RECOLLECTIONS
FROM THE PAST Guest Book Entries for 2018
Leland Haynes passed away on November 26, 2010. I was honored that he and his family asked that I continue keeping this web site going after he passed. Since he passed away, there have been no postings to the Guestbook/Alma Mater page, because all submissions went to his personal email address, to which I had no access.
At the request of many people in the Blackbird Community, I am resuming the Alma Mater page. I have created a new submission site, in the same format and with the same rules as the one created by Leland. All of Leland's rules below will be followed to the letter.
- David Allison (www.habu.org) on behalf of Leland Haynes and family
I have been requested to include recollections from various
personnel that have either worked on the SR-71 or have been closely associated
with the program through support operations. Bear in mind that the SR-71 could
have never flown had it not been for the expertise of personnel in a wide
variety of specialties in the US Air Force and civilian industry. These
include but are not limited to KC-135Q Refueling Support, Air Traffic
Controllers, Security Policemen, Base Fire Suppression Support, Medical
personnel, Lockheed Technical Support, Physiological Support Division (PSD)
and a vast array of top notch people that expended that extra effort to ensure
the success of the program. If you have been associated with the Blackbird
Program and wish to share something with others, please feel free to make an
entry in the:
There are Twenty-Two total web pages that comprise the "SR-71 Alma Mater and Recollections of the Past"
The original web page had grown to over 3 Megs
in size. To expedite your Browser loading, I have divided the "Guest
book" Entries into Chronological year groups by dates the e-mail was
received.
The first year group starts in 1996 and includes the year 1997
"Eagles may soar, but weasels do not get sucked into jet engines."
Mon, Dec 10, 6:29pm EST, Tony Landis
writes: Butch Sheffield has passed away.
Colonel Richard "Butch" Sheffield passed away December 9, 2018. He was
selected to fly the SR-71 in 1965 after first serving as a navigator
in the B-47 and then the B-58. He leaves behind his wife Rose Marie,
his daughters Linda Sheffield Miller and husband Rodney, and Karen
Sheffield Ulrich husband Mark, and a son Rich Sheffield. He also
leaves behind Granddaughters Lisa Sheffield Burroughs, Kristine
Sheffield Ulrich, Susan Sheffield Miller, Emily Sheffield Beck and
Caroline Sheffield Ulrich and two brothers Wilbur and Walter Ray
Sheffield. He was preceded in death by his son Edwin Charles
Sheffield. Funeral plans are pending.
Tony Landis
Avon, IN
Fri, Dec 7, 2:01pm EST, Tony Landis
writes: Gray Sowers has passed away.
Just heard that Gray Sowers passed away a few days ago.
from https://www.facebook.com/groups/398563000317170/: "LtCol Robert "Gray" Sowers passed away December 1, 2018. He had a long distinguished career in the Air Force, starting with the B-47 then the B-58 and then the SR-71. He leaves no family behind. His wife Susie passed away before he did and they had no children. He was a wonderful man, a brave veteran."
Tony Landis
Avon, IN
Fri, Oct 26, 2018 10:12pm CDT, Capt Frank Doyle
writes:
Greetings All.
I learned much in 2.5 years at EAFB as a Flight Test Engineer from '64 thru '67. I participated in the solution of three "issues": "Cooling the Flight Path Accelerometer on 17953" and the "High Temp. Alarm" of "cooling air" to the "chine bays" also to the "LN2 pressure regulator issue".
Worked for/with: Col. Stevens, Maj. Hurley, Maj. Chapman, Maj. Burns and others. Recall at least two meetings with Kelly and visiting his Skunk Works.
Best wishes to all.
Frank
Frank Doyle
Woodlands, TX
rustyfjd.com@gmail.com
Wed, Oct 24, 2018 12:20am EDT, E-4 George Kalnas
writes:
Served entire 4 years at Beale and Kadena 9th OMS C Flt. My trainer at Beale was Bob Clarenback, best friends while I was in were Capt Fred Ramsey, Sly Dog Slay, Ken Turos, Eddie Mann, Steve Francis. Still in contact with Capt Ramsey. At Beale E-8 Papy Holmes was my team leader. Many fond memories on the rock. I appreciate the importance of the SR-71 program now. Still the fasted jet ever made. Will always be proud to have served with such a great group of men. Habu 1966-1970.
Georgie-san over and out.
George Kalnas
Gibbstown, NJ
Sat, Oct 20, 6:06pm CDT, SSgt Warren Altmann
writes: David W. Johnson has passed away.
I would like to inform you that SRA David W Johnson passed away October 9th due to complications of diabetes. David served with the 9th OMS from 1979-83 and worked SR-71 Phase as well as the flight line. David also went TDY to Kadena AB and RAF Mildenhall. He was a great friend and will be deeply missed.
Warren Altmann
waltman71@gmail.com
Wed, Oct 3, 6:34am EDT, Tony Landis
writes: Darryl Greenamyer has passed away.
Just heard:
It is with deep sadness that I post this heart-breaking news - Darryl
Greenamyer, an aviation icon passed away yesterday. Prayers for his
wife, Gisela, his daughters and grand-children.
Tony Landis
Avon, IN
Mon, Oct 1, 12:35am EDT, Dr. Jewell Huffman III
writes: Jewell Huffman, Jr. has passed away.
My father, Jewell J. Huffman, Jr., retired USAF, passed away 23 Sep 2018, age 87, in Eupora, Mississippi. He spent his entire career assigned to SAC in the B-29, B-36, B-58 and SR-71 programs.
He was involved in the Navigational Simulator Systems, and his last duty assignment was from Mar 1970 to Sept 1972, with 9th SRW, where he retired.
He was TDY with Col. Dennis Sullivan to Kadena, Okinawa in 1971.
Jewell Huffman III
Europa, MS
jewelliii@hotmail.com
Sun, Sept 23, 9:48am EDT, David Allison
writes: Darrel Cobb has passed away.
LtCol Darrel Cobb passed away last week. His funeral service will be held at 9am on Friday, October 5 in Igo, California.
Sun, Sept 2, 9:37am EDT, David Allison
writes: Bill Gornik has passed away.
I just found out that CMSgt Bill Gornik, beloved leader of the Fakawe Tribe, passed away earlier this week. His service will begin at 10am on Tuesday, September 4.
Mon, Jul 23, 2018 1:57pm CDT, TSgt. Stanley Buechler
writes:
I immensely enjoyed working as a Mission Planner for the SR-71 in the 9SRW Intel during the 1970's.
Stanley Buechler
Lawton, OK
stanley.buechler@yahoo.com
Sun, Jul 1, 2018 10:32pm PDT, SSgt. Michael Lowe
writes:
E-mail address has changed to miclow@msn.com
Michael Lowe
Emmett, ID
miclow@msn.com
Wed, Jun 13, 2018 12:52pm MDT, Capt. Don Shipman
writes:
I was a PI in the 9th RTS, 1965-1969. At the SARPF in 1966. TDY to Mildenhall, 1978/1979. Was involved with SR-71/U-2 in various capacities until 2006, military and civilian. Highly reccommend Jim Goodall's new book, SR-71 Blackbird.
Don Shipman
Littleton, CO
plmcrze73@q.com
Tue, May 29, 2018 2:04pm PDT, E4 MaryLynn Deal
writes:
I was stationed at Beale AFB from 1982 to 1985. 9th OMS, Crew Chief, Non-Powered AGE, TEB Servicing. It was an honor to be a part of the team.
Mary L. Pence-Mello
Santa Maria, CA
marylynndeal@gmail.com
Mon, Apr 9, 2018 5:18pm EDT, MSgt David Bail
writes:
At Beale AFB from 1970 to 1974. 456th AMS ARC-50 Special Projects Shop. Deployed and worked with 9th Comm Shop personnel in the T-Hanger at Kadena, 6 TDY's.
David Bail
Temecula, CA
bdavid662@aol.com
Fri, Mar 23, 2018 8:58pm EDT, Sgt Fred Ramsey
writes:
I was in the 9th. O.M.S. stationed at Beale from 1967 thru 1970. I was on the second rotation to go to OL-8 in Okinawa. I had 5 TDYs all together to OL-8. I picked up the nickname of "Capt. Ramsey" in tech school and it stuck throughout my time in the Air Force.
Through the years i have been able to visit 976 in Dayton, OH. several times and 958 at Warner Robbins GA, and 956 in Kalamazoo MI. I still keep in touch with SSgt Bob Krumnow, Sgt Ron Robertson, Sgt George Kalnas, Sgt Mike "Sly Dog" Slay, SSgt John Fogle, and SSgt Larry Webster. Today, almost 50 years later, when I mention the airplane I worked on way back then, people who know airplanes say, "Wow! You worked on that!"
The guys I worked with were great guys as were all the original crew chiefs. Thanks U.S. Air Force, thanks Lockheed, thanks to all who turned a speed handle or ever cooked screws! I thank God for all the great memories of those years.
"Job Control 4 - Go 4 - 956 in the Blue" Click-Click.
Sgt. (Capt.) Ramsey
Norwalk, OH
Thu, Mar 22, 2018 10:13pm PDT, E4 Mike Hardison
writes:
Based at Beale in the EMR shop out of tech school 1972 until 1975 when sent to Kunsan AB. Four TDY’s to OL Kadena.
Mike Hardison
Clinton, AR
mhardison9651k@yahoo.com
Sun, Mar 18, 2018 5:29pm PDT, Sgt Mark L. Duncan
writes:
I was at Beale from 73-77. I was assigned 9FMS fuel systems and like those who know spent a lot time in Okinawa. Habu
Mark "Spanky" Duncan
Sqr4md1@aol.com
Tue, Mar 13, 2018 1:36pm PDT, CMSgt Steven L. Pennington (Ret)
writes:
Was with the 9th FMS when I got back from Danang in '72-'73. Was at OL BA Jan-Apr '73.
Steve Pennington
Edmonds, WA
gunfigher11@juno.com
Fri, Feb 9, 11:38pm PST, Civ Brenda Roper
writes: Eddie Roper has passed away.
It is with great sadness that I am notifying the members of this SR-71 organization of the passing of my Father, SMSgt Eddie "Big Ed" Roper in Las Vegas, Nevada.
His service will be at 3 pm on Saturday, February 17, 2018. The location is 925 Las Vegas Blvd., Boulder City, Nevada. http://www.bunkersmortuary.com
May my Dad Rest in Peace. I want to say thank you to my Father, Uncles, Grandparents and Cousins, and all of you whom have served. May God's Love, Peace, Light and Blessings be with you and your loved ones,
Brenda Roper
bmroper01@gmail.com
Sun, Feb 4, 2018 3:25am CST, E3 Herbert W. Johnson
writes:
Me and my sentry dog King A618 had perimeter guard duty on hangar housing first operational black bird upon arrival at Beale AFB Calif in 1965.
Herbert Johnson
Houston, TX
If
you have worked directly with the SR-71 or U-2, you may qualify to join the
Blackbird Association. Pilots, Maintenance Support Personnel, Contractors and
PSD support are examples.
Do you meet the following
criteria established to join the Blackbird Association?
1.You must have been Directly Associated with
the SR-71, U-2 Programs. Being stationed where the Blackbirds were operational
does not qualify. We have received numerous requests to join the Association by
personnel that do not qualify, for example CBPO, Supply, Etc. Certainly these
personnel contributed indirectly to the programs but remember the
qualifications states: "Directly Associated".
2.The Blackbird
Association is Not a Locator Service!
Questions directed in this area will be ignored. If you wish to try and locate a
former member you may search
this page you are on to see if the individual has left a message.
3.When you contact Jack
Madison the first time:
You
MUST include "Blackbird
Association Membership"
in the subject
line
YourName
and Affiliation
with the Blackbirds (SR-71 or U-2).
Your
Complete Home Mailing Address. Please
ensure the address is correct in all aspects. Sending just your E-Mail address
is not sufficient.
SR-71
ALMA MATER
RECOLLECTIONS
FROM THE PAST
If
you have worked directly with the SR-71 or U-2, you may qualify to join the
Blackbird Association. Pilots, Maintenance Support Personnel, Contractors and
PSD support are examples.