6/1/2009, 2:48 am, EDT Sgt Lance Sutton Writes: 

I was too young to be associated with the SR but my father was very much involved. 

I would like to find any co-workers or friends of the family. My father, CMSgt John Sutton passed this year and my source of stories and enjoyment passed with him. He was involved with the Photo side of the program from '68-'71 when he retired. 

Sgt Lance Sutton

Email: toul62@yahoo.com

5/31/2009, 1:06 pm, EDT SFC (R) John Otto Writes: 

Served with Al Pennington in the Pentagon in the 70's.

Does anyone know where he is? 

I still think of the way he use to mess with my last name on the sign in board. Toot, Toto, ttoo. Thank you.

SFC (R) John Otto

Email: Jotto@comcast.net

5/31/2009, 9:54 am, EDT MSgt (Ret) Don Shafer Writes: U-2 Crew Chief from 79 thru 96. I had many friends from the Habu team especially after the retirement in 90. Steve Korin, Chris Bennett, Terry Melanson where are you today? 
I witnessed a few crazy SR events. Saw an SR dropped on it's wing when the rt main gear retracted after it was down jacked. Story goes, the gear handle was left in the up position and WOW switch was bypassed. Hydraulic mule was turned back on and (ouch) right gear retracted. I was in Osan when a sled diverted there for hydraulic failure. It was repaired in just a few days and I watched the takeoff that never happened. The Habu, in all it's glory, took the active, throttled up and rocketed down the runway. As the Habu passed the bump in the then crappy Osan runway a nose tire blew out, shrapnel was ingested by # 2 engine & caught fire. The aircrew aborted takeoff & unfortunately skidded off the runway. Then the backseater ground egressed. The amazing thing is, I was listening to the UHF departure freq and the pilot was as cool as a cucumber thru the whole deal. Just another walk in the park.
I also remember when an SR returned from a flight at Beale with bullet holes in it. That created a big stir for sure.
I was at Beale and watched as the last bird returned from Okinawa. It was sad but I was totally impressed when the sled buzzed the tower, rolled onto it's side, then made a power climb using rudders only. WOW! talk about power! 

MSgt (Ret) Don Shafer

Email: donandjuneshafer@att.net

5/26/2009, 10:05 am, EDT SSgt Steven Douglass Writes: 

Looking for anyone involved with LRT SR-71 and U-2 from 1976 thru 1978.

SSgt Steven Douglass 

Email: sdoug3869@aol.com

5/22/2009, 1:47 am, EDT TSgt Gene Bloodworth  Writes: 

Thanks for the pleasure of working on the most wonderful aircraft in the world, as well as the men and women I had the pleasure of working with. 

TSgt Bloodworth (Ret), 9th OMS inspection section. I hope to hear from people that I got to work with. 

TSgt Gene Bloodworth

Email: bworth_2@yahoo.com

Fri 5/8/2009 11:33 AM TD Barnes Writes: 

The Roadrunners and the entire Blackbird community are saddened by the loss of Colonel Vern Henderson who lost a brave battle against lung cancer. Vern was living in Rancho Bernardo, a suburb of San Diego . Vern was the original member and commander of the air defense unit based at Edwards AFB. This unit was part of the Joint Task Force that maintained and flew the three YF-12s. Along with the Lockheed personnel over 100 air defense men provided the maintenance of the aircraft and also helped man the pressure suit cadre. Vern was the leader. As you can read in Vern’s bio on the Roadrunner website, he was involved in Oxcart well before President Johnson revealed the existence of the black bird. Vern will be buried at Riverside National cemetery next to March AFB, California on Thursday, 21 May 2009 at 1315 hours.

Vern's Bio is here: http://roadrunnersinternationale.com/henderson.html

TD Barnes, Roadrunners Internationale

http://roadrunnersinternationale.com/

http://area51specialprojects.com/

5/18/2009, 12:06 pm, EDT Karen Green Writes: Looking for information for exhibit on Area 51 to open at our museum in Las Vegas in March 2010. Want your stories. 

Karen Green

The Atomic Testing Museum is located just minutes from the Las Vegas Strip.

755 E. Flamingo Rd.

Las Vegas, NV 89119 http://atomictestingmuseum.org/

Email: karen.green@ntshf.org

5/16/2009, 2:08 pm, EDT Col. Colin A. Smith Writes: 

Was associated with KC-135Q fleet maintenance Jan 70 - Nov '73 as 376 OMS/CC and Chief of Maintenance. Lots of JP-7 stories, typhoon evacs to Clark, etc, Diego Garcia fwd support setup 'tho not used until later . 

Went back to Kadena as 376th DO in Aug 78 responsible for KC-135A & Q, RC-135 ops. More of the same SR- 71 support from the tanker ops side. Departed for Edwards Sept '80 -- great days, great outfit, great folks --

Col. Colin A. Smith

Email: casezzz@gmail.com

5/7/2009, 10:23 am, EDT Joe Holliman Writes: 

I am looking for any information on my uncle Clifton Dallas Pope. He used to tell me stories about the Sled, and I am wondering if there is anyone in the registry who remembers him. Any correspondence is greatly appreciated.

Joe Holliman

Email: freemind4200@yahoo.com

Wed 4/29/2009 2:31 AM Alan Johnson of the famed British web site: "Blackbirds, Dragon Lady and Black Knights" Writes: Could you put a notice on your Guest page asking for any KC-135Q aircraft Wing / Squadron allocation info and to contact me direct?

I have heard that Wings (9th) would have 2 Squadrons on Strength ( 349 & 350) each allocated 10-12 KC-135Q aircraft on paper but in reality the Wing would have 20 which were pooled and used by both Squadrons.

306th ARS, Their KC-135Q's went to the 380th. 70th ARS their KC-135Q's went to the 919th which is strange as I cannot find any reference in any of Paul Crickmore's books to confirm this. 349th/350th; 909th; 903rd

Alan Johnson

Email: alan@johnson7170.freeserve.co.uk

4/20/2009, 2:11 pm, EDT Captain Kelly L Caglia Writes: 

"Someday they'll know"......

Greetings to all former Beale Bandits and Sled Drivers. 

Meet at the Bird in the Hand or The Smoke House INN. 

Captain Kelly L Caglia 

Email: Kacaglia@aol.com

4/15/2009, 1:07 pm, EDT  CMSgt(Ret) Don Campbell Writes: 

4/15/2009, 4:33 pm, EDT SSgt Kim A. Kirschenman Writes: 

Air Traffic Controller from 1975 to 1981 - The best view of a launch of the SR-71 was standing next to the GCA (Ground Control Approach) Radar, mid-field, 550 feet from the centerline of runway 14/32. All launches caused your insides to shake standing so close to the takeoff. The best viewing time was just after sunset. One could see the "diamonds" in the after-burner exhaust flames and you were able to watch the aircraft all the way over the Sierra Nevada.

My best thrill was in August 1978. I was able to fly on an KC-135 refueling mission of a SR-71. The aircraft was refueled over central Nevada. 

SSgt Kim A. Kirschenman

Email: kakirschenman@yahoo.com

4/13/2009, 3:27 pm, EDT SMSgt Jerry F Lester (Ret) Writes: 

I arrived at Beale December 1971 from the 432nd Recon Tech Sq (Reece Tech) in Thailand in 1970 and was assigned to the 9th Reece Tech. Some of the Photo Processing "old timers" there were Billy Aaron, Robbie Robertson and Billy Ohler. I went to work with Billy Ohler processing Side Looking Radar (SLR) from the Blackbird. We were either at work or on stand-by to process film from training missions or secondary processing GS missions that had been processed at Hickham AFB. All the routine stuff changed in 1972 when the Haiphong Harbor was mined trapping those 21 ships that had brought supplies to North Vietnam. (The ships should have been targets but the politicians didn't wish to anger the British and French who owned the vessels) We were told to prepare our mobile processing facility to move to OL-KA. About 72 hours later two C-5's landed at Kadena carrying people and equipment (gross weights were 710 and 695 thousand pounds). We unloaded and started setting up. We were ready to go operational in about 6 hours but we had trouble getting diesel fuel for the generators. We had a SAC liaison man, a SSGT whose name I wish I could recall, who decided to call the Island Governor General and the diesel showed up within 20 minutes along with a phone call for the SSGT from a Colonel in charge of Fuels . The SGT accepted the call from the Colonel and a number of us were drawn to the one sided conversation with the SGT almost standing at attention answering very respectively and the conversation went yes sir....yes sir....yes sir....yes sir....I'm sorry you got your ass chewed Colonel but I'll take full responsibility. That was probably the first bit of humor we had experienced in about four days. A few days later, Lt Col Payne, (reverently called "Fast Eddie") came into the OPS building and was discussing his mission that day. "They had us bracketed with two SAMS, about a mile off each side and detonation about 5 thousand feet above us". He said "I was a little concerned when twenty Lt Cols and fifteen Cols came out to wish me good luck on today's mission". Intelligence had information that the North Vietnamese had planned a MAX Effort to bring down a Blackbird that day.
Maybe it was for retaliation by SAC because on May 2, 1972 the plan was to have Blackbirds trisect Hanoi but one plane aborted. Three days on May 5th, three SR-71's flew over Hanoi from different directions within five minutes. Processing the film from the three Blackbirds took nearly 24 hours. 
Incidentally, those 21 British and French ships trapped in Haiphong Harbor were still there when I returned to Beale three months later. 
That TDY to OL-KA was one of the most enjoyable experiences of my career. 

SMSgt Jerry F Lester (Ret)

Email: pluto9@truvista.net

Wed 3/25/2009 7:50 AM Colonel (Ret) Richard Graham Writes: 

Just received the news from Bruce Liebman that Willy Horton, the former U-2 Squadron Commander and member of the Blackbird Association passed away last Thursday from cancer.  

No other detail are available.  Willy was a true friend of all the Habus.

 

 

Monday, March 23, 2009 at 00:48:53 SSgt William D"Doug " Hamilton Writes:

This is e-mail address change.

I arrived at Beale in September of 1970 around 2300 and then waited for bus ride to a place first for rest since I got in on Saturday night. The room assigned to me had had quite a decorator-the colors were lime green, pink and dark blue. This room should have been re-thought, but I wanted to consult the other technician who I learned was named Ken. He was at OL ( whatever that was ) and did find out what OL meant for several days.

After a few days of in-processing I got to go the 9th Avionics building where this new group of A1C techs just out of tech school learned they were going to working on a system called EMR and an aircraft called the SR71. We had to wait a few days for all of our security clearances to be finalized and were getting quite anxious to see this fastest and blackest plane in the whole world!

The group of A1C that were in this new group would be working on a system called the EMR. Our group consisted of Russ Bentz, Mike Pharres, Ron Stager, and myself- Doug Hamilton. Guys, I wish I had stayed in contact with y'all if you come across this posting send me an e-mail at W.Hamilton@med.ge.com. This is my company address as I work for GE Healthcare as a certified vascular cathlab field engineer.

I believe it was about a week to 10 days before we finally got our flight line training and security badges completed and by then we were really primed to get out to that row of hangars filled with the most beautiful flying machines ever imagined and then we did get to go out for our first visit. I must admit my insides filled with joy and pride for here was I 19 and awestruck! That same week we got to see our first launch and I must say it was awesome. I soon learned that EVERY launch was spectacular and some were indescribable! But always between launches, the preparatory work had to be done

OOh, that prep work went on and on and I did understand why. Our equipment had to perform on queue and look good doing it's job.

Our supervisors, Chief Master Sergeant "Big AL" Allman.A big tall man he was. A great Chief and leader and a friend because we had access to him if we had work or personal problems. He was a good stern father type for these kids who still had growing to do in their new AIR FORCE life.

Just under Our Master Chief Allman was Senior Master Sergeant Adkins. I can't remember his first name but I remember him as the wind our sails that kept the mission tasks progress on time and completed before engine start.

So many times since I left the 9TH AMS in 1974 I have said that wish I hadn't. I worked with the most professional Airmen who were real men who to this day I admire for the training and guidance and our turns to be leaders that they willing gave to us in order for us to grow into the sophisticated work of caring for our EMR to be sure it would have as close to perfect mission completion when OUR BLACK BEAUTY returned to its nest. Those really are excellently sweet memories

I also have memories of those times which were not so pleasant!

I participated in typhoon watch twice while at the OL. Those big hangar doors can really shake and shout and cause young airmen to pray that the Lord God would protect our aircrafts and the airmen too. What memories come back to mind as these feeble lines are stroked into thoughts.

I do remember hearing the horse upstairs in our barracks and the bowling. I was not involved in those because I was in my room laughing so hard I could hardly breathe.

I am going to close for tonight. 0600 comes very early when you're still pecking on the laptop at 0245.

Thanks and Good Night to everyone who reads this letter. May God watch over you all ! 

Doug Hamilton

Email: W.Hamilton@med.ge.com

3/21/2009, 12:56 pm, EDT Sgt Ross (Hoss) Yarnell Writes: 

Looking for the people in the 456th OMS on tankers from 1971-74. 

I was a crew chief on 1520 and had lot of tdy's to the rock, Spain etc. Looking for Bob Heller or anyone who remembers me. Thank you 

Sgt Ross (Hoss) Yarnell

Email: trucker59221@yahoo.com

3/5/2009, 4:49 pm, EDT SRA Daniel Keifer Writes: 

Email: dankeifer@yahoo.com

3/7/2009, 4:32 pm, EDT  A1C Donald Steven Peters  Writes: 

Worked on the camera systems from 71-75 and went TDY to Okinawa 5 or 6 times. 

Stationed at Beale AFB in California 

A1C Donald Steven Peters

Email:  stevepeters@computer-advice.com

3/4/2009, 1:27 pm, EDT SSgt George "Doc" Hollinger Writes: 

Worked as an imagery interpreter 1975-1977 at Beale.
Deployed twice to the site in Okinawa, and several times to Palmdale. 
My specialty was HHR (High Resolution Radar)..and helped develop techniques for making sense of the imagery this platform produced.

SSgt George "Doc" Hollinger

Email: doc@glhollinger.com

3/1/2009, 4:21 pm, EST Sgt Sandy Chrzanowski Writes: 

My husband Brian Chrzanowski was stationed at Beale AFB and Kadena (where we got married). He worked in the Photo Shop and I with supply. People that came to our wedding was: Snuffy & Charlotte Smith, Pat Norrie, Cory Wauren, Mike Herrero, Rapheal Samay, Chuck Walton, Wong, Steve Harman and others. He is now a manager with the IRS. My EX-husband Mark Nelson worked with the program also.
I was a Secretary with the program at Beale AFB when it was closing down. I have a wonderful picture of the plane with signatures of people there. 

Sgt Sandy Chrzanowski

Email: ski17468@msn.com

Friday, February 27, 2009 at 18:25 SSgt Harry J Harrison Jr Writes: 

First assignment out of Jet Engine School in 1976 until 1978. Stationed in Panama on special duty for 4 years and returned to Beale AFB in 1982. Was then stationed at Kadena AB Okinawa when Col. Allison was Det 1 Commander. Stayed with the program until the end, Oct 1989, when one last jet went down and was fished out and brought back in pieces to the Hanger.

I was just out to Yuba City last week and went to the base (all changed) to see the Flightline. Brought tears and a lot of very fond memories. Like to know when and where the next reunion is going to be.

SSgt Harry J Harrison Jr

Email: ichiban_sr71@hotmail.com

Saturday, February 21, 2009 at 12:37 TSgt. William G. Wooden, Jr.( USAF Retired) Writes: 

NCOIC, Material Storage and Distribution Branch, Det.4, 9SRW, RAF Mildenhall, UK (Sept.1981-Sept.1985). Trying to locate all of the Supply folks who were there with me.

TSgt. William G. Wooden, Jr. (USAF Retired)

Email: wwooden9899@yahoo.com

Sun 2/15/2009 1:07 PM Mrs. John A. Warner Writes: 

Email: cherub1935@bellsouth.net

Friday, February 13, 2009 at 06:15 MSgt, Slavko Miling Writes: 

Arrived at Beale AFB Sep, 1982. Assigned to 9TH AMS and later 9TH SRW Quality Assurance for Avionics Instruments. Stayed with the blackbird program until 1989. What a great bunch of professionals. I left Beale 1989 and was re-assigned to Det 2 Osan AB. Of course everyone knows all the rivalry issues between the "Habu" and the "Dragon Lady" drivers and maintainers. As Det 1 closed I was in Kadena with Ron Boucher "Boo Boo", Vic Van Otegham, John Grant, and other skunk works enthusiasts. Many of you know that Det 1 group castrated our Cat “Oscar” and held his jewels in a jar at Kadena. While in Kadena we were trying to recover it and bring it back to Osan. We gained access to their building through proper “recon” and covert operation. We could not find the jar but found a huge SR-71 model hanging on the wall. It was at least 7Ft tall. Rest is history……we got it to Osan only to find out that there are many very upset people back at Kadena. Few days later Boo Boo took it back.

I’ll never forget the experience of a lifetime working with all the skunk work people. I almost got my 10 year certificate.

MSgt, Slavko Miling

Email: slavko@miling.com

Wednesday, February 11, 2009 at 17:11 A1C John Socotch Writes: 

I was one of the boom operators that refueled the SR71 during the Sept 1, 1974 New York to London world speed record. I was with the 903 air refueling squadron, Crew E115,456 bomb wing. I did the first refueling before the timed run. We left Beale AFB and went to Pope AFB. We only has a day or 2 notice and was not briefed about the mission until we got to Pope. It seemed like another sortie at the time, but afterwards it was like, HOLY COW, I was part that. I would like to say Hi to my former E115 crew members Tim Severin A.C, Dwight Cole Co-Pilot, Neil Arnott Nav.

This is a cool site.

A1C John Socotch

Email: jjsphoto@jjsphotographyevent.com

Saturday, February 7, 2009 at 21:48 Civilian, Bobby Herald Writes:

My family moved to beale AFB summer of 68 My dad told me he could never tell me what his job was. because it was top secret. When the news came out of the world speed record for New York to London my dad told me that the plane was declassified and that he could let me see what he does. One night he took me to work with him and he let me program the guidance group for a mission to check system in shop he showed me how it track a bright object and from the stars positions could then program the flight plan. I know that the group was about the size of a 24" t.v. but i knew that it was the smallest computer I ever programmed and the first flight computer I ever did program. My dad knew how I could learn from what he teach me to do and  even built our first TV. from a Heathkit kit it took us a bout 9 months to build but it worked from the first day for about 25+ years we finally gave it to friends when we bought a new spacephone TV. .My dad died from cancer last year feb.08 and I never forget the story of when the boys were at Det 1 and once took out a group that recorded a mach 5+ speed when a missile was sent up on a mission. my dad said the pilot and RSO were ghost white upon exiting plane.

Civilian, Bobby Herald 

Email: heraldbob1@aol.com

Thursday, February 5, 2009 at 18:48 (Sgt.) Michael S. Anderson Writes: 

I was stationed at Det 1, 9SRW from March, 1981 until October, 1982 --working with the Supply at the end of the T Hangar. While stationed there, I lived in the barracks on the main part of the base, across the street from the "Banyan Tree" Airman's Club. Col. Raphael Samay (who was our Commander) helped to build us a bar called the "Habu Pit," which was stocked with liquor from the Class Six store voluntarily by the airmen who lived at the barracks. We were, definitely, the "party squadron" at Kadena! Working in a support capacity for the SR was a fascinating and rewarding experience, coupled with the enjoyment of working with a terrific group of people! It was one of the finest memories that I have of being in the USAF. I wish the best to all of those airmen and contractors that I had the pleasure of working with!

(Sgt.) Michael S. Anderson 

Email: michael6076@verizon.net

2/4/2009, 4:17 pm, EST Civ. Tech. Rep. Dave Nolte Writes: 

From June 1965 thru 1990 and 1995 - 1997 Tech Rep on the HR-308A,B,C,D TEOC Camera systems.

 Transferred to the U-2 Camera systems 1990. Hycon, Actron, McDonnell Douglas a few of the names of Companies and finally BOEING. 

It was and Honor to work with a GREAT bunch of people both Military and Civilian. After 41 + years on the SR-71 and U-2 Programs retired 1 March 2007. GREAT WEB SITE Leland !!! SEE EVERYONE at the Nugget June 2009.

Civ. Tech. Rep. Dave Nolte 

Email: d.nolte@hotmail.com

2/3/2009, 10:28 pm, EST TSgt Don Garrison Writes:

 Served in the 9th, Aug 1971 to Aug 1972. PSA Technician. 

This tour was one more ADVENTURE! 

Don Garrison 

donnbett@yahoo.com

Tuesday, February 3, 2009 at 09:12 TSgt (Ret.) Dan Guerra Writes: In 1979, I worked with HQ 9SRW, doing graphics work at the DOX branch. As I write, my prided 9SRW decoupage placard- fashioned from scribe-routed California Redwood, precisely cut SR-71 and U2 photographs, hand colored 9SRW and SAC emblems, heavily coated with polyurethane- symbolically hangs 'high' above the wall of my cubicle at the simulator complex at Randolph AFB.

Memories of countless magic-hour missions and early morning wake-up calls have lost their sense of burden, and instead I reflect on perhaps my proudest USAF assignment: offering mission graphics support for our Nation’s earliest dark vessels- of which were built before their time- reaching destinations before their time- transposing timely reconnaissance, and sporting their timeless beauty and stealth-wise engineering.

I still recall the rivalry between the U2/TR-1 and SR-71 planners as being so obnoxiously competitive- so much so that I would get harped at if I didn’t proportionally scale each aircraft drawing accordingly- visually- especially when presentations sported them side by side- proud bunch those Bat Cavers are, deservingly so…

Reflecting on my time in the SCIF, and Colonel Ibbotson's allowing us to have a dartboard (our justifiable rationale that 'cabin fever' was the product of being claustrophobic and not being able to focus on a point in the distance), with my throne and drawing table situated directly adjacent to the dartboard, I was constantly wary of ricocheting darts from the furious spars between the Dragon Lady and Habu competitors- fierce I tell you. Good thing there wasn't Guinness in the place. Surely, I digress...

I feel so very proud- yet somewhat remorse- whenever I visit the Blackbird at Lackland AFB’s display. Like a close friend she awaits- static, memorialized, entombed… a chambered Habu… waiting, once again to awaken the darkness… Mach 3+

…God Bless Us All…

Fellow Bat Caver…

Dan Guerra, TSgt (Ret.)

T-38C Simulator Visual Database Programmer Randolph AFB, Texas

Email: dan.guerra.ctr@randolph.af.mil

2/3/2009, 3:01 pm, EST  TD Barnes   Writes: My friend, Leland - without you and your fellow crew dogs the Blackbirds would have never flown. Without you as their webmaster the legacy of the SR-71 Blackbirds and the sled drivers who flew them would not be known. It has been an honor and privilege to have had you as a friend all these years and to work with you as a fellow webmaster. Sharing the Roadrunner and the Blackbird reunions with you has been a hoot that I will always treasure. Hooah!!!! T.D. Barnes, President and Webmaster Roadrunners Internationale. Director Nevada Aerospace Hall of Fame.

TD Barnes

Area 51 CIA Special Projects; T.D. Barnes, President and Webmaster Roadrunners Internationale; Director Nevada Aerospace Hall of Fame

Email: tdbarnes@area51specialprojects.com

Thursday, January 29, 2009 at 17:23 TSgt Colman W. Beulah Writes: Time to update. Arrived at Beale in Oct. 1974 and was assign to the Photo shop later move to squadron training and worked with  Bob Carmody. Was selected for the initial PCS package to Det.1 as sensor shop chief.  Chuck Walton, Dave Leach, Sheffy Fields, Mike Herrero, Howie Fallis: with out you guys it would have been tough. Thanks. Wag Sherrow you were a great boss. Things that are fond memories: the softball games; Habu hill; driving taxis; the speed run with Widdiefield and  Sullivan - New York to London; the start cart's two 255cu in engines tied in series; the dog and pony show for the VIP'S; the spider dolly; the long tanker rides to and from the Ranch; Habu fish hook story; sensor/photo load changes my favorite. Coming over Habu  hill and seeing all those Japanese with cameras waiting for the launch; the Habu bowling team. I guess the one memory of all, was when the a/c came back early the hanger floor had been mopped because of the JP7 leaking from the a/c when parked. When they taxied the a/c into the hanger as usual and applied the brakes the a/c started to slide through the hanger and everyone ran to the a/c trying to stop it. Man! we must have been crazy but we did stop it. Another foot or so the pitot tube would have been in the blast shield behind the T- hanger. Then there was that awesome sound of engine run up. I am thankful to have had the privilege to work with the best the AF had to offer in Enlisted and Officers.  I remember my first crew debrief and said "Sir". The pilot said don't say Sir, it's you guys that are important. You take care of my butt. Most of all I'm proud to be a Habu. Looking for some old friends: Barney Hunter, Jose Carmona, Terry Wickham, Stuzman, Ed Martin, Dave Nolte or other Photo/SLR troops-1974 to 1982. To  Chuck Walton and  David Leach:  I knew what LTB meant. HABU forever. Where are you photo troops? Driving taxies on he rock for Extra cash what a blast!

TSgt Colman W. Beulah

Email: colman@bww.com

Sunday, January 25, 2009 at 13:03 SSGT John L. Krabel (deceased), John D. Krabel, son Writes: 

I was so excited when a friend of mine told me about this site. I found myself more excited when I saw my fathers name mentioned. We sadly lost my father on August 17,1984 from injuries sustained in a farm accident.

He was always very proud to have served in the SR-71 program and had many good friends and memories that he spoke of often.

I was born at Beale in August of 1970 just before my fathers discharge. If anyone knew my father and would like to share something with me I would like it very much. 

Thank you, John D. Krabel

Email: dpkrabel@consolidated.net

Monday, January 19, 2009 at 21:04 CMSgt Donald R. Erden Writes: 

My father, the late CMSgt Ronald N. Erden, was a crew chief on the SR-71 stationed at Beale AFB from 1964 to 1983. I grew up on Beale AFB and decided to join the AF in March 1986. My father passed away from Cancer in July 2000 at the young age of 57. He loved the SR-71 program and the many people he worked with over his 19 years with the program. If anyone remembers my father, I'd love to hear from you.

Sincerly,

CMSgt Don Erden

 

Email: donald.erden@us.af.mil

Sunday, January 18, 2009 at 05:53 SSgt Edward Herald Writes: 

 

My father was in the 9th ANS INS in Aug '68 thru Aug "78.

SSgt Edward Herald

 

 

Email: heraldbob1@aol.com

 

Wednesday, January 14, 2009 at 19:18 Larry Rhodes Writes: 

 

I worked for Mel Rushing at site 2 on SR and TR-1.

 

Larry Rhodes 

 

Email: larryrhodes@live.com

Wednesday, January 14, 2009 at 17:56  Sgt Leo Schesser Writes: 

Just wondering if there are any of us left. I was a jet engine mechanic working at Beal AFB. 1968-69. 9th fms. Nickname slick!! I went to Okinawa Kadena AFB For 4 months code named OL8.

I think this is an email change.

Sincerely,

Leo Schesser

Email: dodgeram@twcny.rr.com

 

Tuesday, January 13, 2009 at 18:53 T/Sgt Donald L. Garrison Writes: 

PSD, Aug 1971 to Aug 1972. Many great adventures. 

Like to hear from other PSD personnel. Woodford, Brown, Grimes, Hartley.

 

 

T/Sgt Donald L. Garrison 

Email: donnbett@comcast.net

Fri 1/9/2009 7:53 AM Carmon Dwain Allen has passed away. Jim Gray Writes: 

I received a call from Lou Allen that Dwain had passed away this morning.  The arrangements for the funeral will be Monday. God Bless, Jim Gray

Lou Allen Writes: 

I am very sorry to let you know of Dwain's passing. His funeral will be Monday @ 11:00 AM at Roller Citizens funeral home. He will be buried with full military honors. Thanks from the bottom of my heart.

Lou allen

Editors Note: Dwain Allen was one of the First Crew Chiefs to work on the SR-71. He watched the aircraft being built (#962) at Lockheed and then went on to be the Crew Chief at Beale AFB, CA. He was highly regarded as one of the best maintenance men to ever crew one of the Blackbirds. Our prayers go out to Lou, his spouse and family in this time of need. Condolences may be sent to the following address:

  Lou Allen

P.O. Box 656

Marion, AR  72364

Email Lou at: habuallen@comcast.net

 

Dwain Allen October 4, 1936 - January 08, 2009 Dwain Allen, 72, of Marion, AR, passed away Thursday January 8, 2009 at Baptist East Hospital in Memphis, TN. He was a retired Master Sergeant from the United States Air Force; retired from the State of Arkansas Alcohol and Beverage Control; he also worked for the Arkansas Tobacco Control; he was a police officer for Grass Valley, CA; he was a deputy sheriff in Johnson County, AR and was a police officer in Clarksville, AR. He was also a member of the West Memphis First Assembly of God Church in West Memphis, AR. He is survived by his wife, LouElla M. Allen of Marion, AR; two sons, Kirk Allen of Penn Valley, CA and Mike Allen of West Memphis, AR; four daughters, Melissa Walters of Cabot, AR, Juaneva ''Poopsy'' Wann of Marion, AR, Sheila Milner of Jonesboro, AR and La Donna Shadden of Salem, OR; 13 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. Memorials may be made to the West Memphis First Assembly of God Building Fund 513 North Missouri Street West Memphis, AR 72301. The visitation will be Sunday January 11, 2009 from 5:00-7:00 P.M. at Roller-Citizens Funeral Home in West Memphis, AR and the service will be Monday January 12, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home with entombment in Crittenden Memorial Park in Marion, AR.

View the Video Memorial Here:

http://www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/video_popup.asp?id=15592

Courtesy of:

Roller-Citizens Funeral Home
201 North Pine Street
West Memphis, AR  72303
www.rollerfuneralhomes.com

 

TSgt Dwain Allen and Colonel Douglas T. Nelson

Jimmy Gray Writes:

Clermont, FL

Wednesday, January 14, 2009

I first worked for Dwain in 1966, where we became close friends from the very first day. His aircraft knowledge was the most extensive of anyone I had ever met, I learned so many lessons from him. When he retired from the Air Force and moved to Arkansas, we always managed to visit each other at least every couple years. Thanks to the internet, we were always in constant touch. He was like the brother I never had, and he will be missed the rest of my life.

Don Lyon Writes: 

Athol, ID

Monday, January 12, 2009

Worked with Dwain on the SR-71, always there to help, assist, teach and train. A good friend and outstanding NCO. We will miss him greatly. Joe Satterwhite Writes:  Lula, GA Saturday, January 10, 2009 Having worked for Dwain in the SR-71 program in 1966, I had then, and have now, the greatest respect and admiration for a man who was always ready to help, to teach, and provide guidance to all who asked. Rest in Peace Dwain MSG Ronald Dickneite Writes:  The loss of a great friend always brings back memories, I met CD even before Beale. I had the great pleasure of being stationed with C D at Schilling AFB KS in 1963. He and I worked together there untill they announced the base was closing. We were both excited about where we were going to be stationed. He put in for the Thunderbirds and passed all the interviews but was turned down because of a special assignment. He and I received our assignments to Beale AFB together along with some others. C D's reporting date was one month before mine, so when I got there he had just got base housing and I took over his house in Linda. We shared TDY's to Edwards, OL and even went to Vietnam at the same time. We were at 2 different bases but still managed to get together there just for a short visit. When he retired I lost contact until I retired from Boeing then I was able to reconnect with him. He also introduced me to cruises and how to get the last minute deals. We had some great time on our first cruise with Jim Gray, myself and CD. We had a surprise get together at his house in AR with C Carter, G Chaffin, J Gray and myself just a few years ago. Every time I make our trip to FL I would try and stop by and see them. Sometimes it was in Panama City Beach, at their home or where ever they were at the time. I guess the thing he taught me was to enjoy life and relax to smell the roses. He will be greatly missed by me and my wife since now that I look back we were friends for over 45 years. MSG Ronald Dickneite

Friday, January 9, 2009 at 16:09 MSgt Mark E. Goodman (Ret) Writes:

Stationed at Beale AFB 1983-1989. 

Would love to get any updates and newsletters for upcoming reunions. 

Thanks,

MSgt Mark E. Goodman (Ret) 

 

Email: markchas@comcast.net

 

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