USAF 1965 - 1969

I enlisted in the USAF/WAF division from Chesapeake, Virginia in March of 1965 and went to Lackland AFB for 6 weeks of Basic Training.

All of the women that were with me in Flight became very close in order to get through this training time. It was HARD and we often lost a lot of weight!

Marching to the Mess Hall one day, our Flight was called to a HALT at the front of the building and that’s when the First Sergeant called out my name, “Airman Parer, get to the front door, now!" I did so immediately and was told to open the large door, stand at attention and remain holding the door open until told to rejoin my flight inside. "Ma'am, yes, ma'an!"

As my Flight passed in front of me through the door I was holding, I notice several women in my Flight looking at me and chuckling? Since we were not allowed to speak to each other at this time, I had no idea what was so funny?

Bringing up the rear of the Flight was the First Sergeant. She stopped abruptly in front of me, turned, faced me and asked, “do you have a problem Airman?” My eyes were wide open now. I replied. ”ma'am, no, ma'am." She repeated her question, so I thought she wanted me to speak louder so I
said, “ma'am. no, ma'am!”

I could see the look of exasperation and the raising of her eyes to the Heavens as she said, ”Airman you have my permission to come to 'at ease' and look down, now! Fear ripped across my brain. My heart skipped. I peeked downwards. OMG! There they were, my fatigue pants, hanging below
my 'GIG Stings', my waist, and heading southward for all to see!

Well, I knew immediately that I would be giving up one of the 2 Gig Slips that we had to give up at the request of a superior upon screwing up.

I peered up at my First Sergeant and asked for permission to pull up my fatigue pants. She gave me permission; I pulled them back up and came back to attention.

Then, she asked for my GiG Slip. I reached into my pocket for the slip. BIG OOPS! I forgot to come to 'at ease' before going to my pocket! ”Make that 2 slips, Airman!”

Shocked and not knowing what to do I went back to attention exclaiming that I am going to lose my pants again!

Now I ’m thinking, crap! We only get 2 gig slips and I think I just did my
3rd screw up! But as I am picturing me getting booted out of Boot Camp, my First Sergeant smiles and tells me to keep the slips and go and catch up to my Flight.

As I leave I hear her say, “Airman, eat all of your food and keep your pants up!“...WHEW!