Bill's History
Pilot training at Webb AFB, TX;
F-102 training at Perrin AFB, TX;
F-106 training at Tyndall AFB, FL.
My first operational assignment--539 FIS at McGuire AFB, NJ. in the F-106, dual qualified in the T-33.
I volunteered for the F-105 and got orders in less than two weeks. After training at McConnell AFB, assigned to the 333 TFS at Takhli RTAFB. Flew my first combat mission as a first lieutenant--immediately promoted to captain (like everyone else in our class). Extended first tour. Total combat missions: 189, 123 over then North Vietnam.
Returned to 48 FIS at Langley AFB--F-106 & T-33. Left active duty in late 1971, joined the Virginia ANG in 1972, hired as a T-33 IP, then the F-105 and taught school for a short while. Moved to Utah that same year for a full time position in the AF Reserves at Hill AFB. IP in the F-105 and T-33. Back to Virginia in 1974 for full time in the Virginia ANG--192 TFG. Continued to fly the F-105, A-7, C-26, F-16. Flew some combat mission in the F-16 over Bosnia and Iraq. Retired from the Guard in 2001 with more than 6500 hours, most of it in fighters.
Some corporate flying for Ethyl Corporation: Hawker aircraft (two engine business jet). Volunteer track coach for a couple of seasons--local high school. Currently taking music lessons (saxophone) and a volunteer member in the Hanover (County) Concert Band. Enthusiastic (if not accomplished) golfer.
Diane and Bill in 2009. I think we still look the same (old?). We have been married for over 42 years now, but I should give you some of our story.
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