Air Force
Basic Training
Chanute AFB
Homestead AFB
Moody AFB
Fort Gordon/DDEAMC
J79
J79 Components
Valdosta Georgia and the beginning of the end
Moody AFB (for some reason)
I do not remember why Homestead AFB asked for volunteers to be reassigned to Moody AFB (possibly draw down?), but I for some reason decided to volunteer. So around late 1983 I moved to Moody AFB in Valdosta Georgia and was assigned to the 347th Component Repair Squadron jet engine maintenance shop. It was a parallel move as Moddy also had F-4 Phantoms and GE J-79 jet engines. What I do remember, they were waiting and excited for my arrival. I was known for being good at calibrating the main fuel control and sealing the number two bearing. I had to give training on both processes, even getting my picture taken showing Barry Royer.
The big difference was the area, going fron Homestead (Florida, Miama, the Keys, the ocean, mega city, vibrant) to Valdosta (small city, dead air, backwoodsy, dull). It certainly was a change of pace and didn't have the same feel. The only bright spot, was taking Oak Street past Valdosta State University and there was a hill that all the girls would sunbathe. All lot to look at as was evident by all the rearend accidents from the gawkers.
Of the people at the engine shop, the one person I became friends with was Mark Webie. He worked in the engine starter side but grew up in the Iola/Scandinavia area of Wisconsin so we had something in common.
Marty and Margie Henderson
I don't remember anyone else moving from Homestead, except Marty and Margie Henderson. That was the best part, as I still could be at their house on the weekends and get fed. I don't know if it was because of them, but I maintained the nickname "Ski" from my Homestead days. Didin't care, but just weird. Valdosta
At some point, I decided to move off-base with Mark Webie and chose to rent a house at 1805B Slater Street. It was not the greatest place as they raised the house by creating "pillars" out of brick and placing the house on them. With the open area under the house, it created a place for bugs and mice, let alone you couldn't walk anywhere without it creaking. I was okay to stay, until leaving for an airshow (See Fort Gordon). |
After the Hospital
After I moved back to Valdosta, Mark and Laura had moved into an apartment more downtown Valdosta at 617 E Vallotton Drive. I slept on the couch and had to deal with their cat. Every morning as I would start opening my eyes, I would see the cat looking at me and then start to shake its butt and pounce. So annoying.
From the gallery
Pictures of my military career.
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