Entries from July 12, 2005 to December 18, 2008 Date/Time of Posting: Jul 12 2005 / 19:40:11 name = Linda Hinrichs where = California Harmon_Memories = My step father was killed in a plane crash Dec.19,1964. The military got us out of there in five days leaving no time for closure. My brother and I hope to make a trip back soon for some closure. Date/Time of Posting: Aug 03 2005 / 12:33:04 name = Jack White where = Kirkland, WA USA Harmon_Memories = Is there any one out there who was stationed at Harmon during the 1944-45 era? Date/Time of Posting: Sep 22 2005 / 05:15:07 name = bennett gordon where = new york city Harmon_Memories = i was station there from may 54 to dec 59 was anyone there at that time with to 6605th maintance and supply group Date/Time of Posting: Nov 09 2005 / 17:59:38 name = Phillip Huston where = El Cajon, California replyemail = p18oiler@cox.net Harmon_Memories = My father, Lewis Huston, was a captain flying the F-89 with the 61st FIS. We moved to Harmon in 1956 from Yuma AFB, Arizona. What a change, from the extremely hot desert to, well you know, snow and ice. I have not been back but my parents drove there from California in 1985 and actually found the unit we lived in on the base. To this day I can say that living there provided me with the most enjoyable experiences a kid could have. I am dying to go back. I would be interested in hearing from anybody that went to the base elementary school or whose fathers were with the 61st. I was 6 years old in 1956 so maybe there is an old classmate out there. I have 3 bound school yearbooks fro mthe years 1956-1959 so I can look up photos. I would love to get some photos of the F-89s stationed there. Date/Time of Posting: Dec 11 2005 / 11:26:40 name = Janice Sheppard Ancarrow where = Metro DC area Harmon_Memories = Lived on EHAFB from 1956 to 1959 and attend the High School. My sister Judy Sheppard Doucette graduated there in 1959. She and I, plus my brother Nickey Sheppard were all teenagers while my dad (George H. Sheppard, deceased in 1976) was stationed there. Wonderful memories of Radio Club, Teen Club, GAA, and Senior Scouts (hay rides). No place will ever compare to the freedom and friendships we enjoyed during those three years. My last year there was as a Sophomore. I remember all my teachers and the fun dances we had, including the parties held in our basement! Would love to find Wendy Rogers, Serena Slaughter White, and Harriet Eastus. Date/Time of Posting: Dec 15 2005 / 17:56:16 name = Phil Trask where = Ohio replyemail = philboy@bright.net Harmon_Memories = Was with Flight B, 6th ARS (later called the 52ARS) from May of `51 till Dec. of `53. Married a gal from Kippens 53 years ago. Still go back for visits with her family. Great place. If anyone from Rescue reads this, drop me a line; would like vey much to hear from you. Phil Date/Time of Posting: Dec 25 2005 / 16:38:45 name = Wayne Newkirk where = Jacksonville,FL Harmon_Memories = I was stationed at Harmon from March of 61 to October 62. I was a A/1C in the POL Section. I remember a fish and chips stand outside the main gate. After a hard night of socializing in town I needed those chips. I have a cigarette lighter with the airman�s club logo engraved on it. I remember getting sunburn in our 20 minutes of summer!! Hope to make it back some day on vacation Date/Time of Posting: Dec 28 2005 / 12:55:07 name = Owen Hughes where = Upstate NY Harmon_Memories = Arrived at Harmon Jan 62, the snow was banked up alongside the runway so high that they sprayed red dye on it so the pilots could gauge their position when landing. Was assigned to the CDS sqdn. (glorified sentry dog), our barracks was next to the army guys that were "stevedores" - unloaded incoming supply ships. They were the only ones that had worse jobs than us. Lived down town for about 6 mos and met the locals - great "salt of the earth" types.....drank some "screech" and ate some cod / flounder. Worked my ass off during the cuban missle crisis....12 hr shifts no days off....haven't had powdered eggs since I left there in May 1963 and went to Brise Norton, Oxford England.....definately plan to get back to the "rock" this summer......saw the movie "Shipping News" and it reminded me of the tough earthy Newfoundlanders. Date/Time of Posting: Dec 31 2005 / 12:15:36 name = Pete Strelko where = Fort Worth, Texas Harmon_Memories = I arrived at Harmon AFB on February 10, 1962 and like the previous writer, Owen Hughes, I also experienced the thrill of landing during a major snowstorm. My first thought, could this be for real. After all, I was going to be here for eighteen months. I was also assigned to the 4081st CDS, (security) where I would pound the snow under my feet as I faithfully guarded the KC-97's. I lived in the same barracks as Airman Hughes but his name escapes me. I think I was assigned to D flight under Sgt. Sikes, we wore the green neck ties. In spite of the weather, I enjoyed Harmon and Stephenville. I was always in awe during the Northern Lights exposure since I walked around airplanes endlessly. I enjoyed the Airman's Club and the Stephenville nite spots; Red Rose and Clover Clubs. I found the people relatively friendly. Hey Owen Hughes, do you remember a dark haired, darked eyed beauty by the name of Edna Flynn. She would frequent the Airmans Club on a regular basis and she worked on base for an officer's family. I left Harmon AFB on August 10, 1963 and left part of myself there; I put a somewhat time-capsule in my barracks room closet, the slats were loose. I still wonder if old photos and letters remain let alone the old barracks. Happy 2006 to all Newfoundlanders and former Airman who served on "The Rock". Date/Time of Posting: Jan 12 2006 / 12:01:40 name = C. Lichtenfeld where = Ft. Myers, FL Harmon_Memories = My Grandmother (Olive Pelley) worked on base at the NCO Club in the 50's. Would love to hear from someone who knew her then. Also looking for "Grif" as he was known then. Would have been a navigator in 1955/1956 stationed at Harmon. Love this website! Date/Time of Posting: Jan 24 2006 / 09:27:22 name = David Nix where = Houston,Tx Harmon_Memories = I was in and out of Harmon pulling TDY from Hunter AFB and Kindley AFB from '60 to '63. I was part of a maintenance crew on KC-97s. Had some great times there. Although I was there quite a number of times, I only remember being there without snow one time ( must have been August). Date/Time of Posting: Feb 26 2006 / 15:22:19 name = Martha Collier where = Corner Brook, Nfld replyemail = maranne11@yahoo.ca Harmon_Memories = My father Thomas worked at Harmon in early late 40's early 50's and asked if I would try to find a friend he had there, his name was Phillip Gransutty (?) not sure of correct spelling. Phillip's father was a Colonel stationed there. Does anyone remember them or give me their correct surname. Phillip went back to Scotland and last Dad heard of him was that he crashed his plane but was not hurt. I would like to find him. Tried searching in Google and in Scotland surname search but it comes up empty. Date/Time of Posting: Mar 02 2006 / 09:54:21 name = Richard F. Swain where = Magalia, California Harmon_Memories = Went to Harmon July, 1963 .1933 Comm Sqd. as a GCA radar tech. The memories? 1st SGT. wanted flower beds planted outside of the orderly room. Next morning some one had placed a white cross at the head of each one. A character created to motivate reenlistments (weren't any) named Harry Harmon on the base radio station. We built our own "radio station" with "Borrowed" parts to play our own programs. Had a range of maybe the next barracks. The winter of 1963 had winds of 135 MPH+ as recorded at the RAPCON. Spent a lot time at Corner Brook (out of bounds), trips to Jerry's Nose, repairing an inop radar on an MSTS ship. Does anyone remember Corner Brook Mike the watch seller? Date/Time of Posting: Mar 09 2006 / 08:53:48 name = James Golden where = Mobile Harmon_Memories = Does anyone remember Judy Kallas and her sister? Do you know where they went? Date/Time of Posting: Mar 21 2006 / 15:00:53 name = CHARLES (BUDDY) BALLING where = NEW CASTLE, DELAWARE Harmon_Memories = Station at Harmon Sep 60 to Mar 62. Worked at Base Chapel. Also pulled POL duty every Tuesday during reflex operations. A lot of time spent at the bowling alley, base "ham shack" and AOM. (To Wayne Newkirk)-Wayne, I still have my Harmon AFB lighter from the AOM. I knew an airman named Tony who worked in POL and was badly burned just before his discharge in 1962. I think of Harmon all the time and have nothing but good memories. 10 cent cigarettes, 15 cent beers, and nickel slot machines. I lived on the 4th floor of the Harmon Hilton and had my own low power ham radio in my room. Does anyone remember John Cribbins, Jerry Hunkel, Ed Machado. Would like to hear from anyone who remembers the good times. I have just retired from truck driving and check my e-mail every day. Please get in touch. Would really like to talk over the "good old days. Sixpack13@verizon.net Date/Time of Posting: Mar 22 2006 / 14:01:40 name = John Moore where = Edgewater Fl Harmon_Memories = I have a ton of stories,I was there from Oct 54 to aug 56 52nd ARS. I remember a snowblower chewing up the tail of a C47 during a snow storm, 40ft waves breaking off the end of the runway, 90 knot winds that turned parked aircraft around, a small riot at the Airmans club one Christmas, a dog that had one of his front legs amputated by a spinning prop of one our B29s, It didn't go to the flight line much after that, that happened before I got there. A F89 target rocket accidently firing and hitting a weapons carrier with 2 guys in it, good thing it was a only target rocket, A F89 hitting a radio tower while it was buzzing the base, not a good idea, The 52nd participating in a search when a navy plane that was carring dependants went down some where between NFLD and Bermuda. The one C54 that was ours at the time, I believe numbered 45632, long time ago, could be wrong A/C commander was Lloyd Wilson, When Major Wilson was to rotate he was given a check ride in one of the B29s, He landed it four times in one pass. The C54 he could grease it in to where you could hardly feel the wheels touch. Copilot was a Cap. Hiltz Navigator was Capt Paine, Not to sure of the spelling, Engineer was Jim Vickers,Radio operator was Edwin Hewitt, not sure that spelling is right. Col Smile Stark the group commander, I was told he was the youngst Col. in the Air Force at that time.He didn't think much of flying in A B29 so we took him all over the North East air Command. Ive seen most of the Bases,Goose bay, Thule,All the Bluey West or at least most of them, Even went to Iceland. Vickers and I did a lot of fishing in the Bay and Grand lake, very good fishing. Vickers had married a girl from Kippens on a previous tour and I got to know the Marche Family, Am still in contact With Herma one of vickers sister in laws. I remember Mrs Marche baking a tub full of bread, soooo goooood. I have a ton, some not good but Mostly good. I had such good duty while there that I knew it had to get worse when I rotated so I left the Air Force after that. It was a great time of my life, Didn't realize it till later. Date/Time of Posting: Mar 25 2006 / 08:40:56 name = Michael R. Harmon where = Boise, ID Harmon_Memories = Relative of Ernest E. Harmon Date/Time of Posting: Mar 25 2006 / 17:15:58 name = William Stark where = Detroit Mi. Harmon_Memories = My father was stationed there in the early fifties. Played in a country band at the clubs, they were called the Stringbusters. Anybody have any reccollection of them? Date/Time of Posting: Apr 30 2006 / 21:03:42 name = ken.a smth where = mesa,az Harmon_Memories = I was with the 55th A&E out of Forbes Topekans. I had two TDY assignment to Ernest Harmon. One was the last quarter of 1956 and the other was second quarter of 1958. The first TDY was one that I would not forget. It was Christmas and we have a large number of Hungarian refugees coming through. The then VP Richard Nixon came to the base to meet with the heads of several countries. We ate Christmas dinner with them and it was something to see. These people did not believe there would be enough food. We all asurred them it was okay. The people were great. The towns people were very nice and I think of the area many times. A return trip some day is planned.. Date/Time of Posting: May 14 2006 / 09:46:05 Name = Murray (ray) szathmary Message = Great site....I was stationed at Harmon from 1960 to 1961. 1933AACS . spent many hours at Whites, Clover Club, Teen club, and the Red Rose....I met many of the locals Ray Barry, Francis OBrien their family and others. I had many good memories of this town.............Ray Szathmary Date/Time of Posting: May 14 2006 / 16:19:49 name = Tom Hughes where = Stephenville, Nfld. Harmon_Memories = Looking for some feed back from any and all who servered or was a dependant during the life span of Harmon AFB. Expecially interested in hearing from any one that served as a AP/Ramp Rat with the 4081st CDS. I was stationed at Harmon from May 1963 to Dec. 1964 as a A1c assigned to "A" Flt security and majority of the time pulled duty at the "mole hole" at the security gate. In the works right now is a plan to hold a come home year reunion in July 2007 for a period of 7 to 10 days and it has been suggested to try and have a get together of as many military and dependants that where stationed at Harmon. Since I'm ex-military now living back here I have been approached to see if this venture would be worth trying to incorporate it into the town celebrations, so what I need from any one interested in attending a function of this nature is to make contact with me so I can get a idea of the interest out there. You can get in touch with me at tmthughes@nf.sympatico.ca and please use the message title HARMON REUNION. Hope to hear from many of you and see you in 2007. Date/Time of Posting: May 21 2006 / 15:29:03 name = PATRICIA W. DAVIS where = HATTIESBURG, MS replyemail = PATWHEEL123@MEGAGATE.COM Harmon_Memories = Born at Ernest Harmon AF Base in 1955**. Two Boys were born the same day. For years I have attempted to find the two boys born on the same day to see how their lives have transpired. We left Newfoundland and went to El Paso, Texas for several years before my father, A. Q. Wheeler retired. My brother was 9 years old when I was born and remembers more than I do. Our father died in January of 2006. My dream has been to go back to where I was born in Stephenville. One of the postings was for a possible reunion of people who remember EHAFB possibly in 2007. **(Patricia's birth date left out for identity theft reasons, please contact her for further information) Website for Celebrations 2007: Stephenville Come Home Year 2007 Date/Time of Posting: May 29 2006 / 02:59:05 name = david gaida where = dallas,texas replyemail = ksfishman71148@yahoo.com Harmon_Memories = i was at harmon from 1959-62. would like to hear from anyone that remembers me. george crane-ronnie bybee-sidney pickering and sisters named marilyn and carol merrill, i think. sisters named sherrill and carol samson. lots of others that have been long lost and forgotten.hope to hear from someone..dave Date/Time of Posting: May 31 2006 / 11:56:19 name = Hank Newman where = Jacksonville, Fl Harmon_Memories = message for son of Bill Stark of Detroit. I knew your dad very well, I was an original "Stringbuster". Due to some rotations Bill was hired to play rhythm guitar. He was quite talented. If memory serves me Bill was in the band when we competed and won the "Tops in Blue" talent contest and got to compete at Scott AFB, IL. I still have a picture of that group somewhere around the house. My E-mail is GaNewm9@aol.com Date/Time of Posting: Jun 02 2006 / 21:20:00 name = Cindy S. Drake where = Avoca, Nebraska replyemail = kcqdrake@alltel.net Harmon_Memories = I only know about Harmon Air Force Base because of my sister-in-law Gwen Schalk and her husband Johann Schalk. They were there from 1961-1965 with their three children Doris, Johnny & Steven. I understand from my neice that Gwen had a televised cooking show that was taped on the base while Johann was stationed there. Does anyone remember them or know if any film of these shows would still be in existance? Gwen passed away last October and I am checking on this for the family. Thank you. Date/Time of Posting: Jun 29 2006 / 17:34:22 name = Jay Buchanan where = Ft.Myers, Florida Harmon_Memories = I was born in Jan '62 and stayed there for at least a couple of years. I developed spinal menangitis at the age of 1 and was near death. My mother could not wait for a doctor, so she charged through the doors carrying me and demanded attention. The physician(s) saved my life! Thank you, whoever you are. My father is Albert Buchanan, and I'm not sure of his role on the base. I have not seen him since 1979, and I'm sure he could fill me in on some memories that you all share. Any contact would be welcome. jbphoto1@comcast.net Date/Time of Posting: Jul 07 2006 / 15:16:10 name = Linda 'Hill' Mathis where = Georgia Harmon_Memories = Attended high school from '60-'63. Class of '64. Graduated at Dover AFB High School, De. Have gone to several Harmon High reunions. So good to see Harmon classmates. Hope to go back to Nfld. one day. Next reunion is in 2008 at Elizabethtown, Ky. Hope we have the biggest and best reunion, yet! Date/Time of Posting: Jul 31 2006 / 09:49:13 name = Ron Thomas where = Los Angeles California Harmon_Memories = My dad Ralph "Bill" Thomas was a young Lt. along with my Mom Ruth stationed at Harmon in the early fifties (52-54?) where Dad worked in Base Weather as a forecaster. I was born in Corner Brook and adopted by my folks spending my first four years there. I remember a big ferris wheel in a large hanger that I beleive was part of an annual fair, and a show on stage where my Dad and other officers dressed like women and danced. We had a big boxer dog named Rockie who I guess gave the Mounties fits. We lived off base in a green trailor. Thats all I remember but would like to go back someday. Date/Time of Posting: Aug 04 2006 / 18:52:26 name = David D. Lajoie where = Augusta, Maine Harmon_Memories = On Feb 14, 2005, I had submitted some of my memories from Harmon back from Dec 63 to June of 65. I noticed just now that my e-mail address was incorrect. I made a typo mistake in the e-mail address. In any case I am not suing my old computer any longer and that e-mail address was incorrect anyway. My e-mail address is as follows, carollajoie@gwi.net In the meantime, if anyone reads this posting from back then, this is my correct e-mail address. Would like to hear from anyone that was there in that time frame. The prior posting was made on Feb 14, 2005. David D. Lajoie Date/Time of Posting: Aug 14 2006 / 06:52:32 name = Tom Simpson where = Stephenville Crossing, Nfld Harmon_Memories = Was stationed at Harmon from June 1962 to Dec.1963 worked in the motor pool, Stephenville had way to many G.I.'s so started going down to the Crossing, met and married a local girl there and have been married for 44 years, moved back to Nfld. last year as we are both retired now, always loved Nfld and my time at Harmon. would like to hear from any of my old friends,Tex, Jenny Quick, Ace,The Whip, Jerry, Date/Time of Posting: Aug 15 2006 / 08:14:58 name = Howie Puls where = East Aurora NY Harmon_Memories = I was there from nov.57 to jan 59. Was with det5 5th weather group. Found another weather guy on memories in fact he was my room mate Don Johnston. Nobody seems to remember the TCA terminal at the end of runway. It was our stop after the clubs closed. Date/Time of Posting: Sep 01 2006 / 12:59:36 name = Andy Anderson where = Kirkland, WA (from Leadville, CO) Harmon_Memories = Was at EHAFB 1951-53, in 6602nd ABG. The field was being updated for newer acft as we had Fairchild C-82's, some flying, some for spare parts. Mud road to Camp 33, and on to Cornerbrook, Newfy Bullet (RR) with schedule mandated by weather. Many happy memories. Would like to hear from anyone in the 6602nd, families of Lts Richard G Smale, Eugene Kight, Charles W Giffin, and Moose (Fitz Rowr) Brown, Curt Hailey, Gerry Teling, James Corbin, et al ----. Date/Time of Posting: Sep 09 2006 / 15:10:37 name = Jim Hall where = Dauphin Island, Alabama Harmon_Memories = After all these years, have vivid and fond memories of EH AFB, Stephenville and NFLD. There 1961-'63. HQ Squadron, Info office, Capt. Tom Halbert - great people; had a great job at TV/radio station on the hill; watched Russian trawlers offshore during Cuban missle crisis; had a bit part in the Bob Hope Christmas tour, got fired by Hope after two shows; got to meet and work with Jayne Mansfield; tried to ski, not very good!; got to ride a real dog sled with locals; visited Bonne Bay, one of the most beautiful places on the planet; Corner Brook, interesting place; met and worked with great people; still have some great pictures and slides; hitched a ride with flight crew to Bermuda; met and enjoyed some wonderful local residents - great memories and I am fortunate to have had the experience. I gotta go back someday.. jh Date/Time of Posting: Sep 21 2006 / 00:31:29 name = Gary Resnik where = New York City Harmon_Memories = Going on the base arm forces day. There was a kids show on arm forces channel CFSN , they had a clown. Sometimes you would get on the show be in the audience. Eat ice cream etc. Watching GIs from the south bring there horses up on the corral in the middle of town. Hanging out on the bridge to the entrance of the base as a little kid. There was always something going on. Date/Time of Posting: Oct 27 2006 / 20:21:24 name = Susan Patrick where = Rockport, MA Harmon_Memories = Lived at Harmon '58-'61. My dad, Colonel Skinner, commanded the weather station. I have a weather map signed by Elvis when he came through. Visited last summer and recognized almost everything. Theater exactly the same; amazing!! Have so many wonderful memories and was really nice to re-visit them in person. Date/Time of Posting: Nov 13 2006 / 06:33:35 name = Diane (Gillam) MacDonald where = Robinson's Newfoundland replyemail = diane.macdonald@nf.sympatico.ca Harmon_Memories = Sorry I don't have a Harmon story to share , but I am trying to find some information about a family that was stationed at the base. The fathers name was S/Sgt Robert Arnold Randolph, his wifes name was LaVerne K. Randolph. The childrens names were Larry, Kathy, Bobbette And Gale. They were on their way back to the Us when the axle broke on a trailer they were pulling. Mr. Randolph left the trailer with my father. There are quite afew pictures and papers the family may like to have. If anyone has any information about this family I would appreciate it if they could email me . Thanking you in advance. Diane MacDonald Date/Time of Posting: Dec 16 2006 / 13:35:26 name =Shari Abraham Benoit where = nebraska Harmon_Memories = AF Dependent--Dad stationed there 1960-62..Flew KC97s..Transfered there from Lockbourn in Ohio..Very fond memories of High School and the friends I met..Our reunions have always been great...My father is Bruce Abraham. He and my mother Justine, passed away in 1998.. We live on Ohio drive --- same little half circle with the Bradys, Brays, Slaughters and Furgusons...Shari Abraham Benoit Date/Time of Posting: Jan 24 2007 / 13:44:34 name = Mary where = Stephenville , Newfoundland Harmon_Memories = Noted a Harmon Story on here by a Peter Anders, stationed at Harmon l959/61 .. curious if he knew a John S. Brophy who was also with Base Police. I find it very heart warming to read all the nice things people have had to say about this little corner of the world. clarance@nf.sympatico.ca Date/Time of Posting: Feb 15 2007 / 17:22:01 name = Laura (Lee) Aylward where = Stephenville, NL Harmon_Memories = My husband Kevin and I worked at Harmon Air Force Base, Kevin from 1954-1966 and I from 1958 to 1966. I worked as a switchboard operator/supervisor with base communications and Kevin worked at base supply. We made many wonderful American friends during those years and kept in touch with some even to this day. I am looking for Airman Thomas E. Twigg who was stationed here in the 1960s he was an air traffic controller and was from Milwaukee, Wis. He has a son who is my nephew who would like to find him. If anyone can give me any information on him I would appreciate it very much. Also was good friends with Sgt. Crawford and Airman Lloyd Boothroyd. I enjoyed reading the messages on this site. Regards Laura(Lee) Aylward. laura.aylward@nf.sympatico.ca Date/Time of Posting: Mar 19 2007 / 14:44:50 name = Richard (Dick) Madigan where = Claremont, NH Harmon_Memories = Not a lot of memories of types as I see posted here by others. Was a gunner WB66D, used to fly into or thru Harmon on way to/from Azores. Remember a "quick turnaround" in late '62 or early '63. By the time we re-briefed and started out to the bird fog set in...couldn't see your hand in front of your face for @3 or 4 days. Long time before we could lift off to home! Starting a tour to all fields I served at, went TDY to, or stopped at (real emergency or otherwise), and hope to hit Harmon this summer(2007. Dick Madigan Date/Time of Posting: Apr 15 2007 / 16:14:57 Harmon_Memories = My name is Ron Walker. I Was in the 6614 th Air transport Squadron from August 1955 until January 1957, when I rotated to Ardmore AFB, Okla. I have often thought of the guys in the squadron and barracks since leaving. A couple months before I left, we lost a C-119 up on the Greenland ice cap, but everyone got out OK. I did not miss the Patch too much though, once I got back to civilization, or what I called civilization. I guess Barracks J-9 was about as civilized as anything up there. If anyone remembers (Owen T. McCann, Harry L. Oren, James Cox, My room-mates) or anyone else in the squadron, give me an E-mail buzz. Address is Ron-JanW@peoplepc.com if you care to exchange old stories. Date/Time of Posting: Aug 06 2007 / 12:26:19 name = gordon sorum where = fargo, north dakota Harmon_Memories = arrived at 1933 aacs sqdn, oct. 1956, and left there in april of 1960. I worked in the teletype relay center, I was a s/sgt during that time. I think I went into town once, I was just working and passing the time until I could return to wife in Iowa. I wonder if I would know anyone that reads this. gordonsorum@yahoo.com Date/Time of Posting: Aug 18 2007 / 12:44:36 name = Jack Montgomery where = Bangor, Maine Harmon_Memories = I arrived at Harmon from Tyndall AFB,Fl as a 20 year old A/1c in Sept.,1956 and stayed until Nov.,1957 when discharged. I was in the 4081st supply sqd. and worked from a quonset hut refueling shack on the flight line east of the terminal bldg. Being from Maine I was much more at home in Stephenville, Nfld. than in the Florida panhandle. The people of western Newfoundland were warm and hospitable. Many referred to me as "my son" including a waitress at a main st. restaurant who I believe was younger than me. I know that "my son" is just an expression but it is an expression of good will that was welcome to young and lonely airmen far from home. My main job at Harmon was the ground refueling MATS planes flying US Army troops to and from NATO bases in Europe. During that winter a great effort was made by all base personnel to assist in the relocation of thousands of Hungarian refugees who came to North America after the 1956 revolution. This was called "Operation Safehaven". The refugees arrived at Harmon with little more than the clothes on their backs. While the planes were being serviced they were taken to the terminal where they were greeted by the wives of base personel and fed in the mess hall there that served breakfast 24-7. When they came out they looked much better than when they went in and were ready for the last leg of their long journey to their new homes. For New Years eve 1956 a group of us decided to go to a dance in Corner Brook at the armory. The Army Corp of Engineers were helping to build the "new" road from Stephenville to Stephenville Crossing and it was not yet open so we had to go by way of Indian Head. It was snowing so hard[sideways] that one of the guys had to walk in front of the car on the road to the port. Once we got over Indian Head conditions got better and a mere 4 or 5 hours later we were in Corner Brook. We seemed to spend a lot of our off duty time in the Crossing and in Black Duck siding where we enjoyed the hospitality of the Jack O`Quinn family,their daughter Teresa,her sister and friends being the main attractions. 1957 was a pivotel year for Harmon as control of the base changed from the Northeast Air Command to SAC. Trans Canada Airlines opened their new terminal and one afternoon during retreat on the grass by the flagpole at the Base Headquarters building as the flag was being lowered and the national anthem was playing Tripod and another dog decided that this would be a good time to make whoppie until the affair was ended by the ever-vigilent air police. It has now been 50 years since I was there but I still fondly remember that time in Newfoundland. Date/Time of Posting: Sep 06 2007 / 18:48:50 name = Bruce Evans where = Los Angeles Harmon_Memories = I was born in Stephenville in '53, Dad was a Cdn civvie employee on the Base (typewriter repair shop) and had several businesses going in town - office supply store, Canada Dry distributor and a few apartments. We moved to North Sydney in '66 when the Base closed. Have been back a few times since, sort of sad in a way but time moves on. Remember many good friends, both Newfoundlanders and USAF service people. Also had many wonderful summers with my Dad fishing for salmon on Robinsons River, we had a cabin there and I got my first salmon license when I was 5. Moved to Los Angeles in '93. Two interesting Harmon/Stephenville experiences. Met a couple named Shawn and Tonyja through a mutual interest in flying small planes. One evening, many months after first meeting, discovered that Tonyja lived on the Base from '62 to '64 as her Dad was stationed there as a USAF Major. About 5 years ago, ran into a lady named Josepha Rolapp at a Canadian Society party here in LA. Turns out that her maiden name is Gallant and she grew up on the next street from us in Stephenville, albeit a couple of years ahead of me. She and her husband, David, have become very good friends here in LA. Small world. Would love to hear from any old acquaintances of mine or my parents, Berkley and Mildred Evans. Best to all! brucefevans@msn.com Date/Time of Posting: Sep 12 2007 / 22:42:13 name = William ( Bill ) Haman where = L.I. New York Harmon_Memories = August 1959 to March 1962 323FIS & 59th FIS Detachment#1 lived at 33 Queen St. and York Ave. (Shearer apt.) Had two children born there. Great fishing, hunting (first moose camp 33) golf, bowling. Snow up to your eyeballs and beyond and long winters, 40 oz'ers and pinacle. Great tour of duty. Date/Time of Posting: Nov 25 2007 / 21:54:26 name = Natalie Oliphant McKamey where = Bloomington, IN. Harmon_Memories = Harmon Rockets! Beat 'em, bust 'em, that's our custom, come on Rockets, readjust em! I spent 5th grade at Harmon, in Miss Strayer's class. Looking to reconnect with my fellow 5th-graders (class of '73). I remember Camp 33, and wearing parkas and sliding down the big hill on toboggans in winter and cardboard boxes in summer. Wow, what a great time! I remember all the "slugs" (leeches) that would come out when it rained. Ick! It would be great to reconnect with Harmonites. Date/Time of Posting: Jan 24 2008 / 13:05:38 name = Grady H Stokes where = Waynesville, North Carolina Harmon_Memories = I was stationed at Harmon from late 1963 to closing in 1966. I was a medic NCO assigned to the 4081st USAF Hospital. I worked in the surgical unit and later in the Outpatient Clinic mostly as CQ for clinic emergencies after hours and on week ends. I remained until the base closed with only a skeleton crew remaining.Then to McGuire for discharge to return and continue my education.Many fond memories of my Harmon days esist. My memories of Stephenville Baptist Church are prevelant. I often wonder where many of my friends there are now. I especially remember a close friend who I have lost track of. Anyone possible knowing the whereabouts of Gary D Flaherty please e-mail me.Gary left Harmon in 1966 to return to Georgetown Univ. He moved later to Fl and from there due to moves on my part and on his,we have lost contact. Col. Josephine Candella who was our AF nurse supervisor, is retired in Fl and we see each other on occasion. My wife and I plan to return to Stephenville one day in the not too distant future for a visit.I only regret not knowing about the 2007 reunion...please keep my name for future reference regarding any more reunions. I have names of other s stationed there during this time. Stepheville and Harmon afford me great memories especially for my son who was 9 years old at the time..This is where I taught him to fish!. Thank you for this site and the opportunity to submit comments....it is a wonderful trip down memory lane. Date/Time of Posting: Mar 08 2008 / 12:15:04 name = Hank Newman where = Jacksonville Fl Harmon_Memories = I would like to locate Bill Walker who married the former Stella Cormier from Stephenville. He was in the 52d Air Rescue Sqdn.as a hydraulic tech. Bill was from Va. and played drums with the Western Ramblers on base.Other Ramblers trying for a reunion.any help will be appreciated.contact Hank Newman at GaNewm9@aol.com Date/Time of Posting: Mar 18 2008 / 14:28:52 name = Don Webster where = Merritt Island FL Harmon_Memories = Looking for information on 1st Lt Bradford Webster, my brother, Apr 1954-March 19, 1955, went down in the bay off Stephenville with pilot Bob Witcher. Was a fine pianist, active in the chapel, basketball, bowling. Hoping someone remembers him, and will contact me. dewmlwny@earhlink.net Date/Time of Posting: Jun 26 2008 / 12:35:01 name = Sandra Callaghan Hyde where = Orlando, FL Harmon_Memories = I was born at EHAFB. My dad was SMSGT Walter Callaghan, my mother's name was Barbara. I was the ninth of ten kids. We were stationed there from 1964 to 1966. Does anyone remember anything about our family? My godfather's name was Howard Bealieau. I am going to pass the site info on to my oldest brother, Walt Jr., since he was there from age 9 to 11. The things he remembers are similiar to the stories I have read today. Thank you for a glimpse of the place I was born! It made my day! Date/Time of Posting: Jun 29 2008 / 15:46:55 name = Bob Noe where = Columbia, SC Harmon_Memories = I lived there as a dependent from 59-62 and life was wonderful. These were my jr high years and I was full of acting older and testing the environment. I hung around the older crowd as my sister being two years older, had friends that spent time on the blue bus, bowling alley, the terminal, movie theater and teen club. It was our town. I really wish I spent more time in town, although my family went to the Church of England off base. My memories of Camp 33, Forth of July out near the Jetty with Hank Thompson and all the lobsters you could eat, snow blowing sideways and shoveling our driveway daily. Our yard grew rocks! Our backyard faced Stephenville and that beautiful river. I loved the multiple colors of houses off base. My family traveled much of western NFLD and it was memorable. My little brother Jack has been back and loved it and my sister Glenda and I will return someday. My father and mother are deceased...CMsgt Andy and Athleen Noe, he was with the 59th and manager of NCO Club. Any memories would be great to hear. I have not been to reunions yet, but 2101 in Omaha sounds good. Date/Time of Posting: Jul 11 2008 / 13:05:54 name = Ron Steffen where = Virginia Beach, VA Harmon_Memories = I was stationed at Harmon from 57 to 59. Was originally at Torbay but then was transfered. I was in the 4087 Air Transport Squadron with the C-54's. Two turning and two burning as they used to say. I have a lot of pictures, I will be glad to share them. Date/Time of Posting: Oct 30 2008 / 14:19:49 name = Doug Hale where = Orem Utah Harmon_Memories = My father was stationed here from Aug 1963 to Dec 1965. I went to 4th, 5th, and part of 6th grade. I remember my 4th grade teachers name was Mrs. Redmon. I remember Bowling in the winter. Fishing and camping in the summer. We became very good friend with a family that lived way out of town, the Grangers. I remember going fishing on the NCO boat, and climbing on the breakwater. I remember camping at Camp 33. I remember the times when they would have alerts and shut the base down and everyone would have to stay in their houses. Somehow my father usually had advanced knowledge of this so we went camping. I remember one of the worst snow storms storms. It snowed for three days. There was 18 feet of snow on top of a VW van. A friend of my dad's didn't make it home so he went out to get him on foot - that was the most concerned I'v ever been. But he found his friend and brought him home and all was well. After the snow storm, there was a large snow cave behind my house. The wind had kind of extended out the hill and a spring carved out the cave. Right after the storm ended, I walked out across the snow and fell through the roof. My arms caught and I was dangling by my arm-pits. My older brother pushed a tabogin out for me to climb out on. My father also help to organized a Cub Scout pack and became the Pack Master. I loved living in Newfoundland. I hated to leave. I still have many ve ry vivid and fond memories memories. My father had a choice to go to Newfoundland or Bermuda - I think he made right choice - at least from my perspective. When we left, a friend of my dad's retired at the same time. We had a VW van and a one wheel trailer, he had a VW van and a two wheel trailer. We both drove back to the US together. We were on our way to Castle AFB in California. He tied a snow shovel to the front of his van and said he was driving south until someone asked him what it was - I think he ended up in Texas. Date/Time of Posting: Dec 01 2008 / 19:56:50 name = Phil Clark where = Scranton, Ks. Harmon_Memories = Well what a honor this is!! I arrived at Harmon in August of 1962 and worked in the main mess hall and just fell in love with the place, remember working Thankgiveing nite and cooking turkeys and makeing dressing which no one else wanted to do, little did i know that the base commander and family would come in to eat, which landed me a job at Jerry's Nose lot to like there but also a lot to remember. Would like to hear from anyone who worked in the mess unit at that time or Jerry's nose.....Phil Date/Time of Posting: Dec 18 2008 / 17:33:46 name = John Thomas OBrien where = Independence, Missouri Harmon_Memories = Was there in 1960-1961. I remember the Stevenville Baptist Church. I remember cold cold winters. Charles Brath if you are alive email me. john.eltc124@gmail.com Starting January 2009 Memories page