Gary Smith:  

Life Classmates, I had some time today so I thought I would bring friends up-to-date on what I have been doing for the past 42 years. That sure seems like a long time as I look back. After graduation I started college at Ohio State University. I started summer quarter because some guy in my one of my classes mainly Dave Walter told me not to apply to early so I never applied until March of 1965. So I had to start in the summer as fall classes were filled. I and some other townies made the trip everyday to campus. We met in the student union often- Linda Finn, Karon Blanton, Bob Crocetti,Bob Gammel, Sandy Sanders, and a few others. The four years went quickly and before I knew it I graduated in June 1969. As was the case at the time if you remember we were in a War called Vietman. I had one more quarter of Air Force ROTC to complete before I became a 2nd Lieutenant. I became interested in the Air Force as a result of knowing Colonel Sanders who I have respected all of my life. I was commissioned in December 1969 by Cheryl Hoovers father Brig Gen Paul Hoover another person for which I have great respect. That same month I became engaged to Ann Hinterschied who I met at Ohio State. In February 1970 I entered active duty and was assigned to Reese AFB in Lubbock Texas. I must say pilot training was very diffcult with over half of the class not making it. Somehow I finished but academics was not my strong suit. I blame Tex for this because we always just wanted a C in the class. Well half way through the year of training Ann and I got married and she joined me in Texas where she attended Texas Tech. After pilot training I went to advanced training in Alexandia La. After advanced training I left for Da Nang Vietnam in June of 1971. I served 13 months in Vietnam and flew over 125 combat missions. It was a sur real place but one of many memories. Next, I was assigned as a KC-135 pilot at Loring AFB Me. Th...Expand for more