Havasu Veterans | Bob Johnson: Air Force veteran served as technical instructor, rose to staff sergeant

Marrying at a young age, Johnson, then 19, wed his wife when she was 18 years old. A week later, Johnson celebrated his 20th birthday while June turned 19 years old. This traditionally joyous occasion was soon interrupted after the pair returned from their honeymoon.

A postcard was brought to Johnson’s attention by his mother, who was unaware of its origins. After examining the card, Johnson realized that the piece of mail was sent by the draft board. He contacted the board and was informed of his required responsibilities.

In a matter of 30 days, Johnson had to choose a branch of service to enlist into. If this task was not completed in time, the board would choose for him, Johnson remembers. Nearly one month after his wedding, Johnson found himself enlisting into the U.S. Air Force.

The date was June 30, 1952, and Johnson was a newlywed joining the ranks of fellow incoming airmen. Less than a week later, a train carrying Johnson arrived in San Antonio at Lackland Air Force Base. This is where Johnson would spend his time completing his basic training.

Before embarking on his next assignment, a noncommissioned officer sat down with Johnson to discuss his military potential. Tests taken by Johnson, both while in the military and prior to joining, were examined by the officer. The exemplary scores shown on the tests prompted the officer’s next moves.

For six months, Johnson studied at Sheppard Air Force Base in Wichita Falls, Texas. There, he attended an aircraft and engine school to learn the details of aircraft. His time at the base was initially spent living in the barracks. After some time, Johnson spoke with those in charge to inform them of his marriage.

A request to move off base with his wife was accepted, Johnson recalls. He then began receiving separate rations to compensate for his independent living arrangements.

Unfortunately, the pay received by Johnson and his wife was low, and left the couple with scarcely enough food.

“We used to joke about that. I used to joke with June about the fact that she made three meals with one egg, and we were done to the end of everything,” Johnson said. “Sometimes it’s pretty difficult getting down to that next pay call, and that was that situation.”

Near the end of his schooling, Johnson received word that his scores were the second highest in his entire class. This academic feat led Johnson to sitting before a board to map out his future.

A series of questions were asked to Johnson by a select group of people, he says. By the end of the meeting, Johnson felt that the board was satisfied with his responses. The results of his interactions revealed a new career field for him. Johnson was then selected to become a technical instructor, which required an additional two months of schooling.

As part of the learning process, Johnson had to stand before his classmates and address them. The completion of his in-class presentations meant that Johnson was now able to progress forward.

Heading towards a hangar by the runway, Johnson found a classroom and sat in on it. He eventually began teaching his own classes on systems and other technicalities of aircraft.

An unexpected closure of the trainers’ branch found Johnson traveling to a new base. With his wife by his side, Johnson went to Amarillo Air Force Base in Amarillo, Texas. Once there, he received a shortened version of the courses he received in Wichita Falls.

A suggestion made by Johnson allowed him to enter into the jet engines branch. Johnson’s time at the base was filled with a series of tests and teaching opportunities, he remembers. His time teaching included lessons on jet engine theories and other related material.

Upon finishing his testing, Johnson was then assigned a group of his own. He worked with the group until they reached their own testing day.

Nearing four years in the military gave Johnson a new thought to ponder. He began to think about his future with his family, which now included his firstborn son.

In June 1956, Johnson was discharged from the Air Force three months after his son’s birth. Before his discharge, Johnson had risen to the rank of staff sergeant, he says.

At 24 years old, Johnson then traveled back to Michigan with his growing family. His goal of relocating to California soon came to fruition. Johnson was initially lured to the golden state because of its numerous aircraft companies.

Making the move west fulfilled Johnson’s desire to work in the industry. Opportunities granted to him included employment at companies, such as Douglas Aircraft Company.

Some time later, Johnson sought secondary education while working at an aircraft company. His collegiate studies led him to an associate’s degree in industrial supervision through Orange Coast College.

“It’s interesting. All of it was along the education field,” Johnson said of his military and working careers.

Becoming inundated with several work tasks began to take a toll on Johnson. Not wanting to sacrifice more time, Johnson made the decision to retire in 1990. At that point, his children, which now included two additional sons, were in their adult years.

A new hobby taken up by Johnson and his wife gave the couple opportunities to travel the country. Together, the pair rode in their Class C motorhome and lived in places, such as Tennessee, South Carolina and Florida, before returning to California.

“We traveled the United States, and we went border to border, coast to coast,” Johnson said. “Every place we had moved, we were active in church.”