Posted on 10/06/2021 7:03:07 AM PDT by CodeJockey
USN and USAF Veteran. I found an old paystub dated March, 1980 which was right before he retired as an E9 with 26 years of service. Base pay was $1,629.60 a month. That works out to about $20,000/yr or roughly 10 bucks an hour.
We can't hire stockers where I work for that rate now.
Korean War Veteran, two Vietnam tours and never heard him comment about what he saw there. Great man, loved his country and will be missed.
Also reposting some photos from what I believe was around 1966 ~ 1967 when he was at Phan Rang Air Base. He had a friend who had a camera.
May your father Rest In Peace and May God console his loved ones.
Thank you so much for this post and the pictures. I’m very sorry for your loss. I hope your pride in your dad and the life he led will be a comfort to you.
God keep you all
Thanks FReepers for all the kinds words.
We had a military honors funeral service for him with and I was presented the flag. Very moving. He is interned with my mother at the Eastern Carolina State Veterans Cemetery in Goldsboro, NC.
Very fitting as that cemetery is located directly adjacent to SJAFB and the Strike Eagles are constantly flying overhead.
Thanks, again.
No doubt it was a different generation back then. I salute your father, too.
Yes, Snark Street was on Griffiss AFB in Rome NY. I believe it is just a civilian airport now.
It was our last assignment during my dad’s career. There were B-52 squadrons there at he time.
God bless your Dad. May he rest in peace.
We honor his service. Thanks and RIP sir.
Prayers for you during this time of grieving...
Very sorry for your loss - my father died a bit over 9 years ago, and I still think about him every day (and I am a bit glad that he didn’t have to witness what’s going on now - he’d be aggravated as Hell). Clearly, you will never forget your Dad, nor should you - but continue to honor him by not forgetting and by living the kind of life that he raised you to live. Tell his story, and teach what he taught by word and deed, to your kids and grandkids, and anyone else who will listen - THAT is honoring him.
“Base pay was $1,629.60 a month. That works out to about $20,000/yr or roughly 10 bucks an hour.”
Yeah, well, the dollar isn’t quite what it used to be, is it? According to the calculator at https://www.bls.gov/data/inflation_calculator.htm, that base pay is equal to about $5,565/month right now - which isn’t quite that bad. What’s bad is how the dollar has turned to crap - and we can blame our government and the Fed for that.
Wonderful tribute, richly deserved. May he rest in peaceful splendor.
What a beautiful tribute to your father! He was a good man and a patriot. My sincere condolences on his passing. Prayers for your family.
It sure was a different generation...no doubt.
I can’t get over that...”Snark Street”! I know many Freepers who could commandeer a house on Snark Street!
Thanks for sharing memories from a great dad.
Snark Street—many bases have names of other bases or weapon systems. “Snark” was a surface to air missile, I believe.
Godspeed sir, and thank you for raising a good son into a man.
My dad was also born in ‘31.
Korea Vet. Passed long ago in the late 70’s.
You did well to remember forever. Great pics.
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