Survival Equipment Inspections

[DiggerWW2]

I saw Civilain Clothes being worn at Willow Grove NAS about a year ago. It's mostly a Reservist Base. I just had to ask "why" some folks were wearing Civies & was told 'It's up to the Base Commander as far as how strict they are on such issues". I've noticed many other Uniformed Government Agencies have eased up a bit too.
Our local Postal Carriers sometimes look like they just walked out of a Bowling Alley.
Thier shabby looking "Postal Uniform" is a complete joke & about 90% Civilain. Cliff Clavin would be outraged...

We once suggested a "Casual Friday" in Our Life Support Shop at Dover AFB, where We could wear Civilan Clothes.
Ha! Ha! That idea was quickly shot down!!

Here's a photo of Our Life Support Shop from 1995. Some of these Guys & Gals were stationed at other Air Force Bases, so You may recognize them. Oh!! Could I tell a few stories!! The "Sexual Harassment" Light was definately LIT while I was there:

That's Me 1st Row far left in Camo BDU Uniform.
Note My "John Wayne" Style Pistol Belt with Walkie Talkie worn low on the hip.
I often caught heck for wearing it that way, but I thought it made Me look cool!!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v674/ ... UPPORT.jpg

The only 35-10 Uniform Regulation I broke was during My last week before Retirement in 1996. I was on Active Duty & wore My Original WW2 Bronco A2 Jacket out on the Flightline to fix a broken O2 Mask. I wanted to be the last American Airman to wear an Original WW2 A2 Jacket on Active Duty during the 20th Century. A Proud Accomplishment indeed!! Yes, I got a few stares from the Aircrew, but I didn't care... It was well worth the Honor...
Digger

Last edited by DiggerWW2 on Sat Feb 23, 2008 12:30 pm, edited 8 times in total.

[ffuries]

Thanks Sir, I'd work on them for free just to keep myself busy. Between my AF disability and Civil Service disability, and the contrator slot if I get it, this would be more or less a hobby/love/my small contribution.

By the way...

Thank you for all the hard work you do to keep aviators' equipment in tip top shape!

I think that LS troops often get forgotten in the process, and you guys bust your hump working on something that often doesn't ever benefit you directly. Your contributions ARE noticed, even if they aren't spoken by the aviators you support.

Thanks again Sir, Forgotten? Maybe! I think we are often understated until something happens, then it's our time to shine. Do we want our equipment used? No! But when it must be, it will work no questions asked. We're just an insurance policy that's tucked away until you need us. In all the shops I've worked in, the rapport with the crews has been awesome. Got F-15 rides while assigned to Tyndall, OV-10 rides at George, more rides than I can remember in MC-130 (Low Level, Helo AR, NVG's etc). The crews are my job, and it's a job I really enjoy doing.


Mike in Florida
USAF Aircrew Life Support
"Your Life Is Our Business"

[DiggerWW2]

Last edited by DiggerWW2 on Sat Feb 23, 2008 12:57 pm, edited 3 times in total.

[Fouga23]

The only 35-10 Uniform Regulation I broke was during My last week before Retirement in 1996. I was on Active Duty & wore My Original WW2 Bronco A2 Jacket out on the Flightline to fix an broken O2 Mask. I wanted to be the last American Airman to wear an Original WW2 A2 Jacket on Active Duty during the 20th Century. A Proud Accomplishment indeed!! Yes, I got a few stares from the Aircrew, but I didn't care... It was well worth the Honor...
Digger

I hear you! I was the last one to wear a HGU-26 helmet on a Belgian AF flight (about 1.5 years ago). No way I was gonna wear a grey HGU-55 in a classic jet like the Fouga. Luckily for me the ALSE guys let me get away with it

[ffuries]

We've been known to turn a blind eye at times, unofficially!


Mike in Florida
USAF Aircrew Life Support
"Your Life Is Our Business"

[DiggerWW2]

I remember several USAF Aircrew Members wanted to be like "Top Gun" & decorate thier HGU-55P Flight Helmets with stickers, stripes, etc. This wasn't allowed & We immediately had to scrape them off.
A heated argument always followed...

Here's a shot of Me back in Life Support Technical School, Sheppard AFB, 1993. It was a great time...
A big drunken party every night in the Wild West... Not much else to do in Texas...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v674/ ... pport3.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v674/ ... pport4.jpg

The Oxygen Mask Air Pressure Test System always came in handy for curing those Texas Sized Hangovers... Digger