Air force

[Milton Brewster]

I tried to become a fighter pilot in the Vietnam war but they only had helicopter positions available and if you weren't black or Mexican/Latino you were last pick. Ended up in an office job instead.

[Flyby2000]

Greetings brother, semper fi

Were you with the American forces in Vietnam or the Australian?

[Milton Brewster]

I was in the American Air Force. Stationed in Yokota Japan for 23 years before retiring. Never had the pleasure of running in to the Australians while on tour.

[Flyby2000]

Well then I'm sure you'll agree with me when I tell you that it is never a pleasure when you run into Australians.

[Milton Brewster]

I know what you mean, just as well they're on our side. :D

The 89 gulf crisis was quickly brought under control by the AUS navy who were there in no time.

Strategically Australia is a vital ally. The satelite dish relays in their desserts keep the world safe.

[billmil]

Milton,
Sounds like B.S, to me, I personally know guys who where C-141 drivers and ended up getting drafted to fly Thuds because of the shortage of qualified drivers. Don’t take my word for it, check out Col Broughton’s, book THUD Ridge; he talks about the same issue.
One question, how did you manage to homestead at Yokoto for 23 years? I know a few fellow retired SNCO’s who managed to stay in one command for 15-20 years in USAFE. But even these guys had to rotate every 5-6 years, doing the Lakenheath to Bitburg to Soesterberg shuffle. I personally never met a homesteading officer because it is such a career killer. In my 21 years , 18 on the flight line as an F-15 avionics craftsman I ended up PCS’ing 6 times plus all the lovely deployments to Desert Storm and Southern Watch

[WARPEE]

Ever hear of "Chappy" James Milton? Im not tryin' to be an ass! There were black flyers even farther back then the famous "Tuskgegee Airmen"...Maybe the pilot slots were all filled at the time...Maybe you didn't qualify...Hey, I'd like to know too how you nested at Yokota AB for that long myself! LOL That would have to be the best kept "secret" of the AF...Even our CATM guy, a TSG who was at Clark for 12 years, had to rotate up to us at Kunsan...He had an "in," and was headed back to the P.I. as soon as he could though! So you flew a desk and typewriter! Be proud! Thanks for your service!