USAFA Class Histories

Grew up in the small Jersey shore town of Monmouth Beach and graduated from Red Bank Catholic H.S. in 1959. Graduated from  USAFA in 1963 from the 10^thCadet Squadron.  Graduated pilot training in the class of 65B at Webb AFB, TX. Trained in C-130A at Sewart AFB, TN. Transferred with the 18th Troop Carrier Sqdn to Lockbourne AFB, OH, with extensive TDY to Evreux AB, France.

Requested transfer to 21^st TCS, Naha AB, Okinawa. Flew C-130A airland and airdrop missions in Vietnam. Extensive TDY to Ubon AB, Thailand flying night Flare/FAC missions over Laos with Blindbat/Lamplighter call signs.  Met my future wife Somchit in a jewelry store in Bangkok (a real gem). Requested FAC assignment.  After Hurlburt FAC training in O-1, arrived at Phan Rang,AB to transition to O-2. Transferred to 23^rd TASS at NKP with TDY to Ubon AB, Thailand flying under the Nail call sign. Spent 10 months in the 19th TASS at Bien Hoa AB, Vietnam  flying night rocket watch and other missions under the Sleepytime call sign.

In 1971 joined the C-130A Air Force Reserve unit at Willow Grove, PA. In 1980 transferred to the 115^th Tactical Airlift Sqdn of the CA ANG.  Became sqdn training officer and later Director of Wing Training, 146 TAW. Participated in Operation Just Cause.  Retired in 1990 with about 10 years each of Acive Duty, AF Reserves and ANG.

Civilian career began with United Airlines in 1969. Flew out of NY area airports till transferring to LAX in 1980. A rather turbulent career smoothed out the last 12 years retiring as Captain on the B747-400 in 2002.