Dan Grillo

Veteran of the Month, November 2005






A Brief Biography of your life:

How do I make 55 years "brief"? OK, here goes: born in 1950 in MA; 12 years of parochial school education by the Sisters of the Marquis de Sade, er, rather, the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur. Enlisted in the USAF the day after high school graduation, served 4 years. Married a year later, divorced 11 years later. Re-married to the most wonderful woman in the world 3 years later, and still happily together.


DOB and Place:

October 1, 1950, Marlboro, MA


Education:

St. Michael's school, Hudson Catholic High (National Honor Society), Mt. Wachusetts CC (Who's Who in America's Junior Colleges), Northeastern U. Liberal Art degree (Dean's List; Junior and Senior semesters)


Service Time and Rank:

USAF 9/1968 - 9/1972; APG/Jet Over II; Sgt., E-4


Occupation Now:

Shipping Manager @ Skyscape, Inc. Marlboro, MA


Family:

Never had kids, but lots of cousins, nieces, nephews, and now, grand-nieces & -nephews


What are your best accomplishments in life?

Serving in the USAF, marrying my 2nd wife, getting my degree, officiating football for 16 years, teaching young people about the history of America, specifically the American Revolution, past-Col. of the Sudbury Co.'s of Militia & Minute, just trying to be the best person I can be.


Why did you join or serve in the Military?

My country was at war. I felt I was honor bound to do my part, like my father and my uncles. I don't regret one minute of it and would do it again in a heartbeat.


Where were you assigned during your tour(s) of duty?

After Basic at Lackland AFB in San Antonio, TX, I went to Tech School at Chanute AFB in Rantoul, IL, then to my permanent duty station at Norton AFB in San Bernardino, CA with the 63rd MAWG / 63rd OMS. I also went on several TDY's to TX, HI, AL, NJ, DE, KY, NM, AZ, CA, Germany, Japan, and the PI.


Special Highlights of Your Military Service:

An Air Medal for being the lowest ranking person on board a C-141! Actually, we had an indicator light that suggested a potentially dangerous condition on the starboard landing gear so, while still in the air, I had to stick my arm out of an access panel to install a large pin in the gear so it wouldn't collapse on landing. It turned out to be a faulty indicator and I wound up with some torn shoulder muscles. The TDY's were great and I made E-4 at 19.


Are you involved in an Veterans Organizations?

No.


Do you keep in Contact with any of your military Buddies?

As a matter of fact, after several years of being frustrated by not being able to contact any of them, one sent me an email just last week. Ironically, it was from a guy who told me that he hated me for 3 years but only came to feel any friendship for me during our last year together. Life is very strange.


Any Messages for the other Veterans?

Yes. Be proud of your service. We were there when our country needed us and answered the call to duty.



Dan Grillo "aka" revwardoc