U.S. Air Force May 1968 – October 1988

Awards and decorations: Master Meteorologist Badge; Meritorious Service Medal; Air Force Commendation Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters; Small Arms Expert Rifle Ribbon; NCO Professional Military Education Ribbon with 1 Oak Leaf Cluster; Combat Readiness Medal; Air Force Longevity Service Award with 4 Oak Leaf Clusters; National Defense Service Medal; Air Force Overseas Long Tour Ribbon with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters; Air Force Overseas Short Tour Ribbon; Air Force Training Ribbon; Air Force Distinguished/Presidential Unit Citation; Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with 1 Oak Leaf Cluster; Air Force Good Conduct Medal with 5 Oak Leaf Clusters.

Most memorable military experience: The Pendulum of public opinion swayed a strange path from 68 through 88 concerning the military. All the way from utter disgust and distrust to proud flag waving souls. Uncle Sam sent me to the far corners of the world and like a good “Brat” I loved it. In the Pacific the Philippines, Taiwan, Korea, and Hawaii, In Europe Spain and Germany, and in the good ole’ U S of A, California, Montana, South Dakota, Nebraska, and Michigan. At Clark Air Force Base I watched once a week from the weather tower, the “Meat Wagons” line up on the edge of the flight line to receive the “Black Body Bags” being delivered from “In Country”. It was always done between 3-5 AM so as not to disturb the base populace. A somber woeful memory that will linger till the grave. The Doves and the Hawks had their say. We just served and obeyed. My last five years in the Air Force was spent being a Chief of weather station operations/Unit First Sergeant.