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HI. I WAS IN THE 622ND FROM OCT 1962 UNTIL MY ETS IN APRIL 1966
Mustered out of the 431st at El Paso, TX 1964. Now living in
Arlington, TX.
Was a member of the 429 ARS from 1957 to 1959. I sure was pleased to
find the Tac Tankers. As a matter of fact, I found my friend and crew
chief T/Sgt Micheal Delinko now living in Nevada and was able to
converse with him by telephone. As a matter of fact I live in
Albuquerque, NM where you had your convention last year. Due to
circumstances beyond my control I was unable to look Tac Tankers up when
they were here. Keep up the good work and I am proud to have been
assigned to the 429th.
I was a pilot of the KB50J from 1958 to 1964. I was a member of the
429th and the 420th ARS. My stations were at Langley AFB for two years
and RAF Sculthorpe for 4 years.
I was assigned to the 622nd in 1961, would like to hear from anyone
that was in the 622nd at this time.
Sirs,
I want to wish all our members and their families a very Merry
Christmas and a bright and Happy New Year. Please remember to keep all
of our servicemen and women in your thoughts and prayers during this
holiday season.
I enjoyed reading all the info. I was with the 420th in the early 1960's
One of the very best military websites that I have ever visited. Thanks a
million for a great organization job created by and kept up to date by a great
website manager and his helpers. Best regards to all the TAC Tankers,
I enjoyed reading all the info. I was with the 420th in the early 1960's
I was hoping to view your membership list, formerly being a member of the 429th
and 431st outfits back in 1955 to 1962.
My Grandfather Vince McDonald is on your website. Thank you for honoring his
service
To my very good friend and mentor...Lt Col (ret) Nate Hill. I'd like to salute
you and the other outstanding Americans of the TacTankers. As I just past 28
years in the Air Force and had the honor of having dinner with CMSAF #5 Gaylor
last night I'm reminded that our future is only as bright as our legacy. Thank
you for giving me the chance to serve you and this wonderful country. I am who I
am today largely in part to wise and sage wisdom thrust upon me by Col Hill.
Thank you sir...so on 11 Nov 2011, my salute is for you and all of our other
veterans! MSgt Dave McAfee, 21 Force Support Squadron
Hi there. I'm not sure what drew me here, I just sometimes do a Google search to
see what's out there. My father was Gordon Darling, and his plane crashed on
Okinawa on December 21, 1962... 2 months after I was born. It was really nice to
see his name here, as part of this association. People often ask me what kind of
plane he flew, but I don't know... but now I guess it's either a KB-29 or KB-50,
at least I have that much! I'm glad I found this, thank you!
I was assigned to 4505th CAMS from 1960 to 1963 as a radar mechanic. I
vacationed in Bermuda with the tankers summer 1961 and in the Azores in Nov.
1961 when the planes left Langley. During the next 18 years in the AF I crossed
paths with a couple of my fellow airmen.
My dad was at Sculthorpe England, 1961-64. If anyone has any memory or stories
from when he was there, please share them with me. His name is Daniel Marion
Kolakowski, Aka "Red", and he was in the 47th BW. Thank you.
Decided to join up and I'm now looking forward to receiving my info pack. In the
427th from fall of 1960 till spring 63. TDY to Sewart AFB to retrain as Aircraft
Loadmaster (C130). Did a total of 25 yrs and retired from AF 1985. Worked as
Aerial Delivery Project Officer for 21 additional yrs and retired from Civil
Service Dec 2007. Live in Williamsburg VA and I'm looking forward to talking
with old timers like me. LOL. Cell 508 259-1255
Was Blister Licker, (LOL) 1960 - 1963
Too bad there were not any pictures of Yokota AB Japan in the years 1955 & 1956
when I was in the 421st. Also the arm patch is different now. You don't happen
to know of any web site where I can see more of Yokota?
I was a groundcrew member of the 431st in El Paso, Tx 61-62.
I was stationed at Biggs AFB with the 431st AREFS from 1962-1964.
Bob Peck lived in Barracks 460 along with me and 26 others Dec.1955 to 1958. RAF
Sculthorpe. He married an English girl. He was from Des Moines Iowa. So many
memories. I went home in August of 1958 and separation. I still remember many of
the guys. I will never forget those times.
Very nice photo gallery - the B-66 is an airplane I had almost forgotten. Thanks
A member of the 622nd Squadron in engine maintainance and test stand
operation, and just curious about acquiring patches about the Squadron
Hi there,
Just to say HELLO. I was in the 421/C119S
Copied the form and will send it in with a 1 year membership. Thanks, Roger.
Sorry we missed the reunion. Hope you all had a good time. See you next year!
I was in the 431st from June 1958
until May 1964. I was the crew chief on 49-323. I live in Tenn. now. It was fun
reading some of your notes. It has been a long time since I even mentioned the
431st.
I was on Crew 1, when the 421st was
activated in 1953
Served in 622nd from 60-63 at EAFB. (Jet Shop)
I have talked to Lou Chapman several times. I'm
impressed with his dedication to your organization. Tomorrow I will send my
application for three year membership. I did not fly the KB-50 in a TAC unit but
I was on the test project at Eglin AFB.
Well,
you can't put me in the dead member's (past member) book yet. I'm over here
about as far from Tenn. As I can get in the country of the Philippines on an
island and have one junk food store/hardware store and a 33' fishing boat with
outriggers. The temp as some of you know stay around 80 and little hotter in the
summer.
I was Chief Clerk for the 4505th CAMS from July 1960 to May 1962. I have been
trying to locate our SGT, Kenneth M Hawks, who was a role model for me.
Very good web site!!! I was a member of the 614th tfs "lucky devils" from
60-63 at England AFB. We had breakfast with BO the morning 48-082 took off for
Bermuda. I vividly recall the mem service at the chapel for those missing crew
member. I think his name was Wilbanks. However none of that crew shows up on
your deceased list. thanks again for the visit. I run into alex "goose" aran
sometime.
431st AREFS, Biggs AFB, AFSC 30151, Elec. Nav. Equip. Maint. AF19630553. At
Biggs Feb. 1960-Dec. 1962.
November 1969, I was the navigator on a WB-66D on a Hi Flight Mission from Lajes
to Alconbury, England . Pilot was Dick Clevenger. We used your services along
with an F-101 on our wing. We bucked 50 knot head winds for about a third of the
distance between refueling track and Lands End. Thanks for the memory.
Congratulations good website. Assigned a little over two years to KB-29's
(SAC 9th ARS) Interesting several months at Yokota in the first field test of
the probe and drogue refueling system. We worked with Dave Schilling's F-84G
Wing after it flew over on the boom and converted to wing tank probes at Misawa.
All this was from July 1952 to January 1953 when our TDY ended. Good luck on a
successful reunion.
Thanks for allowing me to look
I was assigned to the 622nd at England Air Force base in 1961 until 1963 in
the admin field. Would love to find some members of the 622nd during this
period.
Served as Radio and Radar Technician on KB-29s in 1955 at Langley AFB, VA.
We have our new guestbook up and running, and hope that all of you who visit the
website and view it will sign in and tell us if you were assigned to any of the
squadrons that are part of the TacTankers. We also welcome comments from anyone
who was in the Maintenance Squadrons that worked on the KB-29's/KB-50's and
welcome them to join our group. Contact me and I will be happy to get
information to you. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all who have served
and to those who are presently on Active duty.
I wouldn't say it is "My web site" since Lou Chapman, the Veep, finally got all
the reunion pictures up. Aren't they GREAT ? ! ! I am however the first on with
the new system. Let us know you were here please, especially if you ever did
business with us, if you know what I mean.
I am searching for Gus and Connie Rinaldi. they were my neighbors in Hampton, va when gus with at Langley Field
SORRY I CAN'T GIVE A CITY AND STATE BECAUSE THERE IS NONE HERE. I NOW LIVE IN BAGAMANOC, CATANDUANES, PHILIPPINES AFTER THE DEATH OF MY LAST WIFE (CAROLYN). I AM REMARRIED TO A PHILIPPINE GAL AND ENJOYING IT HERE VERY MUCH.I TRIED TO READ SOME OF THE LAST MESSAGES BUT THEY WERE ALL IN GEEK LANGUAGE. ANYWAY,"HI" TO ALL YOU 431ST AND ESPECIALLY THE CREWS OF 49-380. LOVE YA ALL.
We are back on the air and looking for members.
Hi,
An open note to Bill Szanyi's family and friends TO ROBERT E DORN, CLIFFORD K LITTLE, HAROLD L HARRISON. In Memory of William L Szanyi 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. 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! 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) 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 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 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... 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 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. Whoops. Subtract 10 years from the dates in my last msg. Another Senior moment.
Jerry 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 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. I wish to thank all the fellow airmen who sent me information regarding the March 1961 KB-50 crash at Biggs AFB. A/1C REFUELING OP 421ST AR KB50J 1958-1960 YOKOTA AFB. 1956-1958 KC97 ALTUS AFB HI, I was with the 622nd from May 59 thru Feb 62. I was A&E mechanic. Work in inspections, and a crew cheif. 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. 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. YOKOTA 15 JUL 58 UNTILL 15 JUL 60 KB 50J ENG MECH 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.. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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 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. 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 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 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. Merry Christmas to each of you from all the Thorltons. Lesley I was a navigation equipt. repairman AFSC 30151 assigned to 431st AREFS at Biggs AFB '60 thru '63. Returned to civilian life 12/63. 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 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 Verney and Sally are both gone, but I am hoping to see you in Dayton in May. Lesley Thorlton 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! 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 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 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 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. My father, Hardin(Bill)Bailey was killed during training, Langley AFB, 1960. Would like to hear from anyone familiar with the 427th back then. 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 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 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 Getting older and slower but still hanging around. Enjoy all the bits of news. Sorry to hear about Bob Nix. Enjoy the summer. Desire information concerning 431st KB-50 crash on March 8, 1961...news articles, pictures, etc. My good friend S/Sgt. Claude Early was aboard. Test msg to see how many non-drinkers are reading. Guess the drinkers are the only ones that read the guest book msgs. See you in nashville. I WILL BE WAITING FOR THAT DRINK
MAGGI I will be the first on the new Guest Book. See you all in Nashville. Bobby Oliver |