BIOGRAPHY
I was born in a universe far, far, away...no wait, that was Luke Skywalker. I was born in a log cabin...No, that was honest Abe. How's this. I was born in a hospital in Lousiville Kentucky on July 24, 1954...yeah, that's better. I was named Walter Crecelius (nick named Butch by my father and called that by my friends and those who know better than to call me Walter). My parents are George and Earline and I have two younger sisters, Mary and Sharon.
I grew up in Lexington, Kentucky where I completed my formative civilian education when I graduated from Lafayette High School in 1973. I spent all three years of high school learning to be a good military person (politically correct or PC) while attending Naval Junior ROTC. I lettered in Drill, believe it or not. Never was much of a jock--bad ankles don't ya know.
Following graduation I moved to Frankfort, Kentucky to join my folks and went to work as a duplicating machine operator in the Legislative Research Commission at the State Capital. My father was a service person (PC continues) employed by Addressagraph-Multigraph until they reorganized under bankrupcy laws and screwed him. Anyway, I grew up around printing machines so this was a natural first step toward person-hood (this PC stuff can get on your nerves). Now for those of you that have never been to the thriving metro of Frankfort, let me tell you a little about it. Kentucky has the only known state capital complex that sits in a hole (or valley if you wish to continue with this PC stuff). And that pretty much describes the rest of the city as well, one big hole...as in, there ain't a hole lot to do there. I remained for the summer knowing that Frankfort just wasn't the place for me.
I decided to put my three years of military training to good use so I enlisted in the Air Force as a Security Police Security Specialist (my Recruiter said I could cross-train into Law Enforcement once I got to basic training. Where ever you are...."Bite Me!"). Now if any young troops should read this, please don't get me wrong. Recruiters back then was a different breed of person--yeah, right! Sorry, just had to get one last dig in. 99.99% of Recruiters are professionals and do one heck of a job. They're humans (we think) like everyone else and are prone to mistakes.
I survived basic training (3710 Squadron, Flt 1153) and the Security Police Academy in beautiful San Antonio, Texas. From there my first duty assignment was Myrtle Beach AFB, South Carolina in the 354th Security Police Squadron (1973-1978). Boy was that a tough tour (yeah' right).
I hung on tooth and nail there until our uncle sent word that my services were desperately needed at Kunsan AB, Korea (1978-1979). Hoo'Rah, what a tour that was. To all those in the 8th Security Police Squadron, specifically "C" flight, the "backdoor bandits", I say hello and ask "how are your livers?"
From the "Kun" it got real nasty. I was sent to M-i-n-o-t AFB, North Dakota (1979-1981) and the 91st Security Police Squadron. I found Minot to be a pleasent enough tour. The "Daks" downtown were friendly, the base population was friendly and the weather really wasn't all that bad (for polar bears). My only real heatburn was with management. They thrived on pitting people against one another. Easier to control that way, I guess. Anyway, while at Minot I requested and was selected to become an Air Base Ground Defense Instructor at the Air Force Security Police Academy.
I arrived back here in San Antonio and was assigned to the 3287th Technical Training Squadron, located on the U.S. Army's Camp Bullis (1981-1986). It was a wonderful tour with wonderful people. Two extremely sad notes were the deaths of Hubert "Cleve" Miles and Mike Hightower. Cleve was a damn good family man, instructor and friend. We lost him to Leukemia. Mike Hightower passed away several years after leaving Bullis. It was unfortunate we couldn't have been there when he needed us the most.
From Bullis I requested to go back to Korea. Once again my services were desperatly needed at the "Kun" (1986-1987). I could write a book on those 12 months, but I'll save you the side splitting details. It's enough to say I had become tired of being a Security Police person (PC--again?) after 13 years and felt a change was in order. Having worked closely with several first sergeants, I thought it would be a challanging position I would like and could do well, so I applied and was accepted.
My first duty assignment as a shirt was the 67th Security Police Squadron, Bergstrom AFB, Texas (1987-1991). Now I've heard the pro and con debate over whether a new shirt should be placed back into the same Air Force Specialty he or she just came from. At the time I thought it was a good idea. I was familiar with the operation and they couldn't pull anything on me I hadn't already tried (ooops). However, after having done it, I switched to the con side of the argument. You're too familiar with the operation. The people and some commanders have a difficult time not taking advantage of your past experience, and some unit senior NCOs resent your presence. Anyway, Bergstrom was a great tour! I learned a lot from a number of great people (shirts, legal, family support center, etc). Want to talk about Fraud, Waste and Abuse. A lot of our tax dollars went down the drain when Congress allowed that base to be closed. However, I digress. I also had the 67th Transportation Squadron and one of my best boss's there. Hey Col Lami!
Once again the Korean government found they couldn't survive without my economic contributions, so I was sent to Osan Air Base (1991-1992). I was the shirt for the 5th Air Control Group Staff, 621st Tactical Control Squadron and 620th Tactical Control Flight under the 5th Air Control Group, not to mention every weather person in the ROK. Good tour with a bunch of good first sergeants.
I returned state side and to Patrick AFB, Florida (1992-1996). I had the 45th Medical Group and the 45th Mission Support Squadron/Services Squadron/Wing Staff while there. Now if you were to ask me to rank my assignments from worse to best, Patrick would be number one followed by Minot. I won't go into it because I would run out of my precious Zantac (ulcer medication) before I finished the first paragraph.
My last unit was the 37th Security Forces Squadron at Lackland AFB, Texas. A great unit, with great people and leadership. I began terminal leave in June and retired from active duty on September 1, 1998 after 25 years of service.
I returned to Melbourne, Florida in June to resume my parental duties. While there I worked shortly for Excell Coporation as a telephone information operator, then Easter Seals as a Training Specialist in their Employment Services Department. My job was to help find community employment opportunities for people with developmental disabilities and then train them to do the job. It was a very challenging and fun position.
My daughter graduated from high school (with honors) in May 1999 and left for college shortly thereafter. Not having any real degree of love for the state of Florida, I decided it was time to return home and renew family ties. So now I'm living back in Kentucky.
I'm a graduate of the USAF Supervisor's Course in residence, the Air Training Command NCO Academy in residence, and the USAF Senior NCO Academy in residence and by correspondence. My decorations include the Air Force Meritorious Service Medal with three oak leaf clusters, the Air Force Commendation Medal with four oak leaf clusters, and the Air Force Achievement Medal. I've been awarded the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, Air Force Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, and the Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon.
I've been recognized for outstanding performance on several occasions. I was selected as the 67th Combat Support Group and 67th Tactical Reconnaissance Wing First Sergeant of the Year for 1988 and nominated to the Twelfth Air Force as one of the Twelve Outstanding Airmen for 1988. I was selected as the Resource Management First Sergeant of the Year in 1990 and the 5th Air Control Group First Sergeant of the Year in 1991. In 1992 and 1993 I was a finalist in the Patrick AFB First Sergeant of the Year program.