Gonzalez, Robert

 

 

 

 

Robert Gonzalez

U S Air Force

1963 - 1971

 

 

 

Though born in Cuba, Bob thought it important that he supported his adopted country which had given him citizenship and opportunities.  He joined the Air Force in September 1963.  After completing Basic Training he was sent to Chanute Air Force Base in Illinois for an additional 20 weeks of technical training.  On completion of his training Bob was promoted to Airman 2nd Class and sent to Plattsburgh Air Force Base in Northern New York State to begin working as a Flight Simulator Specialist.  In this capacity he maintained a computer-like flight simulator and provided instrument and emergency flight training to B47 pilots that were on their way to fly missions in Vietnam.

After two years he was promoted to Airman 1st class and in September of 1966 he was sent to Biloxi, Mississippi to learn to train pilots on the B52 Flight Simulator.  Before the end of his first 4 year tour of duty he was promoted to the rank of Staff Sergeant and married his present wife.  In May of 1967 Bob re-enlisted for another 4 year tour.  During this last tour he took on additional duties beyond his normal job in support of projects for the Air Force’s Office of Special Investigations.

Shortly after re-enlisting, Bob was again sent to Biloxi, Mississippi, this time to learn how to evade enemy radar and train B52 Electronic Warfare Officer on a very sophisticated simulator.  In 1969 Bob was sent to work at McCoy Air Force Base in Orland, Florida.  While there he was one of a select group of Airmen to be chosen as Airman of the Month for the entire base.

In 1971 Bob left the Air Force.  For most of his military career he attended evening classes at a local College.  Two weeks prior to separating from the Air Force he earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Mathematics from Florida Southern University.  After leaving the service he continued his studies becoming a Nuclear Engineer.  It Bob’s hope that the training he provided to the heroic Pilots and Electronic Warfare Officers Saved Lives.