OTS Flight picture, 1973

Back Row:  Brian Bauries, William H. "Cookie Monster" Campbell, unknown, George S. Tucker, unknown, Jimmy W. Thompson(?)

Middle Row:  Patrick J. Sanjenis, Linda L. Burgess, Pamala J. Long, Nancy Farris(?), Melvin S. Kaya

Bottom Row:  David C. Hunn, Gregory E. Sanchez, Flight Commander, Lyle C. Dunable, Gary G. Wolz.

Someone with better eyes and a better magnifying glass can probably read most of the name tags--I was able to fill almost all of them in by finding the graduation program.

Just a couple of days before this picture was taken, I received a note, telling me to report to a specific Sgt. in the basement office of one of the old admin buildings.

When I descended the stairs and entered his office, I was informed by a junior enlisted man that the Sgt. was not there.  He did begin to offer, in the slowest way possible, "He was...to tell you...that your application...for missile training...."  Then he paused a really long time, long enough for me, who was already increasingly leaning forward with each partial phrase, to almost fall over.   Then he slowly finished, "...has been...approved." 

I could have jumped up and hit my head on the ceiling I was so overjoyed.  I quickly thanked him and, with my heart now racing, marched to the OTSOM where the rest of the flight was gathered.  I told everyone what I had learned and that a round of drinks was on me, for if they had not spoken up when the Squadron Commander entered the classroom at least four weeks before, I would not still be there. 

Graduation was only one week away.  But now I was going to be a part of it all. 

---