I went into the U.S. Air Force right after graduating from high school in 1960. My objective was to get my military commitment over with, as I had wanted to be an Ohio Highway Patrolman since I was about 8 years old. By the time I was honorably discharged from the Air Force in 1964, my parents had moved from Ohio to Pennsylvania because of my dad's job.

I eventually entered the Pennsylvania State Police in 1967 and retired 25 years later, accomplishing my childhood dream (in Pennsylvania instead of Ohio). I was fortunate to end the last 8 years of my career guarding the governor of Pennsylvania.

The best thing that happened to me while in the Air Force was that they prepared me for life. I am now 73 years of age and I still do my own laundry, fold my clothes and do my own ironing just like I did in the military, and my wife appreciates that.

I really don't have many bad memories other than being homesick as a young lad and trying to sleep in the hot and humid barracks when most days hit 100 degrees in San Antonio. There was no air conditioning in those days!