FEATURES:
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| This page is for those MTIs who would like to honor or remember a fellow USAF member. |
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CMSgt (Ret) Russell Joseph Sortino1944-2010CMSgt (Ret) Tony Spalding. OBITUARY
Tony Spalding  Russell
J. Sortino was born in Omaha, Neb., on July 11, 1944, to Joseph W.
Sortino and Concetta N. Distefano Sortino, and passed away Nov. 7,
2010, at his home in Panama City. He married Faye E. Paul Sortino of Panama City. Together they have four stepchildren, Randall J. Sortino of Centralia, Wash., Steven B. Sortino of San Antonio, Texas, and Pamela Sellars Jernigan and Rebecca Sellars Lockamy of Panama City. Russell is also survived by his father, Joseph Sortino of Omaha, Neb.; his brother, Matthew Sortino of Omaha, Neb.; two sisters, Kimberley Sortino Bodiford of Dallas, Texas, and Mary Sortino Brust of Omaha, Neb.; and 11 grandchildren. He was predeceased by his grandparents, mother and his brother James. Russell has two associates degrees in education from the Community College of the Air Force, a bachelor's in psychology from the University of Nebraska, and a master's degree from Troy University in psychology and counseling. He retired from the USAF as a chief master sergeant and moved to Panama City in 1983. Russell was employed by Analysis and Technology, and wrote technical manuals and training programs for the Navy. He later worked as a child abuse investigator for the Department of Children and Families. Later, he moved to the Department of Health where he was on the child protection team. Afterwards, Russell worked for Florida Therapy Services as a licensed mental health counselor. He was also a licensed clinical professional counselor in Kansas, and a board certified professional counselor with the American Psychotherapy Association. Russell's grandfather, father, and son, Randall, all served in America's armed forces. During Russell's formative years and while serving in the military, he traveled or served in Southeast Asia, Guam, Arizona, Mississippi, Texas, France, Germany, New Mexico and Florida. A memorial celebration of Russell's life will begin at 4 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 10, 2010, at the Kent-Forest Lawn Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Steve Coy officiating, and full military honors offered by the U.S. Air Force. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 6 to 8 p.m. today, Nov. 9, 2010. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Russell's name may be made to either the Hospice of the Emerald Coast or to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital . The family extends special thanks to the staff of UAB for the loving care extended to Russell. |
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| I
discovered an obituary on my old friend and
former MTI Peter B. Hungerford. He died in Oct. 2008 of lung cancer. I
met Peter when I arrived for my first tour as an MTI in 1978, at the
time he was a black strap SSgt. Team Chief. We were assigned to the
3723rd BMTS. He had formerly been assigned to the 3710th BMTS. I
believe he started his tour in 1976, and he went to OTS and was
commissioned in 1980. We worked in section five, our Section Supervisor
was MSgt John Brann, who has also passed on, the same year we did the
50th Anniversary of BMT. Peter, after being commissioned, was a
Training Officer for a short period of time, then a section commander
in Civil Engineers at Homestead AFB Fl. He retired in 1993 after 25
years service at Langley AFB Va. He was the Squadron Section Commander
of the 31st CES. Many old timers from the 70's who visit this site will
remember Peter. I have been in touch with his widow who is Chief of
Protocol for the 31st ABW Langley AFB. Please place a tribute for Peter
in your features section. He was one of the best who mentored and
inspired several rookie MTI's over his four year tour.
Tony Spalding
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 SMSgt (Ret) James F. Yeary, Jr. passed away on 1 May 09. This is one sad day for me to find out about Jim. I knew him very well and he was a person who always had a word that could pick you up in feelings or could cut you to the ground. Cutting you to the ground was seldom seen by anyone. I know Jim's family back in Ewing and Rose Hill, VA. He is thought well of, and being a small town, everybody was very proud of Jim. He was just Jim and said what he thought. Jim had to be one of the most down to earth people I have ever known and because of that his friends were/are many. May he RIP and God's comforting hand be on the family at this time. Mac McGhee Tuffy
Billy R. Vinson, Section II Supervisor, 3704 BMTS, 1976 - 1978 |
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My friend, Louise Southern, was a member of the MTI family for many years. She died March 20, 2005 in Loma Linda, CA following a stroke. Vicky Hammond Blue Rope Louise Southern was my trainer after I completed MTI school in the early part of 1989. She taught me everything I knew as a TI. I am saddened by the news of her passing. I reflect with great joy my memories of SSgt Southern and I "pushing flights" together at the 43rd squadron on "hotel row". She wore my axx out as a rookie TI. But everything she put me through lead to every award I ever won while stationed at LAFB as a MTI. She was a character for sure. Kelly Mobley, MSGT, AFR, Ret |
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 SMSgt (Ret) James Grisham passed away on 22 Nov 08. San Antonio Express-News Obituary (PDF) I just received an email from Chief Les Daly informing me of the death of SMSgt (Ret) James "Jim" Grisham. I don't know the cause of death or anything else, but he was 48. I worked with Jim in the '06. He and I arrived within a few weeks of each other. Jim came from the fuels world. He never spoke much of it, but I believe he worked in the Nevada desert black world prior to coming to BMT. He seemed to know a lot about the failed Iranian hostage rescue mission. While
in the '06, he worked in Section III across the hall from Jerry Jim was a Founding Member of the MTIA. It's
always tough to hear of someone dying so young, especially Rest
in Peace my friend. |
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 SSgt (Vet) Tim Johnson passed away on 1 Sep 2008. Tim was a Founding Member of the MTIA and the original Web Master for the MTIA web site. Click on the graphic below to see a full tribute to Tim:  The following photo was taken at the 2004 MTIA Convention. L to R sitting: Tim Johnson, Debbie Johnson, Sonnie Sneed (Sonnie's tribute is listed below)  |
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 TSgt East passed away due to colon cancer on 18 Aug 08. He was an Instructor from Jan 03-Jan 07, then went on to Korea, came back to Lackland and was assigned to ISR Agency. He worked at 324th, Field Training and 322nd during his MTI tenure. He left behind a wife and 2 sons. Great MTI! MSgt Sidney |
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 CMSAF #10 - Gary
Phingston, |
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 Johnny 'Sonnie'
Sneed Sonnie completed his
entire 4 year enlistment at Lackland Air Force Base. He will always be remembered by his many MTIA friends for his daily contributions to the MTIA Chat Room. As many have said - Sonnie was what the MTIA is all about. |
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 TSgt Sean Corlew During my business dealings with the MTIA, I came
across a gentleman who paid our association a compliment as listed
below. When he told me about his brother, I was both sad and proud.
Below there is a link to the last letter his brother had written home
before paying the ultimate price for our freedom. (Tim Johnson) My brother would have enjoyed looking at your site. He passed away on June 12, 2002 in Afghanistan. He was a loadmaster on a MC-130 Talon, TSgt Sean M. Corlew. He was 3 years from retiring. - TSgt Sean Corlew's letter home |
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 A1C Elizabeth Jacobson, Elizabeth was providing convoy security Sept. 28, 2005, near Camp Bucca, Iraq, when the vehicle she was riding in was hit by an improvised explosive device (IED). This is not a distinction to be celebrated, but
respected by all members of the armed forces, |
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 Shauna L. Wade I met her when she was a rookie instructor at the 43rd Sq. I was her trainer and friend. We became instructors at a turbulent time. We saw many of our squadrons close down. We went from the 43rd to the 08th to the 07 to the 06. She was the dictionary example of integrity and honesty. She earned her blue rope and then blue rope of the year. She truly was the best of the best. I will miss her deeply and daily. She was an instructor from 1989 to 1994, then she went to the Air Force Academy. She left the military without retiring or joining the AF reserve after acquiring her masters degree. All of us should work toward achieving what Shauna achieved in her short life time, personal and professional happiness. - Kelly Mobley / MTI, friend, co-worker |
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 SSgt Neil Crow I was shocked to hear that this outstanding individual passed away unexpectedly a few years later as a Captain stationed in Arizona. For those of us who knew him, there is no reason to explain, for those who didn't know him, there are no words. - SSgt Tim E. Johnson |
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 Jose Bara, Sr. Jose worked civil service at Lackland Air Force Base as a Fuels Specialist for 17 years upon completing 23 years active duty military service. He spent 8 of the active duty years as a Training and Academic Instructor at the 3706 Basic Military Training Squadron at Lackland AFB, where he trained over 50,000 airmen for admission to the United States Air Force. He was one of the founding members of the Military Training Instructor Association. His extensive military career allowed him and his family the opportunity to travel throughout Europe and North America. He had a great respect for both the Armed Forces and the San Antonio Police Department. He is survived by his loving family; wife Yolanda (retired USAA), daughter Karen (USAA Life Company), son Joey, daughter-in-law Becky, and three grandchildren, Jay, Allie and Matt. He is also survived by his mother Dolores, brothers Frankie, Louis and Felix, sister Nina, two stepbrothers, one stepsister, numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and godchildren. |
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| Elaine K. McCoy Please honor the late MSgt Elaine K. McCoy on the Blue Rope Listing. She was a Section Supervisor at the 06 in the late 80's/early 90's and passed away a few years ago due to cancer. She was one of the best supervisors and person, I had the privilege of working for and with. She deserves to have her name with the rest of us. - MSgt Roldan |
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 TRIBUTE TO SSGT BILLY DICKENS 3703rd BASIC MILITARY TRAINING SQUADRON 323RD TRAINING SQUADRON 1992 - 1996 A fellow Military Training Instructor, Team Member and
friend, writes this tribute to SSgt Billy Dickens. In the spring of
2000, SSgt Dickens passed away, leaving a blank space in the hearts of
many. Billy was a faithful and supportive husband and loving father to
his wife Christine and daughter Morgan. Billy played a very important
role in my life as an MTI and friend. Billy arrived at the 3703rd Basic
Military Training Squadron in 1992, which later became the Billy was a very upbeat and personable young man, whom
made everyone around him feel important and part of a team. When I
PCS'd to BMT in December 1993, Billy was assigned as one of my
trainers. I graduated MTIS in Jan 94 and immediately became SSgt
Dickens' team member. As every MTI is aware of, your first year is both
very demanding and all consuming. Billy was always there to lend a
helping hand and made sure that I understood the smart and effective
way of accomplishing daily MTI duties. Billy was never short on words
or sarcasm, often regarded as the squadron prankster. He had a gift;
knowing how to effectively listen to others problems and turn a
negative into a positive. Throughout his four years, SSgt Dickens
trained several MTI's that were eventually selected as "Master Military
Training Instructors", although he did not reach that plateau himself. In 1996, Dickens was selected to perform Presidential
Security, Air Force One, Andrews AFB, MD. Prior to leaving BMT, he
displayed self-initiative and started the process of his flight
physical. During the physical, doctors noticed a small gray cloud
around Billy's lungs. An appointment for a biopsy was set and Billy was
to have surgery to identify this problem. Billy had an allergic
reaction to the anesthesia used in the operation and was placed in
critical condition. I spent countless hours at his bedside with
Christine and Morgan. Billy made it through the surgery that day and
was deemed ineligible for assignment to Andrews. He was then placed in
a training position with Security Forces, Fairchild, AFB, WA. Billy
lost his world wide deployable status and was forced to cross train.
Dickens became a computer operator and was re-assigned to Lackland.
Billy continued to maintain a close personal relationship with fellow
MTI's and always offered a helping hand to any young instructor who
seeked advice. In the spring of 2000, my life changed forever. I lost a
close friend and had no idea how to deal with the pain. The biggest
thing I regret is that I never told Billy how important he was to me
and every other MTI that he came in contact with. Although Billy is not
with us today, he will be remembered as a dedicated MTI and friend. I
am confident that every day he is smiling down on the men and women of
the 737th Training Group. Written by
Special Agent Chris Young, Air Force Office of Special Investigations
Master Military Training Instructor, 323rd Training Squadron 1993 -
1997. MSgt Ken Burnham adds: He was a “trainee” MTI under the direction of then SSgt Tracy Hardy (blue rope and damn good instructor) at the 3703rd/323rd Squadron in the Early 90’s. He was a damn good guy! Once he got certified, he was just superb! He had a dry sense of humor and always made you wonder if he was talking about you or a trainee! He was very easy-going and was confident in his abilities. He could teach anything and you weren’t sure if he had completed it or not because he was so smooth! I think much of that is due to his personality and his Trainer. Tracy Hardy used to kick my butt when it came to Honor Flight competition, because she was so Good...Billy got a lot of that from her. He was a Natural and someone that certainly left us much too soon. He was a good guy and someone I miss. |
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 I recently attended the funeral of CMSAF Barnes and was inspired to pen this poem. I wonder why I: Put up with long hours, often battling
between duty and family - Sacrifice my opportunity of ever being a
silly girl - Have someone tell me how to dress and even what to wear -
THEN, I see that beaten down, dirty vehicle with a crisp American flag,
and I know why..... I wonder why I: Brace myself at every scandal; knowing
the world only sees one uniform - Bear to have those few civilians look
down at me in uniform - Uproot my family and move to a strange place
every few years - THEN, I see that old man wearing a retired USAF cap
smile at me, and I know why I wonder why I: Allow my home to become so messy
during the week - Agree to be separated from my family for months at a
time - Attempt to level the playing field as a female, refusing to be a
minority - THEN, I look over my sons shoulder and see him drawing a
picture of himself in the USAF, and I know why I wonder why I: Put up that desperate front - never
allowing myself to cry - Spend a mere 20 days at home consoling my
mother after my father has died - Agree to be sent to the other side of
the world on my third plane trip ever - THEN I hear the daughter of a
hero say she has never been more proud of her father, in response to my
simple uniformed appearance at his funeral, and I know why I wonder why I: Make the friends of a lifetime - only
to lose them every 3-4 years - Missed the opportunity and honor of ever
meeting my father-in-law - Leave my son in daycare for 12 hours and
still find energy to play at the end of the day - THEN, I return home
and see my military portrait hanging in the place of honor at my
mother's home, and I know why Renee A. Concentine, TSgt, USAF (MTI 331 TRS) |
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For questions or comments about the web site, EMAIL
Rick Blankenship, MTIA Web Master |
| USAF Military Training Instructor Association, P.O. Box 276477, San Antonio, TX 78227-6477 | | Copyright © 2010, United States Air Force Military Training Instructor Association | |
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