[MigKiller]

After three years of active duty I joined the Colorado National Guard. I was Air Defense Artillery and assigned to a M110 self propelled 8”howitzer unit they sent me back to Fort Bliss and had me train and qualify as a Redeye gunner which is pre stinger shoulder held missile. At summer camp at Fort Carson they had me deliver chow to the firing batteries in the field and I was mesmerized watching these big guns fire. On one a company safety officer asked me if I’d like to pull the lanyard on one and with a little training and nervousness I got to touch off an 8” projectile it was pretty darn exciting!
And little did I know that a few years down the road I’d start my 33 year career with Department of Energy and in the early 80s I was working on the W79 an 8” nuclear projectile for the M110 it was a nasty little nuke!👊🏻🇺🇸

 

[MigKiller]

16” 2000 lbs USS New Jersey
Vietnam.
John

Thanks for your service!👊🏻🇺🇸

 

[MigKiller]

I was gonna say a 40mm grenade, but I see I'm already beat.

Got to love some 40mm trained with the M79 which I loved but later was issued the M16 with the M203.👊🏻🇺🇸

 

[MigKiller]

Shot 4.2 mortars and 106 RR from time to time but mostly worked out on 40mm Bofors daily. View attachment 375083

Duster!🇺🇸

 

[MigKiller]

You get a cigar, just for knowing a Duster ain’t a helicopter.

Got in on the tail of them at Fort Bliss when Vulcan 20mm replaced their role in Air Defense Artillery. My good friend was a crew member on one in Vietnam for ground support. I saw a couple fire at McGregor Range I thought they were impressive. Thanks for your service.👊🏻🇺🇸👊🏻🇺🇸