Letters to Everyone
Listed by the most recent:
Ken Gero ... 482nd FIS 1963-1965
February 18, 2007
Hi Everyone,
I was with the 482nd until deactivation in 1965. I led the first flight of four F-102As into BTV for delivery to the Vermont ANG. Laurel Statham led the second flight and Bob Cain the third. After volunteering for SEA, I went instead TDY enroute to Hurlburt AFB (O-1E and AGOS) and then to Osan AB as Operations Officer of the 4th DASF (Direct Air Support Flight). From there to ADC, air operations staff officer in tactics and training, November ’66 to September ’68.
A volunteer statement resulted in F-4D training (Davis-Monthan); to the 417th TFS, dual based at Mt. Home AFB and Hahn AB March ’69 to August ’70. Another volunteer statement got me Tactical Fighter Operations Officer Orientation course (Nellis) and then to Udorn RTAFB, 7th /13th AF Command Post as Senior Duty Officer.
With an "I give up attitude" I checked in, got my schedule, and walked across the street to the club to have lunch. The first person I ran into was Col. Homer Hayes, my next door neighbor at Seymour and DO of the air division in Korea, and presently the DO of the 432nd TF/R Wing. When he discovered I was current in the F-4D with 425 hours; he told me to go to work at 7/13th and he would get me transferred into one of the fighter squadrons. Ten days later I was in the 555th TFS and flew 148 missions with them, ending up as Operations Officer, through September ’71.
Because I was a reserve officer EAD, I went to the 24th NR/AD at Malmstrom for my terminal assignment ... made Lt/Col ... served as executive officer to the commander and retired 1 July 1973.
I had gotten my FAA ATP, CFI, and CFII so when I checked out in the T-39 while at ADC I also received a civilian Sabreliner type rating. That led to employment as a corporate jet pilot and Chief Pilot. I then got type ratings on the Citation 500, 650, and 750.
My final civilian job was Chief Pilot and Captain with Arnold Palmer on his Citation III, VII, and X retiring in August 1996 with 42 years as a professional aviator with 13,900 flight hours.
I would do it all over again in a heart beat!
Best Regards ... Ken Gero
Robert Quinn
Feb 12, 2005
This section of the web site should be packed full of letters from former 482nd personnel. I'm sure thoughts sometimes drift back to the days of less complication and stress. Days filled with comraderie and fellowship. It's been 40 years since the squadron was deactivated. During this period of time, there has had to be some very interesting stories to tell of people's lives since the 482nd. Of the thousands of airmen assigned, there are only 5 letters in the Mail Call. Are people just not at all curious or are they that private?
I am Robert Quinn, now 60 years old. Probably one of the youngest members of the 482nd (not confirmed). My experience with the 482nd was truly eye opening. I was fortunate to be associated with people who really cared and helped in any way they could. There was Chief Warrant Officer Macon (from Siler City, NC, I think) that took me under his wing. He helped me with some legal matters at the request of Lt. Col. Halliwell. A turning point in my life. He would come by the Pneudraulic Shop around noon on a lot of Fridays and ask the NCOIC if I could get off duty to ride with him as far as Siler City on my way home. I was from Gastonia, NC. This naturally didn't set too well with some of the guys in the shop. Oh, well.
Two S/Sgts, Adams and Bowdoin, had to be the ultimate in delegation. I don't think they ever failed to be near a job in case they were needed. Great supervisors for real.
The work on the F-102A is as exciting to recall as it was to actually perform. A pleasure to have been associated with such an aircraft. Having been at Seymour Johnson for over a year, I remember a lot of events, but not many people.
After deactivation, I went to the 52nd FMS, Suffolk County AFB on Long Island. There we maintained two fighter interceptor squadrons, the 98th FIS and 2nd FIS. The F-101B was the second of the Century Series fighters on my list. From Suffolk County to SEA, and the dreaded F-100 C's. This was without a doubt the most difficult airplane to work on known to man. I absolutely despised this machine. Fortunately, I had the opportunity to volunteer for the C-7A Caribou program. The transfer of fixed wing aircraft from the Army to the Air Force. This was a hydraulic heaven. Nothing but brakes, landing gear and flaps. Phu Cat AB was my last station assignment before discharge in 1967. My after-service life consists of the very normal. Family, several different unrelated jobs, and thoughts of retirement. Now I am trying to catch up to the past.
This rambling is my contribution to the Mail Call. #6 on the list and the first in over 2 years. More participation in this web site is needed and welcomed.
Robert Quinn, 7928 Mariner's Point Cir., Denver, NC 28037--- (704) 489-1483
Ralph Burcham - Tobaccoville, NC
August 5, 2002
I arrived at SJAFB in April 1957 as an A2C from the 95th FIS at Andrews AFB, MD. There was no commissary, only a few paved roads and the BX was a place where you could buy only the necessities for military life. I worked in the jet engine shop for TSgt Day, MSgt Lyons, TSgt Huskey, TSgt Lambert, MSgt Palmer, and probably some more I can't remember! I went on most all TDYs to Cherry Point, NAS Oceana, Panama City, Fla., and Myrtle Beach AFB until I departed for Bitburg AB, Germany in April 1961.
During my time in the 482nd I made A1C on my first hitch, which was very lucky in those days, got married and my oldest daughter, who is 43, was one of the first babies born in the new base hospital. I got to see a new commissary and BX built, the runways extended for SAC, a Credit Union established and the new Capehart Housing completed.
I spent three miserable years in TAC in Germany and came back to the US as a Jet Engine instructor (1964-69). Took my turn in Nam at Phu Cat AB and returned to Webb AFB as a shift leader. Didn't like it there any more than Nam, so applied for special assignment and became the NCOIC of Continuation of Military Training at Lowry AFB. Made E-8 in 1975 and crosstrained as a 1st Sgt, since my controlled tour was at an end. Had a line # for E-9 in Mar 1977, and in April they wanted me to go to Alconbury, England. My daughters would have graduated from high school there and I didn't feel it was fair to them, so I retired July 1977.
I got a job with the State of NC and retired as a Transportation Tech. in 1998. Along with my Social Security, life ain't half bad!!! Now have 4 grand and 4 great-grand kids, so you can see someone is doing their homework. Got a cabin and 35 acres of mountain land in VA. where I have been successful in killing a bear, 4 wild turkeys and numerous deer. I turned 64 in May and hope I can enjoy this life for many more years to come!!
May 31, 1938 - July 1, 2006Thomas D. Sutton - Goldsboro, NC
May 5, 2002
Re my period with the 482nd: July 1960 until deactivation in 1965. I transferred from Alaska as an E-9 (Fire Control Supv). Was in Radar since 1946 working on the P-61 Black Widow. Upon deactivation (of the 482nd) I transferred to the 4th TFW here at Seymour Johnson and spent my last years with TAC folks. Not too enjoyable or productive. Retired November, 1966. Stayed in Goldsboro and have seven kids from two marriages. Some kids live here or nearby.
We have been having 482nd reunions every 2 years since 1983. I have been involved in all of them but had lots of help over the years. I did not become the group leader until about 6-8 years ago when the reunion original organizer, Hatler Leslie died. We have managed to have between 50-70 people attend most reunions. The current 2002 reunion is scheduled for the weekend of May 17, 18, & 19. As a matter of info, reunions are always the third weekend in May. I know this is short notice for you but you do have an invitation.
I have addresses on 168 members of the 482nd. We usually have 50-60 attend reunions. We have about 20 who live within 30-40 miles of Goldsboro. I also have a list of 68 deceased and I am sure there are more. In the next few days I am going to send you some of the rosters that I have. Some are just names, some are just initials. I had never seen your name on any old orders that came into my possession, but I have no old orders for the years 1956-1959.
Email: Tom Sutton
Wayne E. Hamilton - Ankeny, Iowa
April 14, 2002
Yes, I was there in June of 1957 until 1959 when they sent me to the 444th FIS at Charleston, SC. I was an Instrument Repairman. Our shop was on the West side of the hanger and upstairs. If I remember right it was above the parachute shop. We had the electricians in with us.
My NCOIC was T/Sgt Brian O. Fox. I have an address for him in his home state of Wyoming. A really fine person. He actually was an electrician. I had gone to North Africa (357th FIS, F-86D's) after tech school in Chanute and stayed 18 months, then to S-J. I had made it to A/1C by then. And I made S/Sgt in the 482nd. Some of the guys that came with me from Africa were A/2C Donald L. "Shorty" Blazonis, Ramsey, and Fred "Turk" Braun. Others in the shop were fresh from tech school, A/3C Johnson, Arp, Bean, Scates and Lasley. It was a good shop. I also had a good relationship with the Supply Sgt... M/Sgt Reddington...and little M/Sgt Bamrick (m/Conrol). Good friend who made T/Sgt was Tommy Elder, a crew chief. Some of the electricians were Samualson?, Buffington, Wilson, and another guy that I don't remember his name but was a really sharp electrician. I found Blazonis last spring and also I know where Turk is in Ohio.
I'll be 68 next month. Stayed in the AF almost nine years, becoming an Instructor (7 level and basic course) at Chanute and loved it but no promotions. Would go back in in a heart beat!
That's about it for now but as my memory banks get warmed up I'll send more to you. I really enjoyed all the info and pictures on the web site. You have done an excellent job and I thank you! Brings back a lot of GOOD AF memories!
Email: WHami40068@aol.com
Taken from email letters from Bill Gilliam:
Feb 26, 1998: "I stayed in the AF for 26 years. Got to work on some interesting projects. For example, I did R&D on Blackbirds (YF12/SR71). Left that and went into telecommunications. Worked in HQ communication command and traveled allover the world inspecting and evaulating AF comm systems.
"After I left AF I worked for various companies and the goverment. Even did some consulting on my own. A few years ago after my last divorce I just quit work and now all I do is help others with computer problems (for free) and read. Lately I have been researching my family roots and have met a lot of interesting cousins VIA the internet doing the same. My childern (a boy and girl) are grown and live in Illnois. I am generally in good health but I had a heart attack a few months ago. I had a stopped up artery but didn't need surgery and my heart is in good shape."
Oct 25, 2001: "I just turned 65 a few months ago and I have gotten big and ugly. I had a minor heart attack in 97 and had a stent implant which seems to have corrected the problem as I have had no problems since. I still read a lot of SF and fantasy. I stopped working a few years ago. As a past time I play a lot of computer games and build computers. The computers I mostly give away as I upgrade.
"I went to three William Tells. I worked on the YF12/SR71 research and development project at Edward AFB. I left there and crossed trained into Telecommunications. Finally ended up as an IG inspector and inspected and evaluated communication systems world wide. When I retired from the service I tried my hand at several things. Worked for civil service a couple of times. Was a consultant for a while. Managed an overseas government contract for a while. I guess I worked for 10-15 different companies after leaving the service. However, I never enjoyed any of it as much as I did the Air Force.
"I live in southeastern Oklahoma. There are forests, rivers, large lakes, and mountains nearby. Not at all like western Oklahoma. I live in a small town and only lock my door when I expect to be a way for several days. About the only crime here is drugs."
George C. Willick - 514 East St., Madison, IN 47250
Nov. 7, 2001
I 'll go first just to keep the page from being empty. I know where several of the men of the 482nd are but only one of them owns a computer...so this web page may be one of those lessons in futility. And it has been a while since those years at Seymour Johnson where we honed our ability and learned that "blowing gnats" was not only a necessary skill, but practiced unto an art form. I was there when the first F-102s arrived and left in January of 1960.
I made A/2C but just barely and that the hard way...I was an A/B for a year until Sgt Gentile chewed me out for not wearing my stripes. When he found out I didn't have any, he apologized, and made me an A/3C, and six months later, A/2C...above that you had to re-enlist...and that wasn't going to happen. On the one hand its great to have the angel over your shoulder being the US government and the guy thing was fun for awhile, but on the other hand I hated belonging to something else 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Not the life for me. I wanted to charge out and see the world...and for a while I did that...got married, moved to New York City, and got a great job for a publishing company, neat apartment (rent controlled), my wife worked in the Pan-Am building. Things were great. Then, a baby made an appearance.
I opted to return to Indiana where grass was greener than New York concrete and raise a family and take care of Mom and Dad in their final years. 6 girls. (Almost had a son but he didn't live.) I think there must be a whole bunch of grandkids out there...I lost track at 9 or 10.
35 years in a factory brought out some unionism in me which led up that ladder. But I didn't want the life on the road of a Union Business Agent so I stayed active at the local level as a shop committeeman, contract negotiator, and helped with arbitrations. Retired a couple years ago and while I like the freedom, I hate the lack of purpose and daily competition.
Along the way I learned photography (even had some record album covers published), repaired automatic musical instruments as a hobby (still have three reproducing pianos and a Wurlitzer Nickelodeon), learned how not to buy and sell stock, got sucked into computers right away (as soon as I could afford those prices) and still remember the anticipation of waiting five minutes for the Commodore disk drive to load.
All in all, we did ok. The six girls were raised without anything really bad happening and my New York wife, Peachie, is still on the premises. The worst of it was an agonizing five years of day and night care for my mother who went the whole route with Alzheimer's (until she starved to death because her body had lost the ability to swallow). That made the four years in the military look like a tea dance. I came away from that an old man.
When search engines kicked in, I started looking for everyone. Don Wieser, in Indianapolis, was the only one I hadn't lost contact with. And eventually I found Curtis Nord, now retired in Goldsboro, and the guys in the Wm Tell photos...Nick Luzie, Bill Plemmons, and Thomas Maccalous...all nearby where they were raised, and Bill Gilliam in Oklahoma, the only one with a computer. But the 482nd men are hard to find. I located 60% of the men in my basic training flight. I was with them only six weeks. I was with the 482nd for three years and can't find ten of you guys.
That's enough. Your turn.