Robert Ivy:  

In 1967 graduation was looming, or so I hoped. I was a poor student who preferred farm work and motorcycles to just about anything. My summers were spent in summer school, repeating English, and working. My path forward was not spectacular nor bright. I remember the friends that I had, not many, and what we thought we would do after graduation. I was made aware that my graduation was questionable, I didn't realize that they expected you to actually attend most days, and immediately headed for the military recruiter. I took the physical and enlisted in the Air Force. ( I was 17 at the time I enlisted and this was the only branch my mom would sign for.) Even though I went in as a weapons specialist, the AF decided that my math grades were not, indicative of someone they wanted handling their weapons. I did complete Algebra 1 and 2, after 2 tries at both classes but the military decided that they needed me more as Medic. In 1969 was transferred to Elmendorf AFB, Alaska. It was during this time period, TET, that air evacuations were coming out of Viet Nam and in some cases would stop over at Elemendorf. It was during this period that I learned quickly that life is not to be taken for granted. There are no guarantees and dedicated myself to making the most of mine. During my tour in Alaska I completed pilot training and planned on moving into some sort of flight industry. My next assignment was at the AF Academy in Colorado Springs, CO. ( Sheeesh! I didn't know that if you saved what you had written so far it would be published...this is a continuation!) It was during this period that I continued my flight training u...Expand for more