Interview, David P. Alley, USAF

A native of Rochester, New York, David P. Alley (b. 1947) is a Vietnam-era Veteran who enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1967. He initially wanted to work in bomb disposal, but the discovery during basic training that he was color blind prevented him from being able to do that. Instead he became a carpenter. During his two years in the service, Alley helped to computerize the bases on which he was stationed, both stateside and in the Philippines. After the war, Alley became an active member of the Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 20. He was inspired to participate in the Rochester-Monroe County Vietnam-Era Veterans Oral History Project after watching the HBO special Band of Brothers.

In his interview, Alley talks extensively about daily life as a serviceman on an Air Force base. He discusses topics such as meals and training exercises. He also mentions “Dear John” letters, which were break up letters that servicemen received from their significant others back home. Alley discusses working and traveling in the Philippines and what it was like living on a foreign base with the American wives and children of his commanding officers. During his free time in the Philippines, Alley toured with a military drama group. He spent the end of his active duty in Colorado, where he worked to computerize his entire base. Alley was honorably discharged from service in 1971.