Jon Dillingham

Profile Updated: January 10, 2021
Homepage: www.kirklandmortgageservices.com
Occupation: Mortgage Banker
Military Service: Army  
Children (and grandkids?): Son Ross, 1988
Share your military experiences:

After graduation I went to Eastern Washington University and enrolled in Army ROTC. I was not really draft motivated as my number was 324. It was just something I felt compelled to do.

In June 1973, I graduated top of my ROTC class and was the Cadet Brigade Commander and received my Regular Army commission as a 2nd Lieutenant.

I went on active duty in August 1973 and was trained in Air Defense Artillery(Chaparral-Vulcan/Redeye) at Fort Bliss Texas. From there in January 1974, I went to jump school at Fort Benning Georgia where, after 5 jumps out of a perfectly good airplane, I earned my Airborne wings.

In February 1974 I was assigned to the Headquarters Battery, 3rd Battalion, 17th Field Artillery at Merrill Barracks in Nurnberg Germany. Right down the street from the colosseum where the Nazi party held its biggest rallies. I was assigned as Executive Officer of the Headquarters Battery and was the Battalion's Air Defense Officer. I was part of the nuclear release authentication system as our battalion's artillery was nuclear capable.

A year later I transferred to the Army Finance Corps. Still in Nurnberg, I was assigned as the Disbursing Officer for the 1st Armored Division Finance office. Back then we paid most of the troops in cash twice a month. So that was my responsibility for 25,000 troops along with cashing checks, paying miscellaneous vouchers and selling Deutch Marks. Usually went through about $10,000,000 a month in dollars and marks. It was a great job. Worked with great people. Just loved it.

In December 1976 I resigned my commission and came back to the United States.

My experience as a junior officer was invaluable. Having to perform those responsibilities at that age really helped me greatly later on in my career.

Current interests, hobbies, passions:

I like to play golf

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Mar 23, 2017 at 11:14 AM
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Mar 23, 2017 at 9:51 AM
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Mar 23, 2017 at 9:49 AM
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Posted: Mar 23, 2017 at 9:51 AM




agape