Rank:
Entered Into Eternal Rest
151 entries.
I am writing to share a humorous anecdote about Captain Michael Nazionale, who was Sergeant Nazionale when I attended Air Traffic Control school at Kessler AFB. He was a fantastic and fair leader throughout our time there, and I have so many fond memories from those months. While I could recount numerous stories, such as the bedsheet incident, the stolen duck (or was it a goose?), and the teammates playing barber until Sergeant Nazionale found out and confiscated the hair shears, there were also the gardening mishaps involving grass cutting debacles and bush hacking. All of these stories involve others,... Read more
I am writing to share a humorous anecdote about Captain Michael Nazionale, who was Sergeant Nazionale when I attended Air Traffic Control school at Kessler AFB. He was a fantastic and fair leader throughout our time there, and I have so many fond memories from those months. While I could recount numerous stories, such as the bedsheet incident, the stolen duck (or was it a goose?), and the teammates playing barber until Sergeant Nazionale found out and confiscated the hair shears, there were also the gardening mishaps involving grass cutting debacles and bush hacking. All of these stories involve others, but the one I’d like to share with you is the unforgettable "bed sheet incident," which centers on Sergeant Nazionale and me.
One particular night during bed check, someone paid a little too much attention to my bed sheets and reported it to Sergeant Nazionale. At that time, sleep was a precious commodity, given the demanding schedule of studying, attending classes, participating in rigorous calisthenics, and running. To make my living situation a bit more comfortable, I had my mother send me some extra pillows, a fitted sheet, a flat sheet, and a blanket. Not thinking, I didn’t specify any particular color, like solid colors or stark white sheets, as I just wanted something that would save me time in the morning. To my surprise, what arrived were vibrantly flowered, pastel-colored sheets—certainly not the most military-appropriate option for the barracks!
Naturally, once Sergeant Nazionale became aware of the unconventional bed linens, it was only a matter of time before the situation became a team matter. Knowing Sergeant Nazionale, it didn’t surprise me how he handled the situation. He gathered the entire team to ask the big question. There was no ill intent, just friendly teasing that fostered camaraderie among the group. He selected the perfect moment, summoning everyone to a team meeting in formation. We all stood there, bewildered and unsure of what was about to happen. Then, with a knowing grin, he posed the iconic question: "Who here owns these pastel-colored sheets for their bed, and can you explain the reasoning behind this choice?"
With a sinking feeling and considerable embarrassment, I hesitantly raised my hand and admitted to being the owner. Following the ensuing laughter, he gently inquired about my explanation. I explained that I had asked my mother for a fresh set of sheets, unaware of the flowered, pastel-themed surprise she would send. I shared that at night, instead of removing my blanket and sheets to sleep, I would simply pull the pastel sheets, blanket, and pillow out of the closet and place them over my already meticulously made bed. This system saved me precious time in the mornings since I didn’t have to remake the bed. I would just roll up the pastel sheets, blanket, and pillow, and place them back in the closet, ready for the next evening's use. As for the bed itself, all I needed to do was smooth out any wrinkles, and the bed would look perfect in just seconds.
Sergeant Nazionale and the team all had a good laugh along with me. If you're wondering what happened to the bed sheets, Sergeant Nazionale told me to send them back home and insisted he didn't want to see any pastel sheets on my bed… LOL!... Collapse
One particular night during bed check, someone paid a little too much attention to my bed sheets and reported it to Sergeant Nazionale. At that time, sleep was a precious commodity, given the demanding schedule of studying, attending classes, participating in rigorous calisthenics, and running. To make my living situation a bit more comfortable, I had my mother send me some extra pillows, a fitted sheet, a flat sheet, and a blanket. Not thinking, I didn’t specify any particular color, like solid colors or stark white sheets, as I just wanted something that would save me time in the morning. To my surprise, what arrived were vibrantly flowered, pastel-colored sheets—certainly not the most military-appropriate option for the barracks!
Naturally, once Sergeant Nazionale became aware of the unconventional bed linens, it was only a matter of time before the situation became a team matter. Knowing Sergeant Nazionale, it didn’t surprise me how he handled the situation. He gathered the entire team to ask the big question. There was no ill intent, just friendly teasing that fostered camaraderie among the group. He selected the perfect moment, summoning everyone to a team meeting in formation. We all stood there, bewildered and unsure of what was about to happen. Then, with a knowing grin, he posed the iconic question: "Who here owns these pastel-colored sheets for their bed, and can you explain the reasoning behind this choice?"
With a sinking feeling and considerable embarrassment, I hesitantly raised my hand and admitted to being the owner. Following the ensuing laughter, he gently inquired about my explanation. I explained that I had asked my mother for a fresh set of sheets, unaware of the flowered, pastel-themed surprise she would send. I shared that at night, instead of removing my blanket and sheets to sleep, I would simply pull the pastel sheets, blanket, and pillow out of the closet and place them over my already meticulously made bed. This system saved me precious time in the mornings since I didn’t have to remake the bed. I would just roll up the pastel sheets, blanket, and pillow, and place them back in the closet, ready for the next evening's use. As for the bed itself, all I needed to do was smooth out any wrinkles, and the bed would look perfect in just seconds.
Sergeant Nazionale and the team all had a good laugh along with me. If you're wondering what happened to the bed sheets, Sergeant Nazionale told me to send them back home and insisted he didn't want to see any pastel sheets on my bed… LOL!... Collapse
[IMG_N97zBhg.jpeg]
[IMG_N97zBhg.jpeg]... Collapse
I was the McCord team photographer in the '70s. That's where I met Tim. Hell of a nice guy. We had a few beers together. I did not realize that he went on as far as he did. This photo was from a little trip down the rogue River [IMG_ubl9zfb.jpeg]
I was the McCord team photographer in the '70s. That's where I met Tim. Hell of a nice guy. We had a few beers together. I did not realize that he went on as far as he did. This photo was from a little trip down the rogue River [IMG_ubl9zfb.jpeg]... Collapse
I'm at Sergeant brawley early on. I believe he was sharing a house with David Pearson. We went to the local mall and photographed some Buddy Holly records. He was a hell of a nice guy. God bless him
I'm at Sergeant brawley early on. I believe he was sharing a house with David Pearson. We went to the local mall and photographed some Buddy Holly records. He was a hell of a nice guy. God bless him... Collapse
I remember Tim as a young Airman when I was on the McChord Team back in the late 70s-early 80s. Tim had a very agreeable and genial way, and could give good advice and perspective without getting personal. I always knew he would do well. I know he was a real presence in CCT and the Association. I am sorry to learn of his passing. RIP Chief Tim.
I remember Tim as a young Airman when I was on the McChord Team back in the late 70s-early 80s. Tim had a very agreeable and genial way, and could give good advice and perspective without getting personal. I always knew he would do well. I know he was a real presence in CCT and the Association. I am sorry to learn of his passing. RIP Chief Tim.... Collapse
Vince, You taught generations of young men about honor and courage. May your memory be a blessing.
Vince,
You taught generations of young men about honor and courage.
May your memory be a blessing.... Collapse
You taught generations of young men about honor and courage.
May your memory be a blessing.... Collapse
I had the pleasure of meeting TB in 1983 at McChord AFB. My first duty assignment for Combat Control. I remember he was very helpful and giving me some great advice on how to advance my career and make good decisions for my life. I will always be grateful for the time we spent together.
I had the pleasure of meeting TB in 1983 at McChord AFB. My first duty assignment for Combat Control. I remember he was very helpful and giving me some great advice on how to advance my career and make good decisions for my life. I will always be grateful for the time we spent together.... Collapse
SSGT Thompson walked up to me on my 9th day of basic training August 20th 1969 and ask me if I'd like to jump out of perfectly good airplanes. after recieving my positive answer, he put me through a physical test to see if I could make it as a Combat Controller. On my 7th day of basic I put in my dream sheet to be an air traffic controller. That's how he had found out about me. Anyway, after going through the PT. he informed me that I would be recieving orders to Ft. Benning GA then to Keesler... Read more
SSGT Thompson walked up to me on my 9th day of basic training August 20th 1969 and ask me if I'd like to jump out of perfectly good airplanes. after recieving my positive answer, he put me through a physical test to see if I could make it as a Combat Controller. On my 7th day of basic I put in my dream sheet to be an air traffic controller. That's how he had found out about me. Anyway, after going through the PT. he informed me that I would be recieving orders to Ft. Benning GA then to Keesler AFB, MS. I didn't see him until I went down to Panama in June 1970. that's where we had a few beers and we never saw eachother again.... Collapse
Rex talked me into joining him at the 2nd Ranger Bn at Fort Lewis in 1976. I went to jump school and stayed at the Bn for three years. Got an assignment to Fort Richardson Alaska for 6 years years. Later assigned to 1st SOCOM / SF Command at Fort Bragg and retired 8 years later. My very special thanks for his intervention in my life, I had a wonderful life REX.
Rex talked me into joining him at the 2nd Ranger Bn at Fort Lewis in 1976. I went to jump school and stayed at the Bn for three years. Got an assignment to Fort Richardson Alaska for 6 years years. Later assigned to 1st SOCOM / SF Command at Fort Bragg and retired 8 years later. My very special thanks for his intervention in my life, I had a wonderful life REX.... Collapse
[IMG_cALhKai.jpeg] [IMG_bxIsHZh.jpeg]
[IMG_cALhKai.jpeg] [IMG_bxIsHZh.jpeg]... Collapse
Rest in peace old friend
Rest in peace old friend... Collapse
10 years today... Happiness had to be redefined after we lost you. Your smile was infectious. Your hugs were aggressive. We all felt special being close to you. Can't wait to see you again. Rest easy Brother.
10 years today... Happiness had to be redefined after we lost you. Your smile was infectious. Your hugs were aggressive. We all felt special being close to you. Can't wait to see you again. Rest easy Brother.... Collapse
I miss you brother! Our motorcycle adventures will continue with you in our hearts and minds every time we hit the pavement! We will never forget!
I miss you brother! Our motorcycle adventures will continue with you in our hearts and minds every time we hit the pavement! We will never forget!... Collapse
💙 [IMG_aI8nNI4.jpeg]
💙 [IMG_aI8nNI4.jpeg]... Collapse
Jamie, I remember your dad. My dad was part of his team, and I remember the day my dad told me Emilio had died. I was just a kid back then too, but I still remember going to your house for a CCT party. Your dad didn't talk "at" me, he talked "to" me. I thought he was the coolest guy ever.
Jamie, I remember your dad. My dad was part of his team, and I remember the day my dad told me Emilio had died. I was just a kid back then too, but I still remember going to your house for a CCT party. Your dad didn't talk "at" me, he talked "to" me. I thought he was the coolest guy ever.... Collapse
Mark was the Commandant at OL-H when I was a Cone. He then got knighted and showed up at 314 CCS Little Rock AR as my TL then again at 22 STS as my TL again. We ises to mess with each other constantly. He pulled the spark plug cables from my Camaro, I filled his van vents with raw chicken before he drove from Tacoma to San Antonio. I also pulled off his tires from time to time. We had a TL/team memeber relationship during work. But we were also friends. He stopped at my house over a weekend... Read more
Mark was the Commandant at OL-H when I was a Cone. He then got knighted and showed up at 314 CCS Little Rock AR as my TL then again at 22 STS as my TL again. We ises to mess with each other constantly. He pulled the spark plug cables from my Camaro, I filled his van vents with raw chicken before he drove from Tacoma to San Antonio. I also pulled off his tires from time to time. We had a TL/team memeber relationship during work. But we were also friends. He stopped at my house over a weekend to sign my re-enlistment paperwork over a beer.
Myself and JW visit his sight at Mt Tahoma cemetary every Memorial day. I miss my friend. [IMG_N4odANe.jpeg]... Collapse
Myself and JW visit his sight at Mt Tahoma cemetary every Memorial day. I miss my friend. [IMG_N4odANe.jpeg]... Collapse
[IMG_8dneZdh.jpeg] Bob Chappell, Leroy Boykins, Steve Williams, Clyde Howard, ?, Bill Winters, Lance Andrews, and Peligrinni [IMG_1rDdbKu.jpeg] Vietnam 1966, Tan Son Nhut Hayden Sears, Harry Genes, Don Stetson, Paul Bisnett, Al Huddleston, Gary Samdal, Marice Pittman, Richard Wilhelm, Frank Pumphrey, Proctor, Bill Winters, Ed Patterson, Carl Choate, Theron Fowler, Jack Wylie, Erwin Baumgarten, John Bradley, Herbert Lattimore, Robert Brown, Dennis Mazikowski, Bob Lanier, Matthew Bitrick, and James Morgan
[IMG_8dneZdh.jpeg]
Bob Chappell, Leroy Boykins, Steve Williams, Clyde Howard, ?, Bill Winters, Lance Andrews, and Peligrinni
[IMG_1rDdbKu.jpeg]
Vietnam 1966, Tan Son Nhut
Hayden Sears, Harry Genes, Don Stetson,
Paul Bisnett, Al Huddleston, Gary Samdal, Marice Pittman, Richard Wilhelm, Frank Pumphrey, Proctor, Bill Winters, Ed Patterson, Carl Choate, Theron Fowler, Jack Wylie, Erwin Baumgarten, John Bradley, Herbert Lattimore, Robert Brown, Dennis Mazikowski, Bob Lanier, Matthew Bitrick, and James Morgan... Collapse
Bob Chappell, Leroy Boykins, Steve Williams, Clyde Howard, ?, Bill Winters, Lance Andrews, and Peligrinni
[IMG_1rDdbKu.jpeg]
Vietnam 1966, Tan Son Nhut
Hayden Sears, Harry Genes, Don Stetson,
Paul Bisnett, Al Huddleston, Gary Samdal, Marice Pittman, Richard Wilhelm, Frank Pumphrey, Proctor, Bill Winters, Ed Patterson, Carl Choate, Theron Fowler, Jack Wylie, Erwin Baumgarten, John Bradley, Herbert Lattimore, Robert Brown, Dennis Mazikowski, Bob Lanier, Matthew Bitrick, and James Morgan... Collapse
A1C Sullivan and (then) A1C Sibley were my wingmen throughout the cone pipeline. One of the most memorable experiences we shared was evading OPFOR during the first phase of SERE back in 2009. The three of us were promptly caught once—while climbing over a hill—by a striking SERE instructor. That was our one allowed “catch,” and after she let us go, we decided that getting caught again wasn’t an option. As the photo suggests, it was spring or summer. I remember Sibley coming across a patch of wild huckleberries, which we enjoyed before moving toward the final “safe house.” Before... Read more
A1C Sullivan and (then) A1C Sibley were my wingmen throughout the cone pipeline. One of the most memorable experiences we shared was evading OPFOR during the first phase of SERE back in 2009. The three of us were promptly caught once—while climbing over a hill—by a striking SERE instructor. That was our one allowed “catch,” and after she let us go, we decided that getting caught again wasn’t an option.
As the photo suggests, it was spring or summer. I remember Sibley coming across a patch of wild huckleberries, which we enjoyed before moving toward the final “safe house.” Before we reached it, we heard a lot of shouting from that direction. Trusting our instincts, we held back and waited on a hillside out of sight. That decision kept us from getting caught a second time.
I’ll never forget that time. God bless you, Sib. [IMG_nj3YlDQ.jpeg]... Collapse
As the photo suggests, it was spring or summer. I remember Sibley coming across a patch of wild huckleberries, which we enjoyed before moving toward the final “safe house.” Before we reached it, we heard a lot of shouting from that direction. Trusting our instincts, we held back and waited on a hillside out of sight. That decision kept us from getting caught a second time.
I’ll never forget that time. God bless you, Sib. [IMG_nj3YlDQ.jpeg]... Collapse
Its been 27 years today since you have been gone and I miss you ever day. you left me with many great memories from our life and adventures together. Your family from both before and now miss you. Will love you always
Its been 27 years today since you have been gone and I miss you ever day.
you left me with many great memories from our life and adventures together.
Your family from both before and now miss you.
Will love you always... Collapse
you left me with many great memories from our life and adventures together.
Your family from both before and now miss you.
Will love you always... Collapse
I was stationed with Billy in Wiesbaden, Germany where he was My mentor in free fall and parachute techniques. RIP brother.
I was stationed with Billy in Wiesbaden, Germany where he was My mentor in free fall and parachute techniques. RIP brother.... Collapse
