Binnerfamily.org

There was a time in my life, when I was assigned to a “short timer” Sgt. that could care less if I made it as an Air Traffic Controller or not; he was on his way to Japan for 3 years. I was already signed-off on PAR Final control, and flight data, but arrival control I NEEDED to remain a Marine and in ATC. Read on for the story of my best supervisor ever. (still.)

So in RADAR back then, you needed 3 positions to remain a controller and not end up a “crispy critter” and in crash crew; you needed Final Control (PAR), RADAR Flight Data, and Arrival Control. Now, PAR didn’t have any airspace, only the final area to the runway, Flight Data was the secretary of the room, and Arrival, well arrival had about 10 miles around the airfield and what the Approach Controller gave you.

I took a little longer than average to get PAR, at 115 live approaches, but I got it. That secured me as a controller, but in the Marines you need more to advance. I quickly adapted and took on Flight Data, LOVED IT. I quickly got it and moved on. Next was Arrival….

Arrival is a pain in the a$$. It works you, if the approach controller screws up, you need to make him / her look good and FIX it. A flight of 3 or 4 comes in doing 250 knots, you split it and work it. Just how it is. Anyway too long a story shorter, this Sgt who will remain unnamed “canced” me; cancelled my training, said I could not do it.

Now, during your time as a student on ANY position, you are guaranteed a certain amount of time on “bugs” or simulated traffic, and live traffic; kinda like a 3 to 1 ratio but HOURS of training. And it’s supposed to be regular and continued. When the Sgt canc’ed me, I quietly, believe it or not, quietly brought it to the attention of the GySgt and civilians on the crew.

Well, Sgt shipped out, and unbeknownst to me, my Lt and Civilians went to work. they reviewed my jacket, and eventually called me into the office to talk and long story short again reinstated me. You can see the results of this on the page in AWARDS section, as my RATCF card is proudly displayed there.

Best for Last? YOU BET! Lt. Fitzgerald, wherever you are, I OWE YOU THE WORLD. You kept me a MARINE at 19 through 20 years old, and kept me moving metal. I dunno where I would be without you.  I know you left us for the Drill field, pinned on Capt, and I AM SURE MANY Marines owe their start to you now.

Mr Smith. I actually saw you years later in AmVets in Beaufort but I was too respectful to disturb dinner with your wife. You helped LT and I thank you also.

Morale of this story? Well, I respect both of these people more than anyone knows, but it was time to share the story. See, in my eyes and view of life, RESPECT IS EARNED, not guaranteed. I earned their respect and did what they granted me, and in return I respected THEM even more.

Semper Fi.