Ronald M. Reihman
SSgt. Air Force
1969-1973
Ronald enlisted in the United States Air Force November 25, 1969. After completion of Basic Training and Technical School for Aircraft Maintenance, he was assigned as a Crew Chief to Little Rock Air Force Base (AFB), Arkansas where he worked on C-130 Aircraft. While stationed there he witnessed a major air crash during a training session in July 1970 involving six airmen who perished. Ron flew to most NATO nations in Europe and to Canada. He learned about different cultures, lifestyles, and visited several historical landmarks.
Ron’s second permanent duty station was Andersen AFB, Guam where he was assigned to the weather reconnaissance squadron. He experienced flying through four typhoons during his missions as a Flying Crew Chief. Ron spent several months on temporary duty (TDY) in the Philippines, Wake Island (Japan), and Thailand. This also included the coast of China for radiation testing (nuclear bombs were being tested by China). A high point of the TDY was weather monitoring for the Apollo 16 landing when they returned to Earth (South Pacific Ocean near Hawaii) in April 1972.
Ron experienced weather conditions from the very cold parts of Labrador, the warm Middle East (Turkey), and near the hot/humid jungles of Thailand. One of the interesting assignments was in Ubon, Thailand to work on the AC-130A gunships. It was here where Ron felt like he was contributing to the war effort.
While stationed in Guam in December 1972, Ron witnessed the many B-52 bombers taking off and landing on their mission to Hanoi, North Vietnam. “Operation Linebacker” (aka “The Christmas Bombing”) lasted 12 days and nights. It was reminiscent of the stories shared from WWII vets and in movies about WWII when England and USA were bombing Germany.
On December 30, 1972, Ron was in the audience to watch Bob Hope’s final USO show. It was an experience not to be forgotten. Ron completed his military service obligation with an Honorable discharge after 3.5 years of service (early discharge) on May 23, 1973. Ron always tells the grandchildren "It was an honor to serve!".
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