This article is written by and features David Shiel SSgt, U. S. Air Force
My military experience began when I was in Elkton High School and enlisted in the US Air Force in 1979. I graduated from Basic Training, (Lackland Air Force Base, Texas) as an Airman Basic in September of that year.
After basic training, I went to Keesler Air Force Base, in Biloxi, Mississippi for several months of training to be a Wideband Communications Equipment Specialist. My first duty assignment was to Duke Field, at Eglin Air Force Base In Florida. I worked on wideband communication radios, called a Track 97A.
My second duty assignment was a two-year tour to Linsey Air Base, Wiesbaden, Germany. I worked on the upgrade of the European Interior Intrusion Alarm System (Project SAFENEST) and the Tactical Air Control System Mobile Depot Maintenance Program. I was assigned to Linsey Air Base, but I often went on temporary duty assignments and traveled to other bases to install intrusion alarm systems and service, repair, and sometimes overhaul wideband communications equipment.
My third and final duty assignment was to the 5th Combat Communications Group, Robins Air Force Base in Georgia. The 5th Combat Communications Group is a specialized highly trained unit of the USAF that sets up advanced communications capabilities anywhere in the world to keep warfighters around the world connected to execute the mission. I enjoyed the four years I served in the USAF and was honorably discharged at the rank of Staff Sergeant on August 15th, 1983.
I would like to thank all active military and veterans for your service to our country. Everyone who enlists in the military is willing to put their life on the line and possibly pay the ultimate sacrifice to protect our country. Thank you for your hard work and dedication. Thank you for your service and God Bless.
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