What is a loadmaster?

 Between the security of childhood and the insecurity of second chilhood, we find a fascinating group of humanity called "loadmasters". They come in assorted sizes, weights, and states of sobriety. They can be found in bars, on leave, in love, and always in debt. Girls love them, towns tolerate them, and the government supports them.

 A "loadmaster" is laziness with a deck of cards, bravery with a tattooed arm, and a gallant protector of the skies with a copy of playboy.

 He has the energy of a turtle, the slyness of a fox and the brains of an idiot, the stories of a sea captain, the sincerity of a liar, and the aspirations of a Casanova. When he wants something it is usually connected with a pass. Some of his likes are women, girls, females, dames and the opposite sex.

 He dislikes answering letters, wearing his uniform, superior officers, the chow and getting up on time. No one else can cram into his flight suit pocket a little black book, a pack of crushed cigarettes, his best girl's picture, a comb, a church key and what's left of last payday's paycheck. He likes to spend some of his money on girls, some on booze, some on poker and the rest on foolishness.