Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio

It was 2 a.m., more than two weeks since our last fire drill. I was barracks guard and could faintly hear a commotion at the far end of the squadron area. I gambled that we would be next, so I woke up the entire barracks. After a lot of grumbling, everyone put on their brogans, got their flashlights, donned blankets and stood quietly along the walls, out of sight. Fire stations were manned. After a few minutes passed, I was beginning to think my hunch was wrong, when a lieutenant appeared at the screen door.

"Barracks guard," he said.

"Yes, sir!" I said.

"When I give the word, turn on the lights and yell fire!" he said.

"Yes, sir!"

The command was given and within 12 seconds, the entire flight was at attention in the street.

Oh, I failed to mention, the lieutenant was in front of the screen door and wound up on the ground when 80 airmen came flying through the door. We never had another fire drill while at Lackland. I believe that our record holds to this day.

Bob Soldivera, sworn-in Oct. 1, 1967, Mitchell Air Force Base, N.Y.