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 VIDEO: Basil Pflumm- Memorable Moments during Pentagon Assignment
During his service, General Pflumm rose to the rank of Brigadier General in the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam era. One of the memorable moments of his career is serving with General Norman Schwarzkopf.
Click here to view the video of Village on the Green resident Basil Pflumm in its entirety.
 VIDEO: First Days in the Army and Basic Training were exciting
Serving during the Vietnam era, Mr. David Giles DeMarrair reached the rank of Specialist Four in the United States Army. His most memorable training experience was surviving a ferocious Sergeant during basic training.
To watch the video of David DeMarrair, click here.
In the Navy - Being Selected for a Commission from Enlisted Status
Wilfred I. Doe joined the Navy "becuase my grandfather spent nearly 40 years in teh Navy - a Pearl Harbour Survivor." Doe said.
"I was promoted through the Rank of Chief Petty Officer while enlisted and through Lieutenant Commander as an Officer continued Doe. "I served nearly 23 years, from April 1962 through December 31, 1984. I am a Vietnam Era Veteran with several other small skirmishes occurring as well. I was not directly involved in any."
Click here to read a letter from Chief Warant Officer J.P. Hinckle sent to Wilfred's father, Mr. Raymond Doe.
Recalling Time in the National Guard
At the age of 18, John D. Shippee Sr joined the Connecticut National Guard. Shippee joined the National Guard because of the influence of his brother. Having served for six years - from 1963-1969, Shippee trained in Fort Dix, NJ.
Click here to read more about John Shippee.
Serving One’s Country is a Family Tradition
Tom Salmons joined the United State Air Force in 1961 because it was a family tradition. Having served as a Navigator and Traffic Controller in Bermuda, Greenland and in the States, Mr. Salmons believe nobody had a better life.
During his time in the service, Salmons set a USAF record for academic achievement. Although he never saw combat, Tom Salmons was also recognized for rescuing a lost flight of 36 National Guard Planes.
As part of this project, Salmons relayed he loved being in the Air Force and would recommend it to anyone interested.
Nowadays, Tom Slamons is a resident at Advent Christian Village and recommends to other that they “Look at the Obituaries and say a prayer for those who served.”
 Finding Love Over Christmas
Robert E. Comerford spent the eight years in active duty and in active reserves for the United States Army and Army ROTC. Having served as a First Lieutenant, Comerford was a Radar Officer, operating a M33 Radar. The Army taught him how to work with all kinds of people. Comerford reports he is glad to have had the experience.
And if not for the United States Army, he would not have met his wife- having met her during the first Christmas holiday he was stationed in the Military District of Washington DC. At the age of 85, Robert Comerford and his wife have nine wonderful children.
Recalling Time in the National Guard
At the age of 18, John D. Shippee Sr joined the Connecticut National Guard. Shippee joined the National Guard because of the influence of his brother. Having served for six years - from 1963-1969, Shippee trained in Fort Dix, NJ.
Shippee recalls being homesick while on training exercises. He was primarily assigned to Kitchen and Bridge Duty. One of the memorable experiences Shippee has from his time in the Connecticut National Guard is heavy weapons training.
A funny story Shippee relayed was that “unknown to me, my wife at the time would call up the office and express her dislike for the who thing – weekend, holiday, Monday nights at Summer Camp – never knowing when I would get called up… so finally, the office spoke to me – asking that I tell my wife not to call.”
 Stross Recalls Service in Vietnam
Having trained at Dyess Air Force Base and Pleiku Air Force Base, Robert M. Stross, Jr. served four active duty years in the Air Force, plus College AFROTC and Reserve ROTC Cadet Command.
As a Captain, Stross joined “to serve primarily through flying.” He said one his memorable moments was having staffed, opened, and managed a new officers club at Pleiku in Vietnam.
A resident of Advent Christian Village, Stross is now a member of the VA, AF Reserve, and American Legion.
Stross received numerous awards, including:
- National Defense Service Award
- Air Force Outstanding Unit Award
- Vietnam Service Medal
- Vietnam Air Service Medal
Stross said his years of service in the Air Force showed the “importance of working together toward goals,” Stross continued. “Your mission’s success was reliant on teamwork. The need for ongoing training and development of our military personnel is imperative to safeguarding our country’s freedoms.”
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