The Christy Collection

Military Stories and Articles

Service Reflections of Sgt Thomas Voss, U.S. Air Force (1975-1978)

Service Reflections of Sgt Thomas Voss, U.S. Air Force (1975-1978)

My father was the primary reason I joined the USAF. He served during the Korean conflict from 1951-1954. Sadly, he passed away in August 2020. He didn’t leave any hard copy records behind to define his timeline. He spoke to me at length about his tour of duty in Hawaii, where he was a radio security specialist. His group monitored the communications between aircraft pilots and their contacts. They reported on any non-regulation exchanges on radio frequencies. After my original posting of this reflection, I have secured my dad’s military records and DD-214 from the National Archives. Now I have a much clearer picture of his military service, especially the ribbons and medals he was awarded. During his four-year tour in Hawaii, he was decorated with the following: Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Korean Service Medal, and the U.N. Service Medal.

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Service Reflections of MSGT Willie McGee, U.S. Air Force (1974-1998)

Service Reflections of MSGT Willie McGee, U.S. Air Force (1974-1998)

I was fascinated with aircraft before I could write! Whenever I saw a plane (or even an airship) flying, I would have to stop and just watch it until it was out of sight. I WAS HOOKED whenever I saw the “US Air Force Blue” promotion on (the late 50s) TV! Even now, I remember my first model plane kit, an F-86 Super Sabre, and I was too young to read the instructions telling me I needed glue! Anyways, this love of aircraft stayed with me all through my formative years and into high school. During that time, the anti-Viet Nam movement was escalating. That and my “only son” status made thoughts of joining the military disappear.

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