I enlisted in the Marine Corps, but they found a slight back issue that prevented me going further. Always was suspect on that, as the recruiter lost my buddy to the Army, and he couldn’t get a height waiver for me to go into the MP. Army didn’t have one, and I expressed interest in walking across the hall. I think he needed an excuse for losing two to the Army. He later lost his position for poor success rate. My brother was an Air Force firefighter at the time. A few months after my recruiting attempt, I answered a knock at the door at 01:00, and found a Major and Colonel at the door, with a letter for mother. His sacrifice put me through college which was an impossibility before. Graduated, came home and got my career started. worked my way from the entry level to the top.
It's a shame that college came at such a high cost, but at least you have made good on the 'investment'. Chaz
Thank you to your family for your brothers service and the ultimate sacrifice. Also thank you for your willingness to serve.
U.S. Army, 82nd Airborne 1992-1995 Parachute Rigger Jumped from C130, 141, Huey and a couple of smaller transport aircraft
Sometimes they were flying fine. Sometimes it was summer and no AC, stuck in a closed up shell in North Carolina heat. The pilots in summer were the reserve guys flying map of the earth to avoid radar training, they are not as smooth as the seasoned pilots. The doors opened and we were looking forward to the exit. Thanks for the greeting. I’m glad to be here. Lots of good company.
I guess that's why I started in the Navy then to the Coast Guard. I once heard a man say: (Quote) "There are more planes in the ocean then there are boats in the air" ... Guess thats why I went Navy
Well, I was an F-16 mechanic, I'd have considered it very rude of anyone to 'jump' from my aircraft. Fortunately, none ever had to, or desired to leave the aircraft while in motion. "Please keep arms and legs in until the ride comes to a complete stop."
I know some of how hard it is to talk about your memories but please when you can share them with your family or write them down and seal the envelope to be opened after your death. My grandfather passed away recently USAF 1950-1970 MSgt was crew chief of first minute man missle if I remember correctly. Was never allowed to deploy or travel overseas but lived a full and wonderful life. Visited with buddies from Air Force for the next 60 years, I traveled with him from Canada to Mexico many time and we would usually catch up with buddies at some point in every trip! That does not happen in civilian world. He shared stories with me I know were never mentioned to another soul, I hope and pray all who serve can be as loved as he was. He wrote a letter and sealed it 21 years ago, I was the exact age he was when he enlisted. It was intended to be a updated will should something happen while he was on vacation. He told me how I ranked in potential compared to those men he had trained, at the time I would not have believed him but time has proven him correct! Don’t waste the training you have received use it and encourage those around you! Sorry for the rambling, God bless and protect our military!
Belgian Air Force pl. ASSU (Air Support Single Unit) in Lüdenscheid (Germany) 1986-1990. My job was to guide F16's and French Mirages to their targets on the ground. Respect to all those men and women who serve(d) their country !