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My AF Roomate

Dear Robin,

Joe and I were AF roomates from 1966-67 at Dover AFB, Delaware. Joe was well liked by just about everyone he met. He was outgoing, friendly and personable to be around. We decorated our room in our barracks as we pleased. Joe drew a 4x8 painting of the pink panther and hung it on the wall. We had a stereo, and phonograph to keep us entertained with LP records too. We had tiger striped curtains over the sink area, a 500 lb empty bomb shell was also hung on a wall along with a bear skin.

While I was away on a mission one day, room inspections were done by the First Sargent and Squadron Commander.  Joe was left to get the room in order as best as he could. Upon entering the room  the commander quipped, "this is not an airmans room.....this lookes like a goddam go-go lounge!" Joe and I had a good laugh over the remark and thought we were in trouble for sure.   We wound up receiving "Room of the Quarter", and I received "Airman of the Quarter".

We  also "punked" many of the other new unqualified student loadmasters by pretending we were taking them on a mission. At 2:00 am  we would bring the "victim" to eat breakfast at the flight line cafeteria. We would make him  bring all of his gear and baggage with him as if the mission was real. Then we would go back to the barracks and tell the "victim" to knock on our door in 20 minutes to get going. When they came and opened the door we would be asleep in our beds. Then the reality of the "punk" would set in and we all would have a good laugh about it.

I fondly remember those days as if they happened yesterday. I was sent to Nam in 1968 and lost touch with Joe. Decades later I received an unmarked letter that had cryptic writing in it. I knew who it was right away, and we began email exchanges for awile. Years later I learned about his health problem and kept him in my thoughts........ He was one of the best guys I've ever known!

I hope this memory I have of him also remains with you and maybe bring a smile on your face by remembering your own cherished memories of Joe.

Sincerest regards, Ben Mann

 

Posted by Ben Mann
Wednesday May 16, 2018 at 6:31 pm
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