Airfield Services |
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TWS Ribbon Bar |
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Service Photo |
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Current Service Status
USMC Retired
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Current/Last Rank
Master Sergeant
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Current/Last Primary MOS
7011-Aircraft Recovery Specialist
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Current/Last MOSGroup
Airfield Services
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Previously Held MOS
7000-Basic Airfield Services Marine
5811-Military Policeman
8421-Career Planner
8411-RSS Recruiter
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Primary Unit
1987-1991, 8421, Marine Corps Combat Development Command (MCCDC)
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Service Years
1965 - 1991
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Official/Unofficial USMC Certificates
Certificate of Commendation
Meritorious Mast
Water Survival Intermediate (WSI)
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1974, Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States (VFW)
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1989, Marine Corps League, Mickey Finn; Detachment 333 (Vice Commander) (Triangle, Virginia)
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1990, Marine Corps Association and Foundation (MCA&F)
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1997, American Legion
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1998, SATS-EAF Association
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2006, Marine Corps Together We Served
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2012, Disabled American Veterans (DAV), Chapter 7 (Executive Secretary) (Fredericksburg, Virginia)
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What are you doing now:
Honey-do professional
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Other Comments:
VFW Life Member Post 1503 Dale City, VA... SATS/EAF Association, Life Member...Marine Corps League Mickey Finn Det Quantico, VA Life Member...... American Legion Member Post 290 Stafford, VA
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1965-1965, 7000, Marine Aviation Det (MAD) Memphis, TN
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1966-1966, MWSG-37
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1966-1966, USS Summer County (LST-1148)
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1966-1967, 7011, MABS-15
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1967-1967, 5811, MCAS Iwakuni, Japan, ComCabs West
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1967-1969, 7011, MABS-13
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1969-1970, 7011, MCALF Bogue Field
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1970-1971, 8421, MABS-14
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1971-1972, 7011, MWSG-17
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1972-1974, 8421, H&MS-31, MAG-31
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1974-1976, 8411, RS New York, NY
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1976-1979, 8411, RS Hartford, CT
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1979-1980, 7011, MWHS-1, 1st MAW
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1980-1980, 7011, NATTC, Memphis TN
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1980-1983, 7011, Marine Corps Det, NAS Lakehurst, NJ
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1983-1984, 7011, MABS-24
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1984-1985, 8421, H&MS-24, MAG-24
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1985-1985, 8421, HMM-364
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1985-1987, 8421, H&S Co, MCAS Kaneohe, HI
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1987-1991, 8421, Marine Corps Combat Development Command (MCCDC)
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1974, Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States (VFW)
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1989, Marine Corps League, Mickey Finn; Detachment 333 (Vice Commander) (Triangle, Virginia)
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1990, Marine Corps Association and Foundation (MCA&F)
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1997, American Legion
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1998, SATS-EAF Association
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2006, Marine Corps Together We Served
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2012, Disabled American Veterans (DAV), Chapter 7 (Executive Secretary) (Fredericksburg, Virginia)
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- Kupersmith, Muriel, Sgt, (1944-1946)
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Reflections on MSgt Dukes's
US Marine Corps Service
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PLEASE DESCRIBE WHO OR WHAT INFLUENCED YOUR DECISION TO JOIN THE MARINE CORPS.
Mother was a WM, birthday is Nov 10, wanted to get out of my environment (Brooklyn, NY). Had no desire for college, and was offered Aviation guarantee by my recruiter. Was only 17, but most likely would be facing the draft in other year or so, so off I went to PI. Had a size problem (127 lbs, 5'9"), and all of neighbors, relatives & friends were taking bets on whether I'd make it, proved them wrong and came home as a PFC, Funny how the bully kids avoided me when I was out in public, only 140 lbs, but the were in the right places, not bad for a kid from Brooklyn.
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WHETHER YOU WERE IN THE SERVICE FOR SEVERAL YEARS OR AS A CAREER, PLEASE DESCRIBE THE DIRECTION OR PATH YOU TOOK. WHERE DID YOU GO TO BOOT CAMP AND WHAT UNITS, BASES, SHIPS OR SQUADRONS WERE YOU ASSIGNED TO? WHAT WAS YOUR REASON FOR LEAVING?
Was pushed towards aviation for electrical/electronics training, but that didn't work out. Ended up in Aircraft Recovery (catapults, arresting gear, airfield lighting, and portable (matting) runways. Traveled into Career Planning, liked it, went on to Recruiting Duty, enjoyed it. Became an MOS Instructor/ Master Training Specialist, and loved it even more. Prior to my retirement, Career Planning was a volunteer "B" billet assignment, and I mostly followed the retention path. Always enjoyed working in personnel matters, and enjoyed passing the information that I learned through reading the MOS Manual. It was amazing how little the average Marine really knew the possibilities offered by remaining a Marine. Had to take the bad with the good, but overall the good will win. Career Recruiter was just developing towards the end of my tour, but I really didn't like the monthly hassels from the RS...What have you got working?
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IF YOU PARTICIPATED IN ANY MILITARY OPERATIONS, INCLUDING COMBAT, HUMANITARIAN AND PEACEKEEPING OPERATIONS, PLEASE DESCRIBE THOSE WHICH MADE A LASTING IMPACT ON YOU AND, IF LIFE-CHANGING, IN WHAT WAY?
Chu Lai RVN 67-68. Tet survivor. Woke up quickly to what was going on in RVN.Time was spent mostly on Group/Base guards, and spent countless hours on the runways operating the M-21 Arresting Gear.We had some amazing aircraft recoveries, a lot of hung ordnance, several with blown tires, a lot of hydraulic issues, and a few unsafe landing gear, it was a trip to say the least
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OF ALL YOUR DUTY STATIONS OR ASSIGNMENTS, WHICH ONE DO YOU HAVE FONDEST MEMORIES OF AND WHY? WHICH WAS YOUR LEAST FAVORITE?
Enjoyed Recruiting very much, but it was a two sided coin, dealing with the public on a daily basis was great. Dealing with the Recruiting Staff could be quite tiring, one month you're a hero for your enlistees, the next you roll a doughnut. Enjoyed my time as an Instructor at Lakehurst, NJ where I was awarded Instructor of the Year and made Master Training Specialist. I think the most enjoyable was Career Planning. It's amazing how little younger Marines knew about their real options and potential. Especially when it came to lateral moves or special assignments. I even helped three Marines get an intersevice transfer into the Army Warrant Officer Flight Training program (didn't need college to become an Army WO helicopter pilot.
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FROM YOUR ENTIRE MILITARY SERVICE, DESCRIBE ANY MEMORIES YOU STILL REFLECT BACK ON TO THIS DAY.
The rush of being different from phoney/lard-ass civilians! As I grew in rank, came some great responsibilities, I got a really big kick being stationed in Quantico, seeing the boot Officers calling me Sir.
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WHAT PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENTS ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF FROM YOUR MILITARY CAREER?
Proud of my tour as a Recruiter, having been awarded an NCO sword for my efforts; Proud of my tour as an Instructor, Having been awarded Instructor of the Year at NATTC Lakehurst, NJ; Proud of my extended tours as a Career Planner, Navy Achievement in Hawaii, and Navy Commendation in Quantico, VA
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OF ALL THE MEDALS, AWARDS, FORMAL PRESENTATIONS AND QUALIFICATION BADGES YOU RECEIVED, OR OTHER MEMORABILIA, WHICH ONE IS THE MOST MEANINGFUL TO YOU AND WHY?
Master Training Specialist - was able to get the point across where others failed. Recruiter could "sell" an idea/ ideal rather than an article. Career Planner, knew what Marines were entitled to, and ensured that I got it for them! Almost everything was just great!!! Yes, I would do it again if I could.
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WHICH INDIVIDUAL(S) FROM YOUR TIME IN THE MILITARY STAND OUT AS HAVING THE MOST POSITIVE IMPACT ON YOU AND WHY?
Probably my three Drill Instructors. Sgt Schmidt, Sgt Holmes, Sgt Violette. On the MOS side it was MGySgt Waldorf and GySgt M C Thompson.
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CAN YOU RECOUNT A PARTICULAR INCIDENT FROM YOUR SERVICE, WHICH MAY OR MAY NOT HAVE BEEN FUNNY AT THE TIME, BUT STILL MAKES YOU LAUGH?
Just all of the joys experienced on Recruiting Duty.
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WHAT PROFESSION DID YOU FOLLOW AFTER YOUR MILITARY SERVICE AND WHAT ARE YOU DOING NOW? IF YOU ARE CURRENTLY SERVING, WHAT IS YOUR PRESENT OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTY?
Started in mechanical repair and assembly, went to management, when that company folded, I went in to Event Management in Costco. Retired now and loving it.
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WHAT MILITARY ASSOCIATIONS ARE YOU A MEMBER OF, IF ANY? WHAT SPECIFIC BENEFITS DO YOU DERIVE FROM YOUR MEMBERSHIPS?
| Marine Corps League/American Legion/Veterans of Foreign Wars |
I am a member of Marine Corps League; VFW; American Legion; SATS/EAF Association (MOS related).
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IN WHAT WAYS HAS SERVING IN THE MILITARY INFLUENCED THE WAY YOU HAVE APPROACHED YOUR LIFE AND YOUR CAREER? WHAT DO YOU MISS MOST ABOUT YOUR TIME IN THE SERVICE?
Showed me the right way to do things, and stand up for principles.
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BASED ON YOUR OWN EXPERIENCES, WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO THOSE WHO HAVE RECENTLY JOINED THE MARINE CORPS?
Forget about being a politician, go after your career and do the right thing. Alway try to do things better than anyone expected.
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IN WHAT WAYS HAS TOGETHERWESERVED.COM HELPED YOU REMEMBER YOUR MILITARY SERVICE AND THE FRIENDS YOU SERVED WITH.
| TWS and the US MARINES |
Found quite a few folks that I haven't seen in a long time, and still looking for quite a few more. *J*
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