While in high school, I delivered flowers for a local florist. Didn't
drive a vehicle larger than a '61 Ford Falcon station wagon.
I enlisted in the AF, along with 2 buddies. After basic @ Lackland, I
attended tech school at Amarillo AFB for Aircraft Refueling (conventional)
64330A. All the members of our class were assigned to various bases in
Japan. I was assigned to Tachikawa.
Upon my arrival, our NCOIC told me if I would study, and apply myself to pass
the 5 level test, he would send me on TDY's that in time would shorten my 2
year tour. I passed and he was true to his word and I went on a 3 TDY's
during my tour. One to Don Muang AB, Bangkok in Apr '64 to participate in an
air exercise " Air Boon Choo", one to Iwo Jima to assist in unloading a
tanker of fuel (along with 8 Navy SeeBees), and of course my TDY to Udorn in
Nov '64. I was assigned to Aircraft Refueling, Base Fuels Supply, where my
job (along with 2 other airmen) was to refuel US aircraft, along with Air
America, Southern Air Transport, Laotian,Thai, Navy,Army, etc. ( If the
aircraft flew out of Udorn from Nov '64-Jan '65 I probably had the privilege
of refueling the bird. Also on numerous occasions, I was called upon to
assist with readying/mixing napalm for "our friends" to deliver. We worked
12 hour shifts, and was on alert each night for night flyers that might need
a drink of oil, 115/145, or JP4. We had to maintain our own equipment, drive
on the main highway (towards Udorn) to get to our bulk storage area.
Conditions were quite primitive in the early days....no hot water, hooches,
and tents. Did drink a few Singhas, and smoked brown water soaked Winstons,
though.
I wouldn't take the world for my experiences as a 19 year old Airman 3C,
9,000 miles from Alabama.

Paul E. Cummings
Base Fuels Supply (P.O.L.)
USAF '63-'67
Don Muang AB, Thailand 35th TAC Grp Apr'64-May'64
Udorn RTAFB, Thailand Det 6 SAWC Nov'64-Jan'65
Beale AFB, Ca. '65-'67 456th Supply Sqd (SAC)
Member TLC Brotherhood
Member Air Commando Association
Member Blackbird Association #1410