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

I did not decide; I received an invitation I could not refuse from my Uncle Sam. I had spent a year in the wrong college and was working the next year. So I ended up being drafted in Sept 1965. Went to Basic and AIT at Ft Gordon and off to RVN in Jan 1966. I was 20 yrs old.

Where did you serve during your time in uniform?

RVN Jan 66 - Sep 66. Received orders for flight school. Was lucky to go to Maintenance Officer course after flight school - this became my ultimate career.

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

Celebrated my 21st birthday on Easter Sunday 1966. I had saved C-ration peaches and pound cake for over a month to celebrate my birthday deep in the jungle. This was a declared "ceasefire" for Easter. However, not everyone got the word as someone shot at me. He missed; I did not! Welcome to be 21 and alive.

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

Truth, Duty, Honor. Nice words but they were the foundation for everything I did in my 20 years and helped cement the friendships that still exist today. I served with some really great guys and they inspired me to do more than just my best!

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

Do some homework and find out what might interest you and also find out where the services need people with certain skills. If you can find a niche, you just might be set for a good career.