Wayne Babb Misawa 1962-1963, 1966-1969 Began my AF career at Lackland AFB, TX in Apr 1961 as an Airman Basic & retired in Mar 1992 as a Chief Master Sergeant about a mile up the road at Electronic Security Command (ESC) HQ, Kelly AFB, TX. Static Club Wayne 1962 A lot happened in between. My career was almost equally divided, with about 15 years in the intelligence business and a little over 14 years in the field of education and training. As a SIGINT analyst, served 2 tours at Misawa, Japan; one at Wakkanai, Japan; San Vito, Italy; Ramasun Station, Thailand; Iraklion AS, Greece; Osan AB, Korea; and two at HQ ESC, Kelly AFB, TX. Jobs included Day Shop Analyst, Product Reporter, Advisory Support Analyst, 3 different stints as S&W Supervisor, member of the Command Inspector General Team, and Director of the Command Alert Center. SSgt. Babb 1967 In the education and training business, had 7 years as instructor and curriculum developer at the SIGINT Analysis School, Goodfellow AFB, TX; 3 years as instructor and Comm Skills Dept. branch chief at USAF Sr. NCO Academy, Gunter AFS, AL; and almost 5 years as Superintendent of Training for ESC. After AF retirement, spent 8 years in Washington, DC area as a "Beltway Bandit" with the consulting firm Booz-Allen & Hamilton. Worked on training projects for the Air Force, Navy, DIA, National Reconnaissance Office, NSA and CIA. Retired from retirement in December 2000 and returned to the place I left 40 years before - Chattanooga, TN. Wayne 2002 Have been fully retired since then, but keep up with the training business as an adjunct instructor with Chattanooga State Community College. My two tours at Misawa were two of the best I had. The first was as a 21-year old out of tech school who concentrated on drinking whiskey, chasing women, and not much more. The second was as a newlywed concerned with making sure we had a roof over our heads and grub on the table, career advancement, and starting a family. It was like two tours to totally different places, but both were big time fun! [0007 11/3/2002] Frank Bergin Misawa 1964-1966, Trick 2 Enlisted in USAF 9 Feb 1959. After 4 weeks at Lackland AFB, I was sent to Keesler AFB to train as a Morse intercept operator (class 08049B started 8 Apr 1959). Frank 1966 First USAFSS assignment was a 1-year tour at 6989th RSM, Wakkanai AS, Japan. Served 39 months in Wakkanai as Morse intercept and D/F operator until leaving Feb 1963. Reassigned to 6945th RSM, again as a Morse intercept operator, and spent 1½ years at Goodfellow before going to Keesler for AN/FLR-9 D/F Operator training in 1964. Assigned next to 6921st Scty Wg (may have been 6989th, but not positive), Misawa AB. Frank 2002 Completed 2-year tour in Oct 1966 & returned to Travis AFB, CA where I was honorably discharged from the USAF 12 Oct 1966. I joined the US Federal Civil Service and worked until early retirement in Sep 1993 with over 29 years combined service (including USAF). Following retirement, I worked 2 years full/part time with Vitro Corp. I am now retired full time. My hobbies include photography, bowling, a little bicycle riding, PC's, and creating personal web-sites. [0005 11/2/2002] George R. Binkley Misawa 1962-64, 1972-76 George 1963 Served tours in Pakistan, Germany, San Antonio, and Osan. Retired from USAF in 1983. Civil Service since 1985 [Security Hill 1985-1994, Nuclear Weapons Dir. 1994-99, Tinker AFB, OK 1999-present]. George 2002 Married 1970, divorced 1988 (presently single). One son, 3 daughters, 9 grandkids, 2 great grandkids. Now living in Oklahoma City, OK. Live alone except for 1 dog, 1 cat, and a couple fish. Hobbies: Most sports, but don't play anymore (love NASCAR). [0001 10/23/2002] Jim Boone Misawa, 6989th RSM November 1958 - February 1961, Trick 3 I shipped to Misawa directly from T/A (202) Tech School at March AFB, California in late 1958. Jim Boone 1958 Misawa Hill Barracks I was assigned to Trick 3 as a 202 and worked for B.J. Cook, Frank Dover, Ron Bartlett, and a Sgt. Johnson (can't remember his first name). I was reassigned to Daze shortly before my tour there ended. I drank lots of coffee from the little shack outside the compound, and ate a lot of 50¢ pizzas from the golf club. I also drank a lot of Kirin and Nippon at the Stand Bar in AP Alley. Jim and friend Misawa's AP Alley And, although I was not personally acquainted with "Shades", a lot of my "friends" were. I can remember the little signs in the compound reading, "It takes U and I to make security" and "What you see here, what you hear here, what you do here, stays here when you leave here". I was also a charter member of the "Rollin Rebels" bowling team. Jim's Sayonara Party 1961 When I left Misawa in February of 1961, I was reassigned to San Vito, Italy, where I served an 18-month tour before returning to McGuire AFB for discharge. Following separation from the Air Force, I attended M.I.T. (that trade school) in Cambridge, Massachusetts for almost two years. After savings ran out, I returned South to seek employment. I worked a short while as a telegrapher/station agent for Southern Railways, and as a telegrapher for Western Union. After Linda & Jim Boone, 2003 37th Wedding Anniversary completing college, I began working as an electrical inspector, then Chief Electrical Inspector, and finally as Chief Building Official for a local county government. I retired from that position in 1995 at the ripe old age of 55. My wife Linda and I currently reside in Sugar Hill, Georgia. I still stay in loose contact with several of my Misawa friends, and hopefully can make one of the future reunions. Also, I remain a semi-active ham radio operator holding an "extra" class license, and can be found sometimes on the 20-meter extra class CW frequencies. My callsign is KF4ALV // bt [0014 1/24/2004] Danny Carden Misawa, Trick 3 August 1968 - August 1970 I was born and raised in Alabama but traveled all over due to my step-father being in heavy construction. Danny Carden Basic, 1967 I lived mostly in Vincent, and attended Vincent High until 1967. I joined the Air Force and shipped out from Montgonery, Alabama to Amarillo, Texas for basic training. Then off to diddy bop school at Keesler, where I got to strip and wax radar site floors for three months waiting for my clearance. I was assigned to the 6921st Security Group, and later the 6921 Security Wing, from Aug 1968 – Aug 1970, all on Charlie Flight in the Super Zoo serving under Big Al Buddington. After Misawa, I returned to Security Hill at Kelly AFB and worked in the Command Post for about six months. Danny Carden Japan, 1969 I was told to "Either get out or cross train - you be in an overage." So, it was off to Goodbuddy to become a 202 type. It was there I met my future wife, Betty Gallant. From Goodfellow, it was on to the 6950th in jolly ol’ Chicksands where I gave the wife a five year honeymoon. After Chix, we returned to Security Hill for another five years in the Command Post/Alert Center. Three assignments to Hawaii were cancelled for one reason or another. So, I put in for the 6931st in sunny Crete for three years and nice TDY to Riyad, Saudi Arabia. Then back again to Security Hill for three years, one of which was in the Alert Center, but others were in the IN shop. Since I was getting close to retirement, it was off to Skivvy Nine, the 6903rd and the "Land of the Morning Calm", Danny Carden Mexico, 2006 for a year, thank you very much. Finally, I returned once again to Security Hill (and something to do with "Blue" aircraft - ye spend 19 years working Migs & Bears and they make ye start over - sigh!) and retirement from the Air Force. Because I’d spent most of my time in San Antonio, this is where I "retired" the first time. I'm now working on the 2nd retirement: I've been with Civil Service for 19 years working in systems at Wilford Hall on Lackland AFB, and will be retiring Oct 2008. I have 5 acres just south of San Antonio and big plans for landscaping it. [0019 10/30/2007] Jim Clark Misawa, 6921st RSM July 1955 - July 1957, Trick 1 Enlisted in the Air Force in August of 1954. Having completed basic training at Sampson AFB in Central New York State, Jim 1955 I went through Intercept Radio School at Keesler AFB in Biloxi, Mississippi - Class 17114. My first overseas assignment was the 6921st RSM in Misawa, Japan, from June 1955 to June 1957 as a member of Trick 1. My following assignment was to Trabazon, Turkey, for a one-year tour. Reenlisted in June 1958 for a tour at the 6922nd RSM, Ashiya, Japan. We later closed down the "Double Deuce" and moved bag and baggage to the 6918th RSM at Brady AS, Japan. Jim 1955 Hill Theater Walkway Was reassigned to Keesler in June 1960 and instructed several classes. I worked in Measurement and Evaluation the following three years. Returned to the 6918th RSM at Brady AS, Japan, in May 1964. It was there I married Tachiyo Kawahara in December 1965, retained my clearance, and was reassigned to Goodfellow AFB, San Angelo, Texas. I was there only a couple of months before volunteering for Vietnam. Jim Clark Today Arrived at Nha Trang, Det 1, 6994th in August 1966 and flew 113 missions. I was then assigned to the 6987th RSM at Shu Lin Kou AS, Taiwan, Charlie Flight, from August 1967 to 1969, then my luck ran out. I was reassigned out of command and was retrained as a 291X0 (teletype) at Barksdale AFB, Lousiana. Following several other assignments, I retired February 1975. Spent the next 21 years in Civil Service here at Tinker AFB, Oklahoma, and hung it all up in 1996. Following 33 years of marriage, my wife, Tachiyo, died in 1998. I am now fully, completely, and finally retired. I have one daughter, Jina, and four grandkids - Madison, Kennedy, Harrison, and Taylor. I enjoy traveling, country dancing, and a little fishing. [0015 11/17/2004] Bobby J. "BJ" Cook Misawa Jan 1959 - Nov 1963 May 1972 - Nov 1975 I enlisted February 23rd, 1949, when the US Air Force BJ Cook 1960 was less than 2 years old, and attended 13 weeks of Basic Training at Sheppard AFB, TX. My first tech school (clerical) was at F.E. Warren AFB in Wyoming, and my first assignment with USAFSS was the 8th RSM at Brooks AFB, TX in October of 1949. I remained in USAF Security Service until retirement in 1976. Assignments were: Langley AFB, VA - Elmendorf AFB, AK - Kelly AFB, TX - BJ Cook 1961 Shiroi AB, Japan - March AFB, CA (202 retraining) - DaNang AB, South VietNam - Misawa AB, Japan - Karamursel, Turkey - Shu Lin Kou AS, Taiwan - and Homestead AFB, FL where I retired. I worked 9 years as an Administrative/ Personnel Technician. I served as TE Controller/S&W Supervisor in each base following retrining. In February of 1963, while stationed in Misawa, I married Tomiko, a beautiful BJ Cook 2000 Japanese girl. I lost my security clearance until PCS in November of 1963. During that time, I served as Assistant to the First Sergeant. Civilian employment following AF retirement: 2 years as Asst. Manager at Burger King; 1 year as Asst. Manager of Officers Club at Jacksonville NAS, FL; 11 years as Security Guard (rent-a-cop) at Eglin AFB Radar Site. We have two grown daughters. One has two children (a boy and a girl); the other BJ & Tomiko 2002 has no children - she is married to a professional wrestler (Buff Bagwell). I'm now fully retired. I play golf, drink beer (Oly & Millers), "mozedelawn" [BJ-ese for yard work], and assist in local functions which contribute to charity organizations. My current goal is to be a "whiz" on my computer and not have to bug folks for help. [0011 12/04/2002] Joseph H. "Jodie" Cotten, Jr. Misawa, May 1971 - May 1974 as an X1 on Trick One Married in July 1973. Have 3 grown children, daughter 26, two sons - age 23 and 21, all living in Louisiana. Jodie 1971 Jodie & Suzanne today My wife and I live in New Roads, LA. I am manager of an Electric Cooperative that serves 3 parishes (company web site - www.pcemc.org). Love dove and duck hunting. Also play a little golf. See my web page - hometown.aol.com/jcottenjr/life1 [0003 10/28/2002] Bill Doolittle Misawa 1959-61, 1962-65, 1974-77 2/57-4/57: Lackland AFB - Basic 4/57-1/58: Ft. Fisher AFS, NC (Air Defense Command) Bill 1957 1/58-9/58: Nouesseur AB, Morocco (Military Air Transport Command). Reason for short tour: transferred to France to open new wing headquarters moving down from Scotland. 9/58-1/59: Chateroux AB, France (Military Air Transport Command) 1/59-8/59: Kunsan AB, Korea (Airways & Air Communications Service) 8/59-9/61: Misawa AB, Japan (Airways & Air Communications Service) Bill 1964 9/61-11/62: Charleston AFB, SC (Military Air Transport Command). TDY 6 months on Congo Airlift & to Florida for Cuban missile crisis. 11/62-7/65: Misawa AB, Japan (USAFSS) 7/65-5/67: Goodfellow AFB, TX (USAFSS) 5/67-7/68: Tan Son Nhut AB, Vietnam (USAFSS) 7/68-8/69: Lackland AFB (Medina), TX (USAFSS) 8/69-11/71: Keesler AFB, MS (Air Training Command) Bill today 11/71-5/73: Clark AB, PI (PACAF). Worked Operation Homecoming as POW's left Vietnam. 5/73-8/74: Moody AFB, GA (Air Training Command) 8/74-12/74: Tianan AB, Taiwan (PACAF). Base closed shortly after arrival. 12/74-6/77: Misawa AB, Japan (PACAF). Retired July, 1977. During my final tour at Misawa, I met and married wife Jane in June 1976 (Jane Wieden at the time was an X1 on Charlie Flight). Since retirement, have been General Manager for auto dealership, Independent Insurance Agent, & worked short time for AT&T as Supervisor in Information Services. I am now fully retired & spoiling the grandkids. [0004 10/29/2002] Paul Duplessis Misawa / Henashi Saki / Wakkanai 1954-1955 Paul Duplessis Upon high school graduation in 1952, Paul enlisted in the Air Force. Following basic training at Sampson AFB, NY in 1953, he volunteered to attend Radar Fundamentals at Keesler AFB, MS. While at Keesler, he applied for AF Aviation Cadet Training. Immediately following radar training at Keesler, Paul moved on to Harlingen AFB, TX, where he completed Primary Air Training. He then returned to Keesler to attend the 2nd Lt. Paul Duplessis, 1954 Airborne Electronic Counter Measures (ECM) Course and received his commission as a 2nd Lieutenant in Jan 1954 with the aeronautical rating of Aircraft Observer (ECM). Upon completing flight training as an ECM officer, he was assigned to HQ USAFSS in San Antonio for indoctrination as an ELINT officer, and was then assigned to 1st RSM at Misawa AB, Japan. While at Misawa, Paul flew such aircraft as the C-47, C-119, L-20 and B-26C, logging 1st Lt. Paul Duplessis, 1955 enough air time to stay on flight status. The most productive missions were flying B-26 photo recon of foreign national ships that passed through the Tsugaru Strait between Honshu and Hokkaido. Occasionally, the pilot he flew with was Major Bill Madole, C.O. of the 6921st RSM. Paul additionally served as pay officer, courier officer, and security violation investifative officer in support of remote sites Det 1 and Det 3 or Hokkaido. In August 1955, he was reassigned as Commander, Wakkanai, 1955 Det 4, 6921st RSM, a 15-man test team located at the remote site of Henashi Saki on the northwest coast of Honshu. By October of that year, the site was closed because an inspection which determined the troop housing was uninhabitable during winter weather. By October 1955, Paul was reassigned to Det 2 at Wakkanai AS on Northern Hokkaido. In November 1956, he was assigned to TAC at Shaw AFB, SC, where he spent the next 10 years serving in an array of positions including combat crew member, senior instructor in the 9th TRS, and Chief Stan/Eval EWO for the 363rd TRW. Colonel Paul Duplessis, 1974 In June 1965, Captain Duplessis left Shaw AFB for Takhli Royal Thai AFB (RTAFB), Thailand. Within the eight months that followed, Paul would not only complete his 100th combat mission over North Vietnam in E/R/W/B-66 aircraft, but would also be promoted to the rank of major. He later served 4 years on DirNSA's R&D Staff at Fort Meade, MD, and another 3 years as Deputy NSA Representative at Camp Zama, Japan. Paul retired from the Air Force in December 1980 with the rank of Colonel. [0018 05/28/2007]

Joe Finley Misawa 1958-1960, T3 Joined USAF 10/18/1957 and completed 11 weeks + grad barracks with 3105 BMTS at Lackland AFB. Joe in 1958 I attended 202 school at March Field from February to August, 1958. I Served in Misawa from September 1958 to September 1960 on Trick 3 as a 20250. At Yakota AB, in September of 1960, I filed papers to marry and had my clearance revoked. I worked as an AP at Fuchu AS during October 1960. From November 1960 to September 1961, I was assigned to USAFSS Liaison Office in the terminal at Tachikawa AB as a 70230 helping USAFSS personnel in and out of Japan. From October 1961 to October 1963, I was a clerk in Fighter Operations Office at K. I. Sawyer AFB, Michigan. It was here I made A1C. From October 1963 to June 1964, I served with an Air Police Squadron at Ent AFB, Colorado Springs, Colorado. From July 1964 to July 1965, I worked as a Library Clerk (70250) in the Cadet Library of the USAF Academy. From July 1965 to June 1967, I was a full time student in the AECP Program as a SSgt. at Syracuse University, New York. July through September of 1967, I attended OTS at Lackland AFB, TX and, after 9 years and 9 months of service, I finally learned how to salute. From September 1967 to August 1971, I was stationed at HQ ESD (USAF Systems Command), Hanscom Field, Massachusetts, and served as a Contract Negotiator - Major Systems. I started as a 2nd Lt. and ended as a Captain. Following the service, I worked from August 1971 to March 1982 on various Aerospace and construction projects in the Continental US, Alaska and Saudi Arabia in a Contracts Joe in 1960 and/or Project Management capacity. From May 1982 to August 1996, I worked various military and construction projects, including working for the City of New York and the New York State School Construction Authority. In 1974, I graduated from Suffolk Law School, Boston, and have been a Member of The Connecticut Bar since 1975. I was married in January 1961 to Teiko Hanagishi. Teiko was born and raised in Misawa. We met in the Shine Coffee Shop on Misawa's main drag (now White Pole Street). She was 17 when we met and 18 when we married. We had five children: Mike (1962), Sean (1963), Joseph (1964), Heidi (1965), and James (1971). Since we had 5 small children, and since my family was not positive about our marriage, I decided to resign my commission rather than risk a remote assignment that would require my wife to care for the children alone. My first marriage was a mistake. We were too young (21 & 18) and, over the years, we grew apart. I was ambitious and changed while she remained the same. After 24 years, we agreed to call it a day. Three of our children were in college, one had graduated and was in the Army, and the youngest was 13. I was extremely lucky to meet an extraordinary Virginia & Joe 12/31/2001 lady named Virginia Ohori (her grandparents are all from Japan, and all emigrated to the US in the early 1900's). We married in May 1985 and now have two daughters - Megan (1988) and Jocelyn (1989). Virginia is an Environmental Scientist working for Princeton University's Plasma Physics Laboratory. I am currently teaching Mathematics to 5th and 6th grade students in NY City at Community School 200 on 7th avenue and 147th Street. [0013 03/10/2003] Helen J. Henderson Misawa, September 1973 - March 1975, T3 I enlisted in the AF in Jacksonville, FL, and was off to San Antonio in March 1972. Helen Then When my career choices were offered, language school seemed a little more interesting than the other jobs available to WAFs at that time. I spend 9 months in Monterey, CA, at the Defense Language Institute, West Coast (DLIWC) where I graduated in March 1973 at the bottom of my class (apptitude is one thing, ability is another!). Attended tech school at Goodfellow in San Angelo, TX, where I picked up a pink cowboy hat. When it came time to choose where I wanted to go, Helen 2002 I picked Misawa. To insure there was good karma, I went to the assignment briefing with chopsticks in my military purse. I arrived in Misawa, Japan, in September 1973, in time to celebrate my 24th birthday. After 18 months, there was a plethora of 203s, coupled with a downsizing, so I was offered, and took, an early out. Pretty short career, huh? The next chunk of my life was spent in Minnesota Helen 2002 as a wife and mother (a girl and a boy), with jobs of varying durations as manager of a Community Club, co-owner and operator of a restaurant, employee of a dry cleaner, home typist for the Young America Corporation, period interpreter at an historic restoration project, and 12 years as a corrections officer with a county jail in Minnesota. I'm currently back home in Florida, divorced and managing rental apartments. I was challenged in September 2000 to Helen "on the gig" "find a few people who were with us on T3 in Misawa." I decided not to be "snobbish" and opened the search to anyone who had been in the USAF Security Service in Misawa. Little did I know that the history of Misawa stretches from the early 1950's to the current day! [0010 11/24/2002] Jim Kaus Misawa 1958-1960 [T2] 1971-1973 [T3] Served two tours in Misawa: the first on Trick Two from 1958 to 1960, Jim Kaus Then and the second as a member of Trick Three from 1971 to 1973. I coached fast pitch softball for Trick Three during my second tour. Other assignments included Anchorage, Alaska; Shemya, Alaska; Bremerhaven, Germany; Jim Kaus Now Goodfellow AFB, Texas, Medina, Texas, and San Vito, Italy. I retired in Anchorage in 1981. My hobbies include most sports, but now mainly Largemouth Bass fishing here in Florida. My recent employment (over the last 15 years) has been writing technical materials for the government. [0009 11/22/2002] Michael D. McDonald Misawa, 6989th RSM April 1962 - May 1964 202 on T-1 Served other USAFSS tours in Berlin and RAF Orfordness. Mike 1962 After USAFSS, I worked in Purchasing & Contracting with two tours at McConnell AFB, KS (SAC); Incirlik AB, Mike 1963 Turkey (USAFE); and Los Angeles AFS (AF Systems Command). Retired from the USAF in 1987. Worked Contract Administration Mike 2002 in the civilian sector until retirement in 1995. Married 28 years, have a daughter and two grandsons. Legal residency in Texas and spend part of the year in Kansas. Hobbies are golf, watching college sports and pro football. [0006 11/2/2002] Dennis "Rass" Rassmussen Misawa, 1969-1971, 1988-1991 The youngest of seven sons, "Rass", as he prefers to be called, was born August 14, 1940 in Grand Rapids, Minnesota. He attended Our Lady of the Ozarks preparatory seminary in Rass & Bendinelli, 1978 Carthage, Missouri, from 1953 to 1960 where he received an associate's degree in liberal arts. After basic at Lackland in 1963, he attended Korean Language School at the Presidio of Monterey, CA before going on to Goodfellow for language and analysis training. He found a niche in reporting while at the Joint Service Processing Center at Torii Okinawa from '65-67. Follow-on Japan assignments at Hakata and Misawa sealed his fate, where he met and married his wife of 37 years, Tatsuko. Wayne Babb & Rass, 1990 Ras spent two tours at Misawa, Japan. During 1969-1971 he worked as an analyst in the ID Section, and later returned 1988-1991 as the 6920th ESG Superintendent of Operations. He continued serving in the Far East with tours to Osan, ROK, Kadena, Ja and Clark, P.I. before returning to Goodfellow from '75-81 as an instructor, first in the analysis training branch and then at the USAFSS NCO Academy. After a tour to San Vito, Italy, Rass returned to the (then) ESC NCO Academy as Director of Education. He later transferred to the Tech Training Group at Goodfellow after his promotion to CMSgt in 1985. Rass, Tats, Ken, Lane, 2002 During his enlistment, Rass received a Bachelor of Arts degree in classical languages from St. Thomas College, St. Paul, MN, in 1971, and a Masters degree in Public Administration from Angelo State University, San Angelo, TX, in 1981. He was selected as the 1980 Headquarters USAFSS/ESC Senior NCO of the year, was a distinguished graduate of the USAF Senior NCO Academy in 1983, and his name was formally inscribed on the Goodfellow Technical Training Group's Honor Roll in July, 1989. CMSgt. Rassmussen retired in September, 1992 as Superintendant of Cryptologic Training Tats & Rass, 2004 for HQ Air Intelligence Agency after 29 years of distinguished service. Sixteen years of his career were spent in eight overseas assignments. Following separation, Rass joined Command Technologies, Inc., San Angelo, TX, a firm specializing in computer-based training and courseware development. He retired for good in March, 2001 as Department Manager for the San Angelo Operations. Rass and Tats have one son, Ken, a 14-year AF computer systems security specialist who recently reassigned with his wife and two sons from Hickam AFB, HI to Naples, Italy. [0020 11/01/2007] Danny Russell Misawa, 1967-1969 Danny was born in the West Central Illinois town of Galesburg in 1947. Danny in Basic, 1966 He insists he graduated from Alwood HS in 1965 in the upper 95% of his class. After giving junior college a brief try, he enlisted in the Air Force and, after completing basic at Lackland, found himself at Keesler AFB in Biloxi, MS for training. After serving a tour in Misawa, 1967-1969, Danny volunteered for Vietnam and says he doesn't regret it. Danny in Biloxi, 1967 He shipped back to Goodfellow AFB in San Angelo, TX, where he learned of the February 1969 shootdown of one of our recon planes. Then, on to Fairchild, WA for survival school - an experience that taught him he never wanted to become a POW. Once in Vietnam, Danny flew 10 missions before going to Cam Rhan Bay for hernia surgery. He returned to Pleiku for ground duty while he recovered, but eventually returned to flight status. Danny speaking On 22 April, 1970, he was a backender aboard CAP-53 that was shot down, resulting in casualties. Although injured, Danny was picked up by a rescue helicopter. As the chopper was lifting off, ground fire shot off the rotor, and he crashed a second time within the same hour. Danny's assessment: "It wasn't a good day." After recoving from his injuries, he returned to Pleiku and flew the same mission as soon as he could get in the air. CAP-53 Crash As he put it, "So I wouldn't have to go home with that monkey on my back." Thirty years following the shootdown, he was contacted by someone who had been involved in his rescue and gave him a copy of this picture of the crash he had never seen. Danny has been awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Purple Heart, and Air Medal. Danny in Vietnam In 2005, Danny was afforded a unique opportunity to return to Vietnam with other veterans on a VFW-sponsored trip. It was a chance for him to revisit his past, meet some of the people who fought on both sides, and promote healing. Danny resides today in Colorado Springs, CO, where he works for Metlife. Although divorced, he has two wonderful kids. [0016 01/16/2006] Lloyd Smrkovski Misawa 6989th RSM, 1960-1962 T2 Served in USAFSS 1959-1963. Lloyd 1961 After Misawa, instructed at Goodfellow AFB, TX with extended TDY to NSA during Cuban Missile Crisis. 1963-1976: Earned PhD in medical microbiology, taught high school, and worked as forensic scientist 2 years with Mich. State Police. Lloyd 1986 1976: Joined US Navy as an officer in Medical Svc. Corps and served as tropical medicine research scientist until retirement in 1993. Served in Philippines, Panama, TDYs to Lloyd 2002 Turkey, France, Iran, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, and all of Central America. Stateside: Naval Medical Research Inst., Bethesda, MD. and Armed Forces Inst. of Pathology, Wash. DC. Married 38 years with 2 sons, both soon to be married. Legal residency in Michigan; part-year residency in Maryland and Minnesota. Hobbies are hunting, fishing, and contributing to USAFSS MyFamily.com forum. [0002 10/25/2002] Ben Whitten Misawa, 6989th RSM November 1958 - October 1961 292 on Trick 3 Raised in Grenada, MS and Denton, TX graduating Denton High School in 1957. Basic Ben 1958 Attended North Texas State University before joining the Air Force in February 1958. Served in Misawa as a 292 with the 6989th RSM from November 1958 through October 1961, mostly on Trick Three. Chased dits, bowled (won a base championship), played softball (not well), and ran the machi. 1961 Misawa badge photo Served on Shemya Island in the Aleutians, Alaska with the 6984th RSM from November 1961 through November 1962. Led a shift, bowled (won a base doubles championship), bartended and managed the Officer's Club. Honorably discharged on 30 November 1962. Ben 2002 Attended University of Arkansas and Memphis State University. Spent 12 years as a banker before founding and operating several businesses in Memphis, TN. Mostly retired now, living in Germantown, TN spending much of the summer in Montana. Married to Roberta Fullerton Whitten since November 1963. One daughter, Susan, and grandsons, Anthony and Nathan. I play golf (poorly), walk (a lot), read (incessantly), surf the Web (mostly our site on MyFamily), and travel. [0008 11/4/2002]

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Misawa Vets: If you would like to be added to this page, please submit the following items to the WebHoncho ~ A brief profile similar to those shown above The years you served in Misawa At least one photo* of you while at Misawa, and At least one recent photo* of yourself. [* .jpg or .gif files only, please]