I started writing my remembrances of Tet 1968 a few years ago in
response to a request from the Air Force Security Forces Association.
I just never got it finished, so this may be the impetus I need.
Regarding feeling today about what I did then, I just did my job. When
I enlisted, I swore an oath, and I tried my best to uphold that oath.
When my NCOIC called to me shortly after the attack began on Tan Son
Nhut AB early the morning of January 30, 1968, I responded and did what
I was told. I don't consider myself a hero, just a troop who did his
job.
Yes, I was a SSgt during my Vietnam tour. My transition from enlisted
cop to an officer cop might be interesting to some of today's youngsters.
I enlisted in the AF shortly after graduating from high school (I graduated
in June 1960 and entered onto active duty at the end of September 1960).
I stayed @ Lackland AFB for 11 weeks of basic training before heading
to Edwards AFB, CA, as a "DDA" (Direct-duty Assignment) air
policeman. I remained in the career field until January 1969, when I
cross-trained into the Training Management (OJT) career field. I maintained
a secondary AFSC as a security policeman, and got back into the "cop/security"
business a couple of times for special projects. I returned to the Security
Police career field upon commissioning in August 1977, and remained
in that field until my retirement on July 1, 1992.
I started my college education (night classes) while stationed in France
(1962-65), and then continued for a short time after rotating to Mather
AFB, CA, until I got promoted to SSgt and had to go on "OJT"
to upgrade my skill level. I transferred to Ramstein AB, Germany, in
1969, and began taking college courses (night and evening classes while
working "days" @ my training manager job) through the Univ.
of Maryland Overseas Division in early 1970. That continued until my
rotation back to the States in August 1972. I continued my education,
again through night courses, with the exception of one 10-week stint
of "Bootstrap Non-terminal TDY" during which time I attended
classes during the day and evening for that period. I finished the requirements
for my bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice in July 1975, and then
applied for Air Force OTS in September 1976. I was accepted, after having
completed 16 years of active duty, attended OTS in the spring/summer
of 1977, and was commissioned in August 1977. My first commissioned
assignment was F. E. Warren AFB, WY, as a missile security flight security
officer (FSO). I've never had regrets doing it the way I did. If I had
to do it over, I'd begin college as soon as possible after enlisting.
I'd also advise youngsters today to finish high school, go to college,
and then join the military as an officer. It is, indeed, a different
way of life (at least as I remember it).
I'll try to get something put together shortly about my award and the
circumstances.
Have a great holiday season,
Bernie Beldin
Major, USAF (Ret.)
