Jerry D Watkins

Veteran of the Month, January 2006






Date and place of Birth?

I was born in Rolla Missouri on the 29th of June 1962 to Spec4 Dennis J Watkins Sr. and Cora I Watkins. I was the first born Son named after my father.


Where were you raised and attended school?

I lived in Salem, Missouri and then Ft. Huachuca, Ariz then Back to Salem, Mo then we moved to Springfield, Mo for three years where I attended Phelps Elementary from K-2nd grade. Then After Dad graduated from SMSU we moved back to Salem where I attended Northwood R-4 from 3rd grade to 8th grade. Then it was to High School at SHS for 9th through 12th grade where I graduated in 1980.

How did you get into the service?

While taking Advanced Electronics in 12th Grade I got a call from the local USAF recruiter and he came to my home and filled out the paperwork for me to enlist into Open Electronics.


What are some highlights of your service career?

At Boot Camp at Lackland AFB (3401 BMTS) I chose Avionics Radio Communications and was sent to Keesler AFB for technical school (11th Training Sq). I made E1 while in Tech School. I got my 1st assignment to Little Rock AFB, AR in 1981 (314th AMS). I made E2 and E4 while at LRAFB. While at LRAFB I went TDY to Mildenhall AB UK twice, went on alert for Granada. When I re-enlisted in 1984 I got my re-enlistment bonus of 1x 6 years of enlistment x 1month pay which came out to 2000$ now and the rest over the next 5 years on the anniversary of my enlistment, which I did on my birthday so I would always get a good B-day present for the next 5 years :).

After I re-enlisted I got an assignment to Incirlick AB,TU (628MASS) for 15 months from November 84 to Feb 86. While there I went TDY to Helenikon AB (MAC), Athens Greece for 4 month from Feb-May '85 I had to go back to Incirlick early because of testing for E5 SSgt. I didn't make it that time.

I took leave for my Birthday to Lakenheath AB, UK to visit my brother stationed there as an SP. I had my re-enlistment check of 400$ plus my TDY perdium for 4 month in Greece so we had a great time in England. My Brother had a little Vauxaul (sp) and we went all over the Midlands.

I got orders for Bentwaters England but they were canx by the Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act and I then got orders to McChord AFB instead. I arrived at McChord AFB on Mar 86' there I was assigned to 62nd AMS. I went on a Manning assist TDY for 4 month to McClellan AFB, Sacramento CA where I enjoyed the nice weather (no rain) I helped get the Unit a 0% defect refurb from Quality Assurance for a ISO Phase Insp on the C-130 and completed the Radio inspection in one day using the inspection technique learned at McChord. I also helped Design and install the Units ARC164 UHF base station.

In 1989 rivet workforce was enacted and I also made E5 SSgt then went to NCO leadership school at Norton AFB, CA. While attending NCO Leadership school it took me a week before I saw the mountains :D Lots of SMOG. Then that April 1st we become the 62nd AG'S at McChord AFB. The only bad part was that Specialist were required to learn how to refuel and inspect Jets BUT the Crew Chiefs went on business as usual.

In my flight I got to become the 1st Specialist ACC (Assistant Crew Chief) on a C141 Aircraft. We went TDY to Kelly AFB, TX for Operation Just Cause to get Noriaga. While there I got to see over a Million US dollars uncut 100$ bills on a pallet being sent to Panama to buy back weapons from the locals.

I also went TDY to Cairo Egypt for Iron Cobra, then Volk Field ANG Base WI for the build up for Desert Storm. Then I went TDY to Zaragoza AB, Spain for the Beginning of Desert Storm. Spain was a beautiful country to visit lots of nice abbeys and castles.

Then twice to Saudi Arabia for Operation Desert Storm (Gulf War 1) On the first trip to Saudi at DaharanAB, KSA I got my leg broke from the Jet exhaust from a 747 knocking a 300lb Fire Extinguisher over onto my left knee it broke my tibia's crown. I got med evac back to McChord AFB.

The Second Time I went TDY to Prince Sultan AB, KSA. My last three years in the Airforce I spent in CTK in the 62nd Support Squadron while there I received my highest Award, the Air Force Achievement Medal. I had a great Senior Master Sgt in charge that took care of his troops and would talk to people and learn what was needed or going on.

I retired Aug 1st 2000 after 20 years in the Airforce and packed up the truck and moved to Nahunta, GA where my fianc?e lived.


What you have done after the service?

I got married to my wife Stephanie Padgett on 14 Apr 2001 in an old Presbyterian Church in Atlanta. A friend of ours arranged for our use the pastor was an old friend of Stephanie' also so our only cost in getting married was the Hotel room and gas for the car. My Dad did the pay the minister thing and took the wedding party out to Red Lobster in Jonesboro, GA for Supper. My wife had been married before so we have 3 grown kids from her 1st marriage 1 son and 2 daughters. The youngest Dolores looks just like Stephanie. We have 8 grandchildren, four boys and four girls.


What do you consider your greatest accomplishment?

It was successfully completing 20 years in the Airforce without loosing any external parts i.e. fingers :D Working around aircraft on the flight line it's amazing how many folks loose fingers to the aircraft metal doors and hatches.


Do you belong to any service organizations?

I belong to the DAV and the SCV (where I also participate in Civil War re-enactments).


Do you keep in contact with any folks from the military?

I keep in touch with the guys from my days in Radio Shop at Little Rock AFB, AR (314th AMS).


How were you received at home after your military service?

It was after Desert Storm and I was received well. Nahunta is surrounded by Moody AFB, Ft Stewart and Kingsbay Sub Base so there are lots of Retired military in this community area.


How did find The Patriot Files?

Through a Google search for Military groups.


Jerry D Watkins Ssgt USAF (Ret)
"aka" Jerry D