As told to me, as a 2Lt:

Day 1 of pilot training, we (students) were told our families could go to the flight surgeon; bypassing the long wait at Family Practice.

Supposedly during Vietnam, a non-rated officer wrote a letter to the Editor of Air Force Times, lamenting:

"Why do pilot's families get to go to the Flight Surgeon? I'm an officer too...I don't see why just they should get special privileges...."

Reputedly, a flyer wrote back (Probably a Phantom guy, given the era), and said:

"Why? Because we're the tip of the spear. Because we have valuble jobs skills that people on the outside are willing to pay big bucks for, whereas your AFSC [Air Force Specialty Code; a job-number] qualifies you to be a shoe salesman at Thom McKann" (a big shoe-making name at the time).

That's what I was told.

The Navy has a similar "shoe" moniker, although the reasons are different (If I have it right, submariners and ship guys wear black shoes, only flyers wear brown). I know you have the details on this one, Rick!