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Entries from January 2009 to June 26, 2012 Date/Time of Posting: Jan 05 2009 / 17:39:27 name = Leon M Preston where = Jacksonville, IL Harmon_Memories = I served at Harmon AFB from Oct 1954 to May 1956 in the 1933 AACS sq. I was a GCA operator. I also worked part time at the Base Theater as Assistant Manager from Nov 1954 to May 1956. My first trip to town was on the day after I got to Harmon. We took a cab to town and when I got out I stepped into a puddle of mud. I was so disgusted I walked right back to the base and did not go back to town until the street was paved the next summer. Date/Time of Posting: Jan 30 2009 / 13:04:43 name = James Layman where = Wisconsin Harmon_Memories = Stationed at HAFB from March 1957 to March 59. 1624th Support Squadron. Loved Newfoundland. Have often wished that I would return to Stephenville. Thanks for the Web Site. Date/Time of Posting: Feb 19 2009 / 16:34:27 name = James "Butch" Palmer where = Atlanta, Georgia Harmon_Memories = In 1958 we left Orlando, FL for some unknown place in the frozen north. My Father painted a great picture of salmon fishing, moose hunting, lobster eating, etc. to make me feel good about leaving my Florida girlfriends. I was 14 at the time. We lived in the BOQ for quite awhile until housing was available and I spent a lot of time on the shuttle bus. I met so many great people while I was there and of course there were a few jerks. You know who you are! So many have gone now and I will always miss them. Date/Time of Posting: Mar 06 2009 / 17:57:21 name = Terry Powell where = Charlotte, North Carolina Harmon_Memories = Wow, where to start. I have such wonderful memories of living in Newfoundland. My dad, Tsgt R.E. Powell, Jr, was stationed there in, I belive, 1964-66. Its where I first heard of, and played hockey. There were only 6 teams then. I remember going trick or treating in the snow. The snow! At first, we lived off base. Had many snow ball fights with local kids and the mounties intervening. The snow drifted to the gutters on the house. Went to middle school, waited for the black flag school bus to take us there. We moved on base, lived on Florida Loop in a four family building near the ball park and elementary school. I played little league, was on the Twins; had a 1-15 record. The coaches names were Jack and Ray. Great memories of All Star game in Corner Brook; got the only hit in one game. Remember names of neighbors Rogette Warbleton, Pat Walker and the girl I liked, Lucinda Ann Van Gilder. Loved sledding down the hill behind the house to a small creek that ran by the elementary school. Catching smelt in stream at entrance to base. Remember the teen club, song "House of the Rising Sun", "Sugar Shack" were popular; remember the bowling alley, BX across from it. If this peaks the interest of anyone who remembers some of the same please feel free to contact me. tpowell2@carolina.rr.com. Date/Time of Posting: Mar 15 2009 / 10:02:10 name = John Moore where = Edgewater Fl Harmon_Memories = I have been trying to contact Phil Trask formally of the 52nd Air Rescue Sqdn. Any in formation will be greatly appreciated The Email is jaydee2709@att.net Date/Time of Posting: Mar 16 2009 / 05:00:31 name = Richard Hayes where = Toledo Ohio Harmon_Memories = Arrived in 1964 from Kincheloe Michigan (COLD). Looked out the plane window and said, "Oh no!" After a couple of months I fell in love with the area and the people. Was a Base Cop until 1966. I remember the KC 97 going into the pond at the end of the runway. I was working the night it happened. The pond was several hundred feet deep and it took Navy divers to recover the crew. I remember photos taken under the water and how bad it looked with the plane perched on an outcropping several hundred feet down. Took my wife there several years ago and went to the pond. The approach light the 97 hit is still there and is in the same condition it was the night of the crash. Spooky....The base looks pretty much the same except Air Police HQ is now an apartment and there is a McDonalds where the main Gate used to be. Still a great place to visit. In all my travels I have never met a more friendly and unique people than the Newfoundlanders. Date/Time of Posting: Mar 29 2009 / 18:34:49 name = Bill Jacoby where = San Marcos, California Harmon_Memories = I was with the 4081st Supply Squadron from August 1962 through May of 1965. Great memories from the Airmen's Club, the ladies in town. I used to drive a 1956 Ford that I purchased from Jerry Hunsucker. I remember the guys well. Jerry Hunsucker, Charlie Harris, Victor Cheek, Vic Bowman, etc. We had a blast. Date/Time of Posting: Apr 22 2009 / 18:17:53 name = Ronald Walker where = Gun Barell City, Texas Harmon_Memories = From Aug 1955 to Jan 1957, I was stationed with the 6614th Air Transport Squadron at Harmon Newfoundland. Not much to do there but go to the base movie (or if desperate, go to the movie in the Patch). Stepehville, Newfoundland, was no place for a Texas boy to be stationed, especially during the Winter months.....it was cooollllldddd. The 6614th were housed in barracks J-9. Our hanger was close to the terminal. We had 6 C-119s and 6 C-54s when I got there. Right before I rotated, one C-119 went down on the icecap making a barell drop, but everyone got back ok, thank goodness. My roommates were Harry L. Oren, Owen T. McCann, and James Cox. If any of you were in the squadron at about the same time, give me a buzz. Hope you all have done well and are in good health. Date/Time of Posting: Jul 31 2009 / 16:53:37 name = Bob Allbright where = Houston, Texas Harmon_Memories = We lived in Stephenville in 1956-1957. Dad was with J.A.Jones Const. doing some contract work on the base so I attended 5th grade with the A.F. brats. What a great time we had! I remember the snow piled over the windows, the barracks where we all lived, the fishing pier, going to pick up freshly baked bread and getting home with only a few crumbs....Gosh, it tasted so good on a cold dark night! Also remember hearing about "tripod" the 3 legged dog who rode the bus all over the base! Great memories! Glad I found this web site! Date/Time of Posting: Aug 15 2009 / 13:33:27 name = Jim Blackburn where = Tequesta, FL Harmon_Memories = It was early 1955 when I arrived at EHAFB. Was a C-119 pilot assigned to the 6614th ATS. We had 2 flights in the squadron...C-119s (Kamakazi Flight) & C-54s (Home free). Realized early on that 4 engines were better than 2, flying the Arctic & checked out on the C-54s. The "Patch" (downtown Stephenville) looked like a town out of the wild west, but without hitching rails for the horses. Had many happy memories with top crews and more than a few characters. Left the USAF in Jan. 1957 to join Eastern Air Lines as a pilot for 31+ years. Who was Base Commander in those years?? It was said that he had been a pilot on Doolittle's B-25 raid on Tokyo. My E-mail address is: Date/Time of Posting: Nov 16 2009 / 16:37:10 name = Pat (Hunt) Spear where = South Paris, Maine Harmon_Memories = We arrived on the William Carson Ferry in Aug 1964. My Dad was SSGT John F. Hunt. I found radishes growing in the yard at Rose Ave. I thought they grew wild in NFLD! I was only 7. Dad was a meteorologist and was proud of his record of never losing a plane. He did the weather on tv. My parents wouldn't let my brother or I drink the water or the milk or go swimming in the ocean. We got to drink "cold drink" (soda) and thought that was pretty special. I remember Lots and Lots of snow and missing many days not due to snow but due to the wind chill factor. I have the school yearbooks for the 2 years we were there. We left in May 1966 taking many discounted goods with us. Our family left during a cold snap and ended up in Hampton, Virginia during a heat wave (or at least that is the "legend"). Date/Time of Posting: Nov 23 2009 / 10:49:19 name = Andrew Rucci where = New Port Richey, Florida Harmon_Memories = I was station at Harmon from Feb.1964 to Sept.1965. I was with the 4081st Supply Squadron. I used to drive a 1963 black Chrysler. Some of the guys I was stationed with and worked with were Andy Lanzaro, Ed Vistanski, Larry Davis, Jerry Ennis, Tom Devlin, Jerry Wallace, Dusty Wasdin, and others. I worked for Lt. Jorgensen in the warehouse office building on the second floor. The building was towards to back of the base. At the time, I was seeing Dorothy Strickland who was a Newfoundlander who worked and lived on base. I would like to put a reunion together or make contact with some of the old guys. If anyone has any information on some of the guys mentioned above or any others, could you please contact me. I would appreciate anyone's help. Thank-you. arucci@tampabay.rr.com Date/Time of Posting: Dec 17 2009 / 21:13:37 name = Patricia (Martin)Domingo where = Hawaii Harmon_Memories = My father, Sgt. Walton Martin of the US Army was stationed at Ernest Harmon 1957 - 1959. He was the engineer on the ocean going diesel tug boat. I remember being a child there, going to school, making friends. I remember the closeness of the community and how everyone cared for and watched out for everyone else. I have nothing but wonderful memories of our short time there and would love to visit. Thank you for this great site! Date/Time of Posting: Mar 02 2010 / 10:54:34 name = Ray Vitori where = Pennsylvania Harmon_Memories = I was the assistant crew chief on KC-97 907 that crashed on December 19, 1964. With the exception of that dark and fateful period of time, I hold many wonderful memories of my tour at Harmon. Harmon was a great base with some of the most wonderful people. The town of Stephenville and the base has provided many people with a lifetime of great memories. Date/Time of Posting: Mar 02 2010 / 18:55:33 name = Larry O'Quinn where = North Carolina Harmon_Memories = I was stationed at Harmon Air Force Base from 1959-1961, 18 months tour of duty. Assigned to the 4081st Combat Defense Squadron. (Air Police) Enjoyed the tour, can't forget the chill factors, very cold weather, and patroling around the KC-97 Air Refueling Aircraft and flight line areas. We stayed in the old barracks area not far from the Base theater. Date/Time of Posting: Apr 02 2010 / 19:17:04 name = Kenneth C. Whitaker ( Whit ) where = Canton N. C. Harmon_Memories = I was station at Harmon fron sept 1960 thru nov 1962. Moved up there from Barksdale afb with the 376 ars sqd. I was a crew chief on kc97 aircraft with 4082 cams sqd.I have some good members of Harmon and some not so good but all in all it wasn't so bad. I would do it again in a heart beat . Date/Time of Posting: Apr 02 2010 / 21:16:53 name = Rick Pachosa where = Little Rock Arkansas Harmon_Memories = I was stationed at Earnest Harmon from Dec.1960 until July 1962 . I was an Assistant crew chief on a KC-97 Aircraft ,my Crew Chief was S/Sgt Roderick (Red) Goodwin . I lived in the 6 story Harmon Hilton 4081st CAMS Barracks . I have kept in touch with a few others who were there at the time and we all seem to remember the fun times and let the bad ones pass . I have followed this thread for several years , and always intended to post a comment as soon as someone that I remembered posted . How you doing Whit ? Date/Time of Posting: May 01 2010 / 09:46:45 name = Willy Hill where = Wilsonville, Oregon Harmon_Memories = Hello, I attended Harmon High in '63 and '64 and graduated 1965 in Wichita, Ks. Some of my fondest memories are of my friends on the "ROCK". If anyone knows when the next reunion is I would love to know. The best to all you "Harmonites" Date/Time of Posting: May 09 2010 / 08:14:59 name = John Hill where = Columbus, NC Harmon_Memories = I was in the Weather Detatchment at Harmon from 64-65 and remember the KC97 crash. I had been stationed at March AFB in S. California and asked for a transfer to a base with more weather. "Ask and ye shall receive...." I remember reserving seats in the lounge for Hockey Night in Canada on Sat nights. Seemed like every bar and restaurant had Country & Western music. The summer nights were twilight all night. I needed a ride to work in the alert facility in a snow plow.....lots of snow. The BX was resupplied by boat once a month...big day! Newfie Bullet ran grocery orders to St. John's. I turned 21 there, got an early out for Christmas. Date/Time of Posting: Jun 05 2010 / 19:26:40 name = James K. Sikes where = Maryville, TN Harmon_Memories = I was stationed at Harmon AFB form 1963 to 1965. I was in the 4081 Combat Defense Squadron. My first child was born there. I left EHAFB and changed career fields and finished out my 20 years in the Air Weather Service. If you remember me feel free to e-mail me jassikes@hotmail.com Date/Time of Posting:Jun 10 2010 / 06:03:53 name = deborah coil where = covington ga Harmon_Memories = Newfoundland was my favorite place we were stationed. My dad was mst srgt william t warren. we were there from 1957 to 1960? I went to kindergarten and 1st grade there. I remember the school having an ice sculpture contest and we made a ice whale. we lived on a hill overlooking the school. I remember horses from town would get on the base and the aps would come in their jeeps to round them up.I loved fishing there I remember catching flounder and and everyone just picking up fish off the beach when the smelt ? ran.We used to pick berries in the woods and my mom would make jelly from them we used to call them google berries but they were probably goose berries. Does anyone else remember stories about a quicksand well where you could here a child crying? Thank you all for sharing your memories it brought back many fond memories for me. Date/Time of Posting:Jun 21 2010 / 21:20:19 name = Kenneth A. Smith where = Mesa, AZ Harmon_Memories = I was TDY twicw to EHAFB. I was with the 55th KC-97 tankers and was at the base twice. Attached to the SAC group and found the people at the base and Stephenville to be great. The times we fall 56 and spring 58. Saw sever great photos and it sure brought back memories. Date/Time of Posting: Jul 29 2010 / 16:08:52 name = John Chaulk where = Stephenville, Newfoundland (EHAFB) Harmon_Memories = I grew up in Whites Trailor Park. I met many Americans and had many American friends. We were all kids back then. If anyone would like photos taken of specific areas, I'm still here working and living and would love to rekindle any memories that ya'll have with the town. My dad was employed as a baker with the USAF in Goose Bay, Labrador. I work with the local telephone company and frequent the 640th ACWRON Pinetree Radar Site (The Hill.) We have cell towers there. Would love to hear from anyone that served our little town back then.... and hey.. Thank you for your service. Stephenville will not forget you... Ever! chaulky@hotmail.com Date/Time of Posting: Aug 04 2010 / 09:07:56 name = Justo E. Pinera Jr. where = New Castle, DE Harmon_Memories = I was stationed at Harmon from August 1950 to February 1952. I was with the 6602nd Air Police Squadron. We arrived as a group and were trained as APs.(OJT). Didn't have any other choice. The Korean was had just started and they had rushed us thru basic training. I have looked for some of my buddies from that era, and found a couple. Would like to find more. If anyone knows of any friends or relatives that were there in that period please ask them to contact me. I also would like to find out about some of the civilian ladies that worked as telephone operators. They were great talking to us on the telephone keeping us awake during the long cold nights on guard duty. I really enjoyed being stationed there. Great people. jepinera@netzero.net Date/Time of Posting: Aug 18 2010 / 20:27:05 name = John Oyer where = Riverside, Oh. Harmon_Memories = I was born at Ernest Harmon Air Force Base, 62... My Father was stationed there at the time...If anyone would like to contact me, feel free to do so! I am at facebook.(John Oyer-my picture is of my white cat) Date/Time of Posting: Aug 22 2010 / 08:48:35 name = JC Williams where = Federal Way, Washington Harmon_Memories = Station at Harmon from April of 1965 to December of 1966 was in the 4081st Combat Defense Squadron. Here is a video of the base that was made in July of 2002. Stephenville Video Date/Time of Posting: Sep 20 2010 / 17:24:39 name = Bennett Gordon where = new YORK city Harmon_Memories = I was station there may 1954 to DEC 1955 i was with 6605TH msgroup Date/Time of Posting: Oct 02 2010 / 14:32:25 name = Carrie (Carolyn) Russell where = stephenville nf Harmon_Memories = I'm looking for people I babysat for in the 60's. Charles J. Bonnett, wife Magda and children Fran and Charlene who lived on Beach St.Stephenville. He was a pilot. Michael Jolly and wife Patty who lived on Rose Avenue Stephenville. If anyone knows of these people please let them know that I've been looking for them a long time and to please get in touch if possible. Date/Time of Posting: Oct 03 2010 / 10:13:17 name = Polly Roberts where = Dover NH Harmon_Memories = I just stumbled on this site. What a blast from the past. My daughter and I arrived at Harmon just a week before the KC97 crash. My surname was Prince then. My ex-husband was a crew chief on a KC97. We lived on Hillview, with a view of the base. The crash actually awakened my daughter. My younger daughter was born at Harmon. I remember so many friends in Stephenville. We left in Nov. 1965, for Forbes. I remember cryibg in the arms of a Newfoundlander friend, "How can I live away from the sea?" I can still close my eyes and remember the view of the bay from the front yard. Date/Time of Posting: Oct 09 2010 / 17:47:41 name = Joseph Allender where = Rapid City, SD Harmon_Memories = I served in the 52nd Air Rescue Sqdn. from 51 to 53. I left a week before the SB-29 crashed into St. Georges Bay. I returned in September 2010 with my daughter and discovered that the Base is still there and looked great. I visited Stephenville and was greeted by the Mayor and many other nice folks. I think of my time there in the 50s and stil keep in touch with about 20 or so fellow servicemen. Date/Time of Posting: Oct 28 2010 / 16:49:56 name = David Kelly Alexander where = Stephenville Newfoundland Harmon_Memories = Hi everyone..I've been reading all of the great memories and I really enjoyed them. I just wanted to say hi to everyone. my father worked on the Harmon base as a civilian mechanic, his name was Norman Alexander, he had a lot of great friends there. he would be age 88 now, he passed away in 66 after the base closed. I was 8 years old but I can remember a lot of good things. the base was the best thing that ever happened to Stephenville. PS. Our winters are not so bad anymore. Date/Time of Posting: Nov 30 2010 / 00:08:27 name = Les Strouse where = Thailand Harmon_Memories = I was a C-54 pilot in 4087th ATS 1959 until it folded in 1960. Was transferred to 1624 Support Squadron MATS as an Air Transportation Officer in the MATS Terminal until I left in 1962. I was an IP in the C-47 as additional duty. My son and daughter were both adopted in Newfie. Date/Time of Posting: Dec 04 2010 / 12:42:58 name = Edward Prasifka where = Barracks and Silver Apts Harmon_Memories = I served two tours at Harmon 1953-1955 and 1958-1961. I me t my wife at Harmon,she worked for Base Houseing.This was on my first tour. We married in 1955 in New Waterford, Nova Scotia, my wife's home town. On my second tour we lived in Silvers Apt. My wife the worked at the Bank of Montreal. I worked in Combat Operations in the basement of Wing Headquarters. I have found memories of Harmon. Date/Time of Posting: Dec 05 2010 / 19:09:42 name = James Kevin Smith where = Waycross, Ga Harmon_Memories = My father was a Boom operator there in the 1950's and 1960's. I remember all the snow, camp 33, watermelon at the NCO club. Father name was June Kenneth (Smitty) Smith. Mother is Ann Smith, Brother John Kenneth Smith(Ken)the soccer jock at the high school. Moved to Travis AFB in 1964. Date/Time of Posting: Dec 06 2010 / 20:49:40 name = Ken Smith where = San Rafael, CA Harmon_Memories = We moved to Harmon from March AFB in Riverside CA arriving in Nfld late December 1962. Coming off the C-118 we could barely see the MATS Terminal due to the snowdrift that was as high as the building. My dad was a boom operator, flying on a KC-97 crew. I don't think I ever got used to the 9 month winters. We did have some good times at the Teen Center and our 1964 Harmon High Soccer team was undefeated. We moved to Travis AFB near San Francisco in July 1965 after I graduated from Harmon High. I drove back up to Harmon in May '66 for a brief visit. The base closed that summer. Date/Time of Posting: Dec 26 2010 / 12:19:05 name = Bob Smith where = Rutherfordton NC Harmon_Memories = Hello Everyone; I was stationed at EHAFB from 62-63. 4081st CAM Lived on the 3rd floor of the Harmon Hilton. Roomie was Don Minnish, 59 T-bird. We worked in the hanger. Drove the eculid tow vehicle during the white outs. Winston Landers taught me how to smoke. Would like to hear from anyone with great memories. Date/Time of Posting: Dec 21 2010 / 16:46:55 name = Patricia where = Ocean Springs, MS Harmon_Memories = My father was stationed at Ernest Harmon Air Force Base 1952 to 1957. I was born 1955. Two boys were born the same day. I would like to talk to the two boys who are now men (LOL) To see where life has taken them. My parents are now deceased. Any information someone could provide would be greatly appreciated. Send me an email at patwheel123@att.net Date/Time of Posting: Dec 30 2010 / 13:44:13 name = Linda White McFarland where = Ft. Worth, TX Harmon_Memories = My Dad, Sgt. Jimmie L. White Jr. was stationed at Harmon around 56-59. My brother and I were born at the Hosp. and delivered by my Dad's boss the Flight Surgeon, Dr. Huff. My Dad passed away stationed at Carswell AFB in 1972. He always told us stories of Newfoundland and must have had a wonderful time there. Wish I had some memories but was only 2 when we left. I do have some great old slides he took while we were there. Date/Time of Posting: Jan 08 2011 / 21:30:50 name = John A Cranmer where = Evanston Wyoming Harmon_Memories = My dad was assigned to EHAFB we arrive in spring 1960, Fun place we had the best sledding hill behind our housing unit. Fun times at camp 33, Kiddie bingo at the NCO club, being snowed in at school for several hours, going to the teen club with my brother, community event were a big deal, Mom worked at the Officers Club, My dad worked on the other side of the base and still caught me crossing the main drag by the commissary to take a dip in the creek. Getting stuck in the creek in the spring, walking where I shouldn't be, seeing very little sun, Attended 1,2, 3, grade there. The only person I can remember was Steve Barr. I remember the F102 going in to the drink of the end of the runway and the fuel pump house blowing up, and the alert for the Cuban Missile Crises. Yes it was a very memorable place to be. My hat is off to all who served and serve today. Date/Time of Posting: Jan 15 2011 / 06:29:12 name = keith roop where = eastlake oh Harmon_Memories = was in cds from 62-63 s/sgt hipple was flight sgt. i was a com plotter. had a lot of fun up there. would love to hear from anyone who was there Date/Time of Posting: Jan 17 2011 / 03:17:20 name = George Hamilton where = Clinton, Maryland Harmon_Memories = Hard to type because of the water in my eyes!!!!! Loved Harmon. My Father was stationed there in the Comm Squadron (Crypto Maintenance)63 to 65. Oh the snow, so much snow.I was in school there (8, 8, 9th grade). Remember the trip with the band back from Corner Brook when the snow was sooo bad that the base sent snow plows to help us back to the base. Some of the friends were Bob Bonham, Rickie Lane, Carl Renee, amongst others that time has made me forget. First crush was Nancy Tally. Would love to hear from anyone that may remember me or my sisters, Annamae, Nancy, Judy or Joan. E-Mail TrashChan@Live.com Date/Time of Posting: Feb 11 2011 / 14:50:55 name = Edwin Moelder where = Greeley Colorado USA Harmon_Memories = Stationed there 1961 - 1963 with 1933rd AFCS as a Microwave Radio Relay Equipment Repairman. Did Amateur Radio as WA4DQL/VO1 at a club station up the hill in the basement off an Officers Barracks. Great memories! Now K4VOV. Date/Time of Posting: Feb 15 2011 / 05:22:17 name = John Hartnett where = Bedford, New Hampshire Harmon_Memories = I was stationed at Harmon from 1963 to 1965. I worked for AFRTS and did the evening newscast for CBC. Also radio news. I have great memories of those years. Worked with a great crew and loved going into Stephenville for fun and sport. We played the first recordings of the Beatles, Bob Dylan, and many others. The biggest hit on the radio back then was Louis Armstrong's Hello Dolly... Date/Time of Posting: Apr 25 2011 / 12:55:52 name = Justo E. Pinera Jr where = New Castle, Delaware USA Harmon_Memories = I was stationed at Harmon from Aug 1950 to Feb 1952. The Korean war had just started while I was in Basic training at Lacklend AFB in Texas. We were assigned to the 6602nd Air Police Squadron. We had no choice to our assigment. We trained during our hours off duty to be AP's. Loved it being in Newfoundland. When we returned to the states we tried to get reasigned back there. The people there were wonderful. I remember some of the young ladies that worked as telephone operators. I only remember one named Loretta McIssac. We spent many hours on the Phone talking to them while on the night shift from midnight to 8 am. Another place we loved was Corner Brook. I used to date a young lady by the name of Sylvia Mitchel. She had a sister named Marie. She dated a fellow named Jimmy Finley. I would love to hear from any of the fellows or ladies that were there at that time or anyone related to them. Date/Time of Posting: Jun 19 2011 / 14:01:42 name =Frank Schurott Harmon_Memories = I was stationed on Pine tree from 57 to 59. I seen one of the come home year pictures on a Stephenville site of a few guys fron the radar site. Nice to remember the beautiful place. Date/Time of Posting: Aug 18 2011 / 13:45:27 name = Forehand Paul L where = Tomball, Texas Harmon_Memories = I was transferred from LRAFB To EHAFB in 1964. I was assigned to ACFT 1964-1965. During that time I helped launch and recover and provide maintenance for The KC97. I lived in the 6 story Harmon Hotel. I have some fond memories at the base, town, the locals, etc. this time in my life was exiting an adventure, an sometimes frightening with the snow, wind, and ice near the rotating propellers. I made it back to the warm air in South Texas and I'm glad I made the trip to EHAFB. this is a great site to share, thank you........ Date/Time of Posting: Sep 11 2011 / 14:30:19 name = Remy Abeyta where = Cheyenne, WY Harmon_Memories = I arrived at Harmon AFB on the Labor Day weekend in 1961. I was assigned to the Propeller Shop supporting the KC-97 aircraft. I resided on the top floor of the Harmon Hilton. I recall the big snow storms and high winds accompanied by giant snowdrifts which buried cars out in the parking lot by the hangar where I worked. I started playing with a country band called "The Drifters" shortly after arriving at the base. We played all the clubs on base. So if you went out dancing at the NCO club, Salty Dog club or Airman's club you may recall our little band. I would like to make contact with anyone who may remembers me from those days, co-workers or band members alike. I was fortunate enough to meet up with MSgt. James Harmon shortly before my retirement from the Air Force in 1977. James and I battled many a blizzard removing and replacing those 'danged' propellers on the KC-97s. I left Harmon AFB in March 1963. You may contact me at abeytas@live.com Date/Time of Posting: Oct 13 2011 / 23:50:05 name = Tim Sawyer where = Clarksville TN Harmon_Memories = My father was stationed there in 1957 (not sure when he arrived) as a weapon's troop working on F-89s. He's shared fond memories of Newfoundland and Stephenville. Some of his friends were: Sgt. Moe, Robert Poe, and Bill Norwicky, to name a few. He and I talk often when we're together about our Air Force days. I retired after a 20 year career. Oh, another friend was Johnny Fornash. My father's name is Ben Sawyer, Jr. and he lives in Morgan, Georgia. If his name or any of the others ring a bell, please e-mail me so I can pass this along to him. He loves telling the stories about his time there and would love to hear from his Air Force buddies. Aim High - Air Force! sawyerx4@bellsouth.net Date/Time of Posting: Oct 31 2011 / 17:09:11 name = Don English where = Tyner NC Harmon_Memories = Stationed at Harmon 1962-1964. Assigned to P3 Instrument Trainer Shop. Enjoyed the beautiful country and the guys I worked with. Went from there to Grand Forks ND! Date/Time of Posting: Nov 15 2011 / 08:45:10 name = Ron Borne where = Lititz Pa. Harmon_Memories = My brother Mike was borne at Harmon April 1954. Dad was with weather detachment until 1957? Tech Sgt. retired at McGuire as CMSGT great to hear the stories. Date/Time of Posting: Dec 25 2011 / 10:09:03 name = Bob Sexton where = Louisiana Harmon_Memories = It's Christmas today, and I received a Christmas card from a Harmon High friend, so I've been thinking of Christmas at Harmon, 1964. As I recall it was the first clear day after weeks of the regular overcast and snows. Everyone was out and visiting. We lived in one of the three 8-plexes on Montana Dr and they were loaded with good friends. I recall how pretty Cheryl Sampson and Kathy Myers looked in their parkas that day. And there was George Hamilton (and his sisters but I can't remember their names)and Carl Renee. Visiting with Rick Podgorski, Bill Emminger, walking through the residential area. Had hot cider, cookies etc at half-a-dozen places. Wonderful times. Date/Time of Posting: Jan 06 2012 / 07:57:26 name = jerome (jerry) clark where = louisvile,ky Harmon_Memories = I was stationed at Harmon afb from January 1954-december 1955. I played musuic with Hank Newman (western Ramblers). I was in air rescue, at one time the only electrician for the group. Y J Allen played steel guitar, Hank newman played the piano & sang. At first we had an Indian from Okla. played guitar & later had a fellow fron the army engg. from Owensboro, ky playing the guitar. We had an army sgt. named Ed who played the guitar & sang country. We have not been able to find the drummer but he was from s carolina. I played the bass. I have many fond memories of my time there & met many many friends. I am a retired project Manager from louisville, ky & a retired electrician from ibew/local 369. Married a girl from louisville , had three kids, 4 grandkids & 1 great grand kid. We played music 6 night a week & played the nco club on Sunday afternoon & night. I will always thank the Lord for all the friends both military & civilian that i met & enjoyed there co, Thanks to all for a good time...... Date/Time of Posting: Jan 13 2012 / 16:47:00 name = jerome (jerry) clark where = louisville ky Harmon_Memories = I was an Aircraft Electrician with the 52 Air Rescue Sqd. I arrived at the base in January 1954 & left in December 1955. I came over on a ship called the pvt valdez. Y J Allen was wkth me on this trip. We played music with a group called the Western Ramblers while at this base. I played the bass, Hank Newman on panio & singer. Ed Pierce played rhythm & was a singer. Jim Craig leed guitar, Y J Allen steel-fiddle-lead guitar, & Bill Walker on drums. I have many fond memories & would like to hear from anyone around this time. We played music at the contractors club, airmans club, mco club, officers club, the Catholic Parrish Hall in NFLD Crossing& a club in the town of Stephenville. We had H-19 Helecopters, b-29's with a boat attached to the belliy of the b-29 & one c54 which was converted to a private plane for a general who stayed at Peppermill, st john's nfld.James Craig & Ed Pierce were in the Army Engg: Building a road at the base & to a radar site. Later when James Craig left we aquired a fellow by the name of James Case from Owensboro,ky to play leed guitar. Ed Pierce was the Army Mess sgt. & live in st. george nfld with his family. I was in the specilist group along with h newman, bill walker. Newman was a prop man & bill was hyd. specilist. Our first sgt was from Hawaii & we had two sgt who covered the flight line. We had a coffee shop in the hanger & the specilists group was in charge of this facility We kept a coffee pot full & in the mornings we received & bought bak ery goods. The hanger would hold two b-29;s plus a helecopter. We performed our inspections of the planes in the hanger. yj,walker, & i bought an old plymouth from an airman going back to the states & we used this as our transportation to the hanger & playing music. It is hard to try & remember names but later on i will write some more to this story. I fully enjoyed my stay here & traveled by boat to new york to be discharges at Manhatten afb on Long Island Date/Time of Posting: Jan 16 2012 / 14:22:00 name = Bill Bader (AKA Yogi) where = West Palm Beach, Fl Harmon_Memories = Was stationed at Harmon from August 1960 to Feb. 1962. Lived in the Harmon Hiltons (6 story barracks) on the 5th floor. We recently had a reunion after 48 years. Lots of laughs and good times. The clubs, downtown, were known as the "Flower Shops", Clover Club and Red Rose. I remember a small Take Out, just outside the main gate, that had the best French Fries with gravy. Date/Time of Posting: Jan 21 2012 / 12:30:22 name = James Holan where = Madison, Mn Harmon_Memories = Notice the name YJ Allen mentioned a couple of times. I knew Young John Allen. I lived in apt next to the sister of Delores who married YJ. Went to a dance one night where he was in the band along with my wife and his soon to be wife. Wife and I were in their wedding party. Also went fishing with him and her sister (Curly and Tom Hoskins). I found them on here a couple of years ago and YJ Allen called me from Florida. Had a nice talk. Delores had passed away. I was in the 823rd army engineers at the time I was there from 55 to 57. Just thought I would throw this out there for what it is worth. Date/Time of Posting: Feb 05 2012 / 20:15:02 name = Lou Heydet where = Warren, Connecticut Harmon_Memories = Lived in the Harmon Hilton, room 523 with Ron Kostamo from 1960 to 1962. I was an Assistant C/C on A/C 904 With S/Sgt Monty D. Sayers and S/Sgt Bill Bottoms. Eleven of us with wives held our first reunion 48 years later at the Wright-Patterson Air Museum, our third reunion is coming up in 2012. I really enjoyed my time in Newfoundland and now by email and reunions with some great friends, email ljh8888@aol.com Date/Time of Posting: Feb 11 2012 / 19:54:03 name = Russell Townsend where = Mustang, Oklahoma Harmon_Memories = Was stationed at Harmon AFB from 1960 thru 1962, 4081 CAMS, lived in the 5th floor with my roommate Mike Labanon from Pearl City Hawaii. Many Great Friends from there, Ron Kostamo, Ron Sicina, Lou Heydet, Gary Pinson, Ken Melin, Don Reynolds, Dorvin Amundson, Tommy Lewis. Were going to all meet in Colorado Springs this next May 3, 2012. We were all KC-97 types, good times! Date/Time of Posting: Feb 24 2012 / 19:49:41 name = Bob Branco where = Philadelphia, PA Harmon_Memories = remembering the Bob Hope USO Christmas Show in December of 1961. sat on the floor in the first row. Bob Hope pick out my buddy next to me to go on stage with Jayne Mansfield to dance "the twist" I have some great photos i cherish to this day. I was in the 4081 st transportation squadron 1961 to 1962. I was on the base softball team the summer of 1962. We won the 8th air force championship that year. THANKS FOR THE MEMORIES. email: grandpa1138@comcast.net Date/Time of Posting: Mar 08 2012 / 09:00:09 name = Neil Toeppe where = Ohio Harmon_Memories = Was stationed at Harmon in 1965 & 1966. Discharged Nov 3, 1966 just before the base closed. Was an AP and Col. Edington was my handball partner several times. Sure do remember the snow and the wind. Date/Time of Posting: Mar 14 2012 / 09:26:46 name = Richard H Hayes where = Toledo Ohio Harmon_Memories = Stationed at Harmon 1964 through 1966. Served as Base Cop till discharged. Loved the area and have been back twice for the bi-annual air show. Have many memories of events that occurred during my time there. Most humbling memory was the KC 97 tanker crash while I was on duty. Even today the pond it went into is an eerie sight. The approach lights that were hit are in the same condition today as they were that horrible night. Date/Time of Posting: Mar 31 2012 / 14:17:36 name = Bryan Anderson where = Port Orchard, Wa Harmon_Memories = Was there from '59-'63. Many good memories of the place. My dad was Dep. Operations Officer and we lived on base. Did a lot of fishing, playing golf, bowling, ice hockey, sledding, riding the base loop bus, teen clubing. Mosquitoes in the short summer, SNOW and WIND he rest of the year! Had school in three different buildings, the last one was the new High School up on the hill. They built that one over a filled in bog. Lots of good memories. Would love to go back some day and show my family the place. Date/Time of Posting: Apr 12 2012 / 12:57:50 name = Peter Crawford where = Turbeville S.C. Harmon_Memories = got to Harmon Jan. 1959 with my twin brother Paul.. just out of basic training... went to Macdill until December 58 then went to Harmon until Sept.60.. was there when the C-124 crashed after takeoff from Harmon we were in the air police... We guarded the site until they got rid of it Pete Anders was our best friend.. We went back to Homestead AFB in Sept 60 on Oct 9th 1961 we got in a car wreck and my brother Paul got killed... and i got out of the AF.. Pete Anders if you read this I would like to hear from you..... email: petercrawford40@att.net thanks. Date/Time of Posting: Apr 18 2012 / 04:52:19 name = Donald Reynolds where = Lake Isabella/Mtn. Mesa, Calif. Harmon_Memories = Served 1960/l962 Lived in Harmon Hilton 5th floor last room at the end of the hall way. Remember the heat was down and a glass of water on the table turned to ice over night. Worked as support on the alert crew and the Bob Hope christmas tour had dinner with us in the mole hole setting with us at the tables just like one of us. Received my 3rd strip and was sen to Davis Mouthan A.F.B. Tucson Ariz. Date/Time of Posting: May 27 2012 / 16:52:19 name = Charlie Laper where = Greenville, Michigan Harmon_Memories = I was a member of the original 61st Fighter Squadron to go to Harmon...we arrived the 1st part of July, 1953, and received out F-94 B a/c a couple of weeks later.....that fall, we lost a pilot and RO in a nighttime crash near the Base...later that fall, we "traded in" our F-94 Bs for some F-89 Cs that hadn't been used for months...then next year we got 25 brand new F-89 Ds straight from the factory...I recall early one evening standing on the flightline, watching a "scrambled" plane take off (they hadn't finished our alert hangers yet)..we watched it lift off the end of the short runway, and suddenly, it disappeared into the ocean...that was another set of aircrew members we lost....and I also remember "Tripod" the little dog that lost one of his legs in a propeller accident.......anyone that was there during my time (July, '53 - July '55) might remember me playing drums in bands (during off-duty times) at the Airmen';s Club NCO Club..Officer's Club and the Civillian Contractor's Club...I loved playing Wednesday nights at the NCO Club with the Band Squadron's 18 piece big band...our 1st winter at Harmon ('53-54) was worse that the second..being from Michigan, I was used to cold weather, but not the amount of snow that we got that year.....i have many great memories of Harmon and Stephenville...when we were there, Stephenville looked almost like an old Western town...dirt roads and wooden sidewalks....oh, yes, upon our arrival, they didn't have our barracks built, so we were housed in the BOQs 'til early the next spring when we were moved to (as I recall) barracks L-7...right next to our chow hall... Date/Time of Posting: Jun 19 2012 / 18:56:57 name = Ron Reisener where = Illinois Harmon_Memories = Many of these posts unfortunately concern the loss of friends or relatives who served at EHAFB. I would like to add (4) Army Engineers (823 AEB) who were killed by a runaway Turnadozer while working on the bypass road. I don't remember their names after all these years, but I would like to mention their Cold War sacrifice. Date/Time of Posting: Jun 26 2012 / 15:20:53 name = John Chaulk where = Stephenville, Newfoundland. Harmon_Memories = I am a Newfoundlander. Born and raised here. I grew up in Ray Whites Trailor Park. My dad was a baker and cook for the U.S.A.F. I take pictures of the area now and send them to you folks that wish to see how things look now as compared to then. Please feel free to email me a request of any pictures. Love to take them and send to ya'll. Thanks for your service. Stephenville will never forget you! :-) chaulky@hotmail.com |
