The Christy Collection

Military Stories and Articles

SSgt John House, U.S. Air Force (1977-1991)

SSgt John House, U.S. Air Force (1977-1991)

What was your primary Occupational Specialty in the Military? What was the most significant skill you learned and was this useful in your civilian life?

My primary AFSC was 328×3, Electronic Warfare Systems Specialist and I achieved a 7-level before being medically discharged after being struck by a drunk driver. My first two assignments were 1st Special Operations Wing (Tactical Air Command at first, then later Military Airlift Command) at Hurlburt Field, where I participated in the Iran hostage rescue mission in April 1980 as part of the 100-member logistics crew that accompanied our special operations aircraft to Egypt for the forward staging location, and the 51st Tactical Fighter Wing (Tactical Air Command) at Homestead AFB where I worked on the last operational F-4D squadrons. I worked within my primary at both of these first two assignments and loved working on aircraft outside on the flight line.

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Service Reflections of SMSgt John Ridlehoover, U.S. Air Force (1957-1983)

Service Reflections of SMSgt John Ridlehoover, U.S. Air Force (1957-1983)

When I graduated from high school, I knew I did not want to go to work at the main source of employment in my then, hometown. Namely one of the 5 or more “Cotton Mills” that employed a large percent of the population of the town. I had an uncle who had gone to West Point for a period of time, did not graduate, but did go into the Army as a 2nd Lt. He would come home on leave in a nice car from places like Texas and other locations and I said to myself “The military will be my ticket out of here”.
Plus the draft was still in effect. I did not think I wanted to get drafted into the army, so I enlisted in the Air Force. When I enlisted I did not necessarily do so with the intention of making a career of it but after Tech School, I was sent to Scotland where I met my future wife. After my tour there, I had five years invested so I thought why not just stay for the long haul!

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Famous Air Force Unit: 1st Reconnaissance Squadron

Famous Air Force Unit: 1st Reconnaissance Squadron

The squadron emblem roundel pictured above is still current and has been in active use since 1933. As of this year, there are twenty-six active reconnaissance squadrons in the United States Air Force. The 1st Reconnaissance Squadron, by that specific unit designation, was not technically constituted until 1991-94 but was preceded by the 1st Strategic Reconnaissance Squadron in 1966 and two training units utilizing similar nomenclature in between. Yet, this organization traces its full roots...

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