| Graduated from Keesler in Feb. 1966. Went to mother Rucker and worked primarily at Tac-1 (later Tac Runkle) and helped open up Tac-x. Went to Germany in late 66 and worked at Kitzigan Tower and GCA. Spring 67 went to 125th ATC Co. and was assigned to Delta Center in Can Tho RVN. Left their spring of 68 and was assigned to Libby AAF at Ft. Huachuca AZ. Worked Tower and GCA. Was made facility chief. General didn't like a E-5 running the ATC facilities, so I was promoted to SSG. Left there in the fall of 70 for Ft. Wolters TX and flight school. Started with class 71-19 and graduated from Ft. Rucker in class 71-25 in July 71. Back to RVN to 120th AHC (Deans with assignment to the Razorbacks, their gun platoon. Bad luck). The 1st Avn. Bde. SGM had been my platoon Sgt. at Ft Rucker in 66 and he had me transferred to Tuy Hoa as the ATC officer. Despite my protests I was off to Tuy Hoa. Was ATC officer, OPS officer and even acting Airfield Commander. Flew with the 134th AHC (Demons) also. Closed out Tuy Hoa and then to the 318th ADD at Lane AHP near Qui Nhon. Ops officer, I guess, and flew with the 129th AHC (Bulldogs). DA decided that Warrants must work in their MOS, so I demanded a transfer and went to C Trp., 7/17th Air Cav; later H Trp., 10 Cav. flying slicks. Left in July 72 for Ft. Lewis WA. Was assigned To D Trp., 3/5 Cav and worked as maintenance test pilot for awhile then managed to be reassigned to their gun platoon. If you worked GCA in that time period there I was the cobra pilot that was always doing practice GCAs. I loved flying a cobra on instruments and I figured the trainee controllers needed the practice. Got out in 74 and returned to my home state of Calif. Joined the National Guard and flew Medi-Vac for a year or so. Worked as a truck driver and as a police officer in Ukiah, CA. Joined the Guard again in the early 80s. Local engineer unit, didn't need a pilot or ATC man, so I took a bust to E-5 and was the platoon demo Sgt. for 6 or 7 years. Loved blowing things up. 1994 I had extensive brain surgery and was forcibly retired. Moved to Grants Pass OR couple of years ago. |
