The Christy Collection

Military Stories and Articles

Service Reflections of MSgt George Fillgrove, U.S. Air Force (1977-1994)

Service Reflections of MSgt George Fillgrove, U.S. Air Force (1977-1994)

My father, whose World War II military service was limited to the Army’s Enlisted Reserve Corps, and my grandfather, a World War I veteran, were major influences. In my family, service to your country was something that was expected of you. Someone on either side of my family had served in just about every major conflict our country has fought. For me, it was just something that I felt called to do — an important goal in my list of life experiences. Besides, I’m from the same hometown as Col. Francis “Gabby” Gabreski. I lived near his brother, went to school with his nieces and nephews, and remember vividly the day he flew over our house. I was hooked forever.

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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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