Page 36 - The History of Veterans at Highland Springs

CHARLES BECK
HIGHLAND SPRINGS RESIDENT, AIR FORCE
I came into the Air Force through four years of ROTC at Ohio State University with a rank of 2nd Lieutenant. Although originally assigned to pilot training, I was informed that I would be attending navigator training instead. Basic navigator training was at James Connally AFB in Waco, Texas and advanced navigator training was at Mather AFB in Sacramento, California. Upon completion I was assigned to remain at Mather as an instructor.
After 3 1⁄2 years I was informed that I was now eligible for pilot training and was assigned to Webb AFB in Big Spring, Texas to complete the one-year pilot training course. I was assigned to the RF-4C for training at Alconbury AFB in England. After one year our whole squadron was transferred to Vietnam. I served from June 1966 to April 1967 flying in the back seat of the RF-4C over South and North Vietnam. After 100 missions over North Vietnam, I returned home.
My assignment after returning to the states was to Randolph AFB in San Antonio, Texas. I was an instructor pilot for the best rated pilots in the supersonic T-38. My next assignment was to Bolling AFB in Washington DC to complete training in “International Relations”. Upon completing this one-year training, I was assigned to the Pentagon to sit at the “Strategic Early Warning” desk to review worldwide information that would impact the US and brief the commanders of our Air Force, Army, Navy, Marines, and Coast Guard. Upon their orders, I would go to the White House and brief the acting Presidents, first Nixon and then Ford.
My last assignment was at Reese AFB in Lubbock, Texas where I filled the position of Deputy Director of Flight Operations. Personal awards include the Distinguished Flying Cross (2), the Meritorious Service Medal (2), the Air Medal (10), the Air Force Commendation Medal, and campaign medals. After a 21-year career in the US Air Force, I retired on May 1 of 1980 at the rank of Lt. Col.
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