Airmans career recorded in collection Published Sept. 23, 2004 FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. -- An embroidered buccaneer against a background of blue, sewn proudly on the breast of a young Airman, sparked his interest.He wanted to know more. Where did it come from? What did it mean?As the Nellis AFB, Nev., Airman sought the story behind the 428th Fighter Squadrons patch, he discovered a hidden culture of stories rich in history and tradition. Each patch had its own story to tell and there were plenty of people willing to pass along the tales.As he delved deeper into the largely unknown world, he discovered a passion that would carry him through his career.Nearly 20 years later, Master Sgt. Johnny Huerecas patch collection exceeds 5,000 patches, not including the 2,000 he uses for trading.Sergeant Huereca, productions supervisor for the 92nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, has patches from every base he has been stationed at, as well as from almost every base he has visited.Even though I got my first squadron patch in 1984, he said, I didnt start avidly collecting until about five years later.At the time, his collection was broad. He grabbed anything he could get his hands on and asked everyone he knew or met. Army, Foreign Service and other patches cluttered his date-stamped and thoroughly documented pages, until the collection grew too large to manage.Now I only collect Air Force patches, he said. All of my old miscellaneous patches and duplicates I use to trade for patches I dont yet have.Although narrowed, his collection continues to expand daily. It includes a collection of U.S. Air Force Thunderbird patches (documenting almost every change in aircraft), as well as approximately 30 commanders patches, straight from the hands of various wing commanders.I have never bought a single patch, he said.He said every piece of his collection has come from previous assignments, acquaintances or through exchanges with other collectors. Once, while doing some volunteer work at a military museum, Sergeant Huereca grew close to a couple of retirees who shared his interest in preserving the history of the Air Force and passing on its legends. They shared their collection with him.The oldest patch I have dates back to the mid-30s, he said. It was worn by the Air Corps troops that attempted to bomb a Hawaiian volcano that was threatening residents. The attempt was unsuccessful, but the patch now adorns a page of one of Sergeant Huerecas many three-ring binders overflowing with patches.Included in his collection are the five emblems he created for Travis AFB, Calif., and Kelly AFB, Texas, units while stationed at both bases.Every time I look at my collection it makes me want to keep it going to keep collecting, he said.However, as the sergeant nears his retirement he is considering donating the collection to an Air Force museum.Its something you really have to keep up on because there are always squadrons activating and deactivating, he said. And I am sure that a museum can find a much better use for them.But until he actually brings himself to handing them over, his collection lays an outline for the sergeants travels. From the buccaneer patch that started his collection to his current clenched fist and wrench, Sergeant Huerecas journeys of the past 20 years are etched out on the now yellowing pages that hold his collection. Air Mobility Command News Service is a service of the Internal Division Office of Public Affairs 503 Ward Drive, Room 214 Scott Air Force Base, Illinois 62225-5335 618-229-7821