Equal or Special: That is the Question

John H. Swinford III was born in Niagara Falls, New York, and raised in Buffalo, New York. A cancer survivor, after being given less than optimal circumstances, beating all odds in 1979. A graduate from Kenmore West Senior High in 1987. Enlisted in the United States Air Force on 06 September 1989, and retired 01 February 2017. A Veteran, with over 27 years of Active-Duty service. His background includes various duties in the Medical Service career career-field: Aeromedical Evacuation Service Specialist with the 914th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron, Military Instructor, and Military Inspector. Special assignments working for the USAFR Surgeon General's Office and the Inspector General's Office. His assignments include bases in Texas, District of Columbia, and New York. He has also served overseas in Alaska, Germany, Korea, Panama, South Africa. He deployed in support of operation Desert Storm/Shield, Operation Joint Forge, Bosnia and Herzegovina where he flew combat missions. After retiring, he became a substitute teacher, author, and returned to nursing; working with the VA their patients.