Slater never forgot 99th years ago
Enclosed are my dues for 2007 and a little extra for the Diggers' Fund.
I enlisted at the young age of 18 and was sent to the 99th in December 1942. I was assigned to the service company of the 394th. I came out of college and they transferred me to the 99th Signal Co. where I served for a year. I was trained as a radio operator, Morse code and all. I finally was transferred to the aviation cadet program where I obtained my commission. I never forgot my friends in the 99th or the great training I had there.
I became a bombardier on a B-24 where I finished the war with mostly patrol duty over the South Atlantic. After the war, I obtained an advanced degree in math and science which served me well as a college professor.
During my service, I became disabled but stayed active in the Air National Guard where I retired after 23 years. During this time, I became a poet.
Keep up the good work. We 99'ers are quickly passing from the scene but we had a great run, did we not?
Richard E. Slater
USAF NG Retired
