James Claiborne Date of birth: April 20, 1919 War or conflict: World War II Dates of service: 1942 to 1946 Hometown: Coleman, Texas Theater and location of service: Stateside Branch: Army Air Corps Rank: Sergeant Specialty: Link trainer instructor Lives in: Clovis In his words: After attending Randolf Army Air Base for training, Claiborne began working as an instructor. He was responsible for training pilot cadets on instrument flying for BT-13 airplanes. One of 50 instructors, they worked at a fast pace to get the students through the basic level of the course and into battle. Working 12-hour shifts, seven days a week, the instructors taught 800 cadets in each 12-week session, receiving three days off every six weeks. After two years, the training center was closed and Claiborne was sent to Altus, Okla., to train students in the advanced portion of flying. Claiborne continued to train air cadets throughout his enlistment, serving at bases in Texas and California. Veterans profiles are a weekly feature. To submit a profile, contact CNJ staff writer Sharna Johnson at 763-6991 or by e-mail at: sharna_johnson@link.freedom.com