Shemya AFS, Alaska, 6984 Security Squadron, 1964-1965

La Vista, NE

I enlisted in Omaha, Neb., on Jan. 27, 1963. I walked two miles in heavy snow to a city bus stop. I flew to San Antonio, leaving 25-degree temperatures for 70 degrees. I started my basic training at Lackland and after 45 days was shipped by bus to Kessler in Biloxi, Miss. I graduated in July and was then stationed at Kelly AFB for one year. I finished my E-IO training by June 1964. While at Kelly I watched Air Force 21 take off for Dallas for the last time. The base was put on alert after JFK was assassinated.
I was sent to Elmindorf AFB in Alaska, then posted TDY to the Aleutians. I saw the sun maybe 25 days; the rest were overcast, foggy, rainy, snowy or dark. The shortest day was two hours, the longest being 22. Fog so thick, if you stuck out your arm you could not see your elbow. The island, 2 miles by 4, had two lakes and the highest point was 95 feet. It was occupied during World War II. I'm proud of my service and glad to have served in the USAF.

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