Interviewed by

Rachel Mumford and Tika Rank

"You're gonna go places, and see things that other people don't have any idea."

~ Roger Patskanick (37:47)

Roger Patskanick's Story:

Roger Patskanick is a man of courage. He served in the Air Force for 30 years (the maximum length of service) including time overseas in Vietnam. During his time in the Air Force, Mr. Patskanick, nicknamed Pats by his fellow troops, traveled across the world to Vietnam and the Philippines, where he discovered that freedom comes with a cost and fresh food is a privilege.

The intense humidity and temperature overwhelmed many soldiers, but Pats adapted quickly to his new environment. His trustworthiness and faith helped him excel where others could not, giving him the position of handling nuclear weapons.

Later on, he reflected upon his gratefulness of what the Air Force did to him and how he changed after his service. He feels that he wouldn't exchange those years of his life for anything. Many veterans who came back from Vietnam wouldn't be able to say the same, but he stays confident about his time overseas to this day.

Coming away from this interview, he would like everyone to know that they wouldn't waste any of their life in the military and that they can find great opportunities for careers and lifetime activities by enlisting. He learned the difference between right and wrong through weeks of training and work, and uses everything that he discovered during his service to this day.