Don Luther - 2001 Biography
After graduation from Gaylord High School it was a summer of relaxation before going off to Denver University and partying. Too much partying and not enough studying led to being reclassified 1A for the draft. Not relishing the fact that I may have to go in the Army I enlisted in the United States Air Force as an aircraft mechanic on C-123 cargo aircraft. I spent the first few months between Lackland AFB, in San Antonio, TX. (basic) and Sheppard AFB, Wichita, TX. (technical training).
In 1987 I was transferred to Langley AFB, VA for 6 months before transferring to Phan Rang AB, Republic of Viet Nam. After arriving in Viet Nam I became a Flight Mechanic on C-123 aircraft and spent 19 mos. “in country”. I left Viet Nam in 1969 and was transferred to Davis-Monthan AFB, in Tucson, Arizona where I became a Flight Engineer on C-130 aircraft. The mission sent me right back to Southeast Asia being TDY (temporary duty) stationed at U-Tapau, Thailand and Osan, Korea. From there I was transferred to Anderson AFB, Guam where I flew with the 54th Weather Reconnaissance Squadron, chasing Typhoons around the Pacific with numerous stops in the Philippines and Japan.
After a year and a half I was again transferred but this time back to the states and the beautiful state of Colorado and Peterson Field AFB, in Colorado Springs. Not only was I back in the states but also had a part time job as a Racing Coach (alpine skiing) at the Broadmore Ski Resort. This venture led to two seasons of Professional Racing in Colorado and New Mexico. I guess the Air Force thought that I was having toooo much fun so again I was transferred. The next stop was Elmendorf AFB, in Anchorage, AK. I was flying again this time for the 71st Search and Rescue Squadron. Trying to make the most out of the situation I worked again part time as the Director of the Ski School at a ski resort on base called Hillburg.
In 1977 I was again transferred but this time to a warmer climate and Pope AFB, NC. I spent 4 years in North Carolina with 3 months at least in Europe each year. 1981 sent me to Youngstown, OH as the Active Duty Advisor for the Air Force Reserves. 1983 I returned to NC where I retired from the United States Air Force. While in NC I spent my free time bass fishing in both local tournaments and professional tournaments. I turned full professional after retirement and found that I couldn’t pay the bills so I had to go back to work. The only job available for an old retired flight engineer (39) was a flight simulator instructor at Clark AB, Philippines.
Nineteen months later it was off again this time to the C-130 Flight Simulator at McChord AFB, WA. Where I spent 7 years as an Instructor Flight Engineer. In 1996 I left Washington and was the Site Manager for Training at Moody AFB, in Valdosta, GA. Again pursuing a side career in Professional Bass Fishing, fishing BASS tournaments and at that time the Redman circuit. In 1999 I had the option of returning to Alaska or moving to Atlanta, GA. Considering my age and 9 months of bad weather I opted for the warmer weather of Georgia where I am a Senior Flight Simulator Instructor working for Lockheed-Martin Training.
Oh, by the way, in the process of all the moving and travel somewhere along the line I have married and divorced three times with no children resulting from any marriage. For those that knew my Grandparents, Andy and Marie Crater, who lived on Otsego Lake, next to what used to be Snow Valley. Andy passed away in 1985 and Marie passed away in Florida, 1996. Both are in the Gaylord Cemetery. My Mom, Dad, Sister are all doing well living in the Ft. Walton- Seaside area of the Florida Panhandle. Even though my sister Cheryl, did not go to the Gaylord schools some may know her as a Ski Instructor at Hidden Valley for many years for Hugo. I currently reside in Marietta, GA with my pal Scooter (German Shepard).
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