PAM ERLENBUSCH COOPER

I joined the USAF in 1976 (Air Traffic Controller) after receiving my Associates Degree at St. Pete Jr College. Met my husband also USAF in 1980 at Tyndall AFB FL. Honorable discharge 1983 as a Staff Sergeant and had our first son. Traveled with husband, who got his commission as an officer, all over the US and Azores. I had assorted jobs, USAF XRay Library, USAF Finance office, Substitute teacher, DOT High School Secretary, Medical Records supervisor and finally Printing business manager. I Graduated from University of South Florida 1985 Fine Arts. I lived in Florida, North Carolina, Illinois, Mississippi, Azores and Texas.
Husband retired and we moved to Texas in 2000 to help work at a family printing business in Denton Texas. I’m semi retired and travel a lot (especially to Panama City, Destin, Daytona and Clearwater). I work at Cooper’s Copies and Printing. My husband passed away February 9, 2023 after a long illness. I keep myself busy being involved with my church as an elder, Clerk of the Session and also administrator. I volunteer at CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) that help children who have been put in foster homes. I have two grandchildren PJ and Pearl. I still paint with Acrylics and watercolor and a member of Gainesville Area Visual Arts Texas.

My most memorable story is when I was a Vikette in band on the flag team. I was one of the original Vikettes as we started the Flag Team in the 1971-72 school year.
My first car was a bright red 1965 Volkswagen Beetle. During band practice with the famous “Sam Hand the Band Man” we would walk from the band room to the football field. I would drive my car and everyone would squeeze in or hop on and hang on. We had such a hilarious time especially when the our Band Major, Larry Stach, sat in the middle on the shift stick and I changed gears. Ouch!!!
Believe it or not, being in the band helped me at USAF basic training. My AF TI had me demonstrate “about face” maneuver that was easy for me, which we did often in the Northeast High School Marching Band.