Rank:
Entered Into Eternal Rest
107 entries.
This man meant the world to me and it so hard not having him around anymore. All I ever wanted to be was just like him. I love and miss you Dad, everyday. I just want to call and hear your voice again. Until Valhalla [IMG_nkECxXz.jpg] [IMG_xPG4apW.jpg]
This man meant the world to me and it so hard not having him around anymore. All I ever wanted to be was just like him. I love and miss you Dad, everyday. I just want to call and hear your voice again. Until Valhalla
[IMG_nkECxXz.jpg] [IMG_xPG4apW.jpg]... Collapse
[IMG_nkECxXz.jpg] [IMG_xPG4apW.jpg]... Collapse
1966, 60th Aer Port, Travis AFB, CA; Sqdn Commander called a group of people to form up in the Air Freight area of the Terminal. I didn't know what or why, and KB did but wouldn't say. We went and found out we were promoted, KB to SSgt and me to from old A2C (two stripe) to old A1C (3 stripes). Next day KB gave me a hand full of 3 stripes. Never saw him "excited", very laid back. I can still hear his laugh....eh, eh, eh, eh. Worked the DZ several times with him...I was definitely the go-fer.
1966, 60th Aer Port, Travis AFB, CA; Sqdn Commander called a group of people to form up in the Air Freight area of the Terminal. I didn't know what or why, and KB did but wouldn't say. We went and found out we were promoted, KB to SSgt and me to from old A2C (two stripe) to old A1C (3 stripes). Next day KB gave me a hand full of 3 stripes.
Never saw him "excited", very laid back. I can still hear his laugh....eh, eh, eh, eh. Worked the DZ several times with him...I was definitely the go-fer.... Collapse
Never saw him "excited", very laid back. I can still hear his laugh....eh, eh, eh, eh. Worked the DZ several times with him...I was definitely the go-fer.... Collapse
First met Skip and worked with him at 60th Aer Port at Travis. Skip was a prior service Marine. He and his wife were married on the Marine Corps birthday. Skip always celebrated the Corps birthday. Skip had aside hustle. In 1969 I was in the USAFSS and returning to Korea from leave with a stop in Okinawa. Skip was walking thru the terminal when we met again. After catching up, he asked me if I wanted a watch. Literally he opened a briefcase full of Seiko watches on display. It reminded me of an old cartoon. His brother-in-law worked... Read more
First met Skip and worked with him at 60th Aer Port at Travis.
Skip was a prior service Marine. He and his wife were married on the Marine Corps birthday. Skip always celebrated the Corps birthday.
Skip had aside hustle. In 1969 I was in the USAFSS and returning to Korea from leave with a stop in Okinawa. Skip was walking thru the terminal when we met again. After catching up, he asked me if I wanted a watch. Literally he opened a briefcase full of Seiko watches on display. It reminded me of an old cartoon. His brother-in-law worked for Seiko and he was a part time salesman. I did buy a watch that had a wind up alarm. That watch worked until 1979 and became fully jump qualified.
I know nothing about how he died, but I will remember him as a friend.... Collapse
Skip was a prior service Marine. He and his wife were married on the Marine Corps birthday. Skip always celebrated the Corps birthday.
Skip had aside hustle. In 1969 I was in the USAFSS and returning to Korea from leave with a stop in Okinawa. Skip was walking thru the terminal when we met again. After catching up, he asked me if I wanted a watch. Literally he opened a briefcase full of Seiko watches on display. It reminded me of an old cartoon. His brother-in-law worked for Seiko and he was a part time salesman. I did buy a watch that had a wind up alarm. That watch worked until 1979 and became fully jump qualified.
I know nothing about how he died, but I will remember him as a friend.... Collapse
Tony came into CCT at the 62nd Aer Port at McChord as a P30434 and worked for me. I went permanently DNIF and left CCT and began a third AF career in AF Communications Command. After I retired and discovered Sgt Mac's Bar, I found out about Tony. He always wanted to cross to a 272, but had to wait. I'm glad he found another path as an officer. From what I remember of him, I'm sure he was a very competent and professional officer.
Tony came into CCT at the 62nd Aer Port at McChord as a P30434 and worked for me.
I went permanently DNIF and left CCT and began a third AF career in AF Communications Command. After I retired and discovered Sgt Mac's Bar, I found out about Tony. He always wanted to cross to a 272, but had to wait. I'm glad he found another path as an officer. From what I remember of him, I'm sure he was a very competent and professional officer.... Collapse
I went permanently DNIF and left CCT and began a third AF career in AF Communications Command. After I retired and discovered Sgt Mac's Bar, I found out about Tony. He always wanted to cross to a 272, but had to wait. I'm glad he found another path as an officer. From what I remember of him, I'm sure he was a very competent and professional officer.... Collapse
Hank began at the 60th Aer Port as a P304. I was the 12th member to the new team and shortly there after Hank and Jim Parsons arrived. We got the new HF radios PRC47 and PRC174 but our primary radio was the PRC41 and the beast of a battery the BB451. During the time I was in USAFSS, Hank had moved to Hurlburt and I read about him in the Airman magazine. I was deeply saddend to hear of the circumstances of his death and my wife's and my heart went out to Denise and family.
Hank began at the 60th Aer Port as a P304. I was the 12th member to the new team and shortly there after Hank and Jim Parsons arrived. We got the new HF radios PRC47 and PRC174 but our primary radio was the PRC41 and the beast of a battery the BB451.
During the time I was in USAFSS, Hank had moved to Hurlburt and I read about him in the Airman magazine.
I was deeply saddend to hear of the circumstances of his death and my wife's and my heart went out to Denise and family.... Collapse
During the time I was in USAFSS, Hank had moved to Hurlburt and I read about him in the Airman magazine.
I was deeply saddend to hear of the circumstances of his death and my wife's and my heart went out to Denise and family.... Collapse
BT came to CCT from a background in Pararescue, which is now recognized as a dual pipeline. He was always pleasant and professional.
BT came to CCT from a background in Pararescue, which is now recognized as a dual pipeline. He was always pleasant and professional.... Collapse
Mouse...one of the original Fubleini Brothers and I believe the originator of "Is Aerial Port a cheap wine?" Mouse came to CCT after crostraining from USAFSS. I met him at Langley when I came back to CCT from a 4 year break in USAFSS. No one could be frowney around Mouse. He seldom took himself seriously, or you for that matter. However; he was serious about the job. Mouse could light up a room like no one I've ever known.
Mouse...one of the original Fubleini Brothers and I believe the originator of "Is Aerial Port a cheap wine?"
Mouse came to CCT after crostraining from USAFSS. I met him at Langley when I came back to CCT from a 4 year break in USAFSS. No one could be frowney around Mouse. He seldom took himself seriously, or you for that matter. However; he was serious about the job. Mouse could light up a room like no one I've ever known.... Collapse
Mouse came to CCT after crostraining from USAFSS. I met him at Langley when I came back to CCT from a 4 year break in USAFSS. No one could be frowney around Mouse. He seldom took himself seriously, or you for that matter. However; he was serious about the job. Mouse could light up a room like no one I've ever known.... Collapse
One time on Travis AFB DZ at Wilton CA, on a night C124 drop, we saw a CDS load exit and the parachute release fired and the load began to break up. Jim dove under the front axle of the weapons carrier and I went under the rear. The 4 drums bracketed the weps. When we crawled out, Jim gave the acft the news that their bomb load was on target, but the AD load broke up in air and was no score.
One time on Travis AFB DZ at Wilton CA, on a night C124 drop, we saw a CDS load exit and the parachute release fired and the load began to break up. Jim dove under the front axle of the weapons carrier and I went under the rear. The 4 drums bracketed the weps. When we crawled out, Jim gave the acft the news that their bomb load was on target, but the AD load broke up in air and was no score.... Collapse
I never got to work with him, but I remember "Soldier of Fortune" magazine ran an article on him and called him the most dangerous man. I know he did a lot of work in places where we weren't with the Ravens.
I never got to work with him, but I remember "Soldier of Fortune" magazine ran an article on him and called him the most dangerous man. I know he did a lot of work in places where we weren't with the Ravens.... Collapse
Jul-Aug 1965, Tex, Gus Philipou, another Airman named Baker, and I went thru jump school at Ft. Benning, GA. I remember sitting in the bleachers at the 250' towers first day orientation. Col. Welch asked all of us USAF guys to stand up. He then told the Army guys, most right out of AIT, what CCT was about. I learned things I didn't know. I remember Tex as being the "old guy" certainly the oldest "student". They broke us up so there was only one wing nut in each group. We didn't get together much but I remember Tex always... Read more
Jul-Aug 1965, Tex, Gus Philipou, another Airman named Baker, and I went thru jump school at Ft. Benning, GA. I remember sitting in the bleachers at the 250' towers first day orientation.
Col. Welch asked all of us USAF guys to stand up. He then told the Army guys, most right out of AIT, what CCT was about. I learned things I didn't know.
I remember Tex as being the "old guy" certainly the oldest "student". They broke us up so there was only one wing nut in each group. We didn't get together much but I remember Tex always had a story to tell.... Collapse
Col. Welch asked all of us USAF guys to stand up. He then told the Army guys, most right out of AIT, what CCT was about. I learned things I didn't know.
I remember Tex as being the "old guy" certainly the oldest "student". They broke us up so there was only one wing nut in each group. We didn't get together much but I remember Tex always had a story to tell.... Collapse
Gus and I went thru HALO JM School at Ft. Bragg, the only two wing nuts along with three Marines. Remember driving back to Langley in his blue Chevy stringray. Gus was a great guy with favorite expression "Yeah but...." The year before he died, I got to talk to him while he was in the tower at Boeing Field in Mesa, AZ. I had retired in '84 and was working at Honeywell in Tempe, AZ. Shame we never got together.
Gus and I went thru HALO JM School at Ft. Bragg, the only two wing nuts along with three Marines. Remember driving back to Langley in his blue Chevy stringray. Gus was a great guy with favorite expression "Yeah but...." The year before he died, I got to talk to him while he was in the tower at Boeing Field in Mesa, AZ. I had retired in '84 and was working at Honeywell in Tempe, AZ. Shame we never got together.... Collapse
1967, SMSgt, E8, Joe D came into 60th Aer Port Sqdn as NCOIC, and I had never seen so many stripes! I had just made A1c (old 3 stripes) and sewed on the ones from KB Duncan as he had just made SSgt. One time at Wilton DZ, I drove a rough terrain loader, for which I was not licensed, and overheated the engine, buried the needle in 100° CA temps. I reported back to the section and Joe D picked up his beret and said "Accompany me". Glub!... We walked across the street to wing hq. and the Wing... Read more
1967, SMSgt, E8, Joe D came into 60th Aer Port Sqdn as NCOIC, and I had never seen so many stripes! I had just made A1c (old 3 stripes) and sewed on the ones from KB Duncan as he had just made SSgt.
One time at Wilton DZ, I drove a rough terrain loader, for which I was not licensed, and overheated the engine, buried the needle in 100° CA temps.
I reported back to the section and Joe D picked up his beret and said "Accompany me". Glub!... We walked across the street to wing hq. and the Wing Commander's secretary announced us. Joe D reported for us, and I was asked for my story. No excuse, sir. The commander sent me back out, Joe D remained.
The secretary and I couldn't understand the words thru the door, but we could hear the volume of the exchange. It got quiet, then Joe D came out and said "Accompany me".
Back at the section, Joe D said the commander wanted to court marshall me, but Joe D said I was his problem and he would handle it. I drew one week (7) straight days of KP, repainted all of the equipment lockers, repainted the Aerial Delivery parachute packing lanes (2), and I missed a mile high staticline jump (that hurt the most).
After all that was done, Joe D formed the team and called me up front. I'll never forget, he said "We all know Collins screwed up, but from this time on, I (Joe D) don't want to hear any remarks or jokes about it" He said it's over and we will to move on."
I was never able to thank him on a personal level for what he had done for a young airman. I remembered Joe D and tried to emulate him and how he took care of "his" people, and more so when I made SMSgt.
Thanks Joe, for helping me grow up straighter.
By the way, FMC, manufacturer of the rough terrain loader, said all that happened was the seals were burned out, and I had subjected it to a tougher test than they ever had, nothing else was harmed.... Collapse
One time at Wilton DZ, I drove a rough terrain loader, for which I was not licensed, and overheated the engine, buried the needle in 100° CA temps.
I reported back to the section and Joe D picked up his beret and said "Accompany me". Glub!... We walked across the street to wing hq. and the Wing Commander's secretary announced us. Joe D reported for us, and I was asked for my story. No excuse, sir. The commander sent me back out, Joe D remained.
The secretary and I couldn't understand the words thru the door, but we could hear the volume of the exchange. It got quiet, then Joe D came out and said "Accompany me".
Back at the section, Joe D said the commander wanted to court marshall me, but Joe D said I was his problem and he would handle it. I drew one week (7) straight days of KP, repainted all of the equipment lockers, repainted the Aerial Delivery parachute packing lanes (2), and I missed a mile high staticline jump (that hurt the most).
After all that was done, Joe D formed the team and called me up front. I'll never forget, he said "We all know Collins screwed up, but from this time on, I (Joe D) don't want to hear any remarks or jokes about it" He said it's over and we will to move on."
I was never able to thank him on a personal level for what he had done for a young airman. I remembered Joe D and tried to emulate him and how he took care of "his" people, and more so when I made SMSgt.
Thanks Joe, for helping me grow up straighter.
By the way, FMC, manufacturer of the rough terrain loader, said all that happened was the seals were burned out, and I had subjected it to a tougher test than they ever had, nothing else was harmed.... Collapse
1966, I was with the 60th Aer Port CCT, and met Lew the first time a Charleston AFB where we were both to catch a C97 for a flight to Panama for Jungle Survival at Albrook AFB. Also met Bill Frankenberger for the first time there. Lew had been thru this once before, so when we were getting the class brief before the E&E portion, Lew moved us to the edge of the group next to the jungle. He said do what I do... Suddenly, some instructors popped a flare and ran into the clearing shooting blanks and hollering. Lew... Read more
1966, I was with the 60th Aer Port CCT, and met Lew the first time a Charleston AFB where we were both to catch a C97 for a flight to Panama for Jungle Survival at Albrook AFB. Also met Bill Frankenberger for the first time there. Lew had been thru this once before, so when we were getting the class brief before the E&E portion, Lew moved us to the edge of the group next to the jungle. He said do what I do...
Suddenly, some instructors popped a flare and ran into the clearing shooting blanks and hollering. Lew grabbed me and we ran into the jungle as hard as we could. When the flare died we went flat, motionless. The instructors rounded up those that didn't make it out of the clearing and they began the "interrogation" phase. We had only made it into the jungle about 20 feet and thought if it had been daylight we would have been caught. So began a miserable night of meeting taglefoot and black palm trees. Also would have been nice to have a ma duce to kill the dive bomber mosquitos.
Lew also had the unique ability to "throw" his shoulder out and he used that to smile at me when they took him to the hospital right after we were "captured" and sent to the "compound".
Another time, after Lew came to 60th CCT, we were TDY to the closed Wendover AFB, UT for C124 drops. One evening the local sheriff knocked on the barracks door. Did we know anything about a grenade out on the highway? Would we come and get it?
We thought it was a smoke grenade, so, OK. Lew went with the sheriff.
When Lew came back he handed me a WWII "pineapple" grenade body. When I turned it over, pink powder spilled out.
Wendover was a closed AF installation and a SF Reserve unit had used it as a training site two weeks before. Evidently, it was left over from them. Lew said when the spoon came off the striker had packed up enough snow to keep it from setting off the cap. Lew had unscrewed the body and buried the rest. We spent a week there and no drops because of WX. Drove our ARC27 equipped weapons carrier back across UT to Hill AFB for airlift back to Travis.
Lew had a crooked little finger from a knife fight when he was a teenager.
There is another story about Lew and Rommy J. Outlaw but that is for another time.
Lew was.one of my favorite TDY buddies.... Collapse
Suddenly, some instructors popped a flare and ran into the clearing shooting blanks and hollering. Lew grabbed me and we ran into the jungle as hard as we could. When the flare died we went flat, motionless. The instructors rounded up those that didn't make it out of the clearing and they began the "interrogation" phase. We had only made it into the jungle about 20 feet and thought if it had been daylight we would have been caught. So began a miserable night of meeting taglefoot and black palm trees. Also would have been nice to have a ma duce to kill the dive bomber mosquitos.
Lew also had the unique ability to "throw" his shoulder out and he used that to smile at me when they took him to the hospital right after we were "captured" and sent to the "compound".
Another time, after Lew came to 60th CCT, we were TDY to the closed Wendover AFB, UT for C124 drops. One evening the local sheriff knocked on the barracks door. Did we know anything about a grenade out on the highway? Would we come and get it?
We thought it was a smoke grenade, so, OK. Lew went with the sheriff.
When Lew came back he handed me a WWII "pineapple" grenade body. When I turned it over, pink powder spilled out.
Wendover was a closed AF installation and a SF Reserve unit had used it as a training site two weeks before. Evidently, it was left over from them. Lew said when the spoon came off the striker had packed up enough snow to keep it from setting off the cap. Lew had unscrewed the body and buried the rest. We spent a week there and no drops because of WX. Drove our ARC27 equipped weapons carrier back across UT to Hill AFB for airlift back to Travis.
Lew had a crooked little finger from a knife fight when he was a teenager.
There is another story about Lew and Rommy J. Outlaw but that is for another time.
Lew was.one of my favorite TDY buddies.... Collapse
1966, 60th Aer Port, Travis AFB, CA used a DZ at Wilton CA. One time the Sacramento Bee, sent a reporter and photographer to the DZ to see what's going on. The reporter asked Capt. Jahnke what all his "stuff" was. Capt. Jahnke pointed to his "pocket rocket" missleman badge and explained it, next his navigator wings and his jump wings, all with no little pride. The reporter replied "Hmmm... you must have a hard time holding a job." Jim Hillard and I couldn't help exploding with laughter. 1972, at Langley, I ran into him again coming back to CCT... Read more
1966, 60th Aer Port, Travis AFB, CA used a DZ at Wilton CA. One time the Sacramento Bee, sent a reporter and photographer to the DZ to see what's going on. The reporter asked Capt. Jahnke what all his "stuff" was. Capt. Jahnke pointed to his "pocket rocket" missleman badge and explained it, next his navigator wings and his jump wings, all with no little pride. The reporter replied "Hmmm... you must have a hard time holding a job." Jim Hillard and I couldn't help exploding with laughter.
1972, at Langley, I ran into him again coming back to CCT from 4 years in USAFSS. We shared a couple of beers and talked about times when he was OIC of the newly activated Travis CCT.... Collapse
1972, at Langley, I ran into him again coming back to CCT from 4 years in USAFSS. We shared a couple of beers and talked about times when he was OIC of the newly activated Travis CCT.... Collapse
Kirk came to 4th Aer Port as 2 striper P30434. First jump with us was a night drop at Blackstone. I had just turned for the fire arrow when whump! Someone ran into my canopy a d grabbed ahold. Mine collapsed and I began to turn in a flat spin, two of us under one canopy. I dumped my gear and landed in a sitting position. Got up to find Monte on the other end. His 6th jump. When the Langley team split after the war, he went to Pope and I went to McChord and eventually out of CCT.... Read more
Kirk came to 4th Aer Port as 2 striper P30434. First jump with us was a night drop at Blackstone. I had just turned for the fire arrow when whump! Someone ran into my canopy a d grabbed ahold. Mine collapsed and I began to turn in a flat spin, two of us under one canopy. I dumped my gear and landed in a sitting position. Got up to find Monte on the other end. His 6th jump.
When the Langley team split after the war, he went to Pope and I went to McChord and eventually out of CCT.
It wasn't until after I found this site that I learned of his death.... Collapse
When the Langley team split after the war, he went to Pope and I went to McChord and eventually out of CCT.
It wasn't until after I found this site that I learned of his death.... Collapse
Bobby was assistant NCOIC of the Langley team and held USPA freefall license number D-119, the lowest number I have in my log. Went TDY many times to Blackstone and stayed at Ma Allen's.
Bobby was assistant NCOIC of the Langley team and held USPA freefall license number D-119, the lowest number I have in my log. Went TDY many times to Blackstone and stayed at Ma Allen's.... Collapse
I knew Lee at Langley; he was kinda like the 4th Aer Port CCT admin guy, but much more. Need TDY orders, see Lee...need a school CCT at Lttlerock, see Lee, need a special flight, see Lee. I was gone from Langley when I heard he had collapsed and died on a deployment. I'm So sorry.
I knew Lee at Langley; he was kinda like the 4th Aer Port CCT admin guy, but much more. Need TDY orders, see Lee...need a school CCT at Lttlerock, see Lee, need a special flight, see Lee. I was gone from Langley when I heard he had collapsed and died on a deployment. I'm
So sorry.... Collapse
So sorry.... Collapse
The day Elvis Pressly died I was TDY to Moses Lake. Dick had just rotated back to McChord and called to ask me to go toa certain record shop in town and buy a bunch of Elvis' just released albums; they were special because they were a special color of vinyl and would become collector items. That was the first I knew he was a big time record collector. Rest well Dick.
The day Elvis Pressly died I was TDY to Moses Lake. Dick had just rotated back to McChord and called to ask me to go toa certain record shop in town and buy a bunch of Elvis' just released albums; they were special because they were a special color of vinyl and would become collector items. That was the first I knew he was a big time record collector. Rest well Dick.... Collapse
Jerry was a great big brother and an honorable man. Jerry did not make the same mistake twice, and learned to overcome difficulties with honor, courage, and humility. He is still greatly missed.
Jerry was a great big brother and an
honorable man. Jerry did not make the same mistake twice, and learned to overcome difficulties with honor, courage,
and humility. He is still greatly missed.... Collapse
honorable man. Jerry did not make the same mistake twice, and learned to overcome difficulties with honor, courage,
and humility. He is still greatly missed.... Collapse
I'm at Tony on the McCord team back around 75. He was the staff sergeant radio maintenance at that time. Damn nice guy. We were on a few exercises together and he explained a lot about combat control to me. That's why I have a lot of respect for those guys. Rest in peace Tony
I'm at Tony on the McCord team back around 75. He was the staff sergeant radio maintenance at that time. Damn nice guy. We were on a few exercises together and he explained a lot about combat control to me. That's why I have a lot of respect for those guys. Rest in peace Tony... Collapse
