walk into an empty room -- and somehow manage to pick a fight ! I came back pissed-off, feeling betrayed by my Country, its leaders, and people in general, and stayed that way for a couple of decades.
Fortunately, I never lost sight of my guiding light, Jesus Christ, in all that time. I wavered but kept holding on and managed to stay the course for a successful corporate career (without a felony conviction, like a lot of bankers I knew in the '80's).
'Drank a lot of beer, scotch whiskey and tequila (self-medicating) over the years. 'Had 3 wives and divorced the first one for good reason. The second had two lovely daughters ..but I simply could not live together with her under the same roof 'Found the perfect wife in Number 3 -- now married for 27-years -- and am finally happy in retirement. Love them all and wish them well but it had to do with "ships passing in the night" for a couple of them. The VA helped, though -- at least, in my "September" years and I'm thankful for that.
Best Revelation in Life? -- There are NO Atheists in a foxhole -- and that's a fact ! Many an "F.N.G." (friggin' new guy) learned how to talk to Jesus in the wee morning hours ...instead of weeping over his girlfriend's picture! ...Always thankful to see a new dawn!
And no ...I did NOT love the smell of napalm in the morning.
IF YOU RECEIVED ANY MEDALS FOR VALOR OR AWARDS FOR SIGNIFICANT ACHIEVEMENT, PLEASE DESCRIBE HOW THESE WERE EARNED.
 I had the distinct privilege of working together with some very good young men and women in Vietnam. Yes, I received a drawer full of stuff for hanging around Vietnam for two and a half years -- but it was nothing compared to the sacrifice of highly decorated, front line troops. I am honored to have served with such great people.
OF ALL THE MEDALS, AWARDS, QUALIFICATION BADGES OR DEVICE YOU RECEIVED, PLEASE DESCRIBE THE ONE(S) MOST MEANINGFUL TO YOU AND WHY?
Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with "V" for valor device and 2 Oak Leaf Clusters (meaning 3 times). A lot of good men died in units we supported. Two very special units were the 12th Security Police and the highly decorated 483rd Tactical Airlift Wing, among others --- they could land those slow flying C-7 Caribou troop haulers on a mountainside --- but unfortunately, the fuselage walls wouldn't stop a bullet. Good men died.
Secondly, the Vietnam Gallantry Cross Medal with Palm --- more than anything, it is a constant reminder to me of all those killed in action and the some 1,200 Americans STILL left behind.
WHICH INDIVIDUAL(S) FROM YOUR TIME IN THE MILITARY STAND OUT AS HAVING THE MOST POSITIVE IMPACT ON YOU AND WHY?
 My great-uncle, Arthur Bates Sawyer, was the first Key West, Florida U.S. Marine "Gunny" to die at the Battle of Belleau Wood, France in June 1918. His body was re-interred at Key West, FL seven years later and the American Legion Post is named after him, as are several streets and other sites. Hard to live up to such sacrifice for our Country!
Then Army Col. Barry McCaffery (later four-star general) - the most decorated soldier ever.
At a closer level, probably my college acquaintance Army Ranger Capt. Ed Tolliver -- tough as nails, but a thoughtful and inspirational leader of some very dangerous men at one time in his career. I visited with him a couple of times at Cam Ranh with his LURPs and put them up overnight. He was up-country for a couple of tours. I always thought about them sleeping in a rain soaked jungle surrounded by the enemy while on reconnaissance missions. Maybe I'm "haunted" by that memory while I enjoyed "three hots and a cot" most of my time in the Air Force.
 Another person was Dan James III., son of the first black Air Force General, Daniel "Chappie" James Sr. Dan and I were friends in the AF ROTC unit at University of Arizona in 1965-67. I ran into him a couple of times when he was stationed as an F-4 Phantom aircraft commander and OV-10 Bronco forward air controller at Cam Ranh AB with the 12th Tac Fighter Wing under Col. R. R. Melton.
Dan served a distinguished career. He retired as a Lt. General in charge of all Air Force Reserve squadrons around the world.
And then, I was inspired mostly by my father who was enlisted Army in World War II, then graduated OCS and was discharged at the end of the great war as a Captain after returning from his second tour in Great Britain.
Guys like that kept me motivated over the years. Good men, all.
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?
Which one? I suppose it was my first trip to Vietnam in the winter of 1969. We flew Flying Tiger Airlines out of San Francisco where there's water at both end of the runways. We got up to full speed twice and had to abort take-off for some reason. I  did not smoke cigarettes --- and I'm pretty sure I was the only person out of the 100+ on the plane that didn't smoke. All planes have a closed ventilation system.
By the time we took off and arrived hours later in Anchorage, Alaska my eyes were watering, my sinuses were plugged, and I NEEDED fresh air, bad. We landed, they opened the door, I stepped out on the platform and immediately drew the deepest breath I could draw --- instantly, there was a sharp pain in my throat and lungs. I fell to my knees at the top of the platform steps. Seems all the moisture in my mouth, throat and lungs froze instantly for a moment. I felt like I had been stabbed with several knives at once. More than one guy said I should "take up smoking so it wouldn't happen again." Hah! Painful then but we all laughed later.
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?
 For eight years I worked for the Southern Pacific Railroad as a brakeman and conductor. Dangerous work! You don't get paper cuts -- you lose an arm or a leg in the railroad business. Went to work in the insurance, banking, and mortgage business and had a successful 30-year career before retiring. Had a ranch and bred and raced thoroughbred horses for several years as a hobby -- a draining, very expensive "hobby." Now I'm a writer and just finished my first book to be published by a subsidiary of Random House in 2014.
Enjoying life in the mountains of Central New Mexico these days!
WHAT MILITARY ASSOCIATIONS ARE YOU A MEMBER OF, IF ANY? WHAT SPECIFIC BENEFITS DO YOU DERIVE FROM YOUR MEMBERSHIPS?
Life Member of Vietnam Veterans of America, Inc., the VFW (Veterans of Foreign Wars), and a member of the American Legion and AmVets.
Benefits? Camaraderie with men and women who served -- every time I meet a new member in one of these VSO's its like "old home week" --- we seem to know one another, immediately.
IN WHAT WAYS HAS SERVING IN THE MILITARY INFLUENCED THE WAY YOU HAVE APPROACHED YOUR LIFE AND YOUR CAREER?
Constant reminder of patience and discipline. Early adulthood "Military Bearing" has always allowed me to "walk like a 20-year old" which helped substantially in leadership positions. I've had many humbling experiences in life, but that is what made me stand up again, after having my ears pinned back -- and move along to the next challenge.
BASED ON YOUR OWN EXPERIENCES, WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO THOSE WHO HAVE RECENTLY JOINED THE AIR FORCE?
 Call your friends and tell them they should join too. EVERY young person should have to serve one or two years in the military -- or in some form of community outreach program similar to the Israeli's.
IN WHAT WAYS HAS TOGETHERWESERVED.COM HELPED YOU REMEMBER YOUR MILITARY SERVICE AND THE FRIENDS YOU SERVED WITH.
Caused me to pull out old records and study my short enlistment history -- and make a record for my family. I will tell others about this well constructed, interesting military site.
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TWS VOICES
TWS Voices are the personal stories of men and women who served in the US Military and convey how serving their Country has made a positive impact on their lives. If you would like to participate in a future edition of Voices, or know someone who might be interested, please contact TWS Voices HERE.
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