I couldn't decide what to call this long winded account of my Air Force career. The content of this story, after all, is a chronological account of the events that I could recall from my memories. So, after looking at synonyms for the word 'memories', I decided to use the term 'memoirs' mainly because it sounded kind of cool.

Before I begin, I wanted to ensure that I could recall events, as well as, the order of these events, so that I could accurately present these memories. I sat down and started jotting down, on the computer of course, in no specific order, assignments, places, events, and as many things that jumped out of my head that pertained to my career. I then edited and reedited, arranged and rearranged until I got it in the order that I wanted.

I didn't rely entirely on my memory. I researched the facts such as the dates of my military orders (I actually contacted Military Records and had them research and send me copies of my orders), aircraft tail numbers, Air Force assignments, and other available information to ensure that the events were correct. I was able to use the Internet to find photos of things like the old barracks that I lived in during basic training, as well as, locations that, unfortunately, I never took photographs. We didn't have the luxury of digital phones or cameras. The photos that I did find were factually and historically correct. They actually brought memories back that helped me during my writings.

All of the photos provided in this document where not my own. Unfortunately, all of my photos ended up in the hands of someone else (that's another story). The photos are, however, of the actual aircraft that I crewed and of the places that I had the pleasure of visiting.

I found blogs and bulletin boards where many crew chiefs and other maintenance personnel had posted memorabilia of their experiences at some of the same bases that I was at; in fact, I recognized several names on these boards. Unfortunately, they were posted back in the year 2000 and e-mail addresses were not current, so contacting them was impossible.

I must warn you, that because my career spanned over a twenty year period, it may get long winded in parts, but, the purpose of these memoirs are not to satisfy your entertainment; it is written to tell my children and their children of how I spent my military career. I will try to make it as interesting as possible.

For the purpose of telling my military memoirs, I will stick to events that happened during my military career and not make it about my personal life. I may, however, expand on some places, such as Basic Training and give you a taste of some of the countries that I visited.

If you haven't read or studied the history of the Vietnam War, I strongly suggest that you go down to your local library and pick up a book about it and read it. It is one of the most important events in American history and there are many lives today that are still affected by this war.

A total of 58,148 soldiers died during the Vietnam War, which is more than the Revolutionary War, Civil War, World War I and II combined. Statistics about the war can be found at Britannica: Summary About the Vietnam War on the web.

It was 1971 and the Vietnam War was at its peak and the Army draft was in full force. I had just received my draft notice in March of 1971 with a number of 119. The draft was like the lottery; but instead of winning millions of dollars when your number was drawn, you won a first class trip to the front lines in Vietnam carrying an M-16 on your shoulder. With a draft number that low, I knew that I had to do something because I didn't want to be drafted into the Army. I definitely would have been sent to Vietnam if I had been drafted.

Don't misunderstand me, because I am a very patriotic man, however, I was now married and had someone else to think about other than myself. The war, in itself, was very controversial. There were many men who dodged the draft by going (deserted) up to Canada. Some protested the war by burning their draft cards in large gatherings. There were even those who burned the American Flag in protest.

I wanted to serve my country so I made a beeline down to the Air Force recruiter's office and signed up for the Air Force. After all, if I was going to serve, I wanted to make the choice.

Three days later I was in Nashville, Tennessee at the MEPS (Military Entrance Processing Center) getting my induction physical and taking my ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery) test. The results of which helped determine what type of qualifications you had that would match the Air Force jobs available. I stood along with many other young men, turned my head and coughed, opened my mouth and said, "ahhhh", then in a large room, standing before the red, white, and blue I proudly raised my hand and took the oath;"I, Gary Moland, do solemnly swear that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; and that I will obey the orders of the President of the United States and the orders of the officers appointed over me, according to regulations and the Uniform Code of Military Justice. So help me God." Although it was a short oath, it said a great deal.