| Richard L Graves, Sr., has been an active member of Joseph P. Chaisson Post 41 for seven years, during which time he has held the positions of Adjutant, Finance Officer and Commander. Presently the Post Adjutant and Fourteenth District Piscataquis County) 1st Vice Commander.
Dick shares his military experience, having served in two branches of service during a twenty six year career. He joined the U.S. Air Force in June 1958, took basic training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, TX, and then was assigned to 1100th Security Squadron, Bolling Air Force Base, Washington D.C., formerly known as the United States Air Force Honor Guard. The position required a Top Secret clearance and when the FBI visited the small town of Brownville Jct, for a background investigation, they left more questions than answers.
Training consisted of military police and security, plus ceremonial. Ceremonial tasks consisted of all phases of a funeral ceremony, parades and greeting national dignitaries, plus the Air Force Drill team. Highlights of the ceremonial duties were Russian Premier Nikita Khrushchev’s arrival, John Kennedy’s Inauguration Ball, Admiral Hasley’s joint service funeral parade through Washington DC and into Arlington Cemetery.
The third year Dick was assigned to Air Force Security at the Pentagon; highlights were Security for General Curtis Lemay’s conferences, Air Force Command Post Security and after a Pentagon fire, escorting computer programmers around the Washington D.C. area until the repairs were completed.
Dick was transferred to Security Service and stationed in Wakkani, Japan for twelve months, and honorably discharged in June of 1962.
In August, 1969, he joined the Maine Army National Guard, 262 ENGR Battalion as an E-4 clerk of the Battalion Intelligence Section, eventually becoming the Intelligence Sgt (Master Sgt). Promoted and appointed by Department of Army Chief Of Staff to Battalion Command Sergeant Major in October 1982.
In 1985 Dick became the Command Sergeant Major of the 240th Engineer Group. As senior NCO he was responsible for two engineer battalions within the State Of Maine Army National Guard. Highlights were three Tactical Exercises to Germany and attendance at two Engineer Conferences in Ft Leonard Wood, MO
In 1969 he had one single locker for gear and in 1985 it was a double locker full and up-to-date combat gear with a 48 hour callup criteria. Physical training requirements were the same as active duty.
Dick retired August 1991 and received The Meritorious Service Medal.
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- RICHARD L GRAVES, SR
