498th TMG Kadena Air Base Guestbook

144	Date: 2007-09-24 08:06:37 Charlie Smoote ( csmoote@bellsouth.net / no homepage) wrote: Jim Cornwell: I was Crew Chief of Launch Crew 38 (SMELE),your sister crew with Capt Chamberlain and later Lt Stevenson. I remember Capt Wynn Church and TSgt George Subasa. Our Mech 3 was SSGT Otto Duffey. Lots of bus rides with you guys. I still have a bunch of pictures of a picnic that our crews had together with Capt Church and TSGT Subasa. I'm retired 3 times over and living in Pensacola Florida. I'd like to hear from all the guys.
143	Date: 2007-09-18 19:44:22 Bill Allen ( billallen@cfl.rr.com / no homepage) wrote: I was a member of the 498 TMG, 873rd TMS launch crew 3, site 1 from 1962 to 1964. We had Capt. Helms as our LO, Sgt. Walters as crew chief, myself A2c Allen mec. 1 A1c Harrison mec 2, and A2c Snell as mec 5. I'm not sure of the other two names. I has been almost 50 years since then. I was on duty yhe night Pres. Kennedy was shot. That was probable one of the more interesting moments. I look forward to reading more on this site.
142	Date: 2007-09-11 01:16:42 Jim Cornwell ( Tidecarman@AOL.com / no homepage) wrote: 498th TMG - 874th TMS from May '62 to Dec '63. Site 4 Wynn L. Church was our L/O. I was a Mech 3. Fred Balk was our Mech 5. George Subasa was our NCOIC. Will keep reading this site with much interest! Lots to remember as we get older!!!
141	Date: 2007-08-29 02:36:49 JIM SULLIVAN ( Sullivan14101@comcast.net / no homepage) wrote: Served 66 to68 on crew 31 site 4 as mech 3 remember the good times all those 12 hr. shifts playing cards waiting for a power failure . Wonder what came of MSGT Montgomery LT Bbest Sgt. Goodman REMEMBER MAJ Piner? HE was my LO at Orlando great experience Iwill never trade or forget!!!!
140	Date: 2007-08-24 15:46:52 Raymond Williams ( rl_williams@tx.rr.com / no homepage) wrote: 498th/873rd,'61-'63."Yes, I pulled cables."My o my,does this site bring back some great/not so great memories. I was mech 5 on Capt Lehrs crew at site # 1.It's been a long time but if you were there PLEASE Email me.Again, THANKS FOR THIS GREAT SITE. Willie-san
139	Date: 2007-08-22 14:12:35 clarence petty ( cbepetty2@yahoo.com / no homepage) wrote: great site . does anyone out there have any info on the 498 tmg ,reunions
138	Date: 2007-08-10 12:29:42 dale junker ( dalejunker@yahoo.com / no homepage) wrote: I was at Kadena 1956-1957 in 7th TDS Operations. Enjoyed your website.
137	Date: 2007-07-22 16:23:12 Robert Williams ( bobwill151@aol.com / no homepage) wrote: Hi Fellow mace missile men. I just found the 498 TMG web site and I'm very excited. I was a mech 5 at sites 2,3 and 4 from Jan 1962 to Dec. 1963. Captain George Cobb was my launch officer. My name Robert(Willie) Williams Sanford, FL
136	Date: 2007-07-10 02:43:16 Donald E Brinkley ( frampy@bellsouth.net / no homepage) wrote: I am one of the long lost 498th members..........Donald
135	Date: 2007-07-09 08:33:53 John Bordne ( jcbordne@hotmail.com / no homepage) wrote: I was the Mech #2 on Crew #1 (Wave Makers). We arrived at Kadena around August 1961 and left in 1963. All crews helped finish constructing Site #1 at Bolo Point. We pulled cables, installed, tested and spooled up the first missle live engine tests on the first 8 Mace Bs on the island. We went to Defcon 2 during the Cuban Missle Crisis and sweated out every minute of it. I extended my tour by 3 months to help mentor the second wave of launch crews that replaced us. We helped rewrite the tech journals to get the recycle times down from 1 1/2 hours to around 40 some odd minutes. Too hot in those bays! Martin tech reps just had to document the results. Seeing was still not believing as far as they were concerned.
134	Date: 2007-06-28 19:25:59 Richard Selle ( sellrich@juno.com / no homepage) wrote: I enjoyed seeing all the pictures of Oki and have many good memories of the Mace B and of Okinawa.
133	Date: 2007-06-24 09:41:29 Flemming Frederiksen ( ffrederiksen@outdrs.net / no homepage) wrote: Was stationed at Kadena, 498th from early '67 to '69. I was in the diesel maintenace shop. Maintained the diesel generators at the sites.
132	Date: 2007-05-08 02:20:56 bob malarkey ( m45rpm@yahoo.com / no homepage) wrote: nice to hear that sgt soomte is still out there....thanks for the training.....i have used it over the years ..........bob malarkey
131	Date: 2007-03-29 14:01:16 Daniel Anderson ( danderson44@wi.rr.com / no homepage) wrote: I served as Missile Safety Officer for the 498th TMG in 1969.
130	Date: 2007-03-24 13:24:05 Kenneth Mitchell ( kcmitch@frontiernet.net / no homepage) wrote: I was on Okinawa from 2-67 to 7-68. I was assigned to the 827th Security Police Squadron, Security Section. I was involved with security on the four Mace missile sites and also with the Habu SR-71s. I'd like to hear from any SPs that were there when I was there
129	Date: 2007-03-20 04:31:47 james robinson ( jfrobinson2@gmail.com / no homepage) wrote: My father, james Ford Robinson was KIA in Okinawa in 1955 when his aircraft crashed into amountain. He was a navigator. Would he have been part of the 313th air division? i have very little info - All i know is that he was stationed in Okinawa.
128	Date: 2007-03-17 19:22:05 Todd Pearson ( highjnx@hotmail.com / no homepage) wrote: I was googling and ran across your site. I was born in 1963 and it's surreal looking back at what was going on in the world then, and how far we have come with todays technology. Thanks for putting it out there for the world to see.
127	Date: 2007-03-10 03:09:00 Paul Maiorana ( pmaiorana@comcast.net / no homepage) wrote: Servied with the 498 TMG from 1968 and closed down the place in 1969. I was a mech 1 out at site 3.
126	Date: 2007-03-06 05:14:06 Jack Davis ( jwdavisjr@earthlink.net / no homepage) wrote: Great memories return! I was in the 498th from April 1964 till October 1965, working midnight shift in the GSC (Guidance System Checkout) area. I also made midnight runs to some of the sites to perform calibrations and save the "nose pickers" a run. I recall, with pleasure, many an evening in Koza and many a day scuba diving off Monza Mo or riding a Honda ariound the north end. When I got out in January 1967, I went to work for IBM with a buddy from the GEMS section named Bill Fisher--we both retired from IBM in the late 90s, Bill is back working for IBM as a contractor and I'm a college professor/dept. chair for IT. One of my most vivid memories is a 3:00 AM run to a site for routine work, I was used to the high security at the sites, but was really concerned when I found myself face down on the road with an AP's foot on my back asking very serious questions. I then learned that one of my TIs from Lackland, a career AP, was my "greeter" that night. We later had a good laugh (after I cleaned my fatigues :-)) and got together at midnight chow on occasion, and maybe even a beer (or one of those .35 ice cold bottles of sloe gin) in the village.
125	Date: 2007-03-06 04:44:17 Stanley F. Zubel ( zubel@gmail.com / no homepage) wrote: I was a Mech 5 from Sept. 1967 to April,1969. Want to hear about the time I smoked a safing and arming test set? How about the time I figured out a dozen targets and plotted them out on some ONC charts? My Mech 1 roommate turned me in. I thought Major Piner was going to have a cow. I wonder if the old fart is still alive. . .doubt it.
124	Date: 2007-03-06 03:47:19 joe milkowski ( jmilkow@comcast.com / no homepage) wrote: 63-65 loved it.slick email or any one who remembers
123	Date: 2007-03-05 03:13:01 joe milkowski ( jmilkow@comcast.com / no homepage) wrote: served usaf 1963 1965 kadena ab iwas aircraft mech.send me e mail if you remember, you too slick i miss you guys,best years of my life.
122	Date: 2007-02-26 06:20:53 Bobby McKinzey ( whitediamondone@fullnet.net / no homepage) wrote: US Army, then 22nd AAA.AW Bn.this was a Tow 40 MM.and 50 Cal Quad 50 Machine,We will set up on the B-29 Air Strip,1950-1952,as i recall my Gun Sect was the east end of the strip,I seen the Belly of those beautiful birds on take off and landing,and yes we seen Migs.the nose of the 29's had a name and number of bomb runs over Korea,such as 4 abrest,{4 Naked Boobs}or the Hobo call bub,{beat up baster]Our Chow was at the Air Force Mess Hall.We live in Tents,I was there 2 Years 23 Days,If any was there, email me,whitediamonone@fullnet.net Bobby J. McKinzey,Army Ret.{ THEN C Battery,22nd. AAA,AW, Bn.}
121	Date: 2007-02-07 01:59:16 Tom Carleton ( tmcarleton@charter.net / no homepage) wrote: Mech 1 site 2 1965-1967 GEMS 1969
120	Date: 2007-02-04 01:31:09 Kenneth Mitchell ( kmitch@frontiernet.net / no homepage) wrote: I was on Okinawa from 2/5/67 to 7/28/68. I was a member of the 498th Air Police Squadron,and worked security. I was involved with security at Mace missile sites 3&4 and at the maintenance facility on Kadena AB.I played with a rock band at the Airman's club and various other military clubs around the island. Our name was 'How About Us' We also played the 'Ville' which was Koza.
119	Date: 2007-01-26 07:06:28 Frank Quinn ( 2qnn12plalv@phreego.com / no homepage) wrote: Wqs great coming upon this site. Served with the 498th 65-66 and never visted one of the sites. Worked as a titless WAF (clerk) during my stay at the main Headquarters. LtCol Morris was commander at the time. Use to know every menber of the 498th at the time since they all came into my office and I typed up all their performance reports. Course everyone was outstanding. Anyway, like others, really enjoyed my stay at the time but was always diswayed by others always yelling 'SHORT". Had a great time down town and at the Airmen's club. Course we can't forget Hotel 602 and 604.
118	Date: 2007-01-16 01:29:55 John Wood ( jwood5400@yahoo.com / no homepage) wrote: I was on one of the first launch crews from Sep '61 to Mar '63 (Site 2). We started it all, card playing and "TV dinners". We had to help build the sites. It's really good to see some names I recognize from years ago. I had the pleasure of spending 3 days in the hole during the "Cuban Missile Crisis". They seem like great times now but I know they were torture back then.
117	Date: 2007-01-11 18:47:40 Joe Weber ( webstuff46@cox.net / no homepage) wrote: I was assigned to the 498TMG in 1966-1967
116	Date: 2007-01-09 15:41:18 Jim Olson ( jo3263@hotmail.com / no homepage) wrote: I was a mech 4 from about the spring of 1968 till spring of 69. I was in the 474th, I don't remember what site or who all the crew members were. Mech 5 was Larry Barker, We played a lot of cards and ate pretty well. I still can hear those White Superior Diesels. If anyone remembers me, contact jo3263@hotmail.com. Great Site
115	Date: 2007-01-09 03:56:48 Jim McBride ( evamcbride@sbcglobal.net / no homepage) wrote: Was in R&D at the Cape - 61-62, then Kadena, (873d) Crew 23--Capt Ekstrom OIC. I was NCOIC - went to Stan/Eval Gp as Missile Launch Examiner and left Kadena in 1966. Retrained into Avionics Maint until retirement in 1984. Would like to hear from anyone who remembers working with me...Plan on attending convention in Az in May 2007.
114	Date: 2007-01-06 00:03:38 Bryant Ng ( bng@sonnet.ucla.edu / no homepage) wrote: I was on launch crew 33 site 4, 498 TMG from 1969 to 70. be great to hear from my old buddies.
113	Date: 2007-01-02 20:36:06 Tim Lewinski ( timlew@chartermi.net / no homepage) wrote: Good grief .. I remember some of the names in the guest book but the faces escape me. I was with the 874th TMS at Kadena AB from 1963 to 1965. I do remember Charlie Smoote! I was a Mech 3 on crew 30 at site 3. I seem to recall a typhoon hitting the island and dumping more than one platform. And the joy of hauling what seemed like several tons of cables and test sets up and down the stairs. I seem to recall that they became heavier each time they were carried up or down the stairs. Or the occasional bath in JP5 when the missile fuel vent started to leak. Or how about those special "TV dinners" .. I can still taste them. Or the time we decided to explore the island in a borrowed 49 Ford and the gas tank fell out on the road in the middle of nowhere. We tied the tank on the car with some telephone wire that we found. That was a special time in my life and I am proud to have served with a great bunch of guys.
112	Date: 2006-12-26 05:55:56 Charles C. Smoote ( csmoote@bellsouth.net / no homepage) wrote: I was stationed with the 874th TMS at Kadena AFB from 1963 to 1965 at Site 4; at Orlando AFB as an instructor from 1960 until 1963. I have some pictures stashed somewhere. Feel free to email me as I've often wonered where all the guys went.
111	Date: 2006-12-18 03:42:27 Ken Miller ( kensamil@carlnet.org / no homepage) wrote: Forget exactly when I was in guidance at the 498th MMS but one thing I do remember is while I was on duty in charge of quarters, the Vietnam War heated up and, I do mean heated up! We immediately went on alert. I served with a great bunch of guys! All of them were a couple of years younger than me as I was a re-enlistee with a break in service of 3 1/2 years.
110	Date: 2006-11-14 17:00:22 Bill Smith ( jsmith@ag.arizona.edu / no homepage) wrote: Found this site and messed up the first entry. Went to OKI in Aug 1967 along with the following: Vic McGee, Tom Kunka, Gary Thompson, George Heyer, Ken Lenz, Cliff Price, Brad Morgan, Bill McDonald, and Ron Karaskevwicz we were all in GSC. Most of the guys did their 18 months, but I extended for another six and worked with the next class out of Lowry that included Howard Ledbetter, Dave Dennis, and Ron Gardner. Sure was a great place to start a career. Glad to see a site dedicated to this group.
109	Date: 2006-11-12 18:40:22 William C. Smith ( no email / no homepage) wrote: Assigned to 498th from Aug 1967 to Sept 1969, Guidance Branch.
108	Date: 2006-10-18 19:11:59 Bob O'Hanneson ( robert@robertohanneson.com / no homepage) wrote: I arrived in Okinawa in January of 1962 and stayed until December of 1964. I was a Mech 1 on one of the crews that opened Site 3. I worked during the Cuban Missile Crisis and was on duty when President Kennedy was killed. I had the privilede of serving on an ORI Team. This was a time in my life I'll never forget. I have an article in the November 2006 issue of Military History Magazine titled "Inside the Silos of Doomsday." I would enjoy hearing from any of you. Bob O'Hanneson
107	Date: 2006-09-29 01:19:17 Randy McBride ( rmcbride54@mchsi.com / no homepage) wrote: I was a mech 3 at site 2 from mid 1964 till the end of 1965. I still have a group photo of the entire 498th that was taken during that time period. We had several typhoons while I was on the island and I was glad that I was never stuck at the site during condition one. I often think about the Airmans club on base and how they had slots in the lobby and a big band playing every night. A guy could "rent" a hostess to be your date and dance partner for the whole evening. I remember seeing Patty Paige and also Frank Sinatra Jr. play the club. Bob Hope made a surprise visit one day near christmas. I wasn't able to attend because I was work the site.
106	Date: 2006-09-25 21:26:50 Tia Cox ( tiacox@NOSPAMtiacox.co.uk / no homepage) wrote: I've had on my wall for years a photo of a missile crew from around 1964 to early 1967, and have long wondered about the now familiar faces standing either side of the tallest, who was my father, Captain Steve Cox. He was handsome, athletic with an ever-present sense of humour, about 25 then, from Pennsylvania. He sadly died suddenly two years ago today. I'd love to hear from anyone who knew him at Kadena. My mother Lynn was there; my brother Penn and I were born there. The men in this photo are a beaming, fair youth called Conley, a more mature, intelligent-looking man called Hadden, a mischievous looking young Duffey, then my father, then the oldest: smiling Sagert, and then the smallest, with a patient smirk: Kiening. If any of you or anyone who knew my father are out there, do please get in touch (remove 'NOSPAM' from my e-mail address above). Thanks. --Tia Cox
105	Date: 2006-08-21 17:50:52 Lawrence( Larry) Hamilton ( missileguy7@hotmail.com / no homepage) wrote: I was TEMS from Nov 64 to June 67. Worked for TSgt Blair Fisher and with Frank Herring, Larry McKinney, Newcombe ( think he is the SSgt in the GEMS photo) and others. I have lots of names on various SO's I have in my files. Feel free to contact me. Larry Hamilton MSG USAF Ret
104	Date: 2006-07-29 20:46:33 Alfred M. Spencer ( alfredpenny@sbcglobal.net / no homepage) wrote: I was stationed at Kadena Sept,1960 to March,1963 and asssigned to the 498th TMS in the A&E Maintenance Section. We were part of the inital TM76B installation group. Some of the sites were still under construction when we arrived where we spent many hours bringing the sites to launch ready status. Great memories, God Bless
103	Date: 2006-07-10 00:29:40 Robert Brown ( bobby16@iquest.net / no homepage) wrote: I was mech 5 at site 4 (crew 32) from April 1965 to October 1967. Also spent time at site 3 and site 2 as a relief. I spent three tours on Okinawa and during my first tour, August 1958 to January 1960 I actually saw the beginning of what eventually became the 498th TMG. I saw the launch of an Mace A bird from it's mobile lancher as a part of a live fire exercise of Nike Hercules missiles. I was in the Army at the time assigned to a Nike Site (site 5) at the Fatenma Air Facility. I really didn't that the 498th was disbanded (missilewise) in 1969, the same year I left the Air Force. Makes for sadness.
102	Date: 2006-07-05 15:36:16 Richard Steele ( rosteele@cox.net / no homepage) wrote: I was stationed at Kadena 1961-1963 498th TMS in the A&E Maintenance Section.
101	Date: 2006-07-05 03:35:51 Marvin Flick ( m_flick@earthlink.net / no homepage) wrote: Stationed on Oki from July 1966 to Dec 1967, Brings back Memories
100	Date: 2006-05-22 18:58:35 Frank L. Hall ( hallf@cfw.com / no homepage) wrote: I was on Kadena from Nov.62 to May 64. Worked at Site 4 as a Mech 2. A few names I remember are Stitzer, Rhombauer, Cox, Dysart, Trebnic. Would like to hear from anyone from those days.
99	Date: 2006-05-09 03:43:00 Terrance Bennett ( tmichaelb@msn.com / no homepage) wrote: Stationed on Oki from July 65 thru Jan. 67. Mech 1 at Site 4B crew 38, Launch Off. Capt. Byrd. Many fond memories.
98	Date: 2006-04-18 14:58:05 John A. Dence A1C ( jdence@emeraldis.com / no homepage) wrote: Member of 873 TMS Nov 1963 thru Apr 1965. I was a Mech 1 at site 1 & 2, then Wing S-E for the last 6 months under Capt. Kautz and his crew. I am currently living in Greenwood, South Carolina.
97	Date: 2006-04-13 22:53:40 David F. Thomson ( dfthomso@inreach.com / no homepage) wrote: I was the Launch Officer, Crew 14, Site 2, from Dec 1968 to Phase Out in Dec 1969. Went through crew training at Lowry AFB with Capt,s Sam Evans and David Smith, 1st Lt Eldridge Burns and 2nd Lt CArl Bryant. Col Spears was the Commander and was replaced by Col. Merle Johnson. Site Commander was Maj. Donald Hagood.
96	Date: 2006-04-09 03:25:29 k. roterman ( rottermann@hotmail.com / no homepage) wrote: stationed there 1968-69
95	Date: 2006-03-27 01:43:59 Chuck Scheerschmidt ( fishing_folks@bellsouth.net / http://community-2.webtv.net/fishing-folks/ChucksEastCentral/index.html) wrote: Glad to see a few of my old friends and acquaintences here. Pulled from 1961-69 with the Mace B inculding two tours each at Orlando and Kadena. Kadena was from 62-62 and again from about 66-end of 69. Followed that with DMSP satellites till my retirement in 84. Did my time in Gems and a bit in Maint Control.
94	Date: 2006-03-26 05:54:31 Duane W. Robinson ( durobi@msn.com / no homepage) wrote: Maintenance and installation crew as well as bomb trailer maintenance in MAST Bldg.
93	Date: 2006-03-21 15:34:40 Greg Ortyl ( go7081@swbell.net / no homepage) wrote: Any 498TMG reunions in the works? Would be great to see the guys again. I was at Kadena Site 1 Crew 9 from '67 to '69.
92	Date: 2006-03-15 07:13:22 frank rake ( n62papafox@yahoo.com / no homepage) wrote: GSC tech worked with vic tisdel and don pekala thru cuban missle crisis rotated back Orlando and stayed here in Fla.
91	Date: 2006-03-13 05:59:52 Dick Owens ( dirtwaterfox1@netzero.net / no homepage) wrote: anyone know what happened to Tsgt Bill McGruder-he was on Kadena '63-'64 in the maintenance shop.I believe thats his pic posted on this site. we went thru tech school at Lowry/Orlando. I was sent to site 4,crew 34. Also would like to know what happened to SSgt Joe Keining,(Mech 5)from my crew
90	Date: 2006-03-07 01:22:25 Edwin Bagley ( ebagley7@juno.com / no homepage) wrote: Was Crew Chief (Mech-3) Site-4 1963-1965 Launch Officer Capt Coyner.Does anyone remember when Msgt Johnson Site-4 NCOIC climed down into the harded antenna when the door was open during monthly inspection and the door went closed on him?
89	Date: 2006-01-29 17:39:15 Bob Minicucci ( minicucci@snet.net / no homepage) wrote: I was a Martin Tech Rep stationed at Kadena and Site 4 (Site Commander Major Walt Warwick) from 1963 to 1966. I'm afraid life and age have dimmed my memory of Okinawa, but as I remember things I will try to add them to this site.
88	Date: 2006-01-29 17:09:00 Bob Minicucci ( minicucci@snet.net / no homepage) wrote: I was a Martin Tech Rep stationed at Kadena and Site 4 from 1963 to 1966. I'm afraid life and age have dimmed my memory of Okinawa, but as I remember things I will try to add them to this site.
87	Date: 2006-01-27 17:06:43 Jim Finkle ( jimmy.finkle@gmail.com / no homepage) wrote: Stationed at 824th Supply, December 1968 to May 1970. Thanks for the page.
86	Date: 2006-01-24 04:07:48 samuel wilson ( manonfire20023@yahoo.com / no homepage) wrote: I was stationed at Kadena in 1971, Worked in the fuel shop on f4s and 105s i enjoyed my stay at Kadena. I made a lot of friends. Lost contact over the years. sgt hope sgt robillard, sgt reyes, sgt paul lex were great guys, sgt james pleasant also 18th fms squadron
85	Date: 2005-11-15 01:58:25 Dave Chatfield ( daveccul@ccul.org / no homepage) wrote: I was on one of the USAF TM76B R&D crews at the Cape in 1960 (anybody remember Camp Happiness?), and our crew got off 5 test launches. Then I was part of the original 498th TMG movement from Orlando AFB to Kadena, and we all worked cutting and pulling cables, installing equipment, etc. to bring the site and missiles operational. I was a Mech 1 and our site was near Tieragawa (or Deragawa?) and White Beach. My Launch Officer was Captain Ernie Schmid. I was at Kadena in the 498th from September, 1961 to March, 1963. It would be great to learn more about things that happened after I rotated back (which site is now a buddist temple?) and to connect with others from the old 498th.
84	Date: 2005-10-19 16:50:23 penn ( don.blitzen@gmail.com / no homepage) wrote: My sister and I were both born at Kadena AFB, where my my dad (Steve Cox) was a launch officer (I think). He was there from probably '63 or early '64 until around '67-'68. Somewhere, I have his crew pic similar to the one on the site. He enjoyed it there, but all my mother seems to remember are the Habus.
83	Date: 2005-08-11 21:03:59 Dan Clipner ( Cliphilly@yahoo.com / no homepage) wrote: Nose Picker, 1968-1970 Great Memories,some good buds
82	Date: 2005-08-06 00:44:34 Edward Jeffrey ( edjeffrey@msn.com / no homepage) wrote: I was on Capt. Riley's Launch Crew in 62 and 63. Ours was the first group of launch crews to man site 3. Before the site was operational we would help cut sections of power cables for the site. Those were the good times, and what a great bunch of guys. Tiny, if you read this please let me hear from you. Tiny was our big 6'6" guy who helped carry my test cables up those many flites of stairs to the missile bay.
81	Date: 2005-08-01 19:28:44 Rick Lay ( chlay@plix.com / no homepage) wrote: I was in data processing on the main compound for 498 TMG during 1963-64. It was my first assignment after IBM (the computer folks) tech school at Sheppard AFB. I was barely 19 years old, took evening U of Maryland classes in quonset huts at Kadena. 498th was about great guys and fine experiences for a lad. I did my last two years in computers with HQ SDN Castle AFB to finish up 4-year hitch in 1966. GI bill got me through college with BA and MA by 1973, none of which would have happened with USAF. Where can I get any patches of 498th or PACAF. Tx, Rick Lay in Colville,WA.
80	Date: 2005-07-21 19:46:06 Kenneth Clayton ( clayton@optilink.us / no homepage) wrote: email address changed to: clayton@optilink.us Power Production Site #3 Sept. 63- Mar. 65.
79	Date: 2005-07-05 04:57:42 Clive Rountree ( cdrountree@gmail.com / no homepage) wrote: After 35 years I am back on Oki. I'm here as a contractor trying to help Kadena save money on energy. I' also trying to locate the housing area that we lived in.
78	Date: 2005-06-29 17:07:18 Fred Michelson ( f.m.michelson@verizon.net / no homepage) wrote: I was in the GEMS shop from 64 to 66. I just found this site and all the great memories I had from that time came rolling back.
77	Date: 2005-06-19 00:29:57 George Peter Mergener ( gpete@iland.net / no homepage) wrote: I was a Combat Crew Chief during the Pueblo incident. We were locked down during the event. My crew was the best Crew 22.
76	Date: 2005-06-16 18:14:41 Robert J. Balducci ( bbalducci@eazall.com / no homepage) wrote: Great to see this website. I was on Oki ( the 18 month tour ) end of January '65 thru july '66 whence I rotated back to George AFB, Victorville,CA. I was a missile guidance and flight controls technician at Kadena AFB doing repair work at the maintenance hangar. Also i did site calls when things broke at the launch sites and was in every single launch bay during my tour. 'till today i was and am proud to have been a MISSILE MAN and happy it was the MACE.
75	Date: 2005-06-05 01:51:31 Duane Robinson ( dwr@scifrig.com / no homepage) wrote: maitenance crew 1965-67
74	Date: 2005-06-02 18:20:22 RON MEHNE ( rmehne@earthlink.net / no homepage) wrote: I WAS WITH THE 498TH TMG FROM 67-69. WORKED IN THE CORROSION CONTROL SHOP WITH TSGT TRADER,SSGT YOUNG, SSGT KUTCH,SGT HILL,SGT TOPPER,A1C MARTIN,A1C WILLIAMS. I STILL KEEP IN CONTACT WITH YOUNG AND KEN SIDWELL FROM THE NOSE REPLACEMENT SHOP. I STILL REMEMBER GOING TO LUNCH AT THE COMMUNICATIONS BASE ON THE WAY TO ONE OF THE SITES. BEST STEAKS AROUND.
73	Date: 2005-05-16 15:35:39 Doug Urie ( dourie@kckps.org / no homepage) wrote: Was stationed at Kadena 63-65. Worked in the GEMS shop. Very fond memories of that period. Was A2c with 3 yrs time and grade, same a 90% of the Air Force at that time. Like to hear from some of the guys I served with. Great site.
72	Date: 2005-05-09 23:53:07 Clif Hunt ( clhuntjr@netzero.com / no homepage) wrote: Assigned to 498th '65 - '67. Mech 1, Site 1, Crew 7. So many memories........ I hope to talk my wife in to visiting Okinawa within the next couple of years.
71	Date: 2005-05-01 17:02:37 Cliff Becker ( bemnta@rc.net / no homepage) wrote: Iwas in the 498th from 68 to 69 seeing the pics of the missle shop. Have some great memories and some bad. Col Spears was a great man one of the best officers I had the pleasure to serve under. He spoiled me to thinking other officers were like him in the Air Force WRONG if the rest of my military time could have been like the experience I had serving under Col Spears I most like would have been a full time military.I was in with Robert Madox, Gary Bartel,John Woods, McNealy,Anderson,Tingle and a few others time has slipped away. For awhile the Maintance lower area was known as Scooter Vally because are Ssgt always road his little Cushmon scooter every were.
70	Date: 2005-04-28 18:39:13 Ed Innis ( deville2@wowway.com / no homepage) wrote: Hi....Served with the 498th from June63 to Dec 64 in Mission Planning in the 498th Hg Building....Sgt Wm N. Tackitt was NCOIC (best NCOIC in 498th), Officers included Maj Edwin C. Elledge, Capt Wm McKinney, Capt Magnusson, Lt Lippman....Enlisted's were me, Amn McRoberts and Krauss....Am sure I forgot a few.....Had posted to Guestbook before, however, it appears that post was deleted...THERE WAS NO PLACE LIKE Gate #2 street, or New Koza.....Enjoyed every sober and non sober moment.....The Airmans Club 2 for 1 slots jackpot, or 10 Cent Happy Hour.....Cheap suits, cheap booze, cheap food and lots of female company.........Anybody remember the punishments on Habu Hill.....Still have my Airmans club chit card for Dec 63...50 Cent Steaks, 15 cent breakfasts, Chuck Wagon Buffet's 50 Cents and of course entertainment provided by "Ding and the Kadena Airman's Club Orchestra"......What a life..........Hi to all in the who served........Ed
69	Date: 2005-04-04 05:08:23 William R. Henry ( william.henry@sbcglobal.net / no homepage) wrote: Served in the 874th TMS of the 498th from sep 63 to Feb 65. Assigned as Airman in Charge (Crew Chief) Nr. 28 Launch Crew. Have not looked at these old records for 39 years. Our crew served at Site 3, a nice long bus ride. Angleton's bike was stolen and missing for several months. One day Capt Wright, looking out the window of the bus, mentioned that the bike in the pawn shop window sure looked like Angelton's. Turned out it was and some poor marine was in a lot of trouble. another time our crew was assgined to paint the missle bay doors. The door was lowered and Godley was painting away with his back to the missle. We had forgotten that the marines would fly from ships off shore and practice on the mountains in front of us....Godley thought a missle had launched and he went one way and the paint bucket the other. Oh...the memories.
68	Date: 2005-03-27 20:40:37 Johnny Alexander ( gina528@mindspring.com / no homepage) wrote: Brings back old memories. 1969-1970
67	Date: 2005-03-07 08:02:09 Yvonne ( Yukifuri1@aol.com / no homepage) wrote: Would love to hear from anyone that remember's my father Roy C. Jerome. We were there from 65/68
66	Date: 2005-02-04 17:09:49 Pete Bergman ( airhobbies@yahoo.com / no homepage) wrote: Iwas with 498 MMS in '62-'63. Worked in GEMS. Robert A. Kline, Bob Koblinski, Don Pirkula, Jimmy Pearson, Vic Tisdel, Gary Bayse, Don Brown (wasn't he the one who got away with wearing a full beard for abt 2 months?) were all there then. Good Lord!! We were all so young--And thin!!
65	Date: 2005-02-03 21:50:15 Joe Weber ( webstuff46@cox.net / no homepage) wrote: Just found your site. Glad somebody remembers. I was a Mech I assigned to site 4 1966-1967
64	Date: 2005-01-29 17:27:12 John McLeod ( smcleod2@alltel.net / no homepage) wrote: Stationed from 1966 to 1968. Worked maintenance supply.
63	Date: 2005-01-26 00:25:37 Bill Lindsay ( BillsBaitNBiscuit@carolina.rr.com / no homepage) wrote: Was stationed in 498 2/67 thru 8/68 in supply. Anyone else out there then?
62	Date: 2005-01-20 20:45:13 Peter Bergman ( airhobbies@yahoo.com / no homepage) wrote: I was at Kadena from 5-62 to 11-63. Yes,I remember where I was during the 60's including the Cuban missle crisis. Got back to the ZI just in time for the JFK assination. Spent last 9 mos at Albuquerque working on LCC suspensions.
61	Date: 2005-01-20 08:55:12 jeannie( Combs,Driggers) ( jamesandjeanmarkle@msn.com / no homepage) wrote: My Father SSgt Erbie Driggers and our family were there at Kadena AFB from 1963-1966. I Had just turned 10 when we went and I loved every moment I was there. I have wonderful memmoreis of my adventures, the culture, the people,and the sea. Daddy passed away May 2 2003 and Mom(Jackie) passed away Dec11,1990
60	Date: 2005-01-08 15:53:31 Vic Tisdel ( victisdel@aol.com / no homepage) wrote: Trained at Lowery '60 - '61. Crew training in Orlando '61. Worked in GSC at Kadena in '62 to '63 time frame. Returned to Orlando as permanent party in '63 - '64.
59	Date: 2004-12-31 12:17:29 Norman Trudell ( ntrudell@cox.net / no homepage) wrote: What a surprise to see the photos and read about the 498th; what memories it brought back. I served in the GEMS shop between '66 and '68 and after teaching guidance system maintenance at Lowry between '61 and '65.
58	Date: 2004-12-19 15:24:04 Alan Kellogg ( aekell@aol.com / no homepage) wrote: Mech 1 site 4, March '67 through Oct'68.
57	Date: 2004-12-18 19:30:44 Joseph DiPietro ( jrckt5@optonline.net / no homepage) wrote: Served at Kadena AB from May 64 to Nov 65 as a mech #1 at site 4. Have original orders, missile badge, & picture of crew trainng at Cape Canaveral.
56	Date: 2004-12-17 18:51:14 Doug Urie ( dourie@kckps.org / no homepage) wrote: Served with the 498th MMS from August '63 to March '65. Was in GEMS. Returned to Orlando as permanent party in '65. Was A2c with over 3 yrs time in grade like most of the Air Force in early 60's
55	Date: 2004-12-16 00:35:20 Kerry Keyt ( throwback49@yahoo.com / no homepage) wrote: Hi! I was a Mech 5 on Foxy 26 from June '69 until shutdown. Man, this brings back the memories! It was a great time and a great group of guys!
54	Date: 2004-12-15 23:54:58 James (Jim) Carter ( jcarter@earthlink.net / no homepage) wrote: I was a Mech 4 on the Mace from Oct. 1967 till Dec. 1969. I can't remember the crew numbers I work on, but some of the crew members, at various times, were Chuck Kilgore, Capt. Barber, Maj. Leo Delbridge, (?)Hackbarth. I started out as a basic crew member, became an instructor and finally an evaluator. Some others I remember were Gene W. Carter (Maintenance), Roy Amber (Maint.), Gary Frohme (not sure of the spelling). Peter Spears was wing commander while I was there.
53	Date: 2004-12-06 21:35:28 Guy Vanderman ( V8LogsServ@cs.com / no homepage) wrote: Am looking for a copy of the 1966 "Yearbook" to borrow. Anyone know of one? Guy "V8" Vanderman
52	Date: 2004-11-30 22:39:39 Victor McGee ( vwmcgee@yahoo.com / no homepage) wrote: I worked in GSC from Oct 67 to Mar69. Tom Kunka and I returned to Lowry and retrained to Instrumentation.
51	Date: 2004-11-10 21:53:26 Dennis L. Cralley ( dcralleysr@cox.net / no homepage) wrote: I spent two tours with 498th TMG and FTD91L. First tour as Mech 1 on Crew 16, LO Capt Schmidt, CC MSGT Hary Cordez, Sight 2B, from Dec 1962 to Jun 1966. The 2nd tour with Crew Three (Thundering Third) at Sight 1A from Mar 1968 to Dec 1969 when the 498th TMG was closing.
50	Date: 2004-11-02 21:49:37 Jon Henriksen ( jonhcad@msn.com / no homepage) wrote: I was a mech-5 at site 4. My launch officer was Capt. Charles E. Smith. I would like to get in touch with Capt. Smith and any other mech-5 who served during 67 and 68. Dwyer are you out there somewhere?
49	Date: 2004-10-30 14:25:39 Steve Dwyer ( sdwyer@mn.rr.com / no homepage) wrote: I don't know why I decided to google mace missile this AM but I am glad I did. I was a mech 5 on crew 25 in '68-'69. It is good to see there is a resource for our little bit of history on the web.
48	Date: 2004-10-27 09:07:32 MSgt Joe Orr ( joe.orr@kadena.af.mil / no homepage) wrote: I am the current historian here at Kadena in the 18th Wing. I am doing research for a small publication about the 498th for a Masters program, and would really like to hear from any and all members of the 498th out there. I want to tell your story, but at this point all I have are the official histories, and they don't really tell the whole story. I enjoyed looking at the postings here, and look forward to hearing from some of you. I was told that I had to include the following statement by my faculty advisor: "This information may be used for research purposes."
47	Date: 2004-10-26 00:46:39 gene pyburn ( sgpy50@msn.com / no homepage) wrote: ncoic corrosion control 1965-1968
46	Date: 2004-10-01 19:43:19 Tom Sandman ( thomas.sandman@noaa.gov / no homepage) wrote: Great to hear from Colonel Spear's daughter. Many of us look back fondly to the days when the 498th TMG was "Spearheaded". He was, without a doubt, the best officer I ever served under both as an enlisted man and later as an officer myself. I was in GEMS from 1967 through December of 1969 and was actually part of the group that dismantled the maintenance area and the sites in January of 1970.
45	Date: 2004-09-25 18:26:44 Blair R. ( no email / no homepage) wrote: I'm currently stationed at Kadena AB. I had no idea the they ever had missiles here, very interesting.
44	Date: 2004-09-13 00:16:35 JIm Watson ( K9tildy@aol.com / no homepage) wrote: I was a sentry dog handler assigned to the 824th SPS K-9 Section.We had two posts on all four sites.One Dog and handler on top the other on the bottom plus portable kennels for the dogs as they didn't work during daylight hours.Thanks for the pictures I looked at them and remembered exactly where they were at.The best time was going past Camp Hansen as the marines were coming back to base around midnight and we were in the back of a pickup with the dogs and giving the marines a hard time>They didn't like us
43	Date: 2004-09-08 17:05:13 Tim Yoho ( tyoho@lhup.edu / http://www.lhup.edu/tyoho) wrote: Am constructing webpage about Army 14th PsyWar Battalion. The 16th Company was located at Deragawa in 1962-65?. The Compound was formally AirForce. Does anyone know what happened to this compound?
42	Date: 2004-09-02 03:39:08 Dave Lawter ( degadave@cableone.net / no homepage) wrote: Holy **** what memories!! Arrived on at the 498th in late '68 with Mike Stevens,Harry Tomlinson, Ernest Odum, Jim Sullivan, Jim Holt and Andy Anderson. Mike, Harry, Jim, Jim and myself were Mech 1s and Andy and Ernst Mech 4s. After the word came down that we were shutting down I went to OCU and worked with Frank Harper,Charlie Farrel(sp)and Dave(?) Delahey. Where is Lt. Presnell, remember her? Left OKI, spent 10 years at Malmstrom (Mike Derosa), 9 years at Ellsworth. Retired in '89 when they wanted to sent me to Grand Forks. Currently live in Oxford, AL, ride a Harley (got the bug from Delahey's Honda) and my office is about 1 mile from the Talladega Speedway..if only there was a "Club Champion" close by...LOL!! Look me up if you're in this neck of the woods. This is great..remember the snakes in the pool after the Typhoons, the snails on the sidewalk on the way to the chow hall, the club!! It was a big let down coming back statesude to SAC...LOL!! God Bless You All
41	Date: 2004-08-28 23:33:48 Angie Spear McCarl ( angie@slenderladyptc.com / http://slenderlady.com/peachtreecity) wrote: Name: Angie Spear McCarl (Homepage) Country: USA Date: Thu Aug 14 22:15:05 2003 Comment: My father was Colonel Peter Holden Spear. As commander in the late 1960's, he was so proud of the amazing people of the 498th. Your dedication to excellence was something he always spoke of and remembered. From his days in the Flying Tigers in WWII, and the Berlin AirLift, the fondest memories were of the tremendous team of the 498th. He passed over into the blue yonder on 02/18/1991. Just wanted to thank all of you who have called or written to say you remember my father and leave my new email address.
40	Date: 2004-08-25 17:43:10 Bryan (Jack) Haddix ( haddixb@msn.com / no homepage) wrote: 498 TMG Maintenance (GSC)1966-1968
39	Date: 2004-08-19 15:49:24 George Chenarides ( cgeorge1@earthlink.net / no homepage) wrote: After my initial assignment, and eventual closing of the 310th Tac Missile Squadron in Osan, (K-55), Korea in 1961-62, that assignment involved the Mace/Matador missile on moving launch trailers. I was re-assigned to 498th TMG at Kadena. The photos brought back some nice memories, especially the silos. I will never forget when I was on duty and the launch bay doors were down. My friend, Mike Aramanda and I were just laying on a door looking at the night sky when we both realized we had never seen so manu stars in our lives. Then we had a treat with a small meteor shower. We couldn't wait to write home to our girfriends and parents about what we saw. Mike was from Brooklyn and I was from the Bronx. With the big city lights we never knew what we couldn't see in the night sky.
38	Date: 2004-08-11 02:48:13 Robert M. Henry ( rmhenry@earthlink.net / no homepage) wrote: Operations and Training Officer from Nov, '64 - May, '68. Was a launch officer until the Air Force "discovered" I was color blind.
37	Date: 2004-08-09 15:24:39 Al Soboleski ( al@soboleski.us / no homepage) wrote: Time on Okinawa was 11/63-3/65. I was on crew 9 mech 2 worked mostly at site 1.
36	Date: 2004-08-06 02:03:36 James Denman ( Msgtjim22@earthlink.net / no homepage) wrote: I was reading the messages looking for anyone I recognized. I was not a Mace weinie, I was an Osan puke as you would call us. However had several friends that went to Kadena I saw 2 here Chuck Scheersmit(pardon my spelling chuck). and Rerun Ronnie Ruiz. I was looking for one of my old friends Gino Bozzer but not a sign. I did all of my tac time in Matador and then on to Minuteman and finally on to space in the 4000th support group.serving there with chuck and ronnie.Anyone that recognizes my name feel free to drop me an e-mail. My son is a Major in ACC and they don't make war like we did they try to be real picky at what they hit now. No more elimination of cities.Darn
35	Date: 2004-08-05 22:11:53 Norman Tramba ( normt8@cox.net / no homepage) wrote: I was in the 498 TMG in 63 & 64. I served in maintenance for 6 months and a year as Mech 3 on crew 37.
34	Date: 2004-08-05 08:27:50 mugu ( mugu@magatony.com / no homepage) wrote: i dey brother!
33	Date: 2004-07-30 12:27:59 Greg Ortyl ( go7081@swbell.net / no homepage) wrote: I was with the 498th at site 1 from '68-'69. I would really like to get in touch with some of the guys from the 498th. I was Crew 9
32	Date: 2004-07-29 00:11:25 Lynn Harley ( lynnh@itiblades.com / no homepage) wrote: On the rock 68-69. Spent a lot of hours guarding these sites. Had a great time with a great bunch of guys.
31	Date: 2004-07-19 00:22:06 Van Bricker ( vrbrick@aol.com / no homepage) wrote: Stationed in Okinawa at the old CB cam out side gate 4 (Camp Kinser now Camp Marvin Shields) 1962/63 Returned in 1986 to 1990 with my family what a difference. Great place would love to go back. Any of you old CB's out there drop me a note.
30	Date: 2004-06-04 04:52:30 John Woods ( john.woods@linkline.com / no homepage) wrote: Hi everyone... I was on the rock from 8/68-12/69...
29	Date: 2004-06-03 02:38:38 Joe Carter ( joebelcar@mcloudteleco.com / no homepage) wrote: I was in the Guidance and Flight Control shop from July 65 - Jan 66 and then again from Sept 68 to Dec 69 for the shut down. My second tour I was married and my wife Belva was with me and we had a great shut down party Oct 30 69 at our house. We have often thought of all the guys and the wives we served with. After the Mace I worked on the Titan II, Hound Dog, SRAM, and ALCM...Then I got my commission and worked in Supply. Retired in July 95 after 31 years and have been doing contract work since. Drop us a line...Joe and Belva Carter
28	Date: 2004-05-25 21:14:17 Don Rowland ( leerow@earthlink.net / no homepage) wrote: I worked in TEMS from Sep 61 until May 65. Then I spent a year at the school in Denver. Returned to the Field Training Detachment (FTD 911L) from Aug 66 until closing. Enjoyed reading the comments and the revival of old memories. Having spent 8 years of my career with the Mace on Kadena, it was a large part of my (and familys') life.
27	Date: 2004-05-22 05:24:30 Ed Faulkner ( elfbiz2@msn.com / no homepage) wrote: Glad to see a lot more folks from the 498th. I was a Mech 5 on the Foxy 26 crew, 67-69. Most probably have read my previous posting, on the original TMG page. I have "talked" to Col. Spears daughter(Col. Spears died early 90s), Jeff Greene(Mech 5, Crew 28), Capt Robert Weiner (CC 35) and in the last month or so, Jon Henriksen (Mech 5 Crew 34). Hope to hear from more of you folks.
26	Date: 2004-05-18 14:42:03 Keith Miller ( Keith5281@yahoo.com / no homepage) wrote: I worked as a GSC technician on Okinawa from the fall of 1964 until the spring of 1966. I was in a group that arrived together including but not limited to: Roger Muldoon, Gary Hanson,Terry Raynal,Dave Jordan,Daniel Sundlove. I was lucky enough to return to Denver and served at Lowry until my discharge in July of '67. I have lived here ever since. I would love to talk to other 498ers.
25	Date: 2004-05-14 00:16:42 William (Bill) O'Hara ( no email / no homepage) wrote: I was a Mechanic 4 on crew #1 at the site at Bollo Point on the East side of the island from 1961-1963. We were the first crews to go operational at this site. We were on duty at this site during the Cuban Missile Crisis. Our whole tour was the experience of a lifetime!! I reside in North Hills, CA.
24	Date: 2004-05-11 19:37:47 Lawrence (Larry) Warne ( Lawrence89@aol.com / no homepage) wrote: I was with the 498th from 1962 to 1965
23	Date: 2004-04-29 22:49:03 conrad c. willy ( cwilly@hbws.org / no homepage) wrote: was station at kadena ab and worked as guidance checkout of mace missile. Now retired working with Board of Water Supply in honolulu.
22	Date: 2004-04-28 01:44:45 Anne Clineman Flach ( TexasRose1@Verizon.net / no homepage) wrote: My husband and I were stationed at Torii Station in 1968 and lived across the street from Kadena. Was wondering about Clineman in the Foxy 26 Crew.
21	Date: 2004-03-24 16:31:00 Richard Rupe ( richrupe@bellsouth.net / no homepage) wrote: I was Mech 1 at site 2 and OCU in the late 60's. Capt Johnson was LO. Can't remember the others.
20	Date: 2004-03-14 13:55:05 MSG ( RET ) WM. N. TACKITT ( ntbt@txun.net / no homepage) wrote: I arrived at Kadena, 498th Tactical Missile Group in Jan 1963. Was assigned to "Mission Planning" as NCOIC. The mission planning section was still at 5th Air Force Hq and we had to get every thing ready. Secure room had to be added to the Launch Headquarters at Group Headquarters. Capt Magnusson was the head man at 5th and was training people to do mission planning to take over at Kadena. I saw one name I recognized, (Innis)(had to bail him out of trouble a couple of times). I met a man in Texas that had been in the sister unit of 498th, They had the Matidore launched from trucks in Germany. Left there Jun 65. -
19	Date: 2004-03-14 02:39:47 Chuck Ashbaugh ( rneck4u@yahoo.com / no homepage) wrote: Was stationed at Kadena, with the 498th, from 1963-1965...was on launch crew...some names remembered..john szostak...jim hawk...mike perino..and harry blankenship...does anyone remember me?
18	Date: 2004-03-13 17:47:42 WM. N. TACKITT ( ntbt@txun.net / no homepage) wrote: Served in Okinawa with 498 Missle Gr. 1963-1965. Anyone recognize this name, contact me. Would love to hear from you.
17	Date: 2004-02-29 23:51:40 John C. Gregor ( grelore@c-zone.net / no homepage) wrote: I was a mech 4 on Crew 5 from Sept 1961 to March of 1963 assigned to the 873rd TML.
16	Date: 2004-02-28 00:33:39 Gary Gunter ( wgg1@comcast.net / no homepage) wrote: Served at Site 3 from Sept 68 to close-out. Crew 27 with Best, Coombs, Richardson. Would like to hear from them and Hessler of Site 2. wgg1@comcast.net Good website for memories.
15	Date: 2004-02-26 00:06:13 Robert M Weiner(Mike) ( mandlweiner@aol.com / no homepage) wrote: I was in the 498th from Sep 67 to Feb 70. Was a Launch Officer at site 3 and 4 then was on trainig and SEF. Retired after 20 years in 84. So good to finally see some of the old names and great pictures associated with a great outfit.
14	Date: 2004-02-10 22:09:25 William Gary Gunter ( wgg1@comcast.net / no homepage) wrote: My cousin pointed me to website, it's great. I served as LO from 1968 to close out in 1969. Great group of guys! Hope to send some pixs and patch I have in storage.
13	Date: 2004-02-01 16:18:27 Robert Buckley ( flashb@webtv.net / no homepage) wrote: I was assigned to Okinawa in 1965 to 1968. Was in GEMS under Curly Kohler for awhile later went to Standardization and Training under George Colbert. Both of these great bosses are deceased now, The good die young! After Oki I went to Mcconnell AFB where 6 yrs later I retired. SAC wasn,t the same as the great years I spent in The Matador and Mace Systems. Not the same people.Had a second career working for J&j for 22yrs as a field service eng. on medical instruments.
12	Date: 2004-01-25 22:34:08 Eugene Parrs ( eparrs@aol.com / no homepage) wrote: Was at Kadena from 7/68 to 1/70 as safety officer.
11	Date: 2004-01-20 14:52:09 Robert A Bailey ( bob33510@yahoo.com / no homepage) wrote: I was with 498th 07/66-01/69 comming from Orlando & Bitburg.At all 3 bases I worked in TEMS.1961-69. Retrained into computers & retired in 75 atKeesler. (www.tacmissileers.homestead.com/MISSILEER.html) is a TAC Missileer web site worth your time.Next reunion is in Nashville in 2005.
10	Date: 2004-01-07 00:57:22 bob malarkey ( m45rpm@yahoo.com / no homepage) wrote: mech#2 crew #38 site #4 oct64 to 15feb66. great to see that i'm not the only one in the world that remembers the 873..874..and 498. p.s. i think that sgt. carter (in the crew #33 picture) was a member of the 498 bomber group in wwII...???
9	Date: 2004-01-03 03:51:28 Trevis Moss ( TMoss1st@att.net / no homepage) wrote: I served the 498th as Deficiency Analyst and TEMS shift NCOIC fromm July 66 until April 69. Note the over three years span. I married a Okinawan nurse and the birth of Cristy came and They couldn't trvel with me because Chie had been an exchange student to the USA. The AF wasn't having a TSgt write the Attorney General so waived the extra 3 months so we could travel together. Lost that assignment to Lowery and ended up at VAFB where I retired with 26plus years active dy.
8	Date: 2003-12-16 22:31:37 William "Fred" Crytzer ( wfc@stic.net / no homepage) wrote: I was amongst a group of ten old Korea Matador pukes from Osan and was assigned to the 498th MIMS from April '62 until November of '62 when us guys the "Osan Ten" rotated back to the land of the "Big PX" or the "Round Eyes" whichever suits your pleasure. While at Kadena we had only two sites operational those being site one at Ona Point and site two at White Beach. You'll notice I'm using the old site location designators as that was at the time what they were called. Site Three north of Camp Hansen on the north part of the island was just getting to the point of being operational as I made a trip out there one day in a crew bus as the driver. Some of us were assigned duties as drivers in the Motor pool of the MIMS before we were put into the AGE Shop. During our time in AGE we worked all of the sites trying to keep the two operational sites (1&2) up and running by robbing parts from the other two I&C sites as the Logistics change hadn't caught up with the Pacific theater yet. Anyway, I'm glad to see a site on the WEB for the old 498th. I made a trip back to "The Rock" in March of 1995 to see my new Grandson as my oldest daughter was a Woman Marine and married to a Marine stationed at Camp Lester. The only building I recognized from the old days was the MAB on the support base. Overall the island sure had changed. I'm planning on attending some of the TAC Missileers conventions in the coming years and look forward to seeing some of you guys who took over from us old dogs. Thanks again for listening to my raving. Fred Crytzer MSgt (Ret) USAF San Antonio, Texas
7	Date: 2003-12-09 20:06:38 Garland France ( gfrance@getgoin.net / no homepage) wrote: Crewchief of Crew 5 at Site 1 from Jan 69 untill shutdown. Worked all sites since we were short chiefs. Check Missileer Site for Site 1 pictures. Recently visited AF Museum at Wright Patterson. In front of museum is a "B" Bird from 498th.
6	Date: 2003-12-03 19:41:41 Jeff Schiff ( jschiff@spacecoastedc.org / no homepage) wrote: Was Mech 3 Instructor at Orlando, Cape, and Denver. Shipped to Kadena in Jan 66. Was a Nose-Picker Crew Chief for a while then assigned to the Stan Eval Team as Mech 3 under Capt Charlie Moore until I left. One of the best jobs I ever had. If you haven't attended a reunion - do it - you'll love it.
5	Date: 2003-12-03 03:17:32 KENT WASHBURN ( kwash55@aol.com / no homepage) wrote: I am in the original archives log but thought I would re-enter this one as well . I was Assigned as a mech # 3 at site 3 1965 / 1966 time frame . Was assigned to LT. Donald Homrighausen Instructor crew . Col. Gainer was the CO at the time . A few of the folks I worked , trained or hung out with were : Art Curd ( my roomate ) , Bob Lutey ,Ben Lawrence ,Dennis Rose , Sgt Jeff Schiff , LT Richard Serfass( my training NCO and training LO at Orlando )Both of whom I recently contacted on the web ) Sgt John Tufts one of my crew chiefs and fellow Mainer whom I have also contacted . I still have all of my original orders with a list of names so any of you out there who might be looking for people in the 65 66 time frame send me an e-mail Proud to have served in the 498TH TMG and now retired after 32 years with AT&T Kent Washburn Portland , Maine
4	Date: 2003-11-29 15:50:09 Harry Watts ( swiftponi@aol.com / no homepage) wrote: Hello, I was at Kadena Air base in 1967-68 Base photo. We use to do a lot of work for missile people at that time. I cannot remember the unit has been a long time. thank you
3	Date: 2003-11-28 19:16:26 Bob Kobac ( bobking_98@yahoo.com / no homepage) wrote: I worked in the GSC shop from February 69 to December 69. Our crew was there for the shutdown. Us 316's pretty much all got to come home as did most of the others. That was the best group of guys I ever worked with anywhere.
2	Date: 2003-10-31 16:42:51 Richard E. Bliss ( richard.bliss@peterson.af.mil / no homepage) wrote: I was on Crew 7 at site 1B during 67-69 and was told about your website by Mitch Cannon who was at site 4 during the same time frame. We both work at HQ AFSPC at Peterson and are interested in contacting other 498th folks. Rich
1	Date: 2003-10-21 18:38:46 George Mindling ( myakka@quixnet.net / http://home.quixnet.net/~ilsem/38tmw.htm) wrote: Welcome to the New Kadena GuestBook. I'll have the old archives restored and posted soon.