Bill began active duty in the U.S. Air Force in July 1968.
He attended Basic Military Training at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, followed by the Aircraft Navigation Equipment Specialist Course at Keesler AFB, Mississippi.

 

His duty stations included:

Sewart AFB, Tennessee

Little Rock AFB, Arkansas

Ubon AB, Thailand

Moody AFB, Georgia

Zaragoza AB, Spain

Lowry AFB, Colorado

Teagu AB, Korea

Seymour Johnson AFB, North Carolina

Bitburg AB, Germany

Al Kharj AB, Saudi Arabia

Holloman AFB, New Mexico and

Hickam AFB, Hawaii

Bill's military awards and decorations include:

Meritorious Service Medal
with six oak leaf clusters

Air Force Commendation Medal
with one oak leaf cluster

Air Force Outstanding Unit Award
with Valor device and six oak leaf clusters

Air Force Organizational Excellence Award

Air Force Good Conduct Medal
with nine oak leaf clusters

National Defense Service Medal
with Bronze Star

Vietnam Service Medal
with Bronze Star

Southwest Asia Service Medal
with three Bronze Stars

Air Force Overseas Short Tour Ribbon
with two oak leaf clusters

Air Force Overseas Long Tour Ribbon
with two oak leaf clusters

Air Force Longevity Service Award Ribbon
with six oak leaf clusters

Noncommissioned Officer Professional
Military Education Graduate Ribbon
with two oak leaf clusters

Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon

Air Force Training Ribbon

Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm

Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal

Kuwait Liberation Medal (Saudi Arabia) and

Kuwait Liberation Medal (Kuwait)

Other Honors and Awards:

1976
Noncommissioned Officer Leadership School
Distinguished Graduate
Academic Achievement Award

1979
406th Tactical Fighter Training Wing
NCO of the Year
and
16th Air Force
Outstanding Aircraft Maintenance Technician of the Year

1983
Lowry Technical Training Center,
Deputy Commander for Resources Management,
Senior NCO of the Year
and
Lowry Technical Training Center
Outstanding USAF Aircraft Maintenance Supervisor of the Year

1984
U.S. Jaycees
Outstanding Young Man of America

1990
36th Fighter Wing
Lt. General Leo Marquez Award

1992
36th Fighter Wing
Lance P. Sijan USAF Leadership Award

1995
Air Force Chief of Staff
Award for Efficiency in Government

Bill traveled to the Pentagon to receive his award for a suggestion that
saved the Air Force over $3,000,000 per year.

Bill retired after 30 years of active duty on August 1, 1998.

Retirement Ceremony

Retirement Party

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