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England AFB was carrying on the proud tradition established by Claire Chennault of the original Flying Tigers of WWII. A7Ds and A10 aircraft displayed the famous Shark Teeth in their nose. The shop I was assigned to supported all emergency generators and Aircraft Arresting Barriers.
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I was an extremely happy camper when we converted to the A10 Warthog. It didn't have a tail hook. It required very little runway when landing. Our work load dropped tremendously, however we kept the barriers operational for transit hook equipped aircraft.
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I met a retired NCO at the base snack bar. He was living in his truck that was parked near the main gate of the base. During the morning coffee break he would be in the snack bar wash room washing up for the day. He told me that during the day he waded in a creek that meandered through the base golf course in search of golf balls. He sold them at the club house. I've often wondered if this was a personal choice or a pre-determined destination for a enlisted retiree. Time will tell.
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Taking terminal leave I departed the base and the Air Force as a civilian. The overthrust belt in Utah awaits me. Hired on as a electrician on deep well oil/gas drilling rigs. Anything more in my life is another story.
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Thank you Air Force.
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