Name: Jennings Woodrow Fleenor
AKA “Woody”
Branch: Army air core (European
division) air transport command
Age Joined: 17
Rank: Sargent
Years Served: 3 years
What made you want to serve our country?
I wanted to be patriotic.
What advice would you give someone looking to go into the military?
I would recommend that anyone who can follow a strict routine could make a career out of the air force.
What’s your favorite quote?
God bless America
Did you make any close friendships while in the service? Did you continue any of those relationships?
Yes I met a fellow from Johnson city. We met at induction and went through basic training and served together the entire time we were in Europe. We remained close friends until he passed away in 2001.
What was the best and worst ‘military’ food you were served, and why?
When I went to England they fed us Brussel Sprouts for all three meals a day for 90 days. To this day I will not eat another brussel sprout. The best food was candy. I loved candy.
How does your military experience affect your life today?
It was really good because it shaped my actions and put me on a great routine.
Were you awarded any medals or citations? How did you get them?
I was awarded European theatre accommodation as well as the good conduct medal
Do you recall the day your service ended? Where were you?
I was at camp atterbury Indiana. I remember the day I was discharged and rode the train back home to Johnson city.
What did you do in the days and weeks afterward?
I worked for my my dad until I was able to get into college.
Where did you travel while in the service?
North Carolina, Mississippi, Florida, Illinois, New Jersey, and then New York to get on the original Queen Elizabeth to go overseas to Glasgow, Scotland
Why did you pick the service branch you joined?
I picked the Air Force because that’s what I wanted. My Dads close friend was an officer in the coast guard and wanted me to join but I’m just not a water person I won’t even drink it if I have another choice.
Do you recall your first days in service?
My first days overseas I went on a beautiful train ride from Scotland to London.
Was there something special you did for “good luck”?
I guess I just kept faith in God
Did you work or go back to school?
I got out in April of 1946 and worked for my Dad until I got into college in the winter semester
Tell me a funny story you experienced that could only happen in the military.
In Downtown London you could go shopping in the stores and you would see the Queen. No secret service or anything like that just a normal citizen.
Is there anything you would like to add that we have not covered in this interview?
I thoroughly enjoyed my entire military career. I’ve enjoyed the military clubs I’ve been a member of and I’m proud to have served my country.
Today Woody is 93 years old and he still works a full time, 40 hour a week job in Kingsport for Mickey Smith Motor Company. During his 3 years of service Woody worked in office in flight operations and scheduled pilots, co pilots, and their radio operators for there daily missions at the air dome in Bovington, England.
