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A/1c with the 420th A.R.S.
Hi my name is James E. Lane. I was an A/1c with the 420th A.R.S. When they left England A.F.B. en route to England I remember working all day putting a deicer boot on my aircraft. I was in Maintenance assigned to A/C 906. I was in England from September 1955 till December 1957. At that time went back to the states to be discharged. I am sending in my dues for a one year membership. Please keep me informed of upcoming reunions.
James E. Lane
Monday, August 11, 2008
An open note to Bill Szanyi's family and friends
An office and a gentleman. What better term is there for William Szanyi? He was my A/C. In fact, the only A/C that I had in my four year career in the Air Force. When you travel with the same guys all of the time to exciting places, such as Lajes, the Azores and Ernst Harmon AFB, Newfoundland, you really get to know each other. They could even make the thought of going TDY, something to look forward to. Captain Bill was a gentleman and a dedicated officer. He always took care of the job at hand. Whether it was landing the big bird with two turning and one burning, or gently reminding you that it was your turn to buy a round of beer.
To his family and many friends, I miss him too. He is a major reason why I have such good memories of my Air Force days.
Roy C Thompson
Saturday, October 13, 2007 at 1:49:00 (EDT)
TO ROBERT E DORN, CLIFFORD K LITTLE, HAROLD L HARRISON.
I know you guys look at this web site. Get off of your duff and join the group! You will be glad that you got to visit with your best friend," old what's his name".
Send in that hundred bucks. You will never be sorry that you got to visit with so many people that you had forgotten about. Be assured that you will feel warm and fuzzy about it.
As Phil Knight(the owner and founder of NIKE) says, JUST DO IT.
To join also coasts less than a pair of his his tennis shoes.
ROY THOMPSON
Saturday, October 13, 2007 at 2:15:00 (EDT)
In Memory of William L Szanyi
Bill's grandsons..Max and Dean..miss him very much.
Friday, April 6, 2006 at 9:55:00 (EDT)
Hi all....
My dad was stationed at Yokota AFB with the 421st AREFS 1960-1964. He was a navigator. he is almost 81 years old now and in fragile health. However, I am hoping to get him to the Branson Reunion this year. Any old buddies out there? If so, please email me and I will give your correspondence to my dad. Oops --- almost forgot to tell you his name -- Patrick V. Wooley, Jr.
Hope to hear from some of you!
~~Linda Wooley Fewell
Alexandria, La.
Monday, March 26, 2006 at 12:54:00 (EDT)
Hello and greetings from the Wash. DC. Metro area! Just viewing your site today as my dad, TSgt. James Hill, retired from the USAF in 1962 from the 622nd ARS at England AFB LA. Dad passed away in 1993 and is buried in the National Cemetery in Pineville, LA. I am his oldest daughter, also retired from the USAF (1979-2001) and now working for the Dept. of Defense at Ft. Belvoir, VA. I just wanted to say hello to the TAC Tankers Assn. members and especially to those from the 622nd. Go Air Force!
Melinda J. Walsh
melinda.walsh@dau.mil
Friday, December 1, 2006 at 04:40:11 (EDT)
I was with the 420th from about October 1954 until Summer 1955. Couldn't go overseas with the 420th because I wasn't 18 yet. Worked as the Finance Clerk (A/3C) in the Orderly Room under M/Sgt Jesse Gibbs, our First Sergeant. My first unit and I enjoyed it. Marched in the Change of Name ceremony when they changed the name of Alexandria AFB to England AFB. I was also there the day that they lowered the flag the last time and deactivated the base. Memories-memories-memories.
Remember the motto "The Sign of the Flying Bovine" and the unofficial first squadron patch showing a flying cow with little F86's coming in to refuel at her udder? The Air Force didn't have a sense of humor so the patch had to be redesigned into the famous Dumbo patch.
Paul Garner
TSgt, USAF (Retired)
Paul E. Garner <pegarner@rocketmail.com>
Lacy Lakeview, TX - Tuesday, May 23, 2006 at 15:02:23 (EDT)
If there is any old engine men out that was in the 431st That was at Biggs AFB from Dec 61 to Jun 63 drop me a line. Glenn Storey
Glenn R Storey <glstorey@pdq.net>
Pearland , TX - Thursday, May 18, 2006 at 16:03:39 (EDT)
iwas looking at the 1st page of 421st aref squadron and could not get the B29 tanker to expand all the other pictures did however. i wanted to use it as a background picture because i think iflew on it as a refueler operator at yakota afb. 1953to 1955.if i blew it upimight see the tail number its at mcdill afbit states is that right. thanking anyone who can help me on this matter.i also flew on the tripple niple. we maintained the equipment and flew on the planes for a 36 month tour of duty
Paul House <pvhouse@sbcglobal.net>
Santa , CA - Thursday, May 11, 2006 at 04:40:11 (EDT)
I was statioed at RAF Schthorpe,from 1957 -1861. I belive it was the 47th bomb wing. I was only 19 when I arrived and and assigned to the Air Base Squadron as a fire fighter. I was There when the conversion from B-45s and KB 29s to B-66s and KB-50s took place. Married a gal from Kings Lynn. Hung out at the Maids Head and Palns Court. The good old days...
charlie huff <huffc@netusa1.net>
kokomo, in - Sunday, April 23, 2006 at 21:28:35 (EDT)
Hi gang!
I left my job as pilot for a FEDEX contractor in 2002. I am now scheduled to fly smokejumpers in Alaska this summer(2006).Wishing you all the best. Jim
jimmie conder <comet@filertel.com>
filer, id - Sunday, April 09, 2006 at 13:19:51 (EDT)
You should all be proud. Jerry Schaack is now a life member of TAC Tankers. If you are browsing and would like to join just click on my email and let me know.
Nate Hill, V-P <nhill1@earthlink.net>
Lancaster, OH - Thursday, March 09, 2006 at 20:25:10 (EST)
Whoops. Subtract 10 years from the dates in my last msg. Another Senior moment.
Jerry
Jerry Reed <camphobo1@msn.com>
Sykesville, MD - Saturday, March 04, 2006 at 11:20:20 (EST)
I'm sure some of the older 429th guys remember Jerry. He was the Navigator on Bill Szanyi's crew that went to Nellis for William Tell in 1968, I think. Bill, he was the Nav in the picture I brought to the Tucson Reunion. It looks like the experience on being on our crew didn't ruin him as he has had quite an illustrious civilian career after he got out in 69. Drop him a line if you find time.
Jerry Reed
Jerry Reed <camphobo1@msn.com>
Sykesville, MD - Saturday, March 04, 2006 at 11:16:54 (EST)
I was with the 429th Air Refueling Squadron at Langley AFB from Sept 59 through Dec 59. I was a navigator in the good old KB-50 and spent time at Bermuda, Lajes, Phillipines, Wake and other great places. Some of us spent our entire 3 years together at Harlingen, Mather, and Langley and had the time of our lives in between flights. If any of you read this, give me a holler. Would love to hear from all of you.
Jerome "Jerry" Schaack <jermar@bis.midco.net>
Bismarck, ND - Sunday, February 26, 2006 at 23:02:45 (EST)
I wish to thank all the fellow airmen who sent me information regarding the March 1961 KB-50 crash at Biggs AFB.
William Gulledge <wmbg@carrollsweb.com>
lincoln, ks - Thursday, February 16, 2006 at 22:10:15 (EST)
A/1C REFUELING OP 421ST AR KB50J 1958-1960 YOKOTA AFB. 1956-1958 KC97 ALTUS AFB
A.R. "PETE" BANACK <ARIESFL@YAHOO.COM>
FORT PIERCE, FL - Monday, February 13, 2006 at 17:10:11 (EST)
HI, I was with the 622nd from May 59 thru Feb 62. I was A&E mechanic. Work in inspections, and a crew cheif.
Bill McMillon <billmcmillon@charter.net>
Ringgold, GA. - Saturday, February 11, 2006 at 17:00:54 (EST)
I WAS A STUDENT BOOMER WITH THE 508TH ARS, STATIONED AT TURNER A.F.B. FROM MAR.56-AUG. 57.
WOULD LIKE TO HEAR FROM FORMER BOOMERS DURING THAT TIME AND PLACE.
RICHARD J. LAVDAR <rlavdarsr1326@esagelink.com>
NEW BRAUNFELS, TX - Thursday, February 09, 2006 at 15:50:04 (EST)
Hi I was Propman. I went to the 429 ARS in Jan 1956 stay until the CAMS Then i was assign to the Propshop was TDY a lot PCS to Bermuda in 1961 supporting KB50 Assign to 431ARS May1964 stayed there until the KB50 left. Have been a menber of TAC Tankers since 1998. You also join.
Carl B Viars <cbvpropman@knology.net>
Prattville, Al - Saturday, January 28, 2006 at 19:46:17 (EST)
YOKOTA 15 JUL 58 UNTILL 15 JUL 60 KB 50J ENG MECH
SIDNEY DUBBERT <sdubbert@iland.net>
TIPTON, MO - Wednesday, January 25, 2006 at 13:54:19 (EST)
Hey ya'll was just looking around and thought I would say hey to anyone that might have been in the 421st when I was was back in 1958/59/60..Ifg anyone was there when I was drop me a note..
Jim Holland <a_harleyman2000@yahoo.com>
Kenly , NC - Sunday, January 22, 2006 at 15:01:08 (EST)
NATE, THANK YOU FOR CALLING. WHAT A DELIGHT TO HEAR FROM YOU AND TO LEARN ABOUT ALL THE MEN OF THE 429TH AREFS. IT MADE MY DAY.
SARA MUNDAY <MUNDSA315@BELLSOUTH.NET>
NEWNAN, GA - Friday, January 13, 2006 at 23:29:43 (EST)
I was thrilled to see a photo of my Dad, Ret. Maj. James William (Bill) Munday on your website. He died on July 5th 1972 in Montgomery, AL from cancer. It was great to see photos again of the tankers my Dad flew. I'm glad to see you have created this website for each other and for family members like myself. I still see my Dad flying in the Heavens, he loved to fly so much, that I can't picture him anywhere else. Thank all of you for your service to this Great Country.
James E. Munday <munday@charter.net>
Scottsboro, AL - Friday, January 13, 2006 at 14:53:28 (EST)
I can’t believe it’s been 48 ˝ years since Tom Fitzgerald and I signed in to the 427th AREFS at Robins AFB, Georgia. Two new “brown bars” fresh out of the Aviation Cadet program with flight training at Harlingen AFB in Texas. Wow!! What could follow that picture? You could be put on Emory Morgan’s crew and taken under the wing of John Durette and fly Mobile Zebra with George Pollock and Bill Wolford only four months out of school (Hi Bill!) as your very first over-water flight(s) since Harlingen without an instructor. Guys and Gals, there’s been an awful lot of water go under all our bridges since then, and I am so thankful that our (can’t leave Harriet out) first duty was with TAC Tankers. I have looked at my Form 5 and wondered how 2,800 flying hours went by so fast in six years (427th and 420th). I made one reunion and will try to make the big one in 2006. All that said, I’d like to take this opportunity to wish ALL the KB Troops a most wonderful and happy 2006.
Johnnie Roberts <johnusaf@aol.com>
Houston, TX - Sunday, January 01, 2006 at 00:35:39 (EST)
I'm just trying to find out if any of the guys who were stationed in Louisiana and were part of the first refueling squd. are planning to attend the get together in Dayton this coming May. I have reservations, but would like to know if there will be anyone there that I know. Thanks for letting me know as soon as possible.
Gene Holligan <geneholligan@hotmail.com>
Bryan, TX - Wednesday, December 28, 2005 at 15:26:07 (EST)
What an amazing site. Just typed in KB-50 and here I am.
I am always thinking about the time I spent in the USAF at Langley in the C & E Shop from Feb. 1961 through Feb. 1964. I was tranferred to the 4500th Transit Squadron for the last 6 months while they transferred to the C-130's from the KB's.
Still remember the first day on the base when I saw the F-106's and thought that is where I was headed. Boy! was I wrong but I will never regret being with the KB's. Learned so much more because of the various Radio and Radar Equipment which led directly to the job I do today.
Thank you USAF and KB-50's
Don Attig <DonRedLion@aol.com>
Red Lion, PA - Friday, December 16, 2005 at 19:22:58 (EST)
I noticed a Robert Harris as a member of the Tactankers. Were you a member of the 431st at Turner AFB, GA? Your name sure sound familiar.
jim schmitt <jschmitt484@worldnet.att.net>
liberty, MO - Wednesday, December 14, 2005 at 02:04:38 (EST)
12/08/05 I was briefly a member of the 622nd AREFS at England AFB, LA from March to August 1957. I was there when we changed over from the KB-29 to the KB-50. I remember a hurricane coming through that killed a lot a people on the Louisiana coast line. I didn't see a lot of activitiy by former 622nd memebers in the web site here unless I am missing something. Larry Liska
Larry Liska <foxridgefarmll@yahoo.com>
Madison, WI - Thursday, December 08, 2005 at 15:44:40 (EST)
Hi fellow tankers. I just discovered the site today. I am sure I will join. I was in the 431st at Biggs 1959-1960 was asst. crew chief. Cannot remember the tail number. Anyone from the 431st remember an aircraft with the tail number 372? I think I remember it. She is at the Pima Air Museum Tuscon, Arizona
Ken Thomson <kenthom39@comcast.net>
Ogden, Utah - Wednesday, December 07, 2005 at 19:37:23 (EST)
Hi to all. Just found this web site. am sendning in the sheet to join tomorrow. I was an air refueling operator in the 427th from 1961 - 1964. Part of the time I worked as an airman controller in the 4505th command post. I don't remember many names but for some reason I remember ssgt Jack Duguid and would love to talk with him. My number is 954-561-5983.
Paul Dooley <pdooley222@aol.com>
Ft. lauderdale, fl - Monday, December 05, 2005 at 00:36:01 (EST)
Merry Christmas to each of you from all the Thorltons. Lesley
LESLEY THORLTON <VERNEYLEROY@yahoo.com>
EDMOND, OK - Sunday, November 27, 2005 at 10:07:57 (EST)
I was a navigation equipt. repairman AFSC 30151 assigned to 431st AREFS at Biggs AFB '60 thru '63. Returned to civilian life 12/63.
Kenneth Vanstory <sailorken58@aol.com>
Benicia, CA - Friday, November 18, 2005 at 18:42:22 (EST)
I was station in El Paso 61and62 was a engine Mech.With the 431st. I was wondering if by chance their was any guys in this org. who did the same thing at the same time as I.
Thanks
Glenn R. Storey Ret. CW4 US ARMY
Glenn R. Storey <glstorey@pdq.net>
Pearland, TX - Friday, November 18, 2005 at 00:58:58 (EST)
I was station in El Paso 61and62 was a engine Mech. I was wondering if by chance their was any guys in this org. who did the same thing at the same time as I.
Thanks
Glenn R. Storey Ret. CW4 US ARMY
Glenn R. Storey <glstorey@pdq.net>
Pearland, TX - Friday, November 18, 2005 at 00:56:00 (EST)
Verney and Sally are both gone, but I am hoping to see you in Dayton in May. Lesley Thorlton
Lesley Thorlton <VERNEYLEROY@yahoo.com>
EDMOND, OK - Tuesday, November 08, 2005 at 23:13:26 (EST)
Just completed a delightful conversation with Capt. Nate Hill of the 429th ARS. I know I flew with him on a TDY somewhere. Thank you for the call, Nate! I salute you from Vermont where I have spent many enjoyable hikes with a friend in the mountains looking for downed aircraft from training missions over Vermont during the war. Have been to a B24, B17, B47, B29, Navy Helldiver etc. Over 60 downed A/C located in the Vermont Mountains. Looking forward to the reunion at Wright Patt. next year. Thanks to Nate for making me aware of it. Also, thanks to Nate I am out a hundred bucks for a lifetime membership to the association. Nate, the checks in the mail!!
A/1C R. Jeff Stanley 12/59-12/63. Proud to be a Tanker Guy!
R. Jeff Stanley <jstan@sover.net>
Montpelier, VT. - Saturday, October 29, 2005 at 23:06:34 (EDT)
Stationed at Langley Field Dec/59-Dec/63. Attached to 4505th CAM Sq.,Flew with 427th & 429th on many a refueling mission. TDY's to Azores,Burmuda,Greenland,etc. with both Squadrons.Would like to make contact with 427th,429th & 4505th CAMS guys during my time frame. jstan@sover.net or 802.223.1924
Jeff Stanley <jstan@sover.net>
Montpelier, VT. - Friday, October 28, 2005 at 18:23:38 (EDT)
Just to let some of you out there know that my new home is now TN fell in love with place when we were here in may. went back to CA.sold out and came back . hope to see a bunch of you guys and gal'in ohio next year. 431st
JIm O"Dell <jcchevy48@aol.com>
cottontwn, TN - Wednesday, October 12, 2005 at 09:06:23 (EDT)
Channel Surfing tonight thought it would be a good time to relive some old memories..Was crewchief when we went ot Bangor Me and picked up the first B-29. Sure was a lot different than the B-26's that I had been with in Korea and Tow Targets. Miracle is that any of us made it to retirement; but truth is. Chuck
Charles [Chuck] Reinitz <chuck615@comcast.net>
Joelton, Tn - Tuesday, September 06, 2005 at 00:31:29 (EDT)
Are the members, Charles Day and William Hayes former 427th crew members? I am looking for former friends of my father,Hardin(Bill)Bailey. He was killed in 1960, I was only 2 weeks old. My mother's name is Pat (Kitty). Thanks Please e-mail me.
Carol Bailey Hitt <carolhitt60@yahoo.com>
Sylvester, ga - Thursday, August 18, 2005 at 19:15:57 (EDT)
My father, Hardin(Bill)Bailey was killed during training, Langley AFB, 1960. Would like to hear from anyone familiar with the 427th back then.
Carol Bailey Hitt <carolhitt60@yahoo.com>
Sylvester, ga - Thursday, August 18, 2005 at 18:54:49 (EDT)
TO: Roy Thompson and others
Re: Air Crew Photo in gallery
Your message dated 5-04 in guestbook said you knew the people in the photo. My father-in-law, Cecil Watkins was standing to the left of you in photo (the shorter man). My husband accidently ran across the Tac Tankers website and image his surprise when he found a picture of his father! Besides knowing the names of the other men in the photo we were wanting to know if you remember any specifics of the presentation such as what kind of award was given, the date, did you know him personally, etc. Thanks very much for your time in advance, any info would be greatly appreciated. Cecil passed away in 6-90.
Faith & Michael Watkins
Faith Watkins <pupkeep@yahoo.com>
Keene, Tx - Wednesday, August 17, 2005 at 11:01:54 (EDT)
Hello from a Tanker in the 429th AREFS at Langley Field from 1959-1962. Got over 4000 hrs in those damn things. Best time of my life. Stumbled across this site today. Want to join and will send paperwork.Let me know you got this message. Thanks. Bill
William R. Brown, Jr. (Charlie) <g6603@aol.com>
Bradenton, FL - Tuesday, July 05, 2005 at 12:54:24 (EDT)
I stumbled across the site by accident,but I love what you guys are doing. My grandfather was MSgt. Rudolph Montgomery,unfortunately he passed away in 2000. I am looking for anyone who might have been stationed,worked with, or just knew him in those days. His career is sort of a mystery to the family I wanted to see if someone could fill in the blanks. I have followed in is footsteps by joining the Air Force and I am a Tanker Crew Chief.If anyone could shed some light I would greatly appreciate it.
NKAWTG....N
TANKER PRIDE
Jake Mcghee <jacob.mcghee@fairchild.af.mil>
Fairchild AFB, WA - Sunday, July 03, 2005 at 11:22:00 (EDT)
Getting older and slower but still hanging around. Enjoy all the bits of news. Sorry to hear about Bob Nix. Enjoy the summer.
Jerry Reed <camphobo1@msn.com>
Sykesville, MD - Saturday, June 18, 2005 at 23:05:10 (EDT)
Desire information concerning 431st KB-50 crash on March 8, 1961...news articles, pictures, etc. My good friend S/Sgt. Claude Early was aboard.
william Gulledge <wmbg@carrollsweb.com>
- Friday, June 17, 2005 at 22:43:09 (EDT)
Test msg to see how many non-drinkers are reading.
Nate Hill <nhill1@mcihispeed.net>
Lancaster, OH - Sunday, May 01, 2005 at 17:11:45 (EDT)
Guess the drinkers are the only ones that read the guest book msgs. See you in nashville.
Les Clark <lclark9@msn.com>
New Carlisle, OH - Friday, April 29, 2005 at 11:48:30 (EDT)
I WILL BE WAITING FOR THAT DRINK
MAGGI
MAGGI IVERSON <mive3427741@aol.com>
SACRAMENTO, CA - Thursday, April 28, 2005 at 00:59:33 (EDT)
I will be the first on the new Guest Book. See you all in Nashville. Bobby Oliver
Bobby Oliver <bobeoliver@earthlink.net>
Sycamore, GA - Tuesday, April 26, 2005 at 10:39:01 (EDT)
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