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Bob was a USAF Fire Fighter from 1974-1982
Below: Aircraft Pit Fires at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany circa 80/82
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This was a lot different than being an airport fire fighter. In addition to the souls on board and fuel, we also had to worry about the weapons that were on the aircraft, (missiles, bombs, gun turrets etc.)
In 1975, while stationed at Castle AFB, CA, Bob enrolled at Merced College and completed EMT training at age 20. Bob was one of the youngest California State Certified EMTs at the time.
Bob went to Germany in 1976 and stayed there till 1984. There were two USAF Bases in the area that were only 10 miles apart. (Bitburg and Spangdahlem Air Bases) Bob worked at Spangdahlem but lived much closer to Bitburg for the first 3 years and did most of his lifting at the Bitburg gym. In the later years he lifted most of the time at Spangdahlem. Bitburg is now closed but Spangdahlem is still there and has expanded.
While in Germany, Bob completed his B.S. Degree at University of Maryland, European Division. (All in classroom. There were no online classes then.) He also completed most of his coursework towards his first M.S. Degree with Troy University. (Formerly known as Troy State.) When he left Germany, he needed just one class to finish. (The last class was finished after he got back to the States.) Bob spent a lot of his off duty time in two places: the library and the gym.
Bob loved being in Germany and extended his tour of duty twice. He secured a job on the base before his honorable discharge in the spring of 1982 after 8 years of service. He stayed at Spangdahlem Air Base for two more years working as a DOD Civilian. During this time he was also the Base Powerlifting Coach. The team won the CSC and USAFE Powerlifting Championship in 1983.
Bob returned home to Boston in the spring of 1984.
In 1975, while stationed at Castle AFB, CA, Bob enrolled at Merced College and completed EMT training at age 20. Bob was one of the youngest California State Certified EMTs at the time.
Bob went to Germany in 1976 and stayed there till 1984. There were two USAF Bases in the area that were only 10 miles apart. (Bitburg and Spangdahlem Air Bases) Bob worked at Spangdahlem but lived much closer to Bitburg for the first 3 years and did most of his lifting at the Bitburg gym. In the later years he lifted most of the time at Spangdahlem. Bitburg is now closed but Spangdahlem is still there and has expanded.
While in Germany, Bob completed his B.S. Degree at University of Maryland, European Division. (All in classroom. There were no online classes then.) He also completed most of his coursework towards his first M.S. Degree with Troy University. (Formerly known as Troy State.) When he left Germany, he needed just one class to finish. (The last class was finished after he got back to the States.) Bob spent a lot of his off duty time in two places: the library and the gym.
Bob loved being in Germany and extended his tour of duty twice. He secured a job on the base before his honorable discharge in the spring of 1982 after 8 years of service. He stayed at Spangdahlem Air Base for two more years working as a DOD Civilian. During this time he was also the Base Powerlifting Coach. The team won the CSC and USAFE Powerlifting Championship in 1983.
Bob returned home to Boston in the spring of 1984.
Our main mission was for the aircraft (Crash) but we also cross manned different trucks and covered the buildings (Structural) too. Here is Bob donning a Scott Air Pack.
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I knew George when he was the athletic director and basketball coach at Bitburg. He was an icon and legend in the area for about 50 years! After Bitburg closed, George worked at Spang and a few years ago, they named the Gym after him.
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SAC, Castle AFB California 1974 - 1976
Bob was a rookie and "Rode Tailboard" at Castle.
Bob was a rookie and "Rode Tailboard" at Castle.
Bob uses and recommends Cardio 4 Life Powder.
