Joe's Bio

Hi, my name is Joe and I served in the US Air Force for 23 1/2 years as an Aircraft Maintenance Tec. (Crew Chief) . I joined in 1981 and went through basic training at Lackland AFB Tx.

My first assignment was to Clark AB, Philippines where I worked the F-5E Tiger II from 1981 through 1982. I was assigned to the 21st Aggressor Squadron, 3rd Tactical Fighter Wing (TFW). I was transferred to the 90th Tac Fighter Squadron, 3rd TFW in December 82 where I worked the F4E and F-4G. I stayed there until 1983 when I PCSed (Permanent Change Of Station) to Sheppard AFB TX. I was assigned to the Trainer Maintenance Division where my job was to maintain the training and static aircraft (yes the ones on pedestals) and equipment use to train new aircraft maintenance personnel (I.E. fuel, flight control, and landing gear trainers). I worked there until the middle of 1987 when I received orders back to the Philippines.

I was assigned to the 3th TFW, 3rd TFS where I again worked the F-4E/F-4G. I went to Desert Storm in 1991 with the 3rd TFW flying the F-4E/G's out of Incirlick Turkey. After returning to the PI following the war it was only three months later Mount Pinatobo exploded destroying Clark AB forcing me to leave.

After returning to the States I was assigned to the 21th TASS , 363rd Wing ,Quality Assurance branch working the OV-10 Bronco at Shaw AFB Sc. I worked the Bronco until its replacement by the A-10 Thunderbolt II in 1992. I was reassigned to the 20th LSS 20FW as a Maintenance instructor on the A-10 from 93-95. This was still Shaw but the 363rd was replaced by the 20th Wing in 93.

My next set of orders sent me to the 70 Fighter Squadron, 347th Wing, Moody AFB Ga. in 1995. The Squadron was just forming flying the A-10. at Moody I was a Crew Chief for the next two years on the A-10 tail #80-0157 and 79-9689. I made Master Sergeant in 97 and moved into the Flight chief position. for the next year I did flight chief, production super, and any other duties they could find for me.

In May of 1998 a Message came down from HQ Air Combat Command requesting a volunteer to fill a Liaison position at McClellan AFB Ca. I applied and was selected. I moved to McClellan in Oct of 98 and worked there until its closure in 2000 when I moved, along with the A-10 Depot, to Hill AFB UT. My job is the go between for HQ Air Combat Command and Air Force Material Command (AFMC). I monitor the work completed on the A-10 during depot and work closely on all up-grades and modifications to aircraft systems. I also work with field units on parts and equipment needed to complete their mission.

I retired from the AF on August 1st 2004 and now work for a company called Advance Management Technology Incorporated (AMTI) as a A/OA-10 Equipment Specialist under the A-10 System Program Office’s Precision Engagement program. I'm helping turn the A-10A into the A-10C model.

I'm married to my wife Emmalyn and we have two daughters, Melissa, born May 2 1990, and Nicole born, 1 Sept. 1999. My hobbies are.......this web site and I'm in the process of writing a book on the door art of the A-10. I also love rock music and attend at least two or three concerts a year. I also collect records (yes the ones played on a record player!

Update Dec 2005 - I left the A-10 System Program Office on 6 Dec 2005 after 13 years working the A-10 Thunderbolt II "Warthog". I have been hired by a company called L-3 and will start working for them on 20 Dec 05 as a F-16 Crew Chief or, F-16 AG as the job is known in the depot. The F-16 will now be my job but, the A-10 will always be my passion!

Update June 2006- I've been hired as an Air Force Civil Service (WG-10) working the same job, on the same crew, as above.

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