Recruiter and recruit meet again after 24 years
Published 1:46 pm Thursday, September 12, 2024
- Photo Contributed/Pictured are (l-r) former USAF Recruiter John Joslin and his wife Kathy and Chief Master Sergeant Freddie Bradshaw (ret USAF) and his wife, Dee. Joslin recruited Bradshaw for the Air Force. Joslin is now a pastor in Sevierville, and Bradshaw and his wife returned to their native Elizabethton after his retirement.
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Master Sergeant John P. Joslin, retired USAF Recruiter, and wife, Kathy, of Sevierville, recently met with Chief Master Sergeant Freddie Bradshaw, retired USAF, and his wife, Dee, of Elizabethton at their Sevierville home for the first time after 24 years.
John and Freddie first met in Johnson City in March of 1971 when John recruited Freddie into the Air Force and sent him on his way to Lackland Air Force Base for basic training. They met again 30 years later in Okinawa, Japan.
John has since retired from the Air Force, attended seminary and entered the ministry. After entering the ministry, John and his wife volunteered as missionaries at the Central Baptist Church, Urasoe City, Okinawa, Japan. At the time Chief Bradshaw was assigned to the 353rd Maintenance Squadron, 353rd Special Operations Group, Kadena Air Bake, Okinawa, when they discovered they were both on the island.
They met and rekindled their friendship. About a year later, Chief Bradshaw retired after 30 years of honorable service. During Bradshaw’s retirement speech he said, “I am going to make Air Force history today. I would like to introduce you to my USAF recruiter from 30 years ago, Master Sergeant and now Pastor, John P. Joslin and his wife, Kathy.”
The attendees could not believe Chief Bradshaw’s recruiter was there for his retirement ceremony. The attendees stood and applauded and John and Kathy became instant celebrities.
The Air Force Times heard about John and Freddie’s story and published a nice article about them.
After retirement Freddie and his family moved back to Elizabethton. He then discovered his old recruiter was living about two hours away in Sevierville. Calls were made and the two families met again. John is currently the pastor of Valley View Baptist Church in Sevierville, and Freddie is enjoying the spoils of retirement and being a grandfather.
Both couples are truly steadfast in their love of God and county. They have been friends for 53 years and plan to remain great friends for the rest of their days.
