My enlisted service was all aircraft maintainance. Crew chief on the oldT-6, then T-33, In early 1954 I re-enlisted for Castle AFB, a 7 1/2 year tour, crew chief on the B-29, then the B-47, then the KC-135, then the B-52. I was a B-52 crew chief when I was accepted for OCS .

I too was given an age waiver to attend Nav. school. at Harlingen AFB.After Nav school I was assigned to a KC-97 squadron in 15th Air Force. at March AFB. they de-activated in less than a year and was assigned to the 100th Bomb Wing at Pease AFB, N.H. On 12 Feb. 66 I started RTU upgrade training in the C-130. I would like to say upfront I think the C-130 is the greatest, most reliable aircraft built since the C-47 started it's production run in 1933.

On Dec 1966 I was put on alert for South East Asia. Jan 67 in survival school . Then I was assigned to Mactan AB in the Phillipines from where I flew 362 combat missions in S.V.. Came back from there and spent the last year at Lockbourne AFB and then retired on 1 April 1970.

Since then I have worked in the RV industry and Chris Craft Boat , I have worked either as a maintaince technician or supervisor of maintaince

In 1992 I retired for health reasons. I have congestive heart failure and lung problems. I have had open heart surgery and have been a part of the AF health study program (Operation Ranch Hand since 1972).I am pretty well confined to a wheel chair most of the time, but still have lots of interest in things to do. I am interested in lapidary and have done some mentoring in Earth Science for a local Resident Childrens Hospital. The children are such a pleasure and like little sponges learning new things. Would love to hear from any of you who are rockhounds. Or anyone else who would care to write. Love to get letters.

May God Bless and Keep us all.

Don Rhude, 2113A Cambridge Dr., Goshen, IN 46528-5712.