RECOLLECTIONS
FROM THE PAST Guest Book Entries for 2022
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-Three total web pages that comprise the "SR-71 Alma Mater and Recollections of the Past"
The original web page (the one you are on now) 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
The twenty-sixth year group is 2022-2025 --- THIS PAGE
All current Guest book entries received in the year 2022
will be on the original web page you are viewing now.
Search the entire 232 web
pages of the "SR-71 Blackbirds" Web Site:
Here are the Latest Additions to The SR-71 Blackbirds Web Site:
Updated
December 14, 2025
December 14, 2025: Discovered losts posts to the Alma Mater page going back to 2022. All messages have now been restored. Apologies for these important messages going missing.
March 11, 2017: Added a page for Commemorative Plaques being offered in cooperation with the Blackbird Association.
"Eagles may soar, but weasels do not get sucked into jet engines."
Mon, Dec 1, 2025, 10:53 PM EST, Civ Roseann Hannon
writes: David S. Hall has passed away.
My husband, David S. Hall, worked on the SR-71 in its early phases of development, employed by Lockheed at the time. He was very proud of his involvement and held others spellbound when he described it. He died on October 18, 2025, and I’m wondering if there is a place to post his obituary that might be seen by older members.
Link to obituary: https://www.legacy.com/legacy/david-stanley-hall.
Roseann Hannon
Tue, Sep 23, 2025, 12:33pm MST, TSgt Johnny Gratton
writes:
1st Post: Sat, 31 1998. Johnny Gratton. The first time that I was stationed to 9th AMS Beale AFB was November 1971, I was returning from Vietnam/Thailand. I spent one year at Beale AFB with one TDY to Det1. In November 1972 I was posted to RAF Alconbury England for two years. Retuning to Beale in November 1974. I had a group of TDYs to Det 1, then in November 1978 I was Transfered to Rhein/Main Air Base Germany until 1981, returning to Beale AFB. I retired out of Beale in August 1988 when I retired from the USAF. I worked for Itek Optical for 5 plus years working in the Plant in Sunnyvale California, Det 5 Howard AFB Panama and Det 3 RAF Akrotiri Cyprus.
My first assignment was with the 9th SRW Flight Safety Office. My two bosses were SR-71 Pilots. Pilots always worked two jobs. 1975-78.
Wilfredo Esperon
San Antonio, TX
wesperon@gmail.com
Sat, Apr 5, 2025, 11:26am MST, E4 Tom Coffee
writes:
I worked on the SR-71 Caper Radar system and the map projectors. !974 to 1975.
Tom Coffee
Conway, SC
thomasrcoffee@gmail.com
Wed, Feb 26, 2025, 6:12pm MST, SSgt Ed Greer
writes:
456 FMS.
Sonny Greer
Bozeman, MT
sgreer190@gmail.com
Sun, Feb 9, 2025, 5:51pm CST, Sgt Terry Helmrichs
writes:
9th FMS February 71 to March 72, Machinist. Short stay due to orders for Germany. Presently retired Machinist Tool & Die speculating in prototypes. Was a great direct Duty Assignment from Basic training (Aced the bypass test). A very mysterious plane of its time that it was great to make parts for.
Terry Helmrichs
Cedar Falls, IA
t.hlms@cfu.net
Wed, Sep 4, 2024, 4:45am PST, Sgt Lex Davis
writes:
It has been a long time. Going to my first Blackbird Maintainers picnic this weekend in Marysville/Yuba City.
Lex Davis
Ramona, CA
leximusprime57@gmail.com
Wed, Jul 10, 2024, 8:45pm PST, Maj Will David Mitchell
writes:
I was honored to be a KC-135Q copilot and aircraft commander, refueling the Blackbird at Beale, Okinawa, Guam, and Alaska. The best years of my USAF career. I got to refuel maybe half of the Blackbirds ever built, and flew 64 combat missions. I even got two rides in the SR-71 simulator. Sadly, Denny Bush ran an SR-71 off the end of the runway, and the powers decided not to take any more tanker pilots into the SR pilot program.
Cheers!
David Mitchell
San Diego, CA
David@Mktg.Org
Mon, Jul 1, 2024, 2:57pm EST, MSgt Curtis Williams
writes:
9th SRW 87-90; maintained target database and electronically processed post mission film for photo interpreters.
Curtis Williams
Chesapeake, VA
948-###-#842
Thu, Feb 22, 2024, 3:28pm MST, Capt Zoltan Nagy
writes:
Tue, Oct 17, 2023, 12:24pm CST, MSgt Menko Christoph
writes:
Wondering about the status of Dave Nolte. He was a civilian, Photo Tech Rep, working for McDonnell Douglas, (now Boeing) and working out of the photo shop at Beale i Bldg. 1025. I used to e-mail back forth regularly, but there is now radio silence for 6 months or so.
Does anyone know or have an update on Dave Nolte?
Menko Christoph
Peters, MO
menko_christoph@yahoo.com
B>
Mon, Jun 26, 2023, 9:16pm PDT, SSgt Dennis Dunne
writes:
Worked on the SR-71 program in the film prosceesing 1970-1973. Beale, Yokota and Hickam.
The Blackbird has provided me with so MUCH strength after working with it during Libya Attack 1986 from RAF Lakenheath, flights from RAF Mildenhall.
Darryl McKinney
South Bend, IN
darrylmcknny@yahoo.com
Tue, Jun 13, 2023, 9:21pm PDT, TSgt Robert D. Leon
writes:
Assigned to Beale Sept 75 till retirement Dec 90. Engine Technician on J-58, J-85 and J-57 engine shops. Thrice TDY to Okinawa several SR-71 Recoveries. The best 5 years was on the SR-71 as engine man, test cell runs especially the night runs (I have/took video of J-58 night run). I remember Bob Olson, O'Neil, Sullivan, Chief Gothero, Snyder, Georfri, Stewart, Martin, Charles Charles ....plus many more great guys.
Retired in Dec 90 and turned around and went to work on T-38's with 6 different contractors for next 27 years till 2nd retirement in Aug 2017.
Robert Leon
Olivehurst, CA
terrybobby@comcast.net
Mon, Jan 23, 2023, 12:17pm CST, LtCol William L. Tomson
writes:
I was in the SLR shop at Beale, 1973-74. One of the Best jobs I have ever had. Follow on assignment to Camp New Amsterdam, then got out and went back to school. Came back in as a Electronic Warfare Officer, B52s, RC135s.
Bill Tomson
South Amana, IA
william.l.tomson.civ@mail.mil
Sun, Jan 15, 2023, 12:34am EST, SSgt Otis L. Steward
writes:
I was assigned to the 9th RTS, the first operational sqd at Beale AFB, CA., 1966-1968. Previously had coffee mug identifying unit. Worked in Sage Buildg in PI shop. Misplaced it during travels. Previous instructor at Lowry AFB, C0, got out AF return to college and entered ROTC. Got commission. Retired in 1987. Interested in getting items to memorialize my duty with SR71. Last time saw one was at air show at Andrews AFB approx. 25 yrs ago.
For Grandkids and others who don’t believe supported fastest plane in world and aircraft X-men movies is SR71. Appreciate any assistance. Thanks folks.
Stu.
Thu, Dec 22, 1:41pm PST, Civ Krista Rodeen
writes:
TSgt. Furderer-Caputo, Electrician on the SR-71 from 1979-1983.
Krista Rodeen
Redwood City, CA
bippykr@protonmail.com
Thu, Dec 22, 12:31pm EST, Sgt Michael Anderson
writes:
I worked in Det 1 9SRW Supply, under SMSGT Donald V. Casing, from early 1981 until October 1982. It was a fun, challenging, and interesting assignment! I am curious what happened to those that I was stationed with! I hope their lives turned out well!!
Michael Anderson
Corona, NY
michael.anderson955@gmail.com
Mon, Oct 10, 7:44 AM CST, Civ John Mallozzi
writes: Tom Casey has passed away.
I would like to inform the Blackbird community of the passing of Lt. Col Tom Casey RSO. Lt. Col Casey passed on August 4th.
Tom was in the initial cadre of SR crew members. He crewed with MGen. Bill Hayes. Tom was with the 1st Bomb Squadron at Mountain Home, when the 1st BS transitioned to the 1st RS. Tom flew all of the 1st memorabilia to Beale.
Thomas Casey Obituary (1932 - 2022) - Marysville, CA - Appeal Democrat (legacy.com).
John Mallozzi
Keller, TX
john.mallozzi1962@gmail.com
Fri, Sep 30, 5:32pm EST, Sgt Benjamin Miller
writes:
I've worked on various aircraft including the C-5, B-52, all kinds of Marine Corps and Air Force and Navy aircraft. I have also put an SR-71 on static display in San Antonio, Texas.
Benjamin Miller
Lincoln Park, MI
bigloggbetr@yahoo.com
Sun, Sep 18, 11:17pm PST, TSgt Herb Greathouse
writes:
Just wanted to say hi to those who visit this site. Still look back on my days with the Blackbird with fond memories. Remember the code "The difficult we do today, the impossible takes a little longer."
Ciao Herb
Herb Greathouse
Pasadena, CA
pegherbgreat@comcast
Sat, Aug 27, 1:28 PM EST, TSgt Herb Greathouse
writes: Tom Huddy has passed away.
Just to let you know we've lost another old HABU, Tom Huddy passed away Aug. 16th, 2022. Sorry I don't have any more info other then he was living in Pensacola, FL at the time. Tom was in the 9th FMS/AMS Instrument Shop, then became a Lockheed Rep.
Herb Greathouse
Yuba City, CA
pegherbgreat@comcast.net
Tue, Aug 16, 7:21am MST, Civ Robert Moon
writes:
My dad worked at Area 51 1964-1968, Capt Frank Moon.
Robert Moon
Garden City, ID
robert1224@outlook.com
Thu, May 26, 4:37pm PDT, David Allison
writes: Glenn Chapman has passed away.
Sylvia Chapman called to tell me her husband Glenn has passed away. TSgt Glenn Chapman worked on both the U-2 and the D-21 Tagboard program. He shared his experiences with the U-2 in his book Me and U-2: My Affair With Dragon Lady. There will be a memorial service on September 17, 2022 at the Arizona Veterans' Memorial Cemetery at Marana. More details will be posted as the date nears.
David Allison
Wardensville, WV
Tue, May 24, 7:57pm EST, TSgt William L. Arey
writes:
I worked on the KC135Q at Beale AFB from 1975 to 1989. Acft. 58-0095 and 58-0089.
William Arey
Lake City, FL
tankerkilt2@yahoo.com
Sat, May 14, 9:13pm EST, E4 David A. Maxwell
writes:
I was there at the beginning at Beale. I was sent TDY to Mather AFB to await the completion of the PSD facility at Beale. I helped with the installation of the altitude chambers.
David A. Maxwell
Washington, DC
301-2**-**84
Mon, May 9, 9:20am PST, Civ Scott Brown
writes:
My father was Col Buddy Leroy Brown. He left a memoir of his time as a U-2 and SR-71 pilot. I'm working on putting it into a book.
Scott Brown
Pasadena, CA
sbrown@having-fun.com
Wed, May 4, 8:58am PDT, TD Barnes
writes: Ken Collins has passed away.
The aviation community is saddened by the passing of Colonel Kenneth S. Collins, Sr., USAF (Ret). Known in the CIA and Air Force aerial reconnaissance communities by his callsign, Dutch 21, former CIA A-12 and Air Force SR-71 Blackbird pilot Ken Collins suffered a sudden heart attack and took his final flight on 3 May 2022 at his home in Prescott, Arizona.
TD Barnes
Hendersonville, NV
Fri, Mar 4, 7:14pm PST, MSgt Douglas Quimby
writes:
I was a PSD Tech from 1966-1972 with Partial Pressure suits, Full Pressure Suits, Altitude Chambers, Hyperbaric chambers, OL19 & 20, from U-2C to U-2R to SR-71.
Douglas Quimby
Roland, AR
gkq7901@comcast.net
Wed, Feb 23, 6:49 AM EST, Tony Landis
writes: Don Emmons has passed away.
Fri, Jan 14, 8:43pm PST, TSgt Wayne Wilkins
writes:
HABU 1969 - 1972 Astro-inertial Nav Systems (ANS) Supervisor OL-8/ OL-RK. Retired USAF 1974. Retired Boeing Helicopters Manufacturing Engineer/AMC Com Technical Writer AH/WAH-64 - 1998. Knew Agerd S. Kanavich.
Wayne Wilkins
Rancho Cucamonga, CA
wvwilkins@hotmail.com
Thu, Jan 13, 12:52 PM PST, Civ Lou Mellott
writes: Lou Mellott Sr. has passed away.
My dad Lou Mellott Sr. served at Beale from 65-79 with the 9th. He was very proud to part of the Blackbird program. On 1/19/2018 he went home to be with the Lord.
Lou Mellott
Fallon, NV
loucindy1102@gmail.com
Mon, Jan 10, 2:27 PM PST, Civ Kevin Wedman
writes: Bob Wedman has passed away.
My father Robert John Wedman passed away on December 31. Bob thoroughly enjoyed his exciting service to his country working as an Electronic Intelligence and Countermeasures Technician and Supervisor for the U-2 and SR-71 aircraft programs.
Services will be January 13 and 14, 2022, more details on this page.
Kevin Wedman
Sacramento, CA
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.