Guestbook

I was stationed at Sembach AFB & assigned to Grunstadt from 1965 to 1966 as an AGE repairman.









Mace

I was assigned to the Tactical Missile School at Lowry AFB right out of basic training as a 44310L in Jan 1962. Upon graduation in June, three other of my fellow trainees and I received orders assigning us to instructor duty in that very school, which was located in the Black Hangar, much to our collective horror! We wanted to see the world in the operational Air Force - we'd seen enough of Denver! All four of us eventually finagled our way out and were assigned to SAC with the B-52/GAM-77 weapon system. My time at Lowry was from Jan 1962 - Dec 1963. I tought Basic Physics, Blocks I and II, and Basic Electricity, Blocks I - IV in the TAC Missile Maintenance training program. Hated it! Absolutely hated it! Left Lowry and went to the 320th BW at Mather AFB in Sacramento, which was way better duty. Subsequently, spent 34 years with USAF/WA ANG, retiring as a MSgt in 1994. The highlight of my military career was service with our KC-135E tanker unit at Jeddah, Saudi Arabia during Desert Shield and Desert Storm. If interested in contacting me, my telno is (509) 299-4136.

Mace

Beryl C. Ristine passed away from natural causes on 26 January, 2012. Beryl arrived at Sembach in March, 1961, assigned to the Missile Maintenance squadron. Initially, he was a maintenance crew chief/supervisor and subsequently assigned to quality control performing administrative duties. He was transferred to Vandenberg AFB, Ca. in March, 1965 where he was assigned to the 4392d Comm Squadron maintaining the telemetry systems on the Minuteman missile. Beryl retired as a MSgt and made his home in Santa Maria, California, after 24 years of service.

Mace

Sembach, Bitburg, Steinfeld, Dreidorf, Landsberg, Franfurt, etc. Staff sergeant with 11th tms/587. One of 4 techs trained in Link missile simulator. I was detached to Link Aviation and Reeves Instrument to install and train missile simulators and train guidance officers in Germany. While stationed in Germany, we deployed to Libya for live missile launches.
My system guided the first Matador missile in the 1956 acceptance tests for USAF. We had MSQ-1 number 1 and we also had the first MSQ-1a. The first MSQ-1a was released to the AF at Canaveral early in 1956. It was located at Site Rose, next the hangars at Patrick AFB.
I developed the secondary RTFR system, later installed on front-line radars.
I also developed a MSQ rapid-deployment system, using a second set of short cables already in trucks. We could have all three vans, OA-626, MPS-19, and the COM van on the road in less than one hour.

Matador

Lowry 1958
Orlando (w/TDY Holloman) 1958/59
Sembach 1959/62
Lowry 1962
Missile Systems Analyst Specialist - 587th MMS

Mace

Sembach June 56 june 59, 587 Support sq, Armament section Shipped with the 11TMS in june of 56 after Nuc wpns school 46350 at Lowrey

Matador

I was in TM 76A school at Lowry April 1958 - September 1958. Went to Orlando for training on Mace A. Nothing was ready for the training at Orlando. By April 1959 I was tired of doing details and jumped on an opportunity to transfer to Matador and went to the 310th TMS at Osan, Korea from April 1959 - April 1960. Went consecutive tour to Bitburg, Germany and served with the 71st TMS between April 1960 - April 1963. I would enjoy corresponding with folks from that served in either of these locations during the dates mentioned.

Ron Baertsch


Matador

Bitburg 1956-59 T/sgt John Dawson ther at asembly area "A" also Billy Joe Wnchester on launch crew. Guidance system tech later calibration tech for systems made two trips to Tripoli north africa. The last one we had a missile burned on launch pad. I have good photos of that

Matador

Lowry AFB - 1963/64, Orlando AFB - 1964, Kadena AFB - 1964/65. Trained with a crew that was se nt to Germany (Bitburg AFB, I think). Some may recall me as a nitwit (ha-ha). But seriously I was barracks chief, troop marcher, & class leader while we were in school at Lowry. Visited the site of the former AFB in Aurora, Colorado, a couple of years ago. Wow! Lowry AFB is now a modern, upscale urban development...a far cry from our delapidated, coal-fired, wooden World War II-relic barracks. The only remnants of the base that I could recognize were a couple of large aircraft hangers, with one being used as an air museum and sporting a retired B52 bomber on the tarmac. Anyway, when finished with training at Orlando AFB, because of the growing conflict in Vietnam, I asked for and received orders to be switched to missile duty in Okinawa. And now, a century later, it would be great to to touch bases again with former friends...Mike Rowland, Missileman, CGM-13C Weapon System

Mace

Lowry, Orlando, Osan,Korea 1960-61.

Control Systems Mech, Launch Team

Matador

My grandfather was MSGT Bobby Diener. I know at one point he was a senior controller in Hahn with the 586th MMS. I am looking for anyone that may have met or worked with him. I was referred here by a mod on Missileforums.com
http://www.missileforums.com/forums/viewtopic.php?uid=2333&f=16&t=1534&start=0

Mace

I was at Lowry for tech. school in Dec.-Mar. '68-'69. Upon arrival i was assigned to a PATS (personnel awaiting tech school)squadron. After what seemed like an eternity I was assigned to a training squadron, where thinds weren't much better. All in all, and without going into detail, my time at Lowry AFB was the most MISERABLE time I spent in my entire 4 years in the USAF, and possibly the most miserable time of my entire life. The day I left there was pure elation. Got orders to Nellis AFB in Las Vegas, where I was stationed for 16 months before going to Thailand for a year of loading bombs on F-4's, then the remainder of my time at March AFB (SAC) and a few months TDY in Guam when Tricky Dick decided it'd be a good idea to bomb the hell outa North Vietnam and Hanoi Harbor. Finally got out on Halloween, 1972. End of career..... Jeff Nix, San Diego, CA

?

Tom, Please send me Beth's or Becky's e-mail when you get a chance. I had no idea until I saw your posting. My wife, Ilse, and I drove Bill and Becky to Frankfurt from Bitburg in the middle of the night many many years ago for the emergency trip back to the States. Thanks, George


Mace

Was stationed at Hundheim [site 6] from july 1961 until November 1966.
I returned to Lowry for instructor training. Taught Mace B guidance, then air to air and air to ground [Sidewinder,Schrike,Sparrow.]Did a
second tour in Korea, first was in 1956-1957. Reterned and did a tour as a recruiter in north central Pennsylvania. From there worked on Maverick at Englansd AFB until retirement in 1976. Then moved to Spring TX. and got a real job, Ha Ha! Still working at 73. Good to see that some of us are still around.

Mace

This is to notify everyone that a another Missileer has passed on.
Bill Williams died on the 14th of November of Cancer.
He was a "B" bird guy until 1970 when he became an Instrumentation guy. His duty assignments were Okinawa, Bitburg, Lowry, Holloman, and Hill AFB. He retired from Vandenburg AFB and returned to his home state, Oregon. Let me know if anyone wants to get in touch with the family as I have their email address.
Thomas Campbell



Mace

Hahn 1963-1965 Site IV Thank you to Robert "Scotty" Scott for your posting of the T.O. 21-TM76A-1-2. I was a Mech 1 at site IV and noticed on page 49 my name was penciled in as being assigned to crew #2. Working on the site was a great experience and re-reading the T.O. brought back many memories of the hard work we all endured keeping the "birds" and the site operational (modernizing the site to incorporate shelters was dare I say a humbling experience during the summer of 64?).

Mace

Orlando-1959, Osan-1960. I've noted one of my Launch Team 6 mates, Art Arrowsmith, has an entry in the Camp Happiness Site. I've been trying to contact him but the phone #s listed on the internet have been disconnected. I do not get a response from his e-mail address, arthura@macconnect.com. My ph # (623)848-8527. Help anyone?

Matador

Orlando AFB 1957
Tainan AB 1958/59/60
I was with the 17th Tactical Missile Squadron (Martin Matador TM-61C Surface to surface missile) at Orlando AFB in 1957 which became the 868th Tactical Missile Squadron when it located to Tainan Air Base, Taiwan. I was there with the Armament Section for three years - extended my assignment twice while there. What a wonderful experience. I have pictures if interested.

Matador

Hahn, A.B. 1959-1962

Matador & Mace

Just thought I,d say hi and make a couple of corrections to the roll call. I was in Bitburg, Okinawa and a instructor in Orlando.
Bitburg 1957/1960
Okinawa 1965/1968
retired as Msgt in 1975


Matador & Mace

I was a fireman stationed at Hahn AB 61-64. Worked at Metro Tango until the Mace Sites went Operational. Rotated between Sites 4, 5, 6, and Metro Tango frim Mar 61 - Oct 62. Was first assigned to the 586th SS which was deactivated in Oct 62. All fireman and air police were transferred to the 50th. Retired from the USAF in 1989 and retired Civil Service 2005. Now living in Beaver Dam, Arizona - extreme Northwest corner of state.

Mace

Well, another TAC Missileer reunion is now history, after a really fun time in San Diego. My thanks to all of the TAC-M officers and anyone else who helped to put it together! The special Oktoberfest was a great cap on the festivities. I feel sure that our private 'fest was far superior to the public one! I'm already anticipating the final date for San Antonio in 2013. Just hope we don't have to wear pith helmets....

Jim Cagle
Bitburg MEMS, Mace-B, 62-64

Mace

11th Pilotless Bomber Squadron, 11th Tactical Missile Squadron: Orlando Air Force Base - 54/56
Bitburg Germany - 56/58. Helped train Shanicle crews.

Matador

Bitburg - 1954/1956

Matador

ENTERED SERVICE IN 1953, INITIALLY ATTACHED TO MATADOR 1st TACTICAL MISSILE SQUADRON BASED AT BITBURG 1954 – 1956 FOLLOWING TRAINING AT KEESLER AFB AND SANDIA. TASKED WITH DISASSEMBLY, CONVERTING, ASSEMBLING, MAINTAINING AND TESTING NUCLEAR BOMBS TO PBS MISSILE WARHEADS. ALSO PERFORMED MANY VARIOUS TASKS WITHIN COC TRACKING BY MAINTAINING OPERATION READINESS REPORTS, AT TIMES WAS PERSONAL DRIVER TO BASE COMMANDER TO FIELD OPERATION LOCATIONS. TRANSFERRED TO MARCH AFB PERFORMING TESTS OF MK 15 AND MK 30 THERMO-NUCLEAR WEAPONS FOR SAC B47 BOMBERS. DISCHARGED AT END OF OF SERVICE DUTY IN 1957.

Matador

Was in both 873rd and 874th, site four Kadena crew 36 or 38 1962 and 1963.
Just found old friend and crewmember Jerry Strong on this site.

Mace

Well, the 2011 reunion is upon us everyone. 4 more days to the official start. Hope all you reunion attendee's are bursting with anticipation of a great time. I assure you, it will be. Of course the best part of the reunion is getting to be among your former comrades from just a few years ago. OH, how I wish it were just a few years ago. I do know that I would gladly do it all, over again, if it were possible. I truly enjoyed every minute of my Air Force years, even when I received a butt chewing for doing something stupid. Don't recall what that was, but I'm sure I probably did something to warrant a chewing out.
For those that have never been to a TacMissileer reunion, please give it some serious thought about attending the next one that will be held in 2013. LOcation to be voted on at the upcoming reunion in San Diego. Being in the company of all those former Cold War Missileer Warriors, just gives you a very proud feeling. Of course when you witness someone recognize an old comrade from over 45 years ago, it really tugs at your heart. IN past reunions I have even witnessed a few damp eyes, from time to time. Don't think it was from having something in the eye, either.
For all the former Missileers that have been signing in on our web-site, we would love to have you as members in this wonderful TacMissileer organization. Due's are very reasonable at $15.00 annually, or $30.00 for 3 years, which is a $15.00 savings.
IF any of you would like a unit patch, I may have them in stock or can have them made if there is enough demand for a certain patch. Also can have the TacMIssileer jackets made with any and all lettering you may wish to have.
Also if any of you have any stories you would like to share with the MIssileer family, please contact our Newsletter Editor, Bob Bolton. He would greatly appreciate any newsworthy articles from you former Missileers. Why, they don't even have to be entirely true, but would appreciate them being reasonably close.
BY the way, I was at Hahn 58-60 and BItburg 60-61. WAs in armament on the Matador. Everyone stay safe. For those going to the reunion. SEE Y'ALL THERE. EVERYONE HAVE A SAFE TRIP. Max

Matador

stationed at kadene in 498th tms 1966-1969

i was in maintenance in charge of electric and airconditioning shop

Mace

I Just read the submission by SM/SGT Sid Segler and I hope someone can say that isn't so and provide a resonable alternative theory, "ie: that during the RFML changeover involving the TM76A an undetected defect was involved with the LEU hand crank that would have resulted in no Mace ever leaving the launch pad" I shudder to think that so many of us spent 3 years or more of long wakefull hours on alert duty in the block house, and that if the time ever came to do what we were trained for, the system would have failed, and none of our birds would have left the pad. Even though the cold war era is long past and it no longer makes a differance I would like to know that what we trained for would have actually functioned as we believed it would
"JR" Moore 823rd TMS crew 2-7



Mace

I was a 30353A AutoTrack technician, assigned to OL5, 601st TCS (Mausdorf) from Jul 1961 to Sept 1962. I was the last enlisted man to get orders after the disbanding of the TDPs. So many good memories. So many names forgotten, though I'm still in touch with 4 guys from OL5. Would love to hear from anyone who served at Mausdorf.

Not Applicable

Orlando AB - 1959, Osan AB - 1960. I was LO on Launch Team 6. We were originally told we'd go to Germany but went the other way. Some guys get all the luck. During '59, I had additional duty as commander of 'Camp Happiness' during live launch for Teams 3&4. Our 310th Launch Officers were: Team 1-Capt Hughes, Team 2-Lt ??, Team 3-Lt Bob Kajawa, Team 4-Lt Bill Malone, Team 5-Lt Don Hensen, Team 6-Lt Bert Schwind. I'd like to hear from any of the old heads who were at K-55 at the time. Maybe not too many of us left. Regards & good health. Bert Schwind

Matador

Bitburg 1959/62. Spent 4+ years with SAC in AGM-28 Hound dog, flying in B-52s now and then. Cross trained into PMEL in 68 where I spent my last 13 years. Retired from Eglin in 78 and enjoyed a second career as a Professional with the Boy Scouts of America. Graduated from Florida Southern College in 74. Married 45 years, 2 sons and currently 2 grandsons. Living in Birmingham, AL.

Matador

Orlando 1958
Osan K-55, Korea, 1959/60

Matador

Hahn 1964/1966

Mace

Lowry AB 12/62-05/63
Orlando AB 05/63-12/63
873rd TMS Okinawa 12/63-06/65
71st TMS Bitburg 06/65-01/67
Mech 2 on launch crews both in Okinawa and Germany. Had lots of great times with friends and good working crews at both locations. Remember adventures with Max Saylor, Kirk Kaskin, Joe Andrews and Steve Rozic, but there were many others. Learned to play golf with Kaskin and spent time in the "snake pit" with many friends. One memory I have is rebuilding a VW engine in Rozic's attic in Germany in the winter, because he had no other place to work on it. Looking forward to the reunion in San Diago soon.

Mace

I cross trained from comm. to guidance systems in 1958. We moved from Shaw field S.C.to Orlando Fla.where we trained,fired our bird,the OLD MATADOR TM61c, then we all left for OS AN A.B. K55 Korea. Our sq d.launched the 1st MATADOR from K55. I left Korea in early 1960,went to LOWERY AFB Colorado where i went to instructor training and helped close out the MATADOR TM61c program.From there i went to Patrick AFB where i retrained to telemetry tech.and worked with the ATLAS A-BREEZE Program until it was moved to Calif.I did not want that so i went back to LOWERY,retrained into the SKY BOLT A.L.B.M. guidance. That system folded as well so i took my discharge and went work for FORD Motor co. for 33yrs. I am RETIRED now. I hunt,fish and look for old AF friends.

Matador

Lowery AFB, 1960
Orlando AFB 1961
Kadena AFB, 1962-1963
Orlando AFB, 1964

Mace

Kadena May 64-Nov 65, Site #4 Mech.1.
Was good friends with Eddie George, Jim Ringer, Al Joseph. Also knew Sid Couey, Les Dretsch,
Willy the pool player and ___ Kenny.
Launch Officer was Lt Womac. It was really great to see these postings.Have some good stories to tell.

Mace

I was assigned to the 11th TMS 1955 and was transferred to the 17th upon the deployment of the 11th I deployed with the 17th advance party to Formosa (Taiwan) in 1957. Somewhere along the line our designation was changed to 868th? (I think) I was assigned to Assembly and took care of the generators and vehicles crane operator.The Assembly Officer was LT Willie C Wilson The Ncoic was SSgt Nolan . The Launch team officer was Capt Carol and the Launch team Ncoic was SSgt Wilt. I left Tainan January 1959. I had the pleasure of returning to Tainan AB in 2001 as the Commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Department of Pacific Areas and as such was given a tour of the base by the Operations Officer whom is now in Washington DC as a general representing The Taiwan Military . Believe it or not the bse looks the same. There is a TM61C Matador Missile mounted at the front gate Itook pictures I think it was one of the ones that we took over as the advance party. It sure brought back a lot of memories. I think the best part of that assignment besides the usual was the MAGAMBO

Matador

I was at Lowery in '64, then to Orlando for 2 schools, we went to "A" bird school and at graduation they told us it was over so they put us through "B" bird school. Already had orders to Kadena. Ended up in Bitburg in late 1965 to early 1968.

Mace

Trained at Lowery '60 - '61. Crew training in Orlando '61. Worked in GEMS at Kadena in '62 to '63 time frame. Returned to Orlando as permanent party in '63 - '65 adn then Back to Okinawa for 66-Dec 69. Worked in GEMs and then Maint Control under MSgt Scotty Wagner. Also interested in locating Reef Rovers and those who worked with me at the Swimming Pools.


Mace

I was in the 498th from 65 to 67 - I was mech 1 on crew 40 at site 4. Lt Mccoy was my LO

Mace

Bitburg--585th--Feb 62--May65 some good years

hope to make the San Diego reunion thanks to Mike wilzcnski

Mace

I was stationed at Wheelus from Sept. 65 thru Mar. 67. Civil Engineering Sqd. Airman 1st class at that time.

Not Applicable

(Lowry: Aug64 – Jan65; Orlando: Feb65 – Jun65: Kadena: Jul65 – Jan 67: Holloman: Feb67 – Jun68). While on Okinawa I was assigned as a Mech 1 on Crew 38 Site 4B, 874 TMS. I think the LO was Capt. Byrd, Crew Chief was Ssgt Barbaux, Mech 3 was A2C Lipscomb, Mech 5 was A1C Bannister. I have many fond memories of the 498th and the great people we worked with. Thanks to Reg Zimmerman I have posted a number of his pictures of off duty life in and around 602 and 604, remember? I included photos of the Airman’s club. Check out the photo album. By the way does anyone remember “The Village Ratz”?

Mace

Orlando 1955/1958, Formosa 1958/1960, Orlando 1960/1963, Okinawa 1963/1965 when I retrained to Aircraft.

I met and remember a lot of people. Feel free to Email me.

Charlie Smoote

Matador & Mace

I was at Sembach from Aug 1959 to August 1963. Im woeked in Missle Control Center [the hole]. I really enjoyed my stay thare.

Matador & Mace

Duty from Feb 1962 to Dec. 1964. 38th Msl. Maint. Sqd. Duty near Bremen at a shooting range. Nuclear detonation detection system repairman. Group of 15 airmen at 3 different sites. Any info of original group will be gladly received.


Mace

Kadena AB from 21 July 1965 to 20 Jan 1967. Worked at GSC on the evening shift.

Mace

Mec 3, Site four, Kadena AFB, March, 1967 to Dec.,1968. I wormed on Crew 38, Training Crew 36 and finally SMELE Crew 35.

Three most interesting incidences while on duty: the UFO sighting, 6.3 earth quake and the night when the N. Koreans took over the USS Pueblo.

Tom A. Mohler
406-755-7226
missionmtnman@yahoo.com


Mace

A1C Tech 4 on launch crew headed by 1stLt Dale Huge, Crew Chief Msgt.Carl Scott (dec.2011) Tech 5 SSgt Stan Pisel. Served in Bitbug 1965 to 1967. 71st TMS. Lived with my wife over the Gasthaus Crystal in Bitburg and my youngest daughter was born there in June 1966 at the base hospital.Hope to make the reunion in San Diego. Left AF in 1971 from Malmstrom AFB Mont. Worked and went to school nights, Graduated law school in 1979 and retired after 20 years on the bench in 2010. Sitting part time as a retired judge now. I know Lt Huge is retired and living in Arizona, Carl Scott died in early 2011 in Pueblo, CO. Havent heard from anyone else. Went back to Bibgurg in 1983 and saw most of the things I remembered. couldn't find the missile sites but didn't have time to try too hard.

Mace

Kadena, sep67-dec69, LO Crew16 Site 2B

Mace

I was with the 11th TMS and later 587th Comm. & Guid. sq. Sembach, June 1956-May 1958. I was attached to one of the four Shanicle guidance stations and spent a lot of time in Libya and various locations throughout Germany for Matador missile launches.


Mace

kadena 63-65 maint site

Mace

Trying to locate Paul A. Smith. We were together at Sembach (60 - 63), then Orlando from 63 - 66. I got orders to Bitburg and "Smitty" had orders to Okinawa. I remember some great times, especially Orlando, and am finally casting the net to see if anyone knows where he may be.
Thanks.
See you all in San Diego.

Mace

I'm not a veteran of your service or occupational specialty. I'm just looking up the history of Okinawa and the nuclear role it played so long ago and I found this site. I have lived here for a long time and I never realized how much history this little island has seen; it's been very informative. I'm glad we never had to use these things, but thank you for your service gentlemen.

Not Applicable

my father gerald k hughes "jerry" was stationed at hahn in 1962 I was born there he passed in 1998 if anyone has any pics of him or the base I would be very greatful thanks.Mark Hughes

?

Transfered from Karamursel, Turkey in Feb, 1965. Shipped out for discharge in June 1966. Worked in Combat Operations Center with Sgt Webb, Sgt Dawson,Sgt Valkovich, Major Wildermuth, Capt Nichols,Maj. Bennett and others. Locaated under the Tiger Stadium. I used to get a big thrill out of firing up the alert siren and announcing over the base PA system " Attention all personel, This is a Yellow Alert.Report to your duty stations". Flew over to Majorca one weekend on a C-47. Just saw some photos of the remains of the flightline, tower, and some of the hangers. Really makes me feel old to see the weeds growing over the place I used to live.

Mace

Bitberg AFB, 1954/56 , Damma Ger. Radeo relay site between the sites at Braman And Winterberg 1954 to 1956 First Tach. Missile

Matador

Kadena Sep. 1967- Jan 1970
LO, Training, SEF Cmdr. Went to Eglin AFB and launched all the ones we packed up and sent home. The 498th was the best unit I served with in 2o years in the AF.

Mace

Dyess 4/59-12/62...Lowry 1/63-4/63...Orlando 5/63-8/63...Kadena 9/63-3/65...K I Sawyer 5/65-1/67.

Lowry/Orlando class was McGruder, McDonald, Bagley, ?

Kadena Site 4 ( Mech 3)Crew 33: L/O Church then Stephenson. Subasa crew chief. J Kiening M-5, ?
Memory clouded by too many trips to airmans club happy hour then down Koza street.

Only place worse than Sawyer was Minot, place sucked with great vigor, altho summer was great, all 2 weeks of it. took discharge rather than be stuck there

Mace

Bitburg AFB, Germany, 1954 - 1957 (Wpns Fuzing Sys spl/office) Hi to all and please write me if you remember me. I am now retired 7 years in Costa Rica..living on SS and small VA disability. Have been fighting the VA for 5 years to upgrade my disability..and then move back to USA...hopefully SOON. I am re-married to a Costarican woman who will be coming "home" with me. The socialized medicine here SUCKS, so VA care will be so much better. Will attend the reunion in San Diego if I get back in time...looking forward to seeing a lot of old friends again.

Matador

Mech 3 site 3 Kadena 1965/66 . Instructor crew... Don Homrighausen was LO Cant remember my crew number . Live in Windham Maine after leaving Okinawa was assignned to Malmstrom AFB 341st Missile Mtce Sq. Minuteman . 4 Year Veteran...just joined the website 1-27-2011

Mace

Site 2 was my primary site, I was a mech1 (EAE) under Major Piner, from 1967-1969 at Kedeena AFB, Okinawa on the CGM-13B

Mace

Lackland 1/61, Lowry 3/61 thru 8/61, Orlando 9/61 thru 12/61. Then off to Sembach 1/62 thru 12/64, applying most of my Engine & Airframe Mechanic abilities out a "A" flight. Worked under Crew Chief Max Sanchez, and Frank Nesgoda along with Leonard Hannasch as Guidance Tech. Returned to Sembach 2007, enjoyed the fond memories of my service time. Max and Crew did a fantastic job moving the "B" Bird from Wildwood to Indiana. Attended my first reunion at Dayton, and looking forward to seeing everybody at San Diego.

Mace

Tainan,Taiwan 1960 thru 1961
Just wanted to say hello and update my new Email address.Wishing all a Happy New Year..

Matador

Kadena (1961-63)


Good Morning,

I thought that some of the members might find this interesting.

The perfect mountain retreat. Your own refurbished Adirondack missile silo. (sporting solid wall construction and great views!)

Noted in the HUD statement:

Property has been verified "Decommissioned" and cleared from the Russian's "First Strike" target list per SALT Agreement 1987.

Atlas-F ICBM (Intercontinental Ballistic Missile) not included. (Begs the question "where is it?")

http://www.silohome.com/index.htm


Mace

For those of you who have following the Tokyo Broadcasting System documentary and one of us returning to Okinawa after 50 years, let me say , it was a "TRIP OF A LIFETIME".
Brenda and I are back with a load of memories we will never forget. The changes on the Island are something that I still can't comprehend.The people are the most gracious and attending I have ever met, the new construction is a testament to their attitude, "what recession" ??? Everything crane on the Island is in use for high rise buildings.Kokasaui Street in downtown Naha is straight out of a Bruce Lee movie with all its glitz and glamour. The City is one massive jumbo-tron scoreboard from any NFL stadium. The economy appears to be booming with Cartier, Louis Vutton, and Rolex specialty stores everywhere, and they are not fake knockoffs either. It is truly a 21st Century city of Starbucks and McDonalds... oh, did I mention the cost of food was thru the roof ?
I was only able to locate one of the original Mace launch sites, the one at Onna Village. It is now a Peace Memorial and has been retro-fitted to resemble a high class Museum. I was greeted with much enthusiasm by the caretakers and given a fantastic tour of the complex.... it only took 5 full days to locate the place. The Site was very difficult to locate and no one at the local Onna Village City Office knew of its existence.No one understood English and could not speak Japanese. We got along quite well with much pointing grunts and SMILES, the other universal language right up there with music.
Brenda, myself, and two Grandkids were there for 12 days and will always look upon favor with the memories. I had always talked going back but never thought it would be a reality, not cheap, but well worth it.
As soon as the Jet-Lag subsides and normal returns, I have loads of images to post here. For those of who were on Okinawa , you won't believe your eyes.

Bill Horn
Original Pioneer
September 5th 1961 - March 5th 1963
Site 1




Mace

Kadena 1964-65 498th GEMS Shop. Was there a place clled gate 2 street?

Mace

61-63 Lowery AFB, Travis AFB, Orlando AFB
Okinawa 63-65. 873 TMS/498 TMG. Site 1 mech 5.
Lt. Decelio LCO
Kozo Palace hotel bar 63-65!!!

Mace

Hello,
Just a short note to ask that any of you who served with the Air Force Air Defense Radar Sites, during the years of about 1950 through the present time, if you'd like to belong to a web forum which has much discussion of the times served on these sites (Worldwide) look into joining us at the following web; http://groups.yahoo.com/group/AFRSV/
When you open the web, if you would like to be a member (free with no member dues or fees) click on the switch you'll find mid homepage which is labeled Join this Group and follow the instructions.
Thanks everyone and Merry Christmas/Happy New Year to all of you and your family's.
Regards,
Lowell (Woody) Woodworth - lgwdwrth@earthlink.net
AFRSV (Air Force Radar Sites Veterans)


Not Applicable

I was a Martin Company Tech Rep with the 69th TMS, 586th TMG and ended up assigned to 701st/38th Wing Staff at Hahn. Served from 1956- 1959. Was a member of the Proof Test Task Force. Many operations in Libya.
I am a member of the 701st, 586th Reunion Association.

Matador

I was stationed at Hahn from Jan 1956 to Dec 1958 as a missile electronic tech. Enjoyed the work and the comraderie during that time. Retired from the civil service in 1990 as a Production Superintendent, working as a civilian in the air arm of the Navy, at Alameda Naval Air Station. Hello to all my old friends.

Matador

I was stationed at Sembach AB with the 11th from the July/Aug 1956 to July 1957. I was a control systems maintenance S/Sgt during that time. I was with the 69th at Patrick AFB in 1954 to the time they shipped to Germany. Then I was moved to Orlando AFB where we built up the 11th TMS. I had only 13 months of time left on my enlistment, but because it was a unit shipment, i was required to go we the unit to Sembach.

Matador

Tainan - 1959/61

Hello, I'm looking for any photo's from the 868TMS. Thank you, Ken

Matador & Mace

I made a earlier entry and first I want to Thank Sid Couey for making contact with me since since my first posting...in Nov...

I remember after Lackland I went to Lowry like most all but I will share a funny story about Lowry... There was another Airman name Bill Bardon I believe his name was from VT...He had a 1958 Corvette and I had 1958 Blue Chevrolet Impala... So of course we were down having a few 3.2 beers at the airman club and decided on a race... Like dumb shits we decided to race on the airfield...LOL...return runway... Yep you guess it the Air Police got us both and we had our cars inpounded and we both got busted back to Airman Basic ... oh well shit happens... Does that ring a bell with anybody being at Lowry in the Spring of 1963... Oh by the way ...Bill Bardon Corvette beat me... Dang I lost all around.... Just some memories gone by...LOL Les Dretsch (Okinawa 64 65 and 66)

Mace

at sembach 1955 to 1957 msq1a radar maintenance. sgt t volk ,allison ,stewart ,don bastian all friends served with.

Matador

498TH TMG Okinawa A1C 1965 66 time frame site 3 Mech 3 LO was Lt Don
Homrighausen (He use to take his unicycle to the site and ride it in the hallway occasionally ) Now that I look back it was a great experience . Great people to work with

Mace

ORLANDA,WHITESANDS,SEMBACH.I WAS ONE OF THS SIGNATURES OF EXCEPTANCE FOR THE MACE AFTER WE EXCEPTED IT AT WHITESANDS.I WAS A CALIBRATION TECH.

Matador & Mace

I WAS WITH BOTH. CALIBRATION TECH. ORLANDO AND SEMBACH.

Matador & Mace

Orlando '59-'60, Osan '60-'61
I'm sad to notice fewer Matador Vets as time goes on. Wishing ALL the best Holiday Greetings and a Happy New Year!! Especialy to Fred Notar, my fellow Team 10 mate.

Matador

Okinawa 1964-1965 and 1968-1969. The first time over I was in the 873rd at site 1 crew 8. LT. Jorden was the LCO. The crew chief was a Canadian (can't remember his name)may have been Johnson, Al Joesph was the Mech1, I was Mech2, Les Dretsch was the Mech3, Teddy Collins was the mech5. I can't remember who the Mech4 was. 2nd time over was in the GEMs Shop and the supervisors name was Dewitt I was there till the 498th shut down then I was off to Tucson AZ Davis Monthan. Good to see W.C. Smiths name he and I were in the 100SRW in Tucson!

Mace

Orlando AFB 1957-1958

Osan Korea 58th TMG 1958-1959, Part of the original move of the Matador missile from Florida to Korea. Worked in Guidance, Radar, Plotter, Radios, and Link Signial Simulator.

Matador

Bitburg;GSC:Jan 1964-Oct1966
6 months temp Sembach launch 1966
AT&T 1967-2002
retired 2002-?
bought George Midling's VW when I arrived at Bitburg $300 gas 15 cents.
HIGHLIGHTS:Rozic's Lux Wedding!!!
Peace to all

Mace

Well I do remember a bit about Okinawa... Unfortunately on my return to state side my duffel bag was stolen with all my uniforms, orders...pictures etc etc never to be found again... I was at Orlando when Kennedy assassination spending 65 and 66 on the rock...I did work at all four sites with a number of different crews I liked the stand-by X-crew status..I do remember I did start out with a Lt Jordon Sid Couey Sgt Winters..and can't remember the rest..I was the squadron PT Recertification Instructor..and I played First Base on the Squadron Soft Team..My name is Les Dretsch after getting out of the USAF in ..I was a RR Engr..for Southern Pacfic (now Union Pacific RR) working in Or NV and UT...until my retirement...I lived on my 45 ft in San Diego for spell and traveled in my Motorhome...and now finishing it out I guess in San Antonio..TX...if you remember and would like to connect my phone number is 210-376-7653 or email me...whynotles@Yahoo.com

Mace

55 - 66 orlando formosa canaveral hahn


Matador & Mace

I am about as far away from Mace and/or Matador missles involvement as you could get unless you were to have caught us on the surface. I was in the USN on the old diesel submarines in the Pacific, early '68 thru '71. The reason for my interest here is that I have in my possession a totally functional and operable MM-1 Teracruzer which was used to transport the Mace missles I believe. I Live in Alaska and use this machine to haul freight, fuel and cargo to a gold mining operation I have in the Talkeetna Mts. As soon as I figure out how to...I will post some photos of the Teracruzer in its present condition...which is quite good, btw.

Mace

Lackland 1961
Lowry 1961
Orlando 1962
Hahn Site V 1962-1965 Mace Flight Control Mechanic.

I still have my Site V coffee mug somewhere around here.
I retired from IBM in 1997. My wife and I spend the summer in Robbisville,NC and the winter in Fort Myers,FL
Hope to make the 2011 reunion in San Diego.

Mace

Airman Notar reporting in, its been a while since I did. Time flies in retirement with normal duties and playing with Grandchildren. The last two years I have gone to concerts for the first time. The little lady says that I am a groopy for the "Celtic Woman", group. I don't hear her say she didn't want to go along with me to the shows in Seattle and Denver. Denver sure has changed and nothing is there at Lowry, except Hanger 2.. I was in from Nov. 58 to Sept 62. I was at Lowry, Orlando, Osan 60-61(Launch 10),and back to Lowry. I think back at my service with fond memories. I salute all who are serving now, God Bless. Scott

Matador & Mace

Good to see more people from the Mace B program in Bitburg on the web site, Jerry Katzenberger and George Callahan. Hope they join and come to the reunion in San Diego next year. Looking forward to the reunion. Hope to have more pictures for the reunion.

Mace B
Bitburg, 67-69 shutdown.

Mace

71st TMS Bitburg 67/69
Tech 5 Capt Acuff and Harry F. Hummel

Mace

I WAS SENT FROM ORLANDO AFB TO HOLLOMAN AFB, WHITE SANDS PROVING GROUNDS IN '59 TO REJECT OR ACCEPT THE MACE "A" MISSLE. WE FIRED 5 MISSILES TO WINDOVER UTAH, 3 RECOVERY AND 2 NONRECOVERY. THEN WE TOOK MACE TO GERMANY.

Mace

Orlando1957-1962
Hahn 1962-1965

Mace

Lowry/Orlando/Holloman 1958/59. 587 MMS, Sembach/Gruenstadt 1959-1962.

A2C Nickname Chad

Now Spokane, WA tel. 509-413-2492

Mace

George Callahan,
Bitburg, Feb '66-Apr '69 (Shutdown)

L.O.: Edward A. Clark
Crew Chief: Geovano J. Nozolino
Tech 4 Pwr Pro: John Vining.

Spent my time on a launch crew as a Tech-3.
Lots of good memories. Great people..I was new in the A.F., and got my start with the 71st TMS.

Spent 30 yrs in the A.F. I bet not many days went by I didn't think, "what would Nozolino do?" Remember when the new grade of Sgt was re-assigned on 1 March '69. I made Sgt that day. Nozolino took me to the NCO Club, to the NCO bar, and bought me my first drink as a new NCO, and explained how much growing up I had to do. Made me write my APR as a SGT (Training he said), I must have written that thing 10 times before he finally said "with some work, it will do" He was tough, but I learned. Showed me often guys like Ed Davis, Dave Getter, and some I forget, sorry...

Got a call from John Vining (tech 4) last week, and then Gil Merriman (tech 5), have to call Gil back.

After shutdown was assigned to F.E.Warren in Minuteman. Had a career in that! Did get to go to Russia for the S.T.A.R.T. treaty, and what did they have? Missiles like our Matador and Mace in 1988 & 1989!

Have been in touch with Steve Rozic over the years, and Ken Bunker.

Will check in more often.

Respectfully,
George Callahan
Warrensburg, MO.
660-429-6415



Mace

64-66 Hahn Site IV. Tech 2
Several images at http://hahn.jackandsue.com/

One of the images was taken of the crews the day the site was closed.

Mace

email address correction

email me if you remember me

Matador & Mace

65-66 Site IV Under Capt Lewis and Sgt Stover
Many Pictures of the Site

Mace

Sembach 1960/63

Mace