Takhli RTAFB

Bios and More - Year 2004 entries


Henry Ahern
18 Mar 04

I was stationed at Tahkli from Nov 67 to Nov 68. I was assigned to the 1980 Comm Sq and worked at the the base microwave site. At this time the site was still owned by Philco and I remember working with some great Philco guys.

Just before I left the site was turned over to the AF though Philco still had technicians assigned there.

I remember the Bob Hope show in 67. We camped out all night for good seats. Then in the morning they moved the camera platform back into the area we had staked out. We ended up behind the platform. Oh well it was still a great show and we sure appreciated them coming. I have a list of the performers: Earl Wilson, Barbara McNair, Elaine Dunne, Requel Welch, Gary Crosby, Miss Hartog-Bel (sp) (Miss World) and of course, the great Bob Hope.

I have quit a few pictures and will try and get the sent. I am trying to find the negatives to scan as the prints have sure faded in the last 36+ years

It was great to find your site, It brought back some good memories of some great times, Thanks for all your work maintaining this site keep up the good work.

If you have an interest in what I am doing now check out my web site: http://www.bonniebraefarms.com

Henry Ahern

601 Daniel Webster Highway
Plymouth, NH 03264

603 536-3880
603 536-2649 fax

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Don Anderson
5 Jun 2004

I was stationed with the 355 MMS from July 67 to July 68. I worked in the Transfer Area as a Muntions Tech, intially in the Fuse Trailer and then transferring the Frag to the Flight Line.

Looking for others that were stationed there during that time, particularly those who shared the "hootch" with me. I have been able to locate and connect with Ray Yurko, Tom McFarland and Roy Bragg. Spend a short reunion with Ray and Tom this last spring.

Don Anderson

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Bob Bauer
23 Jul 2004

My son ran across the Taklhi web site and sent it to me. I was at Takhli from June 1968 through June 1969. I was assigned to the 333 Fighter Sq.

I was a TSgt at the time and was a Phase Maintenance Dock Chief on the F-105's. We were right across the ramp from the EB66's and I have a hearing loss attributed to our open sheds facing directly at the EB66's taxiing straight at us as they returned from missions.

I retired as a MSgt from active duty in 1981 with 26 years. I then worked as a Civil Service contract negotiator for the Air Force until last years when I retired as a GS-12.

Robert (Bob) Bauer

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Mark H. Benson
17 Nov 04

I served my time in Takhli - 11/66 thru 11/67. I was a crew chief (SGT) in the 333 TFS - crewing D models 394 and 059.

'Twas quite a year over there. I Had a very deep personal problem arise while in Takhli; concerned my twin sister getting married back in Minnesota and my father in the hospital at the same time. I needed to talk to someone and Col. Bill Norris, (333rd TFS commander) took over an hour out of his busy administrative and flying day to listen to my problem. I was just a kid and he treated me like I was his own son. I will never forget him.

I understand he went on to make Major General and retired.

Do any of your associates or contacts have Bill Norris's E-mail address or home address ? I have this burning desire to thank him again for his wise counseling to this young "pup".

Mark Benson

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Dave Borton
28 Jun 2004

I was at Takhli from Jan 70 until Oct (?) 70, when our unit transferred to Korat. 42nd TEWS, squadron clerk.

Once assigned to Korat, I was transferred over to the 355th TFW as an operations clerk. Finished my tour of duty, returning to the states in January 71. Stationed at Eglin AFB until DOS, Jun 1972. Returned to college on the GI bill.

David T. Borton

http://sidewalkmystic.com
A Complete Guide to Honduras Vacation Travel

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Roger Byrd
5 Mar 04

I was active Air Force from '71-75. Prior to Takhli I served at Cannon AFB, New Mexico and TDY to Nellis AFB, Nev. That is where I went to Takhli from. At Takhli I was assigned to the 474th Avionics Maintenance Squadron as a comm, nav, ecm technician. I returned CONUS to Mtn. Home, AFB Id.

After separation from the USAF I became a police officer and continue in that profession. Additionally, I served in the AFRes as an OSI agent and eventually left the AFRes and entered the Idaho Air National Guard. I retired from ANG in Jul, 03 (it took me longer than some to figure out that there IS life outside the "Blue Suit")

Those who think that the airmen and crews stationed in Thailand were not really a part of the war should have spent a couple of days following us around. There were many 12-16 hour days worked by my unit, and a lot of ordnance dropped by our crews.

Most of my pics have disappeared over the years and many moves that I've made, but I did want to forward a couple of pics that I've downloaded off of the web. Both portray my baby, the F-111 Aardvark. This was only a nickname until it was made official at the retirement of the aircraft.

The static display at the Air Force Museum, on the left, was a Takhli bird and is in the battle dress that she wore while working in sunny SE Asia. The second shows the "payload" capabilities of this bird. Not the prettiest plane in the inventory, but unmatched at what she did. When President Reagan wanted to Kadaffi's attention, he let the Aardvark deliver the message.

Roger Byrd

Click to view full size image
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Mike Chapin
20 Apr 04

I was finishing out my enlistment while a member of CES prime beef squadron at McConnell AFB Kansas in May of 72 when I was ordered to report to the OIC,when reporting I was informed I was leaving for South East Asia and to report to the Airport. As it turned out I left for Holloman AFB the next day to deploy to Tahkli, myself and 6 others boarded a C-5 for our trip which took two and a half days as the aircraft broke down everywhere we landed.

When we arrived I immediately found out why my orders stated field operations. First order of business was to install a BAK 12 aircraft arresting barrier ASAP, we worked around the clock to get it installed, and we had to hire local help to dig the anchor pits as we had no heavy equipment. After we completed the first barrier myself and Joel Ruark who deployed with me and others, volunteered to run a crew so the F-4's could start their missions over Vietnam.

We worked a 24 on and 24 off shift, slept in our Datsun pickup they gave us for a few weeks until we were given a room in the flight line crash recovery building. We managed to spend some time downtown after the base commander opened it up, seems like downtown sprang up overnight. Favorite bar, of course the F-4, I remember while running out of the F-4 bar to catch the baht bus Joel Ruark fell into a clong, what a mess, if I remember correctly he ended up burning his clothes.

Caught a lot of F-4's returning to base with battle damage, I will never forget the relief on the crew members faces when they knew they had made it back.

The strangest event I had while at Takhli was when the Tower called me to disconnect the approach end barrier as a U-2 was scheduled to land, I completed the disconnect in time to see the U-2 come in, only problem he landed a bit long and during his roll out his wing dipped just before the over run barrier cable, and yes he caught the cable spinning him almost 360 degrees. I guess the U-2 did not sustain very much damage as it left shortly there after.Yes if any of you barrier types are wondering I did enter this as an engagement in the log book.

I also had the pleasure of visiting Korat and spending some time in U-Tapao.

Thanks for a great web site, I have discovered a co-worker also spent some time at Takhli who I have given this web address to.

Mike Chapin

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Mark Coen
18 May 04

I was at Takhli from Sept'69 to Feb'70. I was an Aircraft Electrician with the 355FMS.

I had been at Korat previous to that and transferred when the last squadron of F105's left Korat PCS to Takhli

Mark Coen

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Fred Czekanski
8 Mar 94

Late in May of 1972, 20 USAF Security Police K-9 handlers and dogs were sent from Clark AFB, PI to Takhli AFB to aid in the reopening. We left Takhli in early October of 1972. Like others that were there for the reopening of the base, we had nothing but what we brought.

Myself and dog Joey along with Robert Collie and dog Steed were among that group of 20 K-9 handlers there. During our time there handlers and dogs were sent to other bases for short stints to fill in gaps of coverage as needed.

Sgt. Fred Czekanski
Olmsted County Sheriff's Office
Rochester, MN

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Ollie Edwards
5 Jul 2004

I was an electronic warfare officer in the 42nd TEWS from Dec. 67 to Dec 68. Flew 123 missions in the EB66E and B models.

I was sent to Takhli after graduating from AFIT and Auburn University. After Takhli I had an assignment at W-P AFB in ASD, then back to Auburn U. for another AFIT degree, then returned to W-P AFB where I spent four years as Director of the Avionics Laboratory's Electronic Warfare Division.

Retired 1 April 1977 as a Colonel and have lived in Auburn, Al since. Am still flying--currently have a Cessna 210.

Ollie Edwards
687 Scottwood Drive
Auburn, AL 36830

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John Gaitskill
9 Sep 04

I served there May-August of 72 as part of the rotation of the 49TFW from Holloman. I was a corrosion control specialist in the 49FMS. I was with the 417th in Mountain Home from May 69 and relocated to Holloman with them when I returned from Crested Cap in fall 1970.

John Gaitskill
Park Forest, Il 60466

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Raymond Geise
31 Dec 2004

I was looking on the net today for information due to the recent disaster on the coast of Thailand, and happened upon your site. Fantastic! I never would have believed that so many would remember. I was a member of an 89 man combat support deployment team assigned to the 824th Security Police Squadron at Kadena Okinawa from December 1971 until July of 1973.

During this time I was deployed TDY twice. Once to Takli and once to DaNang. I really can't remember the dates any longer, but I do recall flying into Takli from Kadena to reopen the RAFB to US aircraft to support bombing missions into Vietnam etc. I do remember a group of Security Police arriving from Holloman NM. In fact I think that only a few weeks after there arrival we returned to our home base. Interesting though, I didn't see anyone signed in from the 824th.

Anyways, great sight, thanks for keeping the memories of our fallen brothers alive.

Raymond F. Geise, Sgt. USAF

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Mike Gilday
19 Dec 2004

INITALLY ARRIVED AT TAKHLI TDY FROM NELLIS AFB IN MAR 73 THEN CONVERTED OVER PCS. FROm THERE TO UT AND THEN ON TO 400 MMS(T)OKINAWA, JAPAN

Mike Gilday

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Ron Grundon
29 Feb 04

I was at Takhli twice. In Dec 67 I was assigned to the 432nd TRW at Udorn, then reassigned to Takhli in Feb 68. I worked in the F-105 EWS Pod shop as "Failure Analysis Clerk" and on the flight line as a technician on Wild Weasels.

My T-lock and I had a bungalow in the village that was behind the Honey Bar. My favorite hangout was Takhli Guesthouse, though I managed to make the rounds of the others, including Takhli Hut, Winnies and Lotus to name a few. The pooyings were fantastic! I thought Singhai Beer had the absolute worst taste of anything I had ever tried. Amazingly, I somehow developed a taste for the rotten stuff and managed to keep the breweries working overtime for the remainder of my tour.

I departed Thailand for the Land of the big PX in December 68 for a very short stay at Hill AFB. In September 69 I was reassigned to the 355th PMEL as night shift supervisor. We worked 12 hour shifts, six days a week but still managed to "hit the beach" in the village almost every day.

In June 70, as Takhli was closing, I elected (we were actually given a choice) to serve out the remainder of my year with the 460th ABG at Tan San Nhut, then was reassigned to McGuire AFB, NJ.

I really worked with a great bunch of guys during both tours. I was honored to serve my final tour before retirement at Woomera AS, Australia. I now spend my waning years showing my restored 46 Ford Coupe around west central Missouri.

Ron Grundon, Msgt, USAF (Ret)
Sedalia, Missouri

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Bill Henderson
3 May 2004

I was originally stationed at Kadena 63-65, then to McConnell, TDY to Takhli in the "EARLY" deployment before running water & reliable electricity " Open screen wall Hooch" days.

Left Takhli just before Christmas '65

Bill Henderson
SKYTECH AVIATION, INC
Addison, TX

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Michael Hutson
13 Sep 04

I was with the 44th "Vampires" @ Korat, I crewed 63-8284 a Wild Weasel. While at Takhli we used the F-111 revets & maintenance shacks, & bunked in the hootches by the NCO club, (didn't have far to stumble).

In 69 when the F4's made their way to Korat the Commander of the 469th stayed with the Phantoms @ Korat & didn't go to Takhli, to make a long story short they went to the 355th for a Frag Brief in an F-4, I still remember looking up & seeing a Red (spray can) painted F-4 on final. The aircraft was painted by a few of the folks that went to Takhli with the Thud's & still held a grudge, a couple of Chiefs, & a Captain or two,it would of made Earl Schieb look good.

They were able to come to Korat to assist in the depainting procedure for a few days. I would like to know if there is anyone out there who remembers that & the folks involved. Note:I ran into Major B.D.Mauden @ McConnell AFB, & he said he was one of the pranksters, it caused quite a stir with the Brass, but it was funny!!!

Michael Hutson

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Larry Johnson
9 Mar 04

I was at Takhli from Sept 1966 to Aug 1967. I worked as an Aircraft Electrician, primarily on the F-105s, but I also worked on anything else that needed electrical fixin (C-47, EB-66 and HH-43). I must have been the first 19 year old "3" level electrician to arrive at Takhli because they absolutely didn't know what to do with me after I arrived. I spent a lot of time fixing "parts" in shop and also working the Nicad and Silver Zink battery shop. It was probably a good thing since I had learned how to take care of aircraft batteries while at Nellis AFB. As any crew chief that has ever had to clean up the mess can attest, the Silver Zink battery that the F-105 used was extremely tempermental and if not treated or maintained properly, it did a pretty good job of melting down (usually while still installed in the aircraft). This battery had a stainless steel case and it cost somewhere in the range of $1,200 each (1966 dollars) and it was only good for about a 15 months total life expectancy.

After becoming a "5" level electrician, I spent my fair share of time working on the flight line too. Working the night shift getting the planes ready for the next days flying was the most rewarding experience. I also remember doing voltage checks on the taxi way when the planes would come back from a mission and down on the engine trim pad. There is nothing like watching and hearing an F-105 in afterburner during the midnight hours. What a blow torch!

It took some getting used to working 5 days on and 1 off but we managed. The day-off kept changing every week and the only way we knew there was a holiday was when they put up decorations in the chow hall or when they came around and asked who wanted to go see the Bob Hope show.

I really enjoyed my year in Thailand and I enjoyed the people there too. The Takhli Hut was my primary hang out, but I did manage to visit almost every club in Takhli. Even visited the lumber yard (off limits) one time. I do remember getting paid $120 per month and with a pay day happening only once per month it didn't go very far. I didn't smoke, so I made ends meet by selling my rations. It was amazing what you could get downtown for a carton of Salem or an apple. I never did figure out why beer at the Airmans Club cost a dime while cokes cost a quarter. Needless to say, I learned to drink beer.

Nellis was my first base after coming out of tech school. They put an "F" prefix on my electrician AFSC and this pretty much locked me into being assigned only where there were F-105 aircraft. After Takhli they sent me to Wichita, Ks where I almost froze to death (thin blood after a year in the heat). I took an early out there and reinlisted like a fool (7 years total). This allowed me to go back to Nellis for my last two years.

After leaving the Air Force, I went back to Fort Worth, TX and joined the Air Force Reserves and worked full time as a (civil service) Air Reserve Technician and I continued to work on the F-105s until 1981 when they were phased out. I also attended the "Fly Out" (retirement) of the last F-105s at Hill AFB. During my 7 year active duty stint I worked on just about every kind of fighter and helicopter that the Air Force had. Of all these planes, I liked working on the F-105 the absolute best and I worked on the "B", "D" and "F" models.

I remember my time with the F-105s and at Takhli with much fondness. If Frank Allen from NJ is still kicking around out there I would love to hear from him. We were stationed at Nellis, Takhli and Wichita, KS together on the F-105s.

Thanks for the web site, the pictures and the memories.

Larry Johnson

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Joe LeDoux
5 Sep 2004

Was at Takhli in 1966 part of Limelight. Worked on J75 engines. Hot and lots of bugs worked nights.

Looking for Bill McDaniels

Joe LeDoux

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Jim Lindsey
24 Feb 04

I was a baker in Takhli 68 thru 69.

I remember when Hanoi Hanna threatened to invade our base December 5th 1968 and we stood guard on the flight line with our m16's.

Jim Lindsey

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Donald " Mike " McEver
17 Aug 04

I was Tahkli from 3/70 to 9/70 when we moved to Korat. I was part of the 355 AMS ECM pod shop and spent time as AMS maint. controller (Mid shift). Great times there

Mike McEver

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Wilbert McLeMore
16 Dec 2004

I was stationed at Takhli from 73-74. I worked with the ES-85 mobile film processing facility. We processed film from the F-111A aircraft exploited, and reproduced it.

I got into the Thai lingo pretty good, and would sing songs in Thai at Winny's Bungalo every Sunday afternoon. The tour there was pretty good, and I went on to Nellis from there. After 4 years there I went on to Camp New Amsterdam in the Netherlands. All in all my career in the Air Force was very rewarding.

Wilbert McLeMore

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Thomas Morris
22 Mar 04

I was tdy to Takhli Sep and Oct 1973. I was a Dog Handler sent up from Utapao.

I was the handler that was in the area between the runway and taxiway the night we had at least one snooper on base. A handler 2 posts down reported his dog alerting. He lost the scent but my dog picked it up and was told to cross the runway and follow it. The individual was spotted in the next section down from me. My dog and I had to keep hiding when the sent up the starshells. I never did hear the 'whoop whoop' but did hear them hitting the ground

Thomas Morris

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Royce Rankin
8 Jan 04

July 69 - June 1970 Air Traffic Controller assigned to the RAPCON.

I was the controller who ran the Precision Approach Path Radar (PAR) on Capt. Jim White in October of 1969 when he returned in a blinding monsoon after taking battle damage. I still remember him coming into the RAPCON with a case of beer for our crew. He later that week took me out for supper. His untimely loss the following month still haunts me.

Royce Rankin

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Dale Rix
4 May 04

I was with the 355 TFW from Nov. 1966 to Nov. 1966. I went TDY with the 354 TFS, 357 TFS, and the 469 TFS. I was a Fuel System Mechanic for the entire time.

I remember one incident that I was involved with, it had to do with the defueling of a "D" model in one of the new nose docks, it was I believe in Oct of '66. I managed , with the help of the CC and his assistant CC, to put 1200 gallons of JP-4 on the ramp. That's what happens when the main fuel shut-off valve is removed when the aircraft is still fully fueled

Dale A. Rix

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Carl Sauls
8 Jul 2004

I was assigned to Royal Thai Takhli AFB, Thailand form May to October 1972. I was assigned to the 49 TFW from Holloman AFB, N.M.

I worked on the flight line as a crew chief on the Mcdonnell Douglas Phantom F4. I loved those days and I miss that part of history while in the Air Force. Miss all the people from that part of my career.

Those days are over but not forgotten. Lot of memories and a lot of good times. Thanks for the memories.

Carl L. Sauls

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Steven Saunders
5 Jun 05

I was at Takhli with the 474th TFW from '72- '73 during which time i was sprayed almost continuously with insecticids.

I need to know if anyone knows what it was made of because it has adversley affected my health.

Steven Saunders

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Steve Schaub
28 Dec 2004

I was stationed at Takhli RTAFB for 2 TDYs from Sept 72 till Oct 73. I served in the 474th AMS with a lot of wild men such as Dave Ross, Mark Wilcox, Jerry Riffel, Gary the Boy Tech Sergeant, MR. Bodine, Coach Libke and a cast of other cutthroats and ne'er-do-wells. We managed to stay alive and out of the dispensary for the most part. Worked our butts off on the flightline doing 12 days and 12 hour parties during Linebacker and managed to stay sane by doing many "Beacon-Runs" in the Big-D  launch trucj daily.

Went to Mountain Home AFB after 73 and got out with an early out in 74. Have managed to stay married to the same lady for the past 29 years and currently work for the USDA in Kansas City.

Sa-Wa-Dee, Y'all.

Steve Schaub

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Gary Schremser
3 Sep 2004

Interesting site, haven't thought of Takhli for many years.

I was with the 6280th USAF hospital, veterinary service from Feb 1974 till Aug 1974 then sent to Utapao RTAFB during the close down. Lots of good times and b/s there.

Gary Schremser

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Walter Stevens
22 Mar 04

I was in Detachment 2, 6th Aerial Port Squadron. I arrived there in December 1967 as a SSgt and left in December 1968 as a TSgt. This detachment handled all incoming and outgoing passenger flights to Bangkok and the other bases in Thailand. As well, we handled tons of air cargo.

Walter Stevens
Goose Creek, SC

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Dick Tyndall
7 Sep 04

I ran across this site the other day and a lot of memories came flooding back! I was stationed at Cannon AFB ( May ' 70 thru Dec ' 73 ) and was a Crew Chief on F-100's then F-111D's. Got sent TDY to Takhli about March 15th of ' 73 and was working on the 474th's A models from Nellis.

This place was almost like a vacation away from Cannon! I worked nights for a few weeks ( 6 PM to 6 AM ) then went to days. I worked in " Red Section " ( red stripe on the tails ) for TSGT Billy Hawkins...one of the funniest guys I ever met, but he was business on the Flightline. Always had a funny joke or a story to tell. He was PCS at Nellis and 3 years later he was Maintainence Chief for the Thunderbirds. I last saw him at an airshow in 1976. Great guy.

I was Crew Chief on 67-112 most of the time I was over there. This aircraft flew 226 missions before August 15th, 1973 when the last missions were flown. 67-070 from the yellow section was the only aircraft that flew more missions. 67-112 was grounded for about a month and a half with parts on order and would have easily flown more missions if people hadn't kept K-balling parts off of her. Even got 6 straight OR flights, one time.

I was the Crew Chief of record on the 474th's Commander Colonel Thomas E. Lacy's aircraft, 67-113. He flew the last mission on August 15th, 1973 with another F-111 in which an enlisted photographer rode right seat and took pictures.I have pictures that a friend took this day when the airplane came back. We had a big beer bust in the " Big hanger" that day, too.

I also was the last person to preflight F-111A 67-111 on June 16th, 1973. I remember launching this bird mid-morning that day for the usual 2 hour mission. That time went by and I figured they hit a tanker for another 2 hours ( which was not unusual ), but when that time went by I was really starting to worry. When the fire trucks started rolling out to the runway we saw 67-094 come in with about 5 feet of its right wing missing. I heard that they had to help the WSO get out of the cockpit because he was really shaken up. This aircraft landed at Takhli, not at Ubon like a lot of books report. Glad the aircrew got out okay. The capsule was recovered, but the chopper that retrieved it dropped it a couple of times and it was junk by the time they got it back.

Lots of good times were had over there. I remember the F4 bar, the Crown, Takhli Gardens, the girls kickboxing, Mekong and Cokes, a fifth of Bacardi Rum for $2.05, the barbershop on base where this one barber would "crack your neck" after he cut your hair..........felt good, too. Lots of other things that went on that I won't go into.

Would like to hear from others that were over there during this time. I got out in December ' 73 and went to work for Philip Morris as a machinist here in Richmond, Va. I retired this April with 30 years service. I started building and racing Stock Outboard hydroplanes, something I have wanted to do for many years.

I wouldn't trade those years of my life back then for anything.

Dick Tyndall
SGT. USAF

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Jim Walker
12 Aug 2004

Was assigned to the 355th TFW at Takhli from Apr 69 to Apr 70. Worked in the F-105/B-66 flightline engine shop. Later became a basic training MTI at Lackland, then a C-141 flight engineer at Charleston AFB.

Retired from the USAF in 1984. Now serving as a civilian in the Command Section, Aeronautical Systems Center HQ, Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio.

Jim Walker
MSgt, USAF, Retired

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Harold Winkle
25 Sep 04

Was stationed at Takhli from June 68 to June 69. Was responsible for supervising and processing aircraft maintenance requests.

Looking for any information on plane crashes on the base during this time frame. Also any other info on mishaps that took place. I'm currently fighting VA for disability and they are questioning my info.

Harold Winkle

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Flight of Four over Takhli

Flight of four F-105s over Takhli RTAFB during 1969 Red River reunion - photo courtesy Bob George

Dick Williams

20 Dec 04