My life & PMEL

[bmet]

This is my perspective on how PMEL influenced my life. But first, I must give you a brief history of my Air Force career.

I joined the USAF in January 1955 when President Eisenhower terminated the Korean GI Bill effective February 1955. My basic training was at Parks AFB near Oakland California.

After basic training, I was sent to Lowery AFB near Denver Colorado to attend the Gunlaying course in the 323xx AFCS. After completion, I traveled back to California to Travis AFB as my permanent station with the 5th A&E Squadron which supported the RB-36H Wing.  I worked on the Tail Gun & Radar System until the B-36 was phased out to accept the B-52.

In January 1960, I was transferred to Beale AFB near Marysville California to open the base with the B-52G wing. Again, I was assigned to the A&E Squadron Fire Control Shop. Since I was on my second enlistment, I applied for a transfer to PMEL. At this time the field was new as well as the location. The Lab was given the Link Trainer area in the Flightline Composite Building. In January 1961, I was sent back to Lowery AFB for training in PMEL. Since I left my family at Beale AFB, I was tested and "phased ahead" in the Microwave section, thus shortening my time away by one week.

Promotions were few as the base commander promoted the base support Airmen over the technical staff since we received "Pro-pay". I received orders to relocate to Japan, but this required me to extend my enlistment. I rejected this, instead I applied for the squadron representative to the wing's airmen counsel. Over the objections of my supervisors, I was promoted to E-5, Staff Sergeant. I was in a situation of not "what you know" to "who you know" as I met once each month with the Wing Commander. My Squadron Commander told me that my 91 day re-enlistment letter would be waved should I want to remain in the AF. Instead, I applied for, and received an early out for schooling. Thus my Air Force career ended in September 1964.

My PMEL training allowed me to work in civilian calibration labs. Due to family needs, I  received a position with Astro Labs in Pasadena California. Their main customer was JPL. One month later, I changed to a company Cal Lab.

During this time, I "moon-lighted" with Lockheed Calibration to obtain funds to purchase our first home. Due to my training, I worked in the Standards Lab. Thus, I was never without a position due to my PMEL experience. While in the Air Force, I fought paperwork constantly. But now, I used this knowledge as a benefit to me and my duties. As aerospace was affected by layoffs, I was allowed to work in my company assignment and still look for a position elsewhere. There were three of us; the other two accepted positions in the stock market computer systems and I accepted a position in field service for a medical company. Working in this field, caused me to skip around with medical companies. I was never without work should I want it!

Retirement has been hard to do as I never had been in a company long enough to receive retirement benefits. But, I have been fortunate to use my investments to assist me at my retirement age.

Now that I have time to reflect on my life, I came to realize that my experience with PMEL has allowed me to sustain life with a growing family. I have accumulated test equipment for my own use with my projects. I am in the process of donating my "stuff" to local technical schools.

The reason I went into details of my life, is to demonstrate that you will not have a problem working. The pay may not be the highest, but you and your families can survive. Although times have changed as PMEL is more civilian contracted, while during my time, it was more military staffed. PMEL has given you the knowledge of equipment, documents and the ability to work alone which will carry through your career. You have this knowledge that cannot be taken from you. All of this is directly related to time spent in PMEL. How fortunate we are!

Good luck and you will always be in my heart and mind.

[USMCPMEL]

You were saying that retirement was "hard" due to no retirement funds. Can't you get a part time job at your local lab?? 1 or 2 days a week. Should be happy to hire you since they would not be paying benefits. Of course maybe that's not true?? I am assuming your around 78 years old??

[spanishfly25]

I agree, PMEL is one of the fields that can open many doors, not only in the military or military related jobs, but also in many civilian industries. I have PMEL friends working on Hospitals, chemical plants,  Food companies, communications and the list goes on and on, myself, I'm work in pharmaceutical company

[bmet]

You were saying that retirement was "hard" due to no retirement funds. Can't you get a part time job at your local lab?? 1 or 2 days a week. Should be happy to hire you since they would not be paying benefits. Of course maybe that's not true?? I am assuming your around 78 years old??

Thank you!

You are close: I will be 77 in November.
Sadly, I am in an area, like the old George AFB, where labs are far and few. Also, I am primary care giver to my Wife. That takes my time. I had a medical service business and still maintain three Blood Banks equipment. There are PM's once each year, so it helps. I am doing ok for my age. I just wanted to let all of you know that PMEL is a blessing, so do not treat it lightly should you venture out into the "real" world. Yes, we can work anytime we must.