Blaine Briggs enlisted in the Army Air Corps on his 18^th birthday, nearly 69 years ago. Blaine recalls that following the rise of Hitler in the mid 1930's he was just a teenager, but knew even then that he would eventually serve his country.  After the events of Pearl Harbor, he knew for sure that this was his calling. He entered the Army as a Private and became a Navigator on a B-24.  He was shot down on his 27th mission and spent 7 1/2 months as a POW in a German prison camp.   Recently, Blaine recalled that this was a "maturing experience" and one of the best experiences of his life.  He learned during his captivity that the men were a "team" and all their lives depended on the cooperation of every man.  He ended his military career as a 1st Lieutenant.  

Blaine continues to support the military for many reasons, but foremost is that he can relate, even now, to the feelings of honor and fear that our servicemen and women are experiencing during their deployments today.  During a visit to Scripps Hospital Encinitas, Blaine encountered a young officer being discharged after several treatments for Traumatic Brain Injuries.  The officer told Blaine that he was happy because he was going back into service for his country.

Immediately Blaine and his wife LaVerne knew that they would continue to do what they could to assist the military today. Through AFIG Blaine has been able to work with others to help alleviate some of the challenges military families face.   Along with that comes the personal satisfaction and "tremendous joy" he gets from working with others.