Is there an archive of basic training photos?

1st Lt James Lipski — Mon, 29 May 2023 18:23:01 -0400

I was a cadet and attended training in the summer of 1983 at Lackland AFB. A group photo of myself and the flight I was assigned to was taken. We all received a copy. Unfortunately that picture was stored at my parents house where there was a tragic fire. The picture was destroyed. Does the Air Force have a copy I can obtain? Where would it be? Who do I write to the get it? Thanks.

Response by COL Randall C. made May 29 at 2023 6:54 PM

COL Randall C. — Mon, 29 May 2023 18:54:47 -0400

1st Lt James Lipski, the first thing I'd check is the USAF's BMT Flight Photos - the direct link to those from 1983 is at https://www.bmtflightphotos.af.mil/1980s/1983/

Other places to try if that doesn't help is the US Air Force BMTs group on Facebook - it's possible that has what you're looking for as well (https://www.facebook.com/groups/ [login to see] 80656)

Finally, if it was an 'official class photo' taken by the unit, there's a possibility that still National Archives' pictures repository at College Park* might have one. You can search online to see if you can find it - however, you might have to write a librarian for help as there are many that haven't gone through the transfer process.

Again, your best chance is probably the first option.
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* National Archives - https://www.archives.gov/research/still-pictures

1983

The official site of USAF Basic Military Training Flight Photograph Project

Response by LTC Stephen C. made May 29 at 2023 11:46 PM

LTC Stephen C. — Mon, 29 May 2023 23:46:12 -0400

1st Lt James Lipski, I checked and found that you were a member of Together We Served. Enter your flight information, etc., and perhaps they'll have the photo in their archives. On the Army side, many basic training photos have been archived, so maybe the Air Force has done something similar. It's worth a try.

Response by Sgt Matthew DeVilling made Jun 1 at 2023 9:24 AM

Sgt Matthew DeVilling — Thu, 01 Jun 2023 09:24:29 -0400

I would be interested in the responses as well.

Response by SMSgt Henry Kiester made Jun 2 at 2023 10:47 AM

SMSgt Henry Kiester — Fri, 02 Jun 2023 10:47:13 -0400

You could Join Facebook US Air Force BMTS - https://www.facebook.com/groups/ [login to see] 6769/ and post a request - you might be able to connect with someone from your flight who could send you the photo.

U.S. Air Force 1980s BMTS Lackland AFB TX | Facebook

Do you want to share a memory from those days? Perhaps find someone from your squadron and flight?