Joan A. Clark
Bio
Joan A. Clark joined the United States Air Force in 1950 in an attempt to see the world and gain new experiences. While in basic training, she learned of the outbreak of the Korean War. To assist with the rapidly expanding basic training needs, she was sent to instructor school and began teaching in the medical field due to her college experience. She later began to work with training pilots, performing a myriad of tasks. She trained in Officer Candidate School, served at Scott Air Force Base in the training department, and later moved to Europe where she worked with the United States Air Force in Europe. In 1960, she left the Air Force but remained a military wife to her husband who served into the 1980s.
Video Clips
Basic Training and America's Perception of the Korean War
Joan Clark recalls learning of the outbreak of the Korean War during basic training. She explains how she began teaching and her later Officer Candidate School attendance. She shares how upon training completion, she became involved in the pilot training program where she worked the flight line giving and grading pilots.. She reflects on America's attitude towards the Korean War, recalling that many people did not understand why the United States was involved in the war.
Job Duties as Protocol Officer and Receiving a New Job in Europe
Joan Clark discusses how she came into her job as Protocol Officer in the pilot training program. She summarizes her responsibilities and recalls that when she left that position, they replaced her with three people. She recounts how she was sent to Paris, traveling with the Joint Chiefs of Staff and notes that she became Protocol Officer for USAFE (United States Air Forces in Europe), helping to oversee all of the airbases in Europe.
Deciding to Join the United States Air Force
Joan Clark recalls the circumstances that led to her deciding to join the Air Force. She shares how she was unsure of the medical field despite the fact it was the field she was majoring in in college. She recalls taking an aptitude test which told her that she was a "jack of all trades." She recounts deciding to join the Air Force because she saw it as something that would provide an education, pay her, and allow her to see the world.