This week’s Veterans Spotlight shines on Jan Klebuskowski.
Jan Klebukowski’s passion for aviation and space ignited in his youth, inspired by a visit to the 1964-65 World’s Fair in New York and witnessing the moon landing on television. His interest deepened at Glen Cove South School, also known as the “World of Tomorrow School,” which featured a planetarium and offered model rocketry and basic electronics classes. This early education, combined with electronics training from Grumman Data Systems Institute, led him to enlist in the Air Force in 1985. His training at Lackland, Lowry, and Mountain Home Air Force Bases prepared him for a 22-year career in active duty and the Air National Guard, specializing in aircraft maintenance and communications systems.
Klebukowski later joined the Air National Guard with the 213th Engineering Installation Squadron, focusing on Ground Radio Maintenance and installing communication systems at various overseas sites.
Over his career, he held several Air Force Specialty Codes (AFSCs), including roles as an Integrated Avionics Communication Navigation & Penetration Aids Systems Specialist and Ground Radio Communications specialist. He earned the Cold War Certificate, recognizing his service during this era, along with the Meritorious Service Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, and other honors. Klebukowski retired in 2007 as a master sergeant with the 106th Rescue Wing.
In retirement, he remains active in the Air Force Association and the Air Force Radar Museum Association. He has also captured his experiences by writing a book on the history of Roslyn Air National Guard Station.
