STORY BEHIND THE PLAQUE
Service Reflections of SMSgt Don Zeman, U.S. Air Force (1970-1994)

After graduating from Charles D. Owen High School while living in Black Mountain, NC, 1968, my family moved to Danville, VA. I attended Danville Community College for a year and a half, but my heart wasn’t into more school at the time. I was a better draft avoider than a student. Quitting school several times, my 2S (student) deferment was changed to 1A (ready for immediate induction), and I was called for a physical.

I was unsure what I wanted to do, and how to start my adult life. Going to college was a long-term path. Working low-paying jobs that didn’t require experience was not satisfying. Without a commitment to school, I faced being drafted.

My older brother, Sgt Frank J. Zeman III, had completed five years of Air Force service and elected discharge in June 1970. My twin brother, SMSgt Ronald F. Zeman, USAF Ret., and I were in the first group for the new (December 1969) draft lottery and our draft number was 161. Without a deferment, I would have been drafted with numbers 195 and below being called.

For many young men during the sixties and early seventies, a lot of our effort was spent avoiding the draft and military service. The threat of being drafted was the motivation I needed. Although my grandfather (WWI), father (WWII), and older brother (Vietnam era) served, I never considered the military. With more information and looking for a change of direction, I chose the Air Force and went active duty on October 19, 1970. Once in, I never considered leaving the Air Force short of twenty years.

Two of my best life decisions, and the beginning of a wonderful career and lifestyle.

Initially, I thought the administrative career field. While waiting for a job opening, my recruiter called unexpectedly one morning in March 1970 with an administrative job opening, but I had to leave that day. Unprepared to leave on short notice, I declined. That, and some indecision resulted in returning to school, and a seven-month delay entering the Air Force in October 1970. With more time to ponder my future, I changed my job choice to the mechanical field, wanting a greater challenge, aircraft maintenance. Not knowing then, those changes positively affected every aspect of my Air Force and post-Air Force careers, versus going active duty in March 1970.

My first job choice was Aircraft Environmental Systems Repairman. Luckily, I received it and was very happy. I was off to a good start. My initial assignment was the 19th FMS (SAC), Robins AFB, GA (Mar 71-Jun 72), working on B-52G and KC-135A aircraft. Within six months of enlisting, I completed my initial training and began working on jet aircraft. I knew I made the right decision and started a career. Although Robins AFB, GA, wasn’t my first choice, it was a great assignment, location, and learning experience. Great group of people to work with.

After less than a year, unexpectedly, I received an assignment to the 98th Strategic Wing (SAC), Torrejon AB, Spain, a choice assignment and highly desirable location. Again working on KC-135A aircraft and later F-4Cs with the 401st FMS. My wife Debey and I spent five years at Torrejon (Jun 72-Jun 77) and it was wonderful. We were newly married, young, and enjoyed the experience of living in a vacation spot in a foreign country. Small tenant unit with a great collection of Airmen.

I enjoyed aircraft maintenance and realized its importance. But after seven years of service, I was ready for another challenge, something different. Special duty as a U.S. Air Force recruiter was my calling. Airpower to people power. As an SSgt, I was the Air Force in my recruiting zone, Greensboro, NC. I had the training and all the tools: office, government vehicle, love for the Air Force, full of energy and enthusiasm. It was a privilege representing the U.S. Air Force to the American public. Right job, right location—I couldn’t believe my good luck. Initial recruiting assignments are for four years. I loved recruiting duty from day one and worked hard to be successful. As a result, I spent the remainder of my Air Force career—sixteen plus years—in the Air Force Recruiting Service, from June 1977 until my retirement in March 1994. “Once a recruiter, always a recruiter!” There wasn’t another Air Force job I wanted more. I held seven different positions with seven PCS/PCA assignments: Greensboro, NC, Non-Prior Service Recruiter; Charlotte, NC MEPS, Air Force Liaison; Winston-Salem, NC, Advertising & Publicity NCO; Greensboro, NC, OTS Recruiter; Warner Robins, GA, Recruiting Flight Supervisor; Robins AFB GA, Group Training Supervisor; and Andrews AFB, MD, Squadron Operations Supervisor. Recruiting was a great, varied, fun career.

After twenty-three years, with four years as an SMSgt, it was decision time. Another PCS move or retire? My wife and I were already settled in Chester, VA, and I had a plan. Simply put, I left the Air Force one day and never went back. I chose correctly, never second-guessing my decision.

No. While assigned to the 19th FMS, Robins AFB, GA in May 1972, the majority of the wing was sent TDY to Andersen AFB, Guam to support SEA operations. With my pending PCS assignment to Torrejon, Spain several weeks away, I was not selected.

Interesting, those selected for Vietnam, SEA, and other combat operations, and those that were not. Even as a volunteer, it wasn’t a guarantee you would serve. I served at different locations, determined by the needs of the Air Force. With my five-year assignment to Torrejon, Spain, and later holding AFSC 99500, Recruiter, August 1977 until my retirement in March 1994, I was precluded from any further overseas TDYs or assignments. As a professional Airman, I went where assigned.

Although I never volunteered for SEA, as a 5-level aircraft maintenance mechanic in the early seventies, I was vulnerable like everyone else. While at my first assignment, the 19th FMS (SAC), Robins AFB, GA, I received an assignment to the 98th SW (SAC), Torrejon AB, Spain, after only 11 months on station. That assignment took me past the end of the Vietnam conflict. I’ve always thought serving an SEA tour was something expected for someone active during that time.

Although I still feel that way, I realize now that a tour anywhere else would have changed the direction and every aspect of my remaining Air Force career, and post-Air Force life, which has been wonderful.

At the top of my list would be Greensboro, NC. It was my initial assignment in Recruiting Service as a recruiter in August 1977. Debey and I were returning from five great years at Torrejon AB, Spain. I was excited when I was accepted for recruiting duty, with an assignment to the Greensboro, NC Air Force Recruiting Office.

Greensboro, located one hour south of Danville, VA, where I lived when I enlisted in 1970, was where my wife grew up and her family lived. Returning from overseas and being back in the USA was exciting. I quickly realized I loved being a recruiter, living like a civilian, in a community hours away from any military locations. Within six months of our arrival, we purchased our first home. Our lives couldn’t have been better. I later had additional recruiting assignments in nearby Charlotte, NC and Winston-Salem, NC, while living in Greensboro for a total of eight years. Forty-two years later, Greensboro, NC remains the best place we’ve lived, for many reasons.

A close second was our assignment to the 98th Strategic Wing (SAC) and 401st FMS (USAFE), Torrejon AB, Spain, June 1972 – June 1977. The 98th was a great tenant unit, and Torrejon was one of the best Air Force assignment locations. Debey and I extended a two-year assignment to five years and enjoyed every moment. It was that good. We made tons of friends and had an equal amount of fun. It was a great life experience.

With numerous assignments during my career, I mentioned my two favorite assignments. To be fair, out of my list, one has to rank last. I can honestly say I never had a bad assignment. Bad assignments can wreck or curtail a career. That never happened, and I benefited from every location and those I was fortunate to serve with.

My decision to become a U.S. Air Force Recruiter. After six years of aircraft maintenance, I was ready for another challenge.

Once in recruiting, I realized my best skills were dealing with people. I was a self-starter, motivated, and disciplined. Even the vast administrative duties were just another part of the job and manageable.

It turned out to be a great choice for me, a great opportunity, and a sixteen-year career. It’s a tough business keeping the Air Force supplied with quality people to meet its needs. Recruiting Service personnel recruit physicians, nurses, engineers, OTS candidates, prior service, and non-prior service members. All recruiters start off recruiting non-prior service. With proficiency and experience, some NPS recruiters are selected to move up to specialized recruiters or other non-production or supervisory positions. Recruiting quotas and eligibility criteria constantly change. Not every Air Force applicant qualifies or chooses to complete the process. Some applicants are easier, while some require much more effort. The other military recruiters are fierce competitors for the same applicants. One of my best advantages was the Air Force’s perceived standing amongst the other branches. Interestingly, one of the biggest obstacles, and difficult to overcome, was a family military tradition. Long hours and hard work are required for every new recruit arriving at Lackland AFB or professional entering the Air Force. It was the right job for me and I enjoyed the challenges and rewards.

I loved the Air Force, and it was a fun job selling as I related my Air Force knowledge and experiences to potential recruits, their parents, and the public. Recruiting Service is made up of some of the Air Force’s finest, and I was proud to be a part of a great organization. Dedicated, motivated, and ENTHUSIASTIC! For recruiters, Air Force Recruiting Service is a four-year tour, but many continue 10 to 20 years until retirement. That’s commitment and dedication.

Fun, varied, twenty plus Air Force career, numerous jobs, and positions. Very satisfying and content. No two Air Force experiences, careers are the same. Everyone benefits, some excel. I put a lot of effort in and got more in return. I received my fair share of promotions, decorations, and awards. I considered retirement at twenty but stayed three more years. Only so there would be no looking back and saying, what if? With additional time and planning, I was better prepared. Plan your work and work your plan.

I constantly hear, “Thanks for your service”. The Air Force was my chosen profession for the first half of my life. I appreciated the opportunity to serve while enjoying a career with excellent pay and benefits. Looking back, I’m the one who is thankful.

My transition from civilian to the Air Force was easy. I was young, eager to learn and fit in. Once in, I felt comfortable and enjoyed being a career Air Force member. Leaving the Air Force was equally easy and pleasant. I was excited to pursue opportunities outside the Air Force and the second half of my life. I never looked back and I haven’t been disappointed.

Like many, we’re unsure of our plans once we leave military service. A successful military period of service or career is no guarantee of continued success as a civilian. Once over twenty, I had a vision of self-employment as a business owner. I went into business with a partner for two years and realized I would be better off on my own. Bold move, I sold my half of the business and started my own. Hard work and dedication worked. I built a successful business, eventually purchasing the commercial property where I’m located and another. I take nothing for granted, but I control my own destiny and success.

My Air Force Recruiting Badge. Can’t become a U.S. Air Force Recruiter without earning it. Recruiting has many career opportunities. Recognition, awards, decorations, and promotions were good. Very challenging, but a very satisfying and rewarding job when successful.

Promotions. Most surprised, I was first eligible to test for SSgt (1973) with about two and a half years in service. I was selected and even with a very high line number, I was a SSgt with three years and thirteens day service. My first “earned” promotion. Most disappointed, I once missed MSgt by less than one point. Most relived when selected for SMSgt. That was a realistic goal, and there’s nothing like setting a goal and achieving it.

When I was with the 98th Strategic Wing, Torrejon, Spain, we had an older SSgt who was a vehicle operator that had gone from SSgt to MSgt within about three years. His key to success was intensive SKT & PFE test preparation. Leave nothing to chance. Thanks, MSgt Sidney Z. Ledvinka for the solid advice.

Initially, I would credit my older brother, Sgt Frank J. Zeman III, Air Force active duty Jun 65 – Jun 70. Based on his experience and recommendation. Also, so many Air Force and civilian members, friends and other acquaintances during a career. Below is a list by assignment, but everyone I served with added to the experience.

Below is a list of fellow Air Force members and friends of significance during my Air Force career. I would love to connect with everyone on this list. Contact me on Facebook, Don Zeman.

Lackland AFB, TX – 1970
TSgt Wilbur Abshire – TI

Chanute AFB, IL – 1970 – 71
*Amn Ron Deveaux – friend
Amn Bill ? – friend

19th FMS, Robins AFB, GA – 1971 – 1972
CMSgt James E. Strawn – shop chief
MSgt George Wilson – friend
*SSgt Bobby Bunton – trainer & friend
SSgt Jimmy Sims – friend & roommate
A1C Ron Andgotti – friend & roommate

98th Strategic Wing, Torrejon AB, Spain – 1972 – 1975
CMSgt Darryl O. Thayne – division chief & friend
MSgt Tony Madrid – supervisor & friend
TSgt Leslie Downs – friend
TSgt Michael Bulich – friend
SSgt Glenn Parson – friend
*Doug Dunlap & Brenda Smith – best friends forever

401st FMS, Torrejon AB, Spain – 1975 – 1977
MSgt Edwin Wranovic – shop chief & friend
TSgt Marion Davis – friend
TSgt Jerry Miller – friend
*TSgt Bruce Heimbach – friend
*A1C Ricky Bryant – friend

USAF Recruiter School – Lackland AFB, TX – 1977
*MSgt Bob Sherrill – fellow recruiter & friend & nearby neighbor
*SSgt Ron Place – friend

337th USAFRSq “B” Flight, Greensboro, NC – 1977 – 1986
*SMSgt Jerry Poole – supervisor & friend
MSgt Lonnie Howard – friend
*MSgt Hal Martin – friend
*MSgt Kathy Davis – friend
*Mrs. B.J. Height – friend
MSgt Gary Huff – friend

See photo above–^
Back together after thirty years. Our mini-reunion Sep 7, 2015, in Greensboro, NC. L-R – SMSgt Jerry Poole (Ret), MSgt Hal Martin (Ret), Mrs. Betty Jean Height “BJ”, Debey Zeman, SMSgt Don Zeman (Ret). Jerry Poole was my second Flight Supervisor (1978) and a great friend. Hal was my first office partner, neighbor, and another great friend in Greensboro (1977 – 1980). BJ was the “B” Flight Secretary, great help and friend to all recruiters. Missing, MSgt Kathy F. Davis – friend and office partner who worked with Hal & I.

Charlotte, NC MEPS – 1980 – 1982
MSgt Gail Hughes – supervisor & friend
*TSgt Dan Rollins – friend
*SMSgt Ron Mouser – friend
*MSgt Gary Davis – supervisor & friend

ATC NCO Academy – Lackland AFB, TX – 1981
TSgt Larry Wills – fellow recruiter & friend

Winston-Salem, NC AFRO – 1983 – 1984
Capt Rene Grifol – supervisor & friend
MSgt Sid Holcomb – friend

331st USAFRSq, Gunter AFB, AL – 1985 – 1987
“D” Flight, Warner Robins, GA
Col Robert Mead – great CC
CMSgt Ron Garwood – friend
*CMSgt Jack McDuffie – friend
*Mrs. Claire Martin – friend
*MSgt Terry Parker – friend
*MSgt Terry Roman – friend
MSgt Danny Lewis – friend
*TSgt Robbie Lloyd – friend

3503rd USAFRGp, Robins AFB, GA – 1987 – 1989
Col James Lund – great CC
*Col James Watson – CC
Col Ken Coleman – DCC
CMSgt Bobbie Kent – supervisor & friend
CMSgt Joel Laney – friend
*CMSgt Ralph Sturms – friend
SMSgt Joe Forstman – friend
*SMSgt Rich Davenport – friend
*SMSgt Gary Borosky – friend
MSgt Rich Ferrell – friend

317th USAFRSq, Andrews AFB, MD – 1989 – 1994
LTC Bob Higdon – great CC
SMSgt Joe Forstman – friend
CMSgt Terry Walker – friend
Mrs. Etta Settles – friend
Capt Daniel Ahern – supervisor & friend
*Capt Steve Summers – supervisor & friend
Capt Shelley Cameron – friend
SMSgt Dave Matthews – friend

USAF SNCOA, Gunter AFB, AL – 1993
CMSgt Laura Dumez – instructor & friend
*SMSgt Rich Davenport – friend
*MSgt Terry Roman – friend

*contacted or visited

Several…

While with the 98th SW FMD (1972-1975), one slow afternoon I was in the shop talking to the Fuel Shop Chief, a MSgt. AFTWS member and one of my wingmen. He was cutting tool outlines out of foam for a shop toolbox. Not sure what the exact conversation was but the Field Maintenance Chief, a CMSgt, walked up and joined in the conversation as the Fuel Shop Chief was talking. The MSgt was a good-humored guy and always out for a laugh. Whatever the conversation was, he stated ” I told Don (me), the Chief said…”, and Don said, “f@*k the Chief”. I was embarrassed, speechless, and motionless. I never said it, but that was a typical GI response. It was hilarious at the time, but I didn’t dare laugh. The Chief was someone I highly respected and a friend, I later told him the truth.

As a recruiter, we made nightly phone calls to high school students. New to recruiting, my supervisor was demonstrating telephone prospecting techniques and sounded smooth on the phone. Cold calls (no previous contact) are a part of all sales. After several calls by my supervisor, it was my turn. I made several calls and generated little interest. After one short call, my supervisor questioned the applicant’s response. I stated the applicant was interested in the Marine Corps. He replied, Don, don’t let the Marine Corps “eat your lunch”.

Later, with more experience, I was making evening Air Force Recruiting calls to potential applicants. I was speaking to an applicant when I noticed a long pause and realized he had fallen asleep on the phone as I was talking to him. I related that experience to several other recruiters. We all got a kick out of the story, but I never lived it down.

As an SSgt, with seven years of service, and new to Air Force Recruiting, I was easily impressed. My recruiting office was a multi-person recruiting office, co-located with the area supervisor, a MSgt. Several times a month we’d eat lunch as a group. Being in a town far away from a military base, many of the locals had little contact with the active military. As we got to the restaurant, my supervisor, standing, looked around the room, slowly removing his light blue Air Force jacket while expanding his chest to expose his military ribbons. He looked at me and explained, “Don, that’s your A&P”. Which stood for advertising and publicity (anything used to promote the Air Force). It was funny to watch, and even funnier his explanation. With three military ribbons at the time, my A&P was minimal and ineffective.

Military recruiting is a very competitive business. Finding fully qualified applicants willing to serve is a long, challenging process. Competition is fierce among the five services (Coast Guard). Up until an applicant is sworn in, delayed enlistment program or active duty, they’re fair game. “Poaching” is when you steal another branches applicant or they steal from you.

Poaching (noun}:

1. the illegal practice of trespassing on another property to hunt or steal a game without the landowner’s permission.

I had an applicant that I recruited, and had scheduled to process at the MEPS. He was late for his appointment with me for processing. I called him and he stated he was going into the Marine Corps and was leaving that day to process. I met him at the bus station, resold him on the Air Force, with a commitment that he would process for the Air Force as intended and not the Marine Corps. He had his Marine processing paperwork in his possession. I took the paperwork, used his Marine Corps issued bus ticket and said, here’s your bus ticket, good luck with your processing and watched as he boarded the bus. Nice of the Marine Corps to provide transportation for an Air Force applicant. I took his Marine Corps processing paperwork and slid it under the door of the Marine Recruiting office. Never heard a word from the recruiter. Again, recruiting was very competitive and I was happy with saving my Air Force applicant, beating the Corps at their own game. I never forgot, “Don, don’t let the Marine Corps eat your lunch”.

Following my Air Force career, time for something completely different. Civilian life and self-employment were the answer. Retired March 1994, and went into the Pawn Shop business with a partner, in Danville, VA. Sold my interest there after two years and opened another Pawn Shop closer to home in Prince George, VA in April 1996. Same business and location, for the past twenty-four years. I enjoy being able to run my business void of endless rules and regulations. A simple philosophy, respect, integrity, and “if something makes sense, do it”. Self-employed is a great duty title. Long hours and involved, demanding, not enough time off. Wouldn’t be happy if it wasn’t a challenge. April 2019, I started the twenty-six year of my second career and self-employment. Similar to “Pawn Stars” and “Hardcore Pawn” on a smaller scale.

As of July 12, 2017, I’ve been retired longer than I was on active duty. At age 69 and as of 2019, I’m starting my 52nd continuous working year, I’ll continue to work indefinitely with the same enthusiasm and dedication. I’m not bound by minimum or maximum years of working. I’m enjoying the satisfaction and reward$ of a long work career. The longer you work, the more assets you can accumulate, the more you can save, and the less time you have to spend it. I’ll retire for good one day when it’s right for me.

Summer 2019 – Life is WONDERFUL!

I support the Air Force Association and the Air Force Memorial.

First and foremost, professionalism. Discipline, motivation, organization, dedication, the list is long. I’ll always have fond memories of my Air Force career, places I’ve been, and those I’ve met along the way. The Air Force was a great “life” experience. I’m passionate and committed to the things I love, marriage, family, life, and chosen careers.

Advice for everyone. Take advantage of all opportunities. Education, travel, and training, etc. “Get in, stay in” (I did, and I did). As a recruiter, I dealt with many people who separated short of retirement and later regretted it. Unless you’re 100% sure it’s time to leave, give it more time. Once out, it’s tough and sometimes impossible to return.

Once in, strive to be the best at what you do. Two of my favorite quotes and practices I believe in, “The harder you work, the luckier you get”, and “Those that make things happen, and those that wait for things to happen”. Make your own luck!

Take advantage of PME. I attended both the ATC NCO Academy and the SNCOA. Both were excellent. Great instruction, presentations, and guest speakers. Most impressive are your fellow students.

Also, document, record, and safeguard your priceless experiences and important events, names, etc., retain ALL career documents. Take lots of pictures as mementos of your Air Force career and life experiences. You’ll need them later to complete your Air Force Together We Served profile. Good luck and enjoy your stay!

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