WWII veteran returns to Scott for grandson’s promotion Published Oct. 8, 2015 By Senior Airman Megan Friedl 375th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. -- -- A grandfather can be a very influential person in a young boy's life. For Master Sgt. Michael Tucker, Cyber Support Squadron NCOIC of Cyber Operation Requirements, his grandfather was the reason he decided to join the Air Force. Master Sgt. Tucker's grandfather, Robert Tucker Sr., told him many stories about his WWII military experiences. Those stories, along with his own calling to serve, inspired him to join and make the military a career. Michael Tucker was promoted to master sergeant recently and Tucker Sr. was in attendance at the ceremony. At the end of Tucker Sr.'s time in service, at the age of 21, he was sent to Scott Field to be honorably discharged as a sergeant in 1945. Nearly 70 years later, at 91 years old, he returned to Scott to celebrate his grandson's promotion to master sergeant. "I'm so proud to see my grandson progress through the military," he said. The new master sergeant was also proud to have his grandfather on hand for the promotion ceremony. "I'm humbled to have him here," said Master Sgt. Tucker. "He's been such an influence to me." Master Sgt. Tucker shared his grandfather's story and some photos with the crowd. One of the photos he shared was of Tucker Sr. during the short time he spent at Scott Field. He was placed on the cover of the "Scott Broadcaster" base newspaper back in 1945. In the nearly 70 years since he has been at Scott, Tucker Sr. was shocked by how things have changed. "Since I've last been here, Scott has grown and improved so much," he said. Tucker Sr. was drafted into the Army Air Corps in 1943 during World War II at the age of 18. He originally served as an automotive mechanic. He was later trained to be a sheet metal worker. He mainly worked and repaired B-17s and other aircraft that had major battle damage. He spent most of his enlistment at an air base in England.