Copley, Benjamin, 1SG

PLEASE DESCRIBE WHO OR WHAT INFLUENCED YOUR DECISION TO JOIN THE ARMY.

Basic Training Photo 1969

As a child I was facinated with war movies and TV shows such as Combat and Stalag 13. At age 17 I had dropped out of High School and decided my best option in life at that time was to join the Army I did so with the guarantee of Jump school.

WHETHER YOU WERE IN THE SERVICE FOR SEVERAL YEARS OR AS A CAREER, PLEASE DESCRIBE THE DIRECTION OR PATH YOU TOOK. WHERE DID YOU GO TO BASIC TRAINING AND WHAT UNITS, BASES OR SQUADRONS WERE YOU ASSIGNED TO? WHAT WAS YOUR REASON FOR LEAVING?

First Sergeant photo 2003

After my initial active duty enlistment, 68-72 I joined the reserves in 1986 and in 2006 after having reached my goal of 1st Sgt it was time to leave and let the younger soldiers strive for their goals.

IF YOU PARTICIPATED IN ANY MILITARY OPERATIONS, INCLUDING COMBAT, HUMANITARIAN AND PEACEKEEPING OPERATIONS, PLEASE DESCRIBE THOSE WHICH MADE A LASTING IMPACT ON YOU AND, IF LIFE-CHANGING, IN WHAT WAY?
The most fulfilling assignment was as a helicopter crewman in Vietnam. I felt a sense of appreciation as was noticeable in the faces of the soldiers on the ground every time we showed up in their support.

DID YOU ENCOUNTER ANY SITUATION DURING YOUR MILITARY SERVICE WHEN YOU BELIEVED THERE WAS A POSSIBILITY YOU MIGHT NOT SURVIVE? IF SO, PLEASE DESCRIBE WHAT HAPPENED AND WHAT WAS THE OUTCOME.
I never once felt I would be wounded or killed. I never gave it a second thought.

OF ALL YOUR DUTY STATIONS OR ASSIGNMENTS, WHICH ONE DO YOU HAVE FONDEST MEMORIES OF AND WHY? WHICH WAS YOUR LEAST FAVORITE?
I was very excited an thrilled when I finally arrived at Ft Benning jump school. I was a time when I could strive for and achieved my personal best. My least favorite assignment came after Airborne school when I was assigned to the 82nd Abn Div. I immediately volunteered for Vietnam.

FROM YOUR ENTIRE MILITARY SERVICE, DESCRIBE ANY MEMORIES YOU STILL REFLECT BACK ON TO THIS DAY.

The day I was promoted to Buck Sgt

I was no more excited in my military career than the day I was pinned my E-5 stripes.

WHAT PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENTS ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF FROM YOUR MILITARY CAREER?
I'm proud of all the awards were presented to me, but the most important award was the one presented by my mother, my birth certificate.

OF ALL THE MEDALS, AWARDS, FORMAL PRESENTATIONS AND QUALIFICATION BADGES YOU RECEIVED, OR OTHER MEMORABILIA, WHICH ONE IS THE MOST MEANINGFUL TO YOU AND WHY?
I think my Jump Wings were my greatest sense of personal accomplishment. I still reflect on the exhilaration of exiting the aircraft and then the peacefullness after the chute opened of being suspended in the air floating down toward the ground.

WHICH INDIVIDUAL(S) FROM YOUR TIME IN THE MILITARY STAND OUT AS HAVING THE MOST POSITIVE IMPACT ON YOU AND WHY?
Maj Ross Bryant has an overflowing personality of positive influence on everyone he encounters. He was my commander at the ROTC MS educational course at CCCC/UNLV Las Vegas NV. Best assignment I ever had in whole military career.

LIST THE NAMES OF OLD FRIENDS YOU SERVED WITH, AT WHICH LOCATIONS, AND RECOUNT WHAT YOU REMEMBER MOST ABOUT THEM. INDICATE THOSE YOU ARE ALREADY IN TOUCH WITH AND THOSE YOU WOULD LIKE TO MAKE CONTACT WITH.
I've had the pleasure of serving in the 61st AHC in VN with Ltc. Wallace, Sgt. Strange and 1st Sgt Flink and We had our 40th year reunion in Mauston, WI.

CAN YOU RECOUNT A PARTICULAR INCIDENT FROM YOUR SERVICE, WHICH MAY OR MAY NOT HAVE BEEN FUNNY AT THE TIME, BUT STILL MAKES YOU LAUGH?
We were all new in country sitting around a table having drinks at a bar in Bien Hoa, VN when a loud but distant BOOM was heard. It sounded very much like an explosion from incoming rockets or out going artillery fire. We didn't give it much thought after all we were in a combat zone and noises of such were common. After short time of minute or two went by and the explosion happened again only this time it was a little louder and seemed closer. Then another even more close, and another getting closer and closer. We could now see the reflection of a flash through the windows then we looked at each other and as if it were coriographed everyone in the bar dove to the floor and under tables. Some of the Vietnamese waitresses started chuckling and laughing. We soon found out the explosions were from a helicopter flying over there area using TNT as a flash for night arial photography.

WHAT PROFESSION DID YOU FOLLOW AFTER YOUR MILITARY SERVICE AND WHAT ARE YOU DOING NOW? IF YOU ARE CURRENTLY SERVING, WHAT IS YOUR PRESENT OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTY?
I'm retired now but pursued a career working on the Railroad both as an Engineer and Conductor.