I grew up in Charlotte, NC. My dad was in NC ARMY National Guard and was  gone two weeks every summer for camp. We would get up early and take Dad to load up at the Armory and watch the convoy leave town. My brother and  I thought it was cool to get his extra c-rations when he came home. 

After graduating from high school I attended 2 years of college and then joined the work force. After one year I tried going back to college but felt like I didn’t fit in. I told my parents I didn’t know what I wanted to do so maybe I’ll just go into the Service. Dad’s answer was “If you do go in the Air Force” call the recruiting office and ask if they had anything besides nursing and secretaries. I took the placement test then went to the recruiting office and took typing and a specialized test.
 

In March, 1967 I was sworn in and took my first airplane ride from Charlotte to Lackland AFB, San Antonio, TX.  After 6 weeks of basic training I then went to Amarillo AFB, Texas for 8 weeks of Inventory Management Tech training (AFSC 645). My first duty station was Charleston AFB, SC. I had joined to travel and was within 4 hours of my home. 

I was assigned to the Equipment Management office (EMO). We requested and  kept inventory of all equipment on base like desks, chairs, filing cabinets, typewriters, beds, etc. I met my husband who was assigned to Communications Squadron (AFSC 291) that took care of portable radios (bag phone). He was a Staff Sgt, with 7 years consisting of 4 in Madrid, Spain and 1 in Vietnam.

We were married in Charlotte, NC on Oct. 18, 1969. I was transferred to AF Base  at Wichita Falls, Texas EMO Office because my husband was an instructor in  Communication there. In the spring of 1971 I received orders to go to Thailand and my husband also requested a transfer. I went to Korat AFB and my husband went to Udorn, AFB in Thailand, August 1971. We  had concurrent travel to Thailand then 150 miles apart for the year.  In August, 1972 we were assigned to Aviano AB, Italy. I was honorably discharged in November, 1975. I loved the places I got to see and the people I met.

William A. McClain, (my husband) spent last 5 years of his AF career with the 5th Mobile Communications at Warner Robins AFB, GA. He did a TDY to Egypt. His total 20 years consisted of 10 overseas and 10 stateside.