Jean McCathern:
CLASS OF 1974
Hamburg High SchoolClass of 1974
Hamburg, PA
Pennsylvania State UniversityClass of 2008
Harrisburg, PA
Southern Illinois University - US Air ForceClass of 1988
Carbondale, IL
Community College of the Air ForceClass of 1986
Montgomery, AL
Perry Elementary SchoolClass of 1968
Shoemakersville, PA
Jean's Story
Life
Well, I am now middle-aged and have hit the half-century mark. It is very hard to believe, especially since I still feel like I am in my early 30s. I don't even have a lot of wrinkles, although some grey hair has arrived!
I am very happy and blessed with three daughters (two step-) and seven grandchildren (four step-). It is worth going through those terrible teenage years to arrive at a stage where you have grandchildren to spoil. I love them so much!
I am enjoy traveling, though my vacation days do not stretch far enough. After having a month off a year in the military...two weeks seem to go very fast.
I enjoy living near my sister and brother, and am thrilled my daughter has moved to upstate New York. Now the kids are a 6.5 hour drive away rather than a cross country flight and a 1.5 hour drive away. Keeping up with them is also hard since I only see them a few times a year. I guess that's what I get for spending so many years traveling in the military.
I wouldn't change much about my life, although I have made some pretty big blunders along the way. I wouldn't be who I am today had I not hit those rough spots and made it through. I learned a lot about myself as well.
School
I remember that the most fun I had in school was in 5th and 6th grades. I had Mr. Prince and Mr. Best from Perry Elementary in Shoey. That was the first time I cut class...and of course I was caught. My best friend in grade school, Deborah Smith, was killed while we were in 11th grade. That was a bummer.
In high school, I did more studying than anything else. I remember the Football team. I think I went to every game and I do not remember them ever winning...but I had a great time anyway. My best friend from high school is now living in Brazil...since email arrived, I have been able to keep in touch a lot better. She also visits each year.
After high school, I spent the summer as a camp counselor and thenI went into the Air...Expand for more
Force.
College
I was at Norton Air Force Base in the 1835th EIS when I finished college. I took Industrial Technology as a major and completed college under an accelerated program. I remember working, taking care of Laura and going TDY or working all the time. What a hectic life. I don't remember how I did it, but I wish I did. I am in grad school now and working full time as well.
Workplace
After high school, I spent the summer as a camp counselor, then joined the Air Force 5 days after I turned 18. I spent the next 25 years having some of the best times of my life to date. It was challenging work at times and I always thought I made a contribution to make things a little better.
I retired in 1999 and began working on a contract held by BAE Systems at the National Maritime Intelligence Center. After two years there, including the sad times surrounding 9/11, I decided to move to PA. I really wanted to return to Cheyenne, but there was a lack of jobs there that matched my qualifications and salary requirements.
I went to work at PennDOT as an IT Manager. I have never spent so much time in one place...I keep waiting for the next assignment..so I retired from PennDOT and went back to grad school. In Jan, 2010, I begin a new career, helping people who have the same genetic condition I have. The pay is peanuts compared to past salaries, but the work will be rewarding since I love to help others. Now I will get paid for it!
Military
Entering the Air Force at 18 was an eye-opener for me. I enjoyed every assignment (except basic training). I started out in crypto maintenance and never had to retrain, though I was airborne for 4 years, worked on EC-135s for 3 years, inspected crypto installations, and was a superintendent in a unit that had no crypto shop.
My promotions came at a pretty rapid rate and I was a CMSGT (E-9) before I knew it. I spent 25 years in the Air Force. I only retired when it wasn't fun anymore.
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