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Chat with a Veteran: Peter Stauder

The Daily Commercial - 6/10/2018

Town: Clermont

Branch of service and rank: Air Force, colonel

Enlisted or drafted? Enlisted. I didn't want to be drafted. I received my notice from the Army to report for my induction physical, and I went to the Air Force recruiter and said I can help you fill a quota.

What did you do in the service? I started out in supply and ended up in financial management. In the 1980s, I was selected to provide all support for the development and fielding of the F117, and we fielded that system in the white (visible) world for the first time in Desert Storm.

Why was it important? You can't fly an airplane without parts and fuel. You don't have a base if you don't have support.

What is your most important memory from service? The memories I have are of the fantastic people I met, served with and commanded sometimes. I had some of the best officers and NCOs you can have to work with. It's the people that make the job.

What did you like least about service? Separation from family. — the separation is the thing I didn't like.

What do you want people to understand about war? The nasty thing about war — it's the last thing you want to do, but it's something you want to be prepared for. One thing I think people don't understand, is that it's politicians who wage war. The military executes it.