When and why did you decide to join the military and where were you located when you made this decision?

I actually joined the U.S. Air Force Reserve in 1967 so that I would not be drafted. I had been living in Belgium but returned to NYC to join a Reserve unit at Stewart AFB in Newburgh, NY.

Where did you serve during your time in uniform?

Stewart AFB in Newburgh, 3 weeks TDY at Patrick AFB in Cocoa Beach, FL and 20th TASS Squadron at LaVang, Quang Tri Province, RVN

What were some of your key memories during your time of service? 

Dislocation, Shock, Why me, and then realization that I was a member of a very small team that was doing important stuff and that my team mates needed me to perform at a high level to support them in their activities.

What is an important value that you took away from your military experience? 

I learned that no matter where I came from, that in my team we were all equals. Some put their pants on first with their left leg, some with their right leg, but at the end, we were all wearing the same pants. This was the most important value I took from the military and I have used throughout my life.

 What advice would you give someone interested in joining the military? 

Use the military as a form of an internship to learn a trade. If you wish to make a career in the military, take it seriously and if not, you will have at least a trade which hopefully will help you in the civilian world.