I have always loved my country and been patriotic. At the time, I didn’t want to make the military a career but wanted to do something to give back. The National Guard can be a good part-time job for those who want to serve their country while maintaining their civilian job. That’s one reason why I chose to join the National Guard.
I was sworn into the Arizona Air National Guard on March 13, 1983. After graduating with my bachelor’s degree from Arizona State University on May 13, 1983, I attended basic training at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas, followed by technical school at Keesler Air Force Base in Biloxi, Mississippi. I served four years in the 107th Tactical Control Squadron at 2025 N. 52nd St in Phoenix, Arizona.
My job had a fancy title: Aerospace Warning and Control Operator. The Air Force specialty code for that job is 276. The 107th had a mobile radar unit that could be mobilized anywhere to control air traffic. I also served on the Disaster Preparedness team in my unit. The 107th was relocated to Luke Air Force Base in 2009. After four years, I thought I had had enough and was honorably discharged. There are times, however, when I reflect and wonder if I should have stayed in the Air National Guard.
Delbert Adair Jr.
