Dirty thirty help!

[Son-Of-Pilot]

Originally Posted by eriksale

To all on this thread
Forgot to tell everyone that Todd gave me his dad's number and I my dad's number.

I'm happy to report that my dad called Todd's and they talked for over 2 hours.

This was probably the first time they had talked with each other since 1963.

I just have to say what a GREAT site this is that after all these years how to ole pilot's could get togeather, reminisce and just see how each other was doing !!
Thank you "Patriotfiles.com"

Dave

I can't say enough about this site!!!! I was beginning to think I wasn't going to find a darned thing about the Dirty Thirty. At least now things are starting to come together. I am realy proud of my dad and the 29 other guys who were there before most everyone else. It's truely amazing that after more than 40 years a pair of comrades-in-arms can reach out and rekindle their friendship.

I am an Air Force brat, an airline brat, the son of a pilot and the son of an officer. I am damned proud of it all ..... but most especially my dad.

Here's to them .... those who left .... and those who still remain!

Todd

[eriksale]

Hello everyone

I’m watching all of the accolades for John F. Kennedy on the anniversary of his assignation.

Since this is a history site I need to give my prospective on history, from the first person prospective.

I'm a military brat from a time where we were very much apart of our fathers lifestyle.

We lived breathed "packed boxes" every three years

I would like to give all of you the perspective of a child of 8 years old who’s father that was sent to a place called “Vietnam”

My dad was one of the first combatant’s sent to Vietnam under Kennedy after succumbing to the advise of Gen. Maxwell Taylor. This A-Hole was so depressed that DOD money was going to the AF and Navy he needed to “Create” a new war!!!!

Was John Kennedy a great President? His Inauguration speech will absolutely is something to go down as one of the great inaugration speeche's of all times!

However!

Was he a great President? Absolutely not!!!
Bay of Pigs!
Missile crisis?

John F. Kennedy started the Vietnam War. Johnson took to the next level and beyond!

In the eyes of this 8 year old in 1962, John F. Kennedy was a mediocre President at best.

I know there are those that feel that JFK was wonderful President, but I ask are your feelings because of his of his accomplishments? Or solely based on his assignation?


FYI my dad Maj Carl R. Erickson is not doing well and I will update you on his condition after tomorrow.

I love you Dad

Dave

[eriksale]

Simply acts of kindness

While at Travis AFB hospital, my dad (the Major) had a medical assistant Stephani from NJ. She is a vegitarian and my dad teased her that he left some "sausage for her" but she was so kind to my dad. So I could see that she was a 2 stripper, and is that airman !st class?

So she mentioned she just bought a new Digital camera, red of course and needed a case, so being the Nor Cal rep for Tamrac, I went to my car grabbed the appropriate case for her camera.

Brought it back up and the smiles and grins were priceless when I gave her the case and said "Thank you for your service, and especially being so Kind to my dad" she smiled back and said "your Dad is easy" !!

I will probably wil never see her again but it sure felt, "GREAT"

I'll give you more examples of how my dad ALWAYS treated the enlisted!

I'm sorry for rambling but my dad is in bad shape. I believe I have found a family that understand's here, though I'm not one of you in battle but feel apart of the whole process. if I'm wrong tell me to go away and it's ok!!!!!

This is a hard time watching my dad, hero etc fade away<)


Dave

[eriksale]

I'm sorry but while I'm on a roll? This is great thearpy, please endulg!

I talked about how my dad treated the enlised.
My dad for the last ten years in the AF flew for "special missions" aka "little SAM"
They were basically the Airlines for the Army brass. So they served the best transpotation as well as the best accomodations.

I rember my dad telling me that leaving from Hamilton AFB with a "black steward" and going to the "south" circa 65-69.

Landing , going to a motel only to be told "sorry sir you have a room but your other crew, "black steward" needs to find another "motel" ! , My dad say's give me a room with 2 beds, the SGT will stay with me!!!

Would like to think of my dad as one of the first who treated ALL as equals !!!

I love you Dad

Dave

[eriksale]

One more time
I sent this to my active duty friend but if any one has advise etc., would be greatly appreciated!

A: when the time comes "military funeral" how to go about. My understanding is they won't do much for a retired Major but ???
B: I maybe able to arrange "missing man" from locals but any way to ask for a AF one ?
C: With the "Dirty Thirty" they gave him one "Air Medal" they owe him at least 7 clusters, any way to get?
D: He was in Korea from 55-56 I believe there is a medal for being there then that he has never received, how do we get?
E: This is a tough one. When my dad was in Korea. (I have heard this story over and over but never change so it must be true)
They asked for volunteers and of course bachelors first, no reply. So my dad volunteered, with wife and son at home. Now the "rest of the story"

On one of the island's of the coast they had a person with an appendasidus (sp attack, who would die without proper medical attention. So Carl said he would fly C-47 by himself, just asked that there be a jeep at each and of the beach and one at the edge of the surf with their lights on so he could land on the beach. So they did, he did and retrieved the soldier at night to a hospital.

That's the story and I've always felt that was worth some sort of reconizition (Silver, Bronze, ???)

[Son-Of-Pilot]

The Air Force only gave my dad a single air medal too. Hell, they should have gotten bronze stars, silver stars, DFCs .....

I understand your frustration. I am sorry your dad is not doing well. All my prayers to you and your family.

I don't know about military funerals but I am pretty sure that you can arrange one through the Air Force for a retired combat pilot. About 10 years ago my uncle died ... he was an E-7 and he got his military funeral. He didn't die in action .... a G-----med drunk driver killed him in South Carolina.

Please keep my dad up to speed on your dad. If there is a service, I know my dad would want to be there.

Todd

[1CAVCCO15MED]

Check this out http://www.cem.va.gov/mhg.asp

[eriksale]

Hi all
I have some good news on my dad.

Was at Travis AFB hospital, Sent over to UC Davis in Sacramento. They did some procedures on his lung then sent him back to Travis.

Travis sent him home on Sunday !!!

He will be going back to Travis for testing next Wed as they think his cancer may not be as bad as originally thought so may be able to treat with radiation.
At least he is home.
Just wanted to up date

Dave

[DMZ-LT]

Keep movin Dave , your always welcome here. Lost my Dad 9 years ago and think about him just about every day. Carp Diem

[eriksale]

Thank you. We've at least got him home. In fact he came out to my office yesterday to get copies made for the stay at UC Davis. Moving a little slow dragging his tank around.