Choate, Robert (Bob) W.

Choate, Robert W. -Bob

I enlisted in the US Air Force in October 1966, was commissioned a Second Lieutenant, and then completed pilot training at Vance AFB, OK.  My initial assignment was flying the C-130B at Clark AB, Philippines.  During the next two years I flew over 1,000 combat hours in South Vietnam.  I subsequently had a number of staff and flying assignments including Forbes AFB, Kansas; Langley AFB, Virginia; Fort Hood, Texas; Osan AB, Korea; and Little Rock AFB, Arkansas.  My duties were mostly involved with Command and Control or instructing other pilots how to fly the C-130 aircraft.  I completed a master’s degree in Operational Management from the University of Arkansas and a number of PME courses. I retired as a Lieutenant Colonel in 1988 from Little Rock AFB after 22 years service and settled in Arkansas. Following my Air Force career, I flew an assortment of transport aircraft for the next 15 years with a number of cargo carriers.  The first 5 or 6 years were mainly spent with famine relief operations in East Africa, including Sudan, Ethiopia, Somalia, Rwanda, and Angola.  The job involved flying food or shelter to refugee centers. It was eerily like Vietnam landing on dirt roads and air drops. I later transitioned to more traditional flying, becoming rated in a number of jet aircraft.  Prior to reaching the FAA’s mandatory retirement age, I was flying the Boeing 747.  I have flown in every continent except Antarctica. Since UPT I’ve flown C-130 B, E, H, & H3, C118A and 02A. I’m typed in the L-382, DC-8, B727, and B747.  Following my aviation career, I have been involved with my church choir and a few other community service organizations.  Once I make breakfast for Rita and get her out the door, I catch a nap before joining a few other old men for coffee at a local diner.  I wish to remember our class mated who have died while serving their country and those who have passed due to illness. Their spirit is forever in my memory. I married Rita before graduating for UPT. We celebrated our 50^th anniversary last November and have three children.  Two of these wonderful couples have blessed us with a total of four grandsons and one granddaughter.