ICQ & Potpourri Mail - 2006
Informal or Partial Messages
Most recent first...as determined by arrival.
December 29, 2006
From: Henry J. Miehle
Subject: Email change
[Ed Note: This is in response to an email change verification...but contains information of interest to the body.]
You have the new/correct email. Had a very good holiday. Had to have a knee replaced in Nov. and still recovering...doing well.
Hank Miehle, 228 Northview Dr., Sanford, NC 27332
December 22, 2006
From: Charles Skipper
Subject: Obituaries
I had a couple of friends whose names should appear in the obituaries, but no can find. Thought I would ask you to check and maybe you can find them.
James Bishop [Flt Simulator Tech]; last known rank was MSgt. I searched through my files and found a note from MPC that James D. Bishop, AF14544301, passed in Nov 80.
L S Whitfield, [Sheet Metal Tech]; last known rank SSgt. Allegedly passed around early 2000s. Although he would never admit it, I believe his name was Lonnie and he claimed to be from the Clearwater, FL, area.
Would be interested to know if they are deceased.
Thanks...Charles L Skipper
December 22, 2006
From: Donald J Fink
Subject: Photo correction
In the snapshot section, the man talking on the telephone is labeled David Pisarik. It is really Anton "Tony" Brunner, F102 c/c.
Best Regards, Merry Christmas...Don
December 14, 2006
From: Tom Sutton
Subject: WW2 Vet Status
I was just looking at the list of WW2 Vets. My name is in the bottom section as unknown. I joined US Army Air Corps on July 5, 1946. To the best of my knowledge, Pres. Truman declared the official end of WW2 as Dec 31, 1946. If this is true, my name should be moved to another section. I was awarded the WW2 Victory Medal.
Tom
December 12, 2006
From: William Piper
Subject: Bob Joiner
I called Joye Joiner and she is the widow of Bob Joiner. She remembered me and others, such as Van Daele, Dad Ingalls, Jump Myers, and Jimmy Rhodes. She gave me the location of Bob's grave, but not any details. He died on Aug. 29, 1979, and is buried in Winter Haven, FL. She was not interested in the web site because she doesn't have a computer. Also she didn't seem interested in talking about the squadron or about Bob very much...so I just said thank you and hung up.
Take care...Bill
December 8, 2006
From: Margie Gaffney
Subject: Robert L. Ford
Last year we did not attend the reunion, instead we went to Va. in March to see Ron's old buddy, Bob Ford. We had received word that he was real bad, then in Sept. we went back to see him and it turns out it was the last time. In March he didn't know us but in Sept. he did. He passed away Dec. 6th. He will be buried at Albert G. Horton Jr. Memorial Veterans Cemetery in Suffolk, Va. Services will be Monday, the 11th of Dec. We have attached a copy of the obituary from the Hampton Roads Daily Press.
Ronald and Margie Gaffney
December 6, 2006
From: William Piper
Subject: Richard Gruver
I didn't realize that the Richard Gruver that was assigned to the 482nd was the same one that I was in cadets with, but his AO number (below), is close to mine, AO3081463.
Here is what you have on him:
GRUVER, Richard E.; Mar 30, 1937 - July 16, 1988; Major, USAF
Interred: Akers Cem., Grayson Co., TX. AO3081456 --- SS# 163-32-3511 PA
He and I were in cadets at Hondo AB, TX, and Greenville AFB, MS. After that, I don't really remember him. It could be that he went through Moody and then on to another base before Seymour. I think he died of prostate cancer because I talked to his wife, trying to find him and didn't know that he was dead. Evidently, he must have been stationed at Perrin AFB, TX, at one time because he is buried there in Grayson County. I think that he was from PA, originally.
Bill Piper
December 2, 2006
From: George Willick
Need a positive ID. The man to the right is the late (June 7, 2005) Billy Joe Collins of Prague, OK. He retired from Tinker AFB. But Tinker is also the largest single employer in the state of Oklahoma. No military marker has appeared on the VA website. The 482nd's Billy J. Collins was from OK, and arrived Oct 1959 as an A/3C and was an a/c mech...by the 1983 reunion he was a SMSgt living in Okmulgee, OK (ene of Prague by a few miles). Does anyone recall him well enough to ID the photo...up or down?
[The Okmulgee address has long been vacated and a second Billy J. Collins from OK, who recently died, was an Army veteran. Doesn't mean that there isn't another...the name is common.]
December 2, 2006
From: Wayne Ledkins
Still have a long way to go to get straightened up, but we are here and the new addresses are above and below.
We are still working hard, so it may take me awhile to answer any emails you may send.
Wayne Ledkins, 606 High Mesa Drive, Wimberly, TX 78676
November 30, 2006
From: Jim Switzer
You found me. That's great, because I have been looking for you. The Border Agent at Yuma is me also. I retired there as the Chief Patrol Agent in 2001.
I reported to SJ in late 1962 (I'll dig up dates later), to the Ground Support section. I went on some of the Det 2 details, and in 1963, I went PCS to KWNAS. I stayed there through transition to Dickie Goober, and was discharged in Feb 1966. Five months later, I joined the U.S. Border Patrol.
I have some copies of orders and stuff from that era that I'll try to get to you. Jim Jackson was the first shirt and I've got a picture of him and I, and the other members of the bowling team in 1965.
I'm still looking through the website and I will get back to you asap.
Jim S. Switzer, 508 Vickers Circle, Kerrville, TX 78028
November 29, 2006
From: Robbie Robledo
Subject: Jim Day
I was on the F106 website and just read a message about Jim Day passing away. Is this the 482nd FIS Jim Day? He was an engine troop at Andrews AFB 55-57, then I think he was with us at Seymour, then he went on to be a Tech Rep with Convair. If he is the same person, let me know and I will send you the details. Robbie
November 17, 2006
From: Wayne Ledkins
We have sold our house in Mississippi and will be making the move back to Texas this next week.
Our internet service here ends on Monday the 20th. Supposed to have a new one in Wimberly by the 22nd. We will see. When we do I'll let you know. We'll be real busy the next few days, so please hold all emails until I give you our new email address.
Our new mailing address will be:
Wayne & August Ledkins, 606 High Mesa Drive, Wimberly, TX 78676-2424
November 6, 2006
From: Col. Winkler
Came across your web site this past week. I notice I'm listed as "deceased ?" Be assured I'm still with the the old living troops from the 482nd. I was with the Sq. during Key West deployment as Maint Officer. Left 482nd in summer of '64 for MAAG, Norway (2 years) moving F104 and F5 from Los Angeles to Norway. After that I spent 1 year in England in 3rd Air Force Hdqs., and retired from there as Colonel. (June 30, '67.)
Nice web site.
James T. Winkler, Col. USAF (Ret), 56254 E. 302 Rd., Monkey Island, OK 74331
October 26, 2006
From: Ralph Hanna
What a very nice run-down of John W. Robinson's career! Captains were really "salty" in those days. It wasn't quite the same in my era although I was a Lt and Capt for 10 + years; not much time as a Major. It is always interesting to review the bases that no longer are active.
Time marches on!
Ralph Hanna (Lt. Col. Ret), 2408 Richard Bolling, Williamsburg, VA 23185-8059
October 16/17, 2006
From: John Robinson
Subject: Maj. John W. Robinson
While going thru some old photos and newspaper articles, I found the newspaper article about the T33 landing on the dirt road in North Carolina. After reading the article, I searched "Google" for Capt. Jeangerard and found your web page for the 482nd F.I.S. I was eleven years old at the time, but I recall my father, Maj. John W. Robinson (Materiel Officer 1956 - 1959), taking me along to look at the plane in the front yard of the farmer's home. Somewhere, there are snapshots of the aircraft, probably taken by my dad...will scan and email them, if found.
My father retired as a Lt. Col. and my parents are both buried in the National Cemetery near Bushnell, FL. I have enclosed his obituary and attached photos of Dad, Mom & Dad, and a photo of a white jacket with medals. Found this in a garment bag in the closet. Don't recall seeing it before. Dad's DFC was from a support mission flying a P47 against tanks.
Another group of WWII documents found were mission flight leader summary forms. Some had very little info, others more details. Found one that mentioned, "Jumped by 10 109s, Wainwright got six." Remembered reading about this "record" for ace in a single mission flight, but didn't know that my Dad was the flight leader.
John Robinson, Fl.
October 13, 2006
From: Bobby Wright
Subject: Picture of Unknown
Under Snapshots, 1963-1965, the name of the person to the right of Loren Thomas is Richard C. Hess. I went to tech school and served on the flt. line with him.
Robert (Bobby) Wright
September 13, 2006
From: Tom Sutton
I was informed last night that a long time member and regular reunion attendee, Gerald Jamison, had passed away on September 3, 2006, at Winston-Salem. Details are sketchy, but the cause of death was some kind of cancer that was discovered after the reunion. He looked bad and was very sick this year.
September 3, 2006
From: Jim Giffard
Last night I was wandering around the internet and decided to look to see if anyone had a 482nd FIS patch. I ended up on one of your pages with statements from previous members. I found both Doug Courtright and Frank Kurzenhauser, both of whom I worked very closely with. I got Doug's address and phone number from the net and called him. We chatted for a while, and he gave me your e-mail.
The 482nd was my first real assignment out of Tech School from about Apr '61 until Detach 2 transferred to Richards-Gebauer. One of my feats with the 482nd was being on the base rifle team and getting to compete at the National Rifle Meets in 1962. I also did a TDY to Detach 1 as temporary hot room operator for three months. I transferred from S-J to Key West when Detach 2 opened.
I seem to remember the people and events of the 482nd more than any other organization of my 20 years, but I would suppose because I was young, eager, and impressed. I will say there were excellent personnel in the 482nd, and that's why I stayed in. In July 1966 I went to Germany and tactical aircraft, not at all the same caliber.
Thanks for the work...
September 1, 2006
From: George Willick
A package arrived today from Ralph Robledo that was part surprise and part "Blast from the Past." A letter of explanation was enclosed...
"George...we took a trip to New Mexico to find another ejection seat for the TF102A. We found a good seat, but it was stuck and would not come out. So...we chopped off the cockpit section and transported it back to the Castle Air Museum.
"My son, Dean, and I went out one day to remove the seat, but it would not budge. We tried all of our good tricks...it moved a little...then it moved more...we heard metal popping...and out it came. First the ejection seat and then a Nadar tape reel. I thought of you, made a clock, added a few things, and here it is.
"Thanks for your support keeping alive the 482nd and all of our memories. Robbie."
Thanks so much Robbie for all of your work, time, expense, thoughtfulness, and effort on this. It arrived in good shape and has a place on my computer desk. GCW
August 31, 2006
From: Wayne Ledkins
I was quite surprised when I received your letter, especially when I looked at the bottom left corner of the envelope where you had written 482nd FIS, Detach 1. I knew immediately what it was although it has been a number of years.
I was assigned to Det 1 @ Homestead from 14 Nov 61 through 11 Oct 62. My assignment there was a good one. I probably would have re-enlisted if the opportunity had been right. I think I am right about this, correct me if not. In those days there was what they called the 55/45 plan. That is 55% would re-enlist and 45% would get out. Well, I would have re-enlisted; however, I was frozen for promotion and they wouldn't let me cross train. I had heard about the ART (Air Reserve Technician) program and thought maybe I could get into that, so elected to get discharged.
I worked in the oil fields of south Texas for a few years; then worked in the Chemical plant industry for 18 years. Then, after all that time, a chance came for me to get into the ART program that I had wanted to get into so many years before so I took it. I barely made it because I was almost too old. I enlisted in the Air Force Reserve in 1981 and became a Technician in 1983. I was assigned to the 53rd Weather Squadron, 403 Reconnaissance Wing (AFRC), Keesler AFB, MS. You may not have heard of the 53rd but you probably have heard their name - "The Hurricane Hunters".
I enjoyed my years in the military very much. During my reserve years I was privileged to go TDY to several places, i.e. Anchorage AFB, Alaska; Reine Main AB, Germany; Hickam AFB, Hawaii; Howard AFB, Panama; Antigua and St Croix, Windward Islands. All of these were FOL's for the Hurricane Hunters except for Reine Main (I went there for a couple of months as a 1st Sgt for Provide Promise).
I retired as a Master Sergeant 1997; the wife and I have remained in the area since then.
I worked with SSgt George Harris and A1C Kent Davis when I was assigned to Det 1 at Homestead. I really enjoyed that assignment. It was neat being an ADC detachment on a SAC base.
Wayne Ledkins, 109 West Chipwood Drive, Gulfport, MS 39503
August 28, 2006
From: Ted Robinson
Bob Menius asked me to contact you. He tells me you strive to contact everyone and compile all information you can. I went to Seymour in summer of '56 and left in Sept of '58 for Germany. I was NCOIC of the MG-10 Radar division of the Avionics branch. I don't know what else to tell at this time.
I do stay in contact with Blaine Emanis. He was one of our civilian Reps assigned to the branch. He also attended the reunion this summer. We could not make it, but maybe next time.
Take care and good luck.
Ted G. Robinson, 1300 S Inverness Rd, Lynn Haven, FL 32444-5438
August 5, 2006
From: Betty Brogan
Dear Friends,
Denny Brogan passed away Aug. 2 at 5:00 a.m. A memorial service will be held August 5 followed by burial in Belle Plaine, Kansas. Funeral arrangements are through Hawks Funeral Home, Wellington, Kansas.
Messages can no longer be received at this e-mail address, however I can be contacted at the following address.
Betty Brogan, 500 N. Plum, Suite 111, Wellington, KS 67152
August 1, 2006
From: Steve Risner
It is with deep regret that we must inform you that our father, Mack Risner, passed away in his home on 26 July. We would like to thank those who have expressed condolences on his passing.
Attached is his obituary and the eulogies read at his memorial service.
We request that if you or anyone that you know were in the Philippines in the aftermath of the volcanic eruption of Mount Pinatubo, that you urge them to get an immediate examination for lung cancer. We have reason to believe that Dad's exposure to the volcanic ash (which contains tiny particles of crystalline silica and is known to cause silicosis and lung cancer in miners and quarry workers) may have been the cause of his cancer.
July 25, 2006
From: Tom Wallace
Did anyone ever tell you it was a small world? Well let me tell you just how small. Back in 1964 I was on my way home to Weldon, N.C. with my first wife and infant daughter. We were almost to Rt. 301 on Rt.117 when we passed a broken down car on the side of the road. I recognized one of people with the car as Jerry E. Whitman from our squadron. Jerry and I went to school in Weldon together and he joined the Air Force about a year before I did. His father was the chief of police in Weldon. I didn't know the name of the driver but he was in the Squadron also. He was on his way home to Richmond, Va. and was going to drop Jerry off in Weldon. I took them as far as Weldon...dropped Jerry off at the police station and took the driver to the bus station so he could go on to Richmond.
After your last posting I found out the name of the driver was Robert P. (Bobby) Wright. We have lived about a mile apart for the last 26 years. We had breakfast together this morning and started catching up on the last 42 years.
Thomas J. Wallace, 4289 East Williamsburg Road, Sandston, VA. 23150
July 21, 2006
From: Bobby P. Wright
My name is Robert P. Wright (Bobby) and I was part of the 482nd FIS from the latter part of 1962 until it's deactivation in 1965. I was a crew chief of Aircraft 57-0871 and in C-Flt.TSgt. Griffin was the Flt. Chief when I arrived and later when he retired SSgt. Ray replaced him. I have tried in the past to find a site about the 482nd but never had any luck. I finally found it by using the search engine Google. I sure hope there will be another reunion in 2007. If there is a directory I would like to be part of it and would also like to have one. This brings back so many memories its unbelievable. I was sent to Selfridge AFB 1st OMS in Mt. Clemons, Michigan in Sept.1965 to my discharge in June 1966.
So many friends I made while with the 482nd just to name a few- John Johnson, Bryan Hart, David Jenkins, Mike Tisdale, Billy Powers, Roy Dosh, Jeff Wilson, Jim Scanlon, Jeff Carter, Ray Epperson, SSgt. Atkins, David Walker. There are so many more I could name. Another thing that brings back so many memories was the golf. We use to have so much fun. Well this has been great.
Robert P. Wright, 3300 Old Williamsburg Rd., Sandston, Virginia 23150
July 17, 2006
From: William S. Piper
My serial number was AO3081463. At one time I had some of my 482nd orders. One of them gave our call signs with eggshape numbers. There were about four or five of them, but I think that I threw all of my AF records away when I moved from Dallas to Valdosta in 2000. That included my Form 5 which listed my flight time etc. I even threw away all of my airline manuals, records, including my flight logs. I suppose it would be hard for me to prove that I ever flew an airplane as far as records go. My wife did make me keep the news stories of the hijacking that I was involved in back in 1972.
About all I can remember on Ingalls, Flagg, etc. is that most of them were Captains when I was at the 482nd. I showed up there around July of 1958 and was shipped out to GCI on my birthday, March 12, 1959. John Baker, Jimmy Rhodes, Robert Joiner, and I think Harold Van Daele came about the same time that I did.
Take care, Bill
July 10, 2006
From: John Evors
I was in the 482nd from 1957-1959. I was in hydraulics with McFarland. Do you have any info on him?
Yes, it is a sad story on what happened to the old F-102s, but time goes on. After discharge, I went into the pulp and paper industery. I retired in Aug. of 1996 at 62 years old. Played golf for 6 years but got tired of it and now doing what I want to. I will be 70 on Aug. 14th and in pretty good health. I have been blessed.
Thanks for the memories.
John E. Evors, 3063 Akin Rd, Jesup, GA 31546-1109
July 2, 2006
From: Darlene Burcham
To all of Ralph's closest and dearest friends and Brothers: It grieves me so to be the one to relay this message. Ralph lost his war with cancer at 10:45 p.m. Friday July l, 2006. He was called home where there is no more pain or suffering. He passed away the same way he lived each day, with great dignity and determination that he had completed everything to the best of his ability. He loved and respected each of you so much. Please remember him in your prayers and wish him Godspeed. Thank all of you for being his friend and Brother.
Darlene Burcham, 3577 Merry Ridge Rd., Tobaccoville, NC 27050
June 21, 2006
From: John J. Jura
Received your letter and info on the 482 FIS. I have visited the site and will do so again as it will take a while to absorb all the info on it. Thank you for all your work.
I have enclosed a copy of my assignment orders to the 482nd and reassignment to the 445th FIS. I do not have any info on other members of the unit although I do remember the loss at sea of Capt. Rose. I was assigned to the Command Post and a lot of info was available to us.
Capt. Rose and a wingman were scrambled to escort an airliner in route to Florida from South America with one of its engines on fire. The Captain was flying close to the airliner while his wingman stayed above a broken cloud deck doing lazy S turns to remain with the other two lower and slower aircraft. As the wingman made a turn over an opening in the cloud deck he could not see the other F-102 and started a search pattern. It was at night and he could not find anything. The airliner crew reported they never saw the Captain's aircraft. Most of the squadron launched to Key West and remained several days searching as far as Cuba, finding nothing. The word we received was that he probably lost his instrument lights and went straight into the ocean. That would explain the lack of wreckage floating in the water. If the details are incorrect, I'm sorry.
After leaving the 482nd, I was assigned to the 445th (F-101s). From there to the 49th TAC Fighter Wing in Germany, rotated to Holloman AFB, N.M., with the wing, and then back to Germany on the first Crested Cap Combat Deployment (F-4s). Returned to Holloman for a year and went to Hdq. 7th A.F. in Saigon. I was assigned to the out-country Command Post with Laos and North Vietnam as our area of responsibility.
Returned to the States with an assignment to Hdq. ATC. Spent 3 years there and was assigned to Tuslog Det. 10, Incirlik, Turkey, for 2 years. Reassigned to 28th Bomb Wing/44th SMW at Ellsworth AFB, S.D. which had been my first assignment after basic and my last before retirement as M/Sgt. Awards were a Bronze Star, AFOUA with V Device, Vietnam Service Ribbon with one battle star, 4 AF Commendations, and the usual other stuff.
If there's anything else I can help you with, please let me know.
John J. Jura, 506 Aero Ave., Schertz, TX 78154
June 21, 2006
From: Webmaster
Within the last year, someone has asked/written me about S/Sgt John M. Walsh. At the time, I thought it was an error of confusion with Sgt Walls. It wasn't. Sgt Walsh turned up on a set of Oceana orders in 1958 that had been kept by the late Bobby Griffin. According to WWII records (same serial number), he was from Massachusetts. Two problems: In Mass. "John Walsh" is a common name, and the WWII record is less than clear about the birthdate...says (19)07...which if correct makes him 51 more or less in 1958. Likely deceased now. Social Security doesn't list a deceased John (M) Walsh with a 1907 birth-year. Nor can I find anything in the National Cemeteries or multiple other genealogical records.
Whoever you are/were...or anyone else who remembers Sgt Walsh...please jangle my chain. GCW
June 16, 2006
From: William S. Piper
Thank you for posting all of the pictures and presenting the information about the 2006 reunion. I'm sorry that I couldn't be there, especially since Jimmy P. Rhodes was in attendance. Jimmy and I came to the 482nd about the same time as I recollect. I think he and I were in Dad Ingall's flight, but I'm not certain that he was. It is all somewhat of a blur now. I do know that Rhodes and I flew in some of the same flights together.
It was a great group of guys from "yesteryear." I don't know if the likes of which will ever assemble again. In a way, it is sad to think that the camaraderie and trust of those days can't continue, as they were a source of great pride in a great organization.
William S. Piper, 3151 N. W. 8th Terrace, Jennings, FL 32053-2950
June 16, 2006
From: Frank Patterson
Thank you for your letter received yesterday. Needless to say I was very surprised but delighted that you are maintaining this website and everything you are doing in this regard.
I am Francis "Frank" Oliver Patterson, AF 14734548, A/2C, discharged from Seymour-Johnson AFB, Goldsboro, NC in January 1964. I was a Supply Specialist. I was born on June 25, 1940, in Blairsville, GA.
After leaving the Air Force, I worked in the business world until the summer of 1971. I then enrolled in Bible College that fall and graduated in May 1976. We then entered the ministry and joined Baptist Mid-Missions, as missionaries that year and in 1979 went to Bangladesh where we built and operated a hospital (no, I am not a doctor) and started a church. We were there until 1992 when the Bangladesh government would not renew my visa. We left and returned to the US where I went back to school, served in the pastorate, and taught. I earned my doctorate from Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary in Lynchburg, VA and frequently travel to Eastern Europe and Asia where I teach in seminaries and other Christian institutions.
My wife and I have been married 44 years and we have two great sons (the oldest was born at Seymour-Johnson base hospital in 1963) [two wonderful daughters-in-law], and three teen-age grandchildren.
Thanks again for contacting me. I will look back through my pictures and will scan some to send you. For now I am attaching a photo of my wife, Vanza, and myself. I would like to attend the next reunion, if possible.
Francis "Frank" O. Patterson, 133 Oakdale Ct, Lexington, NC 27295-6638
June 7, 2006
From: Kirby Logan
Got your letter in the mail today. Pleasantly surprised and pleased to hear about your web site. I did a web search on the 482FIS a few years ago to no avail.
Amazing, I got my wife out of bed to look at these pictures. She said, "You sure don't look like that now."
I remember the TDY trip to Oceana Naval Air Station, VA, and the day Capt. Lemcke died. I do not remember pulling details with you, not to say of course I didn't.
If you are ever down this way (I'm just off I-75 exit 122 in Tennessee) just give me a call and we can have lunch, or coffee.
Keep Me Posted.
Kirby Logan, 104 Thurman Ln, Clinton, TN, USAF Ret.
June 5, 2006
From: Ralph Robledo
IT HAS BEEN VERY BUSY OUT HERE trying to get the F14 and the F102A ready for open cockpit day on Memorial Day weekend. We did it by painting the previous weekend and towing both aircraft to the grounds on the Friday before the big show. Then the following weekend we had the 456th FIS hold their annual reunion and dedication of the F102A. So it has been busy...painting, putting on decals, opening and closing cockpits, towing aircraft, loading fake missiles...but loving it all. I never realized how big the wings were on the F102A until I painted them. I wll try to send some pictures to you as soon as I get my car, garage, lawn, and computer room squared away. I finished up the occasion with dropping the F106A canopy on my right hand while trying to close it. It fell on my palm and blew out a big chunk of meat. After four hours at the ER room, I got seven stitches to remind me to be careful the next time.
I also finished the speed brake in honor of Capt Jerry Rose. I had both of them on display and a lot of people now know the story of him, thanks to the narrative by Jim Dove on the 482nd website. I promise, pictures to follow.
I have a question, does any one know if the FALCON on our patch/insignia ever had a name? If not, why not? Who ever comes up with a name will get a color picture of an F102A.
They call me Chief of the DARTS and DAGGERS...too! (F106s and F102s)
Robbie
PS: I forgot to mention that if anyone is in the area of Castle Air Museum and wants to see an F102A in all of its glory, stop by and see it. I am on the grounds every m,w,and f, and I am in the local Merced phone book. We are located in Central California at the former Castle Air Force Base. If you want to have a picture taken sitting in the cockpit, call me. In our boneyard, we have the TF102A which is going into restoration and it will be in the colors of the 482nd FIS. The tail number will be 56-2376, and the pilot's name will be our Commander, Lt Col Thomas. Of course, the radar name will be MINE. I am going to paint the name placards like we had them in 58/59 WM TELLs.
June 3, 2006
From: George Willick
This is just an update on misc. stuff that pertains to the web site. First off, I had to count fingers due to events listed below, and found that the web page has 1,300 files (posted) and uses 36 mega-bytes of space. The supporting data files (not posted) are twice that size.
I had two negative events. A thunder-storm that took out three monitors and may have set up conditions for the following, more serious problem....a data file mixed with a graphics file and then went into a repetitive, but random, save mode. It would intercept a file at any point but then repeat itself to the end of that file and save. I doubt I have located everything that was damaged as of today. It didn't affect anything posted to the web page...just a portion of what I have on my computers...this morning I found that the group email list had been wiped out after "G." but was restorable manually from the enlisted search list...one name at a time. It will take a while to find out whether or not we lost anything vital but I'm now in process of trying to create triple backups using different processes and machines.
The trip to the Re-union went well. Only one 'near death' narrowly avoided accident near Faison, NC. Traffic from Richmond to DC could have been walked car top to car top if wind resistance hadn't been a factor. Mercy.
Picked up most of the things-to-do I had scheduled for Goldsboro/Wayne County...and had good library results. My photography was less than I was hoping for. Overall mistakes made in the cemeteries that I stopped at passing by...mainly no-finds at four-five cemeteries...lesson learned from this is that having a location in advance does not help you if the cemetery is a lawn-cemetery. And when traveling on Sunday, almost all cemetery offices are closed. Arlington's on-line directory for grave locations is projected to be still three years away. (I'll never see it.) But I did, at last, find Capt Lemcke's marker (after 4 years searching) and Col. O'Neill's marker (for Rosey). My instinct is that we have many other members there.
Anyway, I'll stay at this until I am no longer able. There's some reason for this...pertaining to an unknown event down the line. We may only be a domino but we have to be in place.
Thanks for the help folks...GCW
June 1, 2006
From: Jim Stoddard
Thanks so much for the info on the softball team, I wish I knew more about the guys but 47 years clouds the memory. I think the unknown on the back left was an A/1C by the name of Toliver, but as usual I'm probably mistaken.
One other thing you may or may not find interesting is the orders I'm enclosing dated 20 April 1959. They assign me to the 482nd from Geiger Field...I couldn't have been at Seymour in 1958.
Jim Stoddard, 780 Thomas Sugg Road, Snow Hill, NC 28580
June 1, 2006
From: Dean Hillard
So very sorry to miss the reunion, but my wife's ill health precluded me from leaving her at this time.
Looked over the attendance list and did not see anyone from my era (57/60) that I knew. My health has improved a little and hope to make the next reunion, God willing. Still trying to find time to copy some old photos and such that I think you might find interesting. Will continue to follow your web site, hoping some of my old buddies will stumble across it.
Dean A. Hillard (A/2nd), Class of 1957/60
May 22, 2006
From: Jack Quillinan
It was great meeting you at the re-union. Connie and I had a great time.
Here's some more orders I found. They may be duplicates of what I brought down, but thought I'd send them anyhow. Thanks for all your work...
John C. Quillinan, 550 High Mt, Road, Flag Pond, TN 37657
May 21, 2006
From: Norris "Jim" Stoddard
I hope the picture is good enough for you to use. I had my brother-in-law copy it on his copier and I thought it did well for a 45 years old photo.
The only guys I could put a name to are Bobby Jackson, Capt. Mihalick, Adrian Carraway, SSgt O'Hara, and myself. If you have any luck identifying any of the other guys, please let me know who they are.
I also found a couple of orders that you might be able to use to get some names to research. These are the only orders I have from the 482nd. I don't know where my other orders got to.
It was nice talking to you and I hope to see you at a future re-union.
Jim Stoddard, 780 Thomas Sugg Road, Snow Hill, NC 28580
May 17, 2006
From: Lee Cearley
I will be down for the 2006 reunion this Friday. It has been a long time (45 years) but the fond memories I have of manning the command post and being with a great bunch of guys in 1961-1962 still linger. I have searched diligently for any USAF orders but to no avail.
I did see at one time, you had a copy of the follow-on ‘verbal’ orders for the supplemental squadron members, including myself, who were directed to DET 1 Homestead AFB. I can not find that graphic on the web site now; was it removed or am I site challenged?
One note, I did see the picture of Arthur ‘Cone’ Patterson (radar technician) on your site. He was my roommate. I wonder how he is doing.
In 1962 to 1963, I was assigned to DET 1, 13th AF in Taiwan; after that tour, I returned to the states to the ADC 95th FIS which had F-106 Delta Daggers at Dover AFB Delaware where I worked in the command post there. I was discharged in August 1964. I enlisted in the USCG and became a Fire Control technician and had a varied and interesting carrier for the next 23 years, including two tours at the Navy’s Fleet Training Group, GTMO Cuba for a total of 7 years. I retired in 1988 as the USCG’s senior CWO4 (WEPS) Gunner. Upon retirement, I immediately started working for Techmatics, an engineering-technical services company, supporting RCA (which eventually became Lockheed Martin) on the Aegis combat system and CG / DDG ship building program. For the last two years I transitioned to and am now supporting Lockheed Martin on the USCG Deepwater program.
Thanks a million for you efforts in creating and maintaining such an excellent web site. God bless you and all who may read this.
A2C Lee T. Cearley -- AF19712947
CWO4 (WEPS) ---USCG Retired
May 17, 2006
From: Lt. Col. Lloyd Blackmon, USAF (DCMAW)
Hi George, I liked your 482 FIS web page. Noticed my dad’s name on one of the rosters (Milton Lloyd Blackmon Sr.), he served with the 482nd in the early sixties (60-62?). He passed away in 2004 but I still remember how much he loved serving in the Air Force and being around aircraft (esp. the F-102, Delta Daggers). Guess that he passed that on to me too, I’ve been serving on active duty in the Air Force for the past 18 years. I’m currently in Balad, Iraq as part of a deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom
Respectfully,
M. LLOYD BLACKMON, JR., Lt Col, USAF
Commander, DCMA Northern Iraq
LSA Anaconda, Balad, Iraq
May 9, 2006
From: Walt Houghton
George,
Just surfed on and enjoyed reading great stories about the Deuce Era! I was ADC and affiliated with 5 Deuce squadrons. My only association with your unit was at Tyndall and when I got out and became an Air Technician in Vermont Air Guard, we got your birds, 1965 I think. Great airplane and great memories of being on the ADC Team!
[The following is a partial response to a query for information on Carroll Pealer. GCW]
Apr 18, 2006
From: Mrs. Betty [Jimmy] Rhodes
We were really friendly with the Pealers while at Seymour and played bridge a lot (when the guys weren't on alert). Joyce Pealer and I both had babies a week apart in September 1958 at Wayne Memorial. Jim and I left Seymour in May 1960, but not before our second child was born in January.
In 1975-1978, we went to Ramstein AB where we ran into the Pealers again. Sometime between 75 and 76, could have been 77, Pete had an aneurism, went into a coma and lived only a few days. My mother was visiting and we had to travel, so I didn't get to stay with Joyce a lot. Joyce went to Pennsylvania where they were from and by now, they had a least three kids, maybe four. She went back to school, got her degree and taught school for a number of years.
I know we loved Seymour and hated to leave after only 2 years. We have never been back and hope we'll know at least some of the folks going to the reunion. We're looking forward to it and will actually drive, which will be unusual because we have children in CA, Phoenix, and Boston, and Jim has always been working so there's been no time to drive.
Anyway, see you soon, Betty Rhodes
Apr 18, 2006
From: Mike Koontz
I am pretty sure that Chavez was from California, in fact almost positive. Sorry to hear he may be gone.
Wish Lt. Col. Harper was reachable...he was a super nice guy.
Look forward to seeing you in Goldsboro in a few weeks. You are about the only one I know that was at Seymour Johnson when I was there.
(Kenneth) Michael Koontz, 210 Suburban Ave NE, Concord, NC 28025-3034
Apr 16, 2006
From: Jim Cunningham
George, have finally got the long promised orders etc. scanned. Had them all done so you can discard what is no good. Let me know how it turns out.
Have a couple of comments about a couple of folks you said there is no record...namely the cooks from 5th TFW who were sent to Key West for support of the flight kitchen.
[S.O T-143] A1C GARY LAMB was a cook, drove his 1959 Ford (Turquoise and White, I think) down. We were all over KW in that thing.
[S.O T-255, par 3] SSG T. CLAREY is the other cook. Boy, can I tell some stories on him. Would probably still T-off some of the old E-8 and E-9’s that were there and thought we in G.P were kinda sorta radicals!
BTW: I did retire as of 3 Jan 06. Am enjoying it immensely. Lotsa “honeydoos” which I want nothing to do with, but to keep some semblance of harmony must do some of them. Have been doing a bit of fishing for the last two weeks – not catching much BUT who cares? I don’t, as all I don’t catch I don’t clean!
Jim Cunningham, 1825 Hwy 149, Palmyra, TN 37142
Mar 29/30, 2006
From: Gene Renwick
My youngest son (Bob) and daughter-in-law (Teri) are visiting for the week. She is a scrapbook whiz and Carol (spousal unit) has pictures of things I can't even remember. Anyway, I knew I had some Falcon shots that were taken during the 1964 open house, if I remember correctly. The pictures are fading but I managed to fix them up a little bit to make them look a bit crisper.
And per request, here are a couple of pictures of me. Gulfport 2005 was last Thanksgiving. My brother Steve is a meteorologist and flies hurricane hunters out of Keesler. Plus a picture of me that I use on my business cards. [Photos]
It is nice to see that there was a kinship, so to speak, with this outfit. I wish I could have been more associated in my younger years growing up. But....
Eugene R. Renwick, Las Vegas
Mar 21, 2006
From: Jim Hubbard
George, we received your letter today, so good to hear from you. I was wondering what had happened to everyone. Seems as if you have done a lot of research. Glad you found me.
Catch up with you later.
James L. Hubbard, 6066 SW 64th Dr., Jasper, FL 32052-4714
Mar 1, 2006
From: Gareth Schuler
Subject: 2006 Reunion
I'm excited about the reunion this year and will make a reservation at the Quality Inn and also send the $20.00 registration fee. How should the check be made out and to what address should it be sent?
[Thomas Sutton, 251 Mann Lane, Goldsboro, NC 27530. Be sure to call Tom so you can be certain your name has been added to the list that goes to the people at the East Gate Visitor's Center...so you can obtain a weekend car pass for the picnic and dinner. Tom's number is (919) 734-9092. GCW]
I'm sure you guys will keep us posted on late reunion developments.
I went into the personnel listings that you compiled and found precious few that I can remember...hopefully Joni & I will remember more when we get there and see the people. I have a little info on my listing that will take away one of the question marks: I was discharged from SJAFB on Feb. 20, 1960.
Back to the present. We downsized and moved out of our League City, TX, house and now live in a condominium in nearby Webster, TX.
Gary Schuler, Egret Bay Blvd. #316, Houston, TX 77058-3283
Feb 25, 2006
From: Bobby Banks
Just found out that a Reunion had been posted on the Web Site. (Yea! for the site.) The wife immediately got our rooms at the Quality Inn. I think Andy had mailed to alert us about the event. We will look forward to seeing all of you and more this year. THANKS to Tom and Carol and everyone else in the Goldsboro area that makes this possible. We had a magnificent time last year and look forward to more of the same.
L a t e r - - - - - Bobby & Lucy Banks
Feb 25, 2006
From: George Hance
The news is that I have contacted Donald L. Walker (AF12680102) who was in the EGRESS shop and he is going to try to attend the Reunion.
We have made our reservations at the Quality Inn.
Feb 16, 2006
From: Ralph Robledo
We are getting older. It was interesting to read a letter from Lenny's grandson. I worked with and for Lenny when I was stationed at Seymour from 57 to 60. During my last year before retiring in 1981, I ran into CMSgt Lenny Gentile at Nellis AFB, NV. He was the Chief of the Quality Control Section and I was NCOIC of the 433rd AMU (F-15s). He was still the same old Lenny, a great guy, and a wonderful person. I went to his office and said goodbye when I retired and came back to Merced, CA. Shortly after, I found out that he passed away. I have good memories of him and the 482nd FIS.
Robby
Feb 15, 2006
From: A1C Leonard P. Gentile III
How's it going, Sir?
I was sitting here at work when someone pointed me in this direction. Turns out you have a picture of my grandfather up on here, which I found slightly humorous, but it's a picture of him I've never seen. He's in the 1956-1959 section. MG-10 Radar on the F-102.
Thank you for including him in your site. It's interesting to note that my father, Leonard P. Gentile Jr., was stationed at Seymour-Johnson as well. He was a crew chief.
I don't know if I will get stationed there myself, but that’s for the future.
But I thought I would just say hi and thanks for the reminder.
Leonard P. Gentile III, SrA, USAF, Intelligence Analyst, Aviano AB, Italy
Feb 8, 2006
From: Sam Johnson
I was an Airborne Weapons Systems Mech (AWCS) at the 482nd from April '63 until discharged March '65. I didn't re-up. I worked eight months as an engineer at KIII TV, a local TV station, then got a job at Corpus Christi Army Depot (CCAD). CCAD, which is located on the grounds of Naval Air Station Corpus Christi, is the nation's largest helicopter overhaul facility (www.ccad.army.mil). I retired from there in Jan '03 as chief of the Quality Control Division.
My wife, Gertie Faye, and I spent 3 winters at Goldsboro. We had one real snow in Jan '65. I'm sending a photo of the house we shared with James P. (Paul) Martin , AF18618387, and his wife, Andy, at 406 W. Mulberry in Goldsboro. We lost track of them after I was discharged. Back then Martin went by his middle name, Paul. He was from Denison, TX. When I got out he re-upped to make S/Sgt and was talking about applying to OCS. I don't know if he did or not.
I have attached some (5) photos from that time. Use (or not) as you see fit.
Sammy R. Johnson, 5322 Bromley Dr., Corpus Christi, TX 78413-3701
Jan 31, 2006
From: Gene Renwick
I showed up at SJAFB in June 1964 from Lowry AFB as a Falcon Missile Tech and, unfortunately, was medically discharged in November 1964 as an A/2C (darn asthma came back). I really wasn't there long enough to remember much of anything except some of the guys that came with our group back then. I only have a DD-214 and a few pictures of the Falcon and Deuces.
Anyway, a year later I started out on a long career in the computer industry servicing main frame computers for RCA to software engineering in the aerospace industry with the likes of Lockheed Missiles & Space Co, BDM Federal and TRW. Finally laid off from Qwest in Denver and now doing real estate sales and investments in Las Vegas. Married Carol almost 37 years ago and have 2 grown boys still in Denver.
It was nice seeing your web site and the history of the squadron.
Respectfully...Gene Renwick, AF14842032
Jan 29, 2006
From: Steve Crawford
Greetings from snowy Finland...
I just wanted to see if I might be able to find someone who knew my father:
"Capt. CRAWFORD, Warren Lamar (dec'd), 74181A, pilot, [assigned 1st quarter of '64 - deactivation]"
Sadly, I see that many are deceased. I think its great that you have worked to maintain this site. It was interesting to find my dad there.
Thanks...Steve Crawford (son)
Jan 19, 2006
From: Robert E. Jones
I found the web site by accident a couple of years ago. I was just learning to use the computer, so I put off writing until now. My name is Robert E. Jones and I arrived at Goldsboro in June of 1957. I was a radar technician in S/Sgt Leonard Gentile's flight. I worked on the flight line for several months when they asked for a volunteer to go to the electronics building and type a D.F. for Sgt. Olis O. McEntire. I spent the rest of my time in service working there for Warrant Officer Ferrell, M/Sgt Baker, and Sgt McEntire. I ended up in Test Equipment. I went with the unit to missile practice in Florida twice, TDY to Oceana NAS and Myrtle Beach. SC.
Some of the people I worked with were A/2C George W. Jones. George made A/1C shortly before I got out and I have been looking for him ever since; A/2C George H. Ravell came to see me a few years ago; A/2C Donald L. Largent. I got a personal reference request from Hughes Aircraft on him. He was trying to get a job with them. These are just a few that I remember. I did have a run of luck a few months ago. I found, again by accident, a very good friend that I worked with in the electronics building. His name is W. B. Emanis, and he was a Hughes Tech Rep in the unit. He lives not far from me in Arkansas. He and his wife came to visit me, and it was like old times again.
I was at the 482nd from June 1957 thru July 1960. I retired from the U.S. Postal Service in 1993 and am now a sharecropper on my daughter's farm in Arkansas.
Thanks for the Web Site!...Bob Jones
Jan 8, 2006
From: Charles J. & Penny Gerds
Thanks for sending the web site information to my husband, Charles J. Gerds. He enjoyed reading over the information, and has saved the site on his Favorites page. As an AF wife, I enjoyed the 482nd more than any other assignment we ever had in our 20 years active duty.
Penny Gerds, 3214 El Camino Way, Waterford, WI 53185
Jan 3, 2006
From: W. B. Emanis
My name is W. B. (Blaine) Emanis, I was an MG 10 Tech Rep assigned to the 482nd in early 1957 through January 1959. I think I arrived in March. You were still receiving your aircraft. I deployed to Tyndall for the first missile practice, though I don't remember the date.
Deployed to Oceana NAS in 1958 with the squadron. Rented a house with Stonestreet, McWhorter, and Tomlinson at Virginia Beach for the duration of the deployment. I have since been in contact with Stonestreet and a Robert Jones (an airman that had been with the 482nd) Saw your web site after being made aware of it by R. Jones.
I think you have done a wonderful job putting together the history and times at Seymour. I have enjoyed the web site immensely. I wonder if the guys would mind if I showed up at next years reunion?
Thanks for all your effort....Blaine