ErikHeiker
11-30-06, 08:22 AM
I entered AD on Feb 1, 1973. I imagine I'm the last one from my platoon still serving. I served alongside Marines who were WWII veterens. Back then there were still enlisted pilots. Although Nam was still going on, I never made it there. A few of those who went will feel morally superior to me. Most that went will say I should count my blessings I didn't make it there. But I went where the Marine Corps sent me.
But, like most, my time in the Corps was measured in years, not decades. Newly married I didn't want to raise a family all over the world while moving every few years. So I did what most Marines do...I got out and went home. During the seperation process they try and talk you into the reserves. But Alaska didn't have a Marine Reserve unit, so I figured I was done with my military service.
After a few years I decided to check into the Guard. I had gotten my pilot's license through the aero club at El Toro and I figured being in the Guard would allow me to indulge in my love of flying. So I wound up in the Guard after 2 years and nine months. The one thing I really wanted was a flying position. Because I got my degree too late in life, the only option was enlisted positions. Nothing wrong with, as you all know. Eventually I was able to get a slot as a C-130 loadmaster.
That was 17 years ago. Today I'm still serving my country as a C-130 loadmaster. At the beginning of 2006 our squadron was involuntarily activated and sent to Bagram AF, Afghanistan. To date I have flown on over 60 combat missions and will have over 80 by the time it's over.
I'm proud that more than 34 years after I first committed to the Marine Corps (I signed up DEP Nov 1972) that I'm not only still able to serve my country, but I'm doing it as a front line flyer.
So, how many old salts out there are still serving proudly? I know I can't be the only one.
But, like most, my time in the Corps was measured in years, not decades. Newly married I didn't want to raise a family all over the world while moving every few years. So I did what most Marines do...I got out and went home. During the seperation process they try and talk you into the reserves. But Alaska didn't have a Marine Reserve unit, so I figured I was done with my military service.
After a few years I decided to check into the Guard. I had gotten my pilot's license through the aero club at El Toro and I figured being in the Guard would allow me to indulge in my love of flying. So I wound up in the Guard after 2 years and nine months. The one thing I really wanted was a flying position. Because I got my degree too late in life, the only option was enlisted positions. Nothing wrong with, as you all know. Eventually I was able to get a slot as a C-130 loadmaster.
That was 17 years ago. Today I'm still serving my country as a C-130 loadmaster. At the beginning of 2006 our squadron was involuntarily activated and sent to Bagram AF, Afghanistan. To date I have flown on over 60 combat missions and will have over 80 by the time it's over.
I'm proud that more than 34 years after I first committed to the Marine Corps (I signed up DEP Nov 1972) that I'm not only still able to serve my country, but I'm doing it as a front line flyer.
So, how many old salts out there are still serving proudly? I know I can't be the only one.