Whiteman AFB Missouri 1962

I was intrinsically a happy child; however, Daddy was overwhelmed by life sometimes, fueled by Pabst Blue Ribbon beer, and I became the family clown to keep the mood light. I often wonder who was taking this picture because I was clearly wary.

We received orders for Colorado, but by the time the ink was dry, we were headed to Bitburg AFB Germany. This family photo, no doubt taken by some 18 year old pimple-faced air force clerk from the Midwest who wanted to serve his country and see the world, really caught the Mills women’s spot on fashion sense and ability to pose for the camera. I was the runt of the litter in this tall family; check out everybody’s flat shoes. My oldest sister, to the right of my mother, was over 6’ tall and married a young air force flightline mechanic from West Virginia so she didn’t go to Germany. Apparently, bric-a-brac was in that year, too. If I say so myself, I love my little freckles that have now migrated into big ol’ lady spots.