After flight school graduation and a survival school or two, I went TDY to Little Rock, AR for transition to the C-130E. Following that, I went to my only other PCS Station, Dyess AFB, and Abilene, TX. I was assigned to the 773rd TAS which was part of the 463rd Tactical Airlift Wing (Tactical Air Command). From there, except for training, we flew mostly outside the US primarily with multiple 60 day rotations to Wiesbaden, DE and Mildenhall, UK and then from there flying in Europe and the Middle East. I was offered a regular commission and after declining, my flying hours were reduced and I was assigned as a Field Maintenance Squadron Administration Officer. I separated in June 1974.
While at Abilene I married my wife of 39 years, Kay Capps Grubbs, whom I had met and dated at MSCW (now MUW) in Columbus. We together returned to my hometown which was my plan all along since my family was here. I took a job near my home with Champion International which was a Pulp and Paper Manufacturer and would later be bought by International Paper. I was hired by the Mill Manager to some extent because of my military service. I moved thru several jobs at the Courtland Mill in Alabama and while resisting being transferred managed to stay here. I retired after 26 years as a production and converting manager. During that time, Kay and I had two daughters and one son who also live in the general North Alabama area. We have one grandson. While I was working at International, I received my masters in administration. Continue reading
First of the Finest 