The Christy Collection

Military Stories and Articles

Service Reflections of SSG Eastman Jerry, U.S. Army (1974-1986)

Service Reflections of SSG Eastman Jerry, U.S. Army (1974-1986)

I had always wanted to be in the military ever since I was a child. I was sure I wanted to join the US Marines and studied them while growing up. However, that was not to be the case, as my cousin, who is nine years older than I and was one of my primary babysitters growing up, went into the Marine Corps, became a sniper, and was in Vietnam during the Tet Offensive in 1968. Upon his return, he basically threatened me that if I even got close to a marine recruiter or office, he would personally “kick my butt.”

read more
Service Reflections of Sgt Max Reynolds, U.S. Air Force (1975-1981)

Service Reflections of Sgt Max Reynolds, U.S. Air Force (1975-1981)

I graduated from high school on May 23, 1975, and I had originally planned to attend Vincennes University to become a Conservation Officer. My dream was to be a police officer, but I could not afford the tuition at the time. In June 1975, SSgt Terry Johnson, USAF Recruiter, called from his office in Logansport and asked me to come over and talk with him. He provided me with the option to join the USAF as a Security Police officer, with the guarantee that after Basic Training, if no SP positions were available, I could cross-train to another field or process out with an Honorable Discharge. I figured Uncle Sam would always need cops, so I headed to the AFEES at 141 S. Meridian in Indianapolis on July 10, 1975, for my physical and took an oath to serve, protect, and defend the United States as a member of the USAF Reserve. I went home to finish my work schedule and returned to Indianapolis on October 2, 1975, where I went on active duty in the USAF.

read more