I entered USC in 1953 and the Korean War draft was still in effect. I joined the USAF ROTC in hopes of getting a deferment until I finished my education. ROTC students were pretty sure to get deferments in their Jr. and Sr. years but not enough were available for all students. I got my draft notice in either my Fr. or Soph.(don't remember which year). The USAF Commandant (a Col.) lived around the corner on Duncan St. At my age I was pretty much in fear of a Colonel. I went to his home in the evening and rang his bell during the dinner hour. I told him of my plight. He invited me in and sat me down until he finished his dinner. I assure you, I had a case of the cold sweats! It felt like his dinner took at least 3 hrs. When he came back in he informed me that he knew your grandfather, told me I should know better than to call at dinnertime, took my draft notice and said he would take care of it! He did.

I qualified to fly and actually took flight training in Columbia during my Sr year. About 2 months prior to graduation (Sen. John F. Kennedy was the speaker at my graduation in 1957), the USAF changed the obligation to 4 years for pilots and only two for ground Officers. I had no idea I would stay in for a career at that time.

I loved the Air Force and indeed stayed in for 20 years and retired as a Lt. Col 25 years ago. I was stationed at the following locations:

• Anchorage, Alaska
• Orlando, Fla (pre Disney)
• Bermuda
• Vietnam
• Sumter, S.C.
• Colorado Springs, Colo.
• Washington, D.C.

The Air Force responsibilities helped me mature, I believe, at a faster pace than I would have otherwise. By managing Officer's Clubs,I gained enough experience that enabled me to get the Gen. Managers position at two very prestigious civilian clubs for 18 years.

-- Cooper Williams