I was 18 years old, and decided to join the Air Force Reserves. I had initially wanted to land an administrative position, however, at Travis AFB, just a few miles from where I lived, all of the reservists stationed there belonged to the Air Mobility Wing. I enlisted in the Air Cargo unit, with the advantage of travel during the 2-week summer annual tours.
Right out of technical school during the summer, I learned that my first assignment would be an annual trip to Madrid Spain. Me and several other reservists had endured the 15-hour flight on a C-5 cargo plane, with non-cushioned wooden seats in close proximity together, and no windows anywhere. All was ok with me since I couldn’t wait to visit Spain’s cathedrals, palaces, and plazas.
After arriving at our quarters located on Torrejon AFB, we continued with our 12-hour night shift loading the cargo and pushing metal pallets onto more C-5 aircraft. After work that afternoon a group of us took in a traditional bullfight. Once really was enough for most of us and we proceeded to the harmonious clatter of the large-sqaured plazas. We found cafes, shops, and restaurants, with plenty of outdoor tables and seating to share with other tourists and the folks who lived there while partaking in all of the surroundings. On a Friday and our only day off, many of us found the energy to experience the cities’ nightlife where we went shopping and noticed the locals also doing the same until wee hours of the morning. On other occasions we went to check out the architecture of the castle-like cathedrals and looking in awe at the beautiful stained glass artwork, and grand high ceilings. The other main attraction we had the chance to visit was the magnificent palaces, where a guide gave us extensive information about the past kings and queens who once lived there. The palaces were adorned with beautiful paintings, historic furniture, and jewelry, for us to see.
On the trip, I brought along with me a pocket camera, the only camera I had at the time, but I picked up a lot of interesting tips about photography from many of the other reservists who brought along with them their 35mm cameras on this trip to Spain, and my thought was that on the next tour I’ll have that 35mm camera. This trip definitely inspired my interest in photography and prompted me to purchase a larger format camera and begin enrolling in photography classes to enhance my knowledge.