Michael Lancto Military Years

Michael Lancto
The Early Years in Pictures

Age 0-17 ~ Baby Book ~ Military Years 1 ~ Military Years 2 ~ Saved ~ Ministry ~ Letters ~ Variety ~ My Dad

At age 18, I (Michael) needed to go into the world, cut my own path, and support myself. So I dropped out of college (University of Michigan) and I joined the U.S. Air Force. Thanks to the advice of Ray Torrey (a high school friend), in Jan 1976 I signed "delayed enlistment papers" with a guaranteed job as a Disbursement Accountant Specialist.

I was 18 years old and had never been outside the state of Michigan. I swore an oath to defend our country, and I enlisted on April 6, 1976 and flew to Lackland AFB, just outside of San Antonio, Texas.

I had a wonderful time in Basic Training. The Air Force taught me discipline, respect, honor, and teamwork. Those lessons combined with the strong work ethic I learned from my father have been priceless in my life.

Active Duty: Age 18 - Age 24

BASIC TRAINING - Lackland AFB, TX

Entrance to Lackland AFB

Beginning of the Obstacle Course

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That's Michael kneeling on one knee in the front

Same hair style for all Basic Trainees

Michael (on the left) - Guide

Airman Kelly (tallest GI in our Squadron)

Military ID made on Day 7 of Basic Training

Back side of original Military ID

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Smoked from age 14-23

An occasional break while in Basic Training

4 Squad Leaders hold up Michael

Small Lockers in Basic Training

After Basic Training -- those of us going to Sheppard AFB in Wichita Falls, TX took the 8 hour bus trip. My training was to be a Disbursement Accountant Specialist. We called the school "Tech School", and it was a lot of fun and I made new friends there as well. I spent the summer of 1976 there in school. Photos below:

TECH SCHOOL - Sheppard AFB, TX

FTAC

Training Command