USAFA Class Histories

Following flight school at Moody was assigned as a target pilot in the T-33 at Tyndall.  Married Judy “Ladybug” enroute.  We were there for 2 ½ years before upgrading in the F-102 at Perrin (TX) and I was transferred to (`66) Clark AB, PI. From Clark I spent most of the next 14 months, solo, pulling alert duties from four (4) locations in SEA in the F-102, an aircraft that had no business being in that theater. Returning stateside, we were transferred to (`67) Stewart AFB, NY as the aide for a M/G in Eastern NORAD (joint tour) and 1st AF. 

Watching ADC evaporate brought me to the stern realization that I needed to move to TAC, which the General would not help. To prevent his taking me with him to the Hq. ADC in Colorado Springs I had to submit a resignation. Since I still had some directed duty, we were transferred to (`70) Andrews in the T-39 and T-33. While there a chance encounter with BJ (Baby Jesus) Ellis, our first AOC, graciously helped me return to SEA via (`71) George AFB in the F-4. Laser guided ordnance was in its infancy. After a training period at Nellis I was off to (`72) Ubon and the 433 TFS for the next year leading sorties to Hanoi. In early `73 was assigned to 9th AF at Shaw as an exercise plans officer. 

I completed a graduate degree at night and ACSC (seminar) during the next 4 years. After Safety School and requalifying in the F-4 we went to (`76) Soesterberg and the 32nd TFS (Queen’s Finest) for almost 4 years. Due to a disagreement with a subordinate who received my assistance, I felt like we were farmed out to be the Base Commander at (`80) Avon Park Gunnery Range in FL. Turned out it was a leper colony and Col. Canterbury (`59) had chosen me to turn it around which we did during our 2 years there. Col. 

Bill Roberts rescued me from becoming a permanent base commander. We were at Langley for eighteen months before the last promotion. B/G Canterbury (`59) assigned me to command the 425th TFTS at (`83) Williams in the F-5. Two years later I became the DO of the 405 TFTW, (`85) Luke AFB, in the F-15. While there we celebrated our 25th graduation anniversary and I was able to lead the missing man formation for Adjacent Call. 

As a terminal assignment I headed the (`88) ROTC program at the University of Arkansas. After retirement (Nov. `90) I flew for SW for two (2) years before obtaining a job with a large firm in Tulsa, NORDAM. Worked for the Siegfrieds until `10 including four (4) years managing a division in Singapore. 

We retired and moved back to Washington, GA, built a house and planted 11K oaks for our grandchildren to harvest when they retire. Ladybug passed in September `17 after 55 years of marriage. I am a Gideon, deacon, Rotarian, and anything else that can be done to help others since I have been blessed with good health. We have two sons. The eldest is a GA Tech graduate, lives near ATL and travels as a project manager for a large construction firm. The youngest flew tankers for 10 years before separating.