Your Dad served one year earlier than I did. I enlisted in Novemeber 1959..hard to imagine 50 years ago. Went through six months of tech school at GoodFellow AFB, came out as a Radio Intercept Analyst, 20250. Was stationed at the puzzle palace, AFSCC at Kelly after that. Finally seperated in November 1963. Never have discussed much about what we did back in those days, I guess the secrecy of our job became to ingrained, so much so that I usually just say I was in the Air Force during the cold war and the Cuban Missile Crisis.

USAFSS MIO in Misawa 61-63.

My father was a Russian Linguisr for over 16 years. Went to Syracuse for Basic Russian 1959-60, then off to Goodbuddy. First USAFSS assignment 6912th SS(Marienfelde) in Berlin from 1960-65. Went back to Syracuse for Intermediate Russian 1965-66, then 1966-69 to Darmstadt 6910 SG. Next assignment was ESR in Frankfurt, and then back to Berlin 6912th SS(Marienfelde) from 1972-74. Retired out of Ft. Meade in Mar 1975.

Not sure of my class number but I attended radio operator school 1958-1959. I was there awhile longer than most as it took awhile to get my clearance. I also was the guide on flag t for our unit. I wish I remembered those names that I served with back then and to say thanks to those that supported me. I was passed down the squadron flag and practiced in the evenings in order to make a difference on during our passing the reviewing stand. After BEP school I was a member of the 6930th Radio Group Mobile, Iralklion AFS.

I served as a Flight Commander for Baker and Dog Flights at Darmstadt during the period 1963-1966. I am currently writing my memories of those facinating years. In times of operational crisis (and there were many), I worked in the Surveillance and Warning Center. We took the inputs from all the internal intercept sites, quickly assessed the info and sent out reports to our consumers (White House, Pentagon, Strategic Command Hqs). I have some interesting anecdotes that I will be glad to share with you sometime in the near future. Please send me your e-mail address.
William R. Morales, Colonel, USAF ret

I appreciated and enjoyed your commentary on your father. I was with USAFSS, assigned to IAS, Crete from Nov. 1959 thru March 1961. Worked in the compound along with Roger Adams, ur Jan 3,2010, who has again become a buddy. What a wonderful experience it was, great memories, maturation, some lonliness, good friends, & wine in Iraklion, Knossos was beautiful. cpk

From 1955 to 1958 served at Elmendorf as a Radio Analyst 1 yr at Anchorage, and at Pt Barrow (Team 3 changed to Det 4 in 1956. then to Trabzon, Turkey to watch the fireworks at Kapustin Yar October 1957. My kids have gotten me to (finally) start to write about that time. The 23 of us at Pt Barrow know how close the Russians got, and it was a wonder that we lived through 1956.

Early 1959 thru end of 1961 I served with the 6950 USASS at Chicksands, UK, a 29150 Comm Operator, I have lots good memorys of the time, one my son,s was born during this error, now he has dual
citizen ships, before the USAFSS
I served a tour in Korea and went
on from there to Air Force missile
Center, patrick AFB, Forida tell 1957 to the Air Defence Command near
Detroit Michigan with a F105 group as
a Hot Room Operator, from there to the great USAFSS. What a life in the past, now just old man in retirement,, take care and pass
on my fealings for your Father..for
a great job well done.
Claude

To Claude Nimmo, I was a 292 and secondary 291 and was at Chicksands from 1958-1961, We had a reunion in Branson, Mo last week and and had a great turnout and a great time, the next one will be in upstate NY next October. Theres a ton of stuff about Chicksands on the web. Ben

At Keesler Oct 56 - April 57, then to March afb then 6981st RGM Elmendorf 6/57 - 8/60 A trick ditty bop

Served as a 292 at the Sands from late 1959 through September of 1960 when I returned to the US for discharge. I’ve been looking for anyone who was there at the time or anyone who remembers me.

Tom Harder
[email protected]

My father, Neil Peck, served in the USAFSS around 61-64? He was stationed At first in Bremerhaven,Germany and then Alaska in the Artic Circle. He passed a year ago Feb 4th. I can understand your pride in your father’s work. My father was extremely proud of his tour. He had a hat that he used to wear everywhere with the logo of the USAFSS. In fact, at his service, we had a picture of him blown up. My mom says that was her favorite picture of him. He was wearing the hat. I believe we also had it beside his urn during the service. My mom kept that hat and his favorite Steelers hat.lol Thanks for creating this site. All to often people tend to forget those that served in peace time.

I was at IAS from June ’60 to Dec ’61. At first I was the Unit Mail Clerk by day and bartender 3 times a week at the Airman’s Club thereby making guys who received mail from their sweeties happy during the day for those with no mail, made them happy after hours at the bar. Eventually reassigned into the op area.
I had some good memories but 18 months a little bit (6 months!) too long.
Sorry to see the pix of its current state of disrepair.
You would think the local Greek government could have used the property to greater effect than zero, but apparently, you’d be wrong to think that.
Hard to believe it’s been 50 YEARS SINCE I WAS THERE.

I graduated from intercept radio opp school at Kessler AFB in the first half of 1956. I then went to Elmendorf AFB and was sent remote to St Lawerence Island. untill 1957.

I truly enjoyed your website and probably had met your dad. I finished Keesler AFB, radio intercept school, one week ahead of him (6-2-59) and was then assigned to the 6927th rsm at Onna Point for two years then to 6917th rgm in Brendisi ,Italy for two years. I have great memories of the places we visited and the friends I made during that period of my life. Sorry to hear of the loss of your dad. Good luck with your quest in learning of your dad’s past.

Is there anyone who served at Wheelus AFB 1954-56?
I was in junior high there.
My Dad, Col Edwin Cooper (died in 1981) was comnmander of the 6930th Sec Group and 6934th RMS.

Thanks,
Ed Cooper,MD
North Carolina
I was at Dover AFB 1968-70 as a surgeon

Gary, I believe I served with you at keesler then elmendorf for a month then st lawrence island then iraklion afs crete.

i was there 34th rsm , later the 6934th then changed to 6930th rgm. last half 55 and most all of 56 ……sues crisis in late 56. …….your Dad was most likely my commanding officer .

I was stationed at Elmendorf AFB in 1956 then went to St Lawrence island for a year. If you would like to know more about what youre dad did, send me youre e-mail address and I will send you a Wikipedia page with a lot of info. I contacted the New USAFSS and was informed that a lot of the info is no longer classafied, but some still is.

Ron Helbok sent you and e-mail May 19, 2011. Ron we were roomates on St Lawrence island for a year. and also roomed togather at keessler AFB when we were going to intercept school. I have been trying to locate you on white pages etc. for a couple of years. please e-mail me at [email protected]. if you see this. If anyone has Ron Helbok e-mail address please send it to me. Ron It has been 55 years. and I would enjoy talking to you. I have a couple of pictures of you and I while we were on the island.
Gary

I served in the USAFSS from 1963 to 1967. Kelly AFB, Goodfellow AFB and then with the 6910 Security Wing at Darmstadt. Was a 202X0. Oddly enough, can’t remember the flight. Lt. M. Day was our flight commander and MSGT. Leonard Gaines was in the SWC. Can anyone help my memory? I lived offbase on the German economy with my new wife. Got lost going to Darmstadt in October, 1964 but finally found my way to Cambrei Fritsch Kaserne the day after I was supposed to report. Interesting times!

I would like to locate Ron Helbok. He posted an e-mail on you’re web site May 19 2011 at 903pm. Would you please help me contact him. I have had no contact with him after I left St. Lawrence island. It has been 55 years. My e-mail is [email protected]

Thanks for the great web site. My father was a silent warrior who served in the USAFSS from 1967-1971. He was stationed in Hawaii. Got a question for anyone who may know? Would my father qualify for a Vietnam Service Medal? Although he never set foot in Vietnam, he did monitor communications directly related to operations in Vietnam. Thanks again for the great website and look forward to receiving an answer.

I was enlisted In the USAF on 4Aug58. Went to Tech school at Keesler AFB from Oct58 to Jun59. I arrived Elmendorf AFB Sep59 and served there at the 6981st RGM till my discharge in Sep62. Gary Wild, was my roommate at Elmendorf for a while prior to his dischrge, Hello Gary. Your father would have been 1 week behind my on this life’s adventure. My wife and I celebrated Veteran’s day yesterday, and my mind drifted back to a time when friendhips and memories were made. I salute all my 6981st brothers, and also to those who are no longer with us: gone but not forgotten.

I served from June 1959 to June 1961 at the 6981st RGM as a Y20250 non-morse radion printer anaylist would like to hear from anyone who served at that time. I also have a picture of the unit at that time it is a panarama picture. Came back and served nine months at headquarters at Kelly

I served with the 6930th RGM on the island of Crete from December 1958 through May 1960. I arrived there just after the tour of duty changed to 18 Months. I was a 292 assigned to Charlie flight. The shift commander was 1st Lt. McMillan from Casper, Wyoming. I will never forget getting off of a mid-watch, going to the base sewer plant to shovel “fertilizer” along with the rest of the shift becuse the base commander Col. Sheehan wanted to plant 10,000 trees as part of a base “beautification” project. Made a bunch of good friends while there.

I was with the 6931st in 1963/64. Roomed with Hughes Lamar Owens. We rotated at about the same time and were stationed at USAFSS just as they were moving from Brooks Field to Security Hill. Had the job of going to the San Antonio Post Office and picking up some gear that allowed us to do our job with the Rycoms. Married and reenlisted for base of choice. Went to Hakata Air Station on Kyshu with the 6918th. Returned to San Antonio and served out the balance of my 8 years with the 6993rd at Lackland Annex. Would like to find Norman Butcher and his wife Phylis who lived next door to Cathy and I. I think he lives in Washington state or Oregon. Also would like to find Lamar Owens. He was from Stuart Virginia. Married a Texas girl and moved back to Virginia. I had real good tours and enjoyed my time in USAFSS

Reading your blog. and the comments attached, brought back fond memories. I was an enlisted man from Jan ’64 to Jan ’68. Lackland for Basic, then Kelly for initial USAFSS schooling and Goodfellow for finishing school. Was a 202×0 (radio intercept analyst), First overseas station was the 6912th Security Squadron based at Templehof Zentral Fleughafen in Berlin (1965-’67.) This supposed-to-be 3-year tour was cut short so that I could be sent as a 20250 to the 6924th Security Squadron in Da Nang. Viet Nam, where I finished up my 4-year enlistment as anthe E-5. I did not know your father, but everyone I knew in USAFSS was a fine man and I’m sure your father fit right in with this exceptional outfit. Best regards to you and all the USAFSS vets. O’Neill Pollingue

I was in the Air Force ROTC at West Virginia University and enlisted July 1966 during the height Viet Nam. I went to Lackland in July 66 for basic training and the to Goodfellow in San Angelo for a year in 202 school. Assigned to the 6910th in Darmstadt Germany. I spent 2 years in Germany and never got to Viet Nam. When I left the 6910th I was sent to Medina Base at Kelly and Michael Connor who became my best friend while at the 10th was sent to Da Nang. The day I got orders for discharge I called his wife in Knoxville, Tenn. to arrange to see her on my way home from Texas to West Virginia and she had been notified that morning the Mike had been killed when his recon aircraft had been shot down. I guess over the years I have asked myself many times why him and not me. He was a GREAT guy and I came to know him like a brother. My son was born at Lackland in March 1970 and I was discharged in April 1970. At that time Mike’s wife had a son he never got to see. All the people I came to know in USAFSS were the BEST OF THE BEST. I would love to hear from anyone who can remember me during those years at [email protected]. Since we were not permitted to talk about what we were doing, not many people knew what we were doing during the cold war era and Viet Nam. It just seems like it was yesterday and not 46 years ago. Fred L. Riggleman, SSGT USAF

I enlisted in the Air Force in February 1951. Went to radio school at Keesler AFB and 8th RSM in old Brooks AFB in San Antonio. Letf for the 12th RSM in Landsburg, Germany. Went from there to 34th RSM in Wheelus AFB in 1952. Only a handful of operators. We lived in tents and operated with mobile electic units. Rotated to the states in 1954. Taught Intercept School at Wheelus in 1955. Old Nut! Contact me at [email protected]

OH Hell! it was at Keesler that I taught School. Old Fart at 80 years old.

My dad Maj Morris Weiser was the 3399th Sq CO. from about 1953/54 to 1961. Anyone if you have any photos, news paper clippings or information I would love to hear from you.
Paula Weiser) Cicioni
(805)208-4094
[email protected]

I enlisted in the USAF in 1960, finished basic training and was sent to Goodfellow AFB in San Angelo, Tx.,where I was trained to be an Intercept analyst for the USAFSS. After grauduating tech school, I was sent to Onna Point, in Okinawa as well. It is very possible that I was stationed at Onna Point the same time as your father. I was stationed there from mid 1961 thru 1962 and then transferred to Hakata AB Japan just outside of Fukuoka to the 6918th Security Squadron late in 1962. Do you have a complete picture of the whole squadron. Your father looks familiar. I so loved those times and hold them deep in my heart.

I served in the 6924th with O’Niell Pollingue….

Your Dad served with a great bunch of guys…….

RIP

I went to school at Keesler and was sent to Darmstadt,Germany to the 6911th RGM. I was there when our kc130 was shot down in Soviet Armenia and when Gary Powers was downed. 1958 - 1961.
I will never forget the experience of a lifetime and how it formed my future life. It’s nice to be able to talk about it however it was so secretive it seems strange even now to speak about it.
Don Lain 29251 Morse Intercept/

I enlisted in USAF 1 Nov 55, basic at Lackland and tech school at Keesler AFB, MOI followed by Ground Radio Operator Course (Class 23026) graduated 3 Jul 56. Stationed at Camp Pieri, Wiesbaden, Germany late 56 until late 59.

Thanks for jogging some memories. I enlisted August 2956 did basic training with one of the last groups through the old Psrks Air Force Base in California. Then to good old Keesler AFB MS for radio intercept school. From there was off to March AFB CA inApril-May 1957. Transfered to Elmendorf AFB 6981st RGM jUNE 1957 thru Feb 1960.

mustered out at McCord AFB WA March 1960. I probably crossed paths with some of you at one time or another. If any of yu recall me -drop me a line. Would love to chat about old times.

Don Darling

Loveland, CO

Enlisted Dec. 1967 / Basic Lackland, AFB / Tech School Goodfellow, AFB Intercept Analyst / Okinawa 1970th Security Group / Da Nang, Viet Nam 1924th Security Group / Ft. Meade, Md until discharge in Dec 1971.

I enlst in usaf 4/57, after basic trng went to radio intercept trng at keesler. From keesler was assig. to Elmendorm AFB 6981st RGM, there for only a month(s) or so, then went to St. Lawrence Island as a ditty bopper. From St. Lawrence went to 6970th RG Ft. Meade, Md as personnel specialist. Just missed assignment to NSA X/trnging as teletype opr. dischgd in 4/61. Wish I had names of others at St.Lawrence. My memory ain’t what it used to bed!

i was a non morse operator at the 6981sr from 1959-1961. Don Darling is a familiar Name. If you see this, drop me a note. I live in littleton, Co.

I was stationed at the 6911th RGM in 1958 & 1959 after a tour of duty with the 6925th RSM at Clark AFB in the PI. Trained as intercept radio operator at Keesler AFB. and upgraded to a traffic analysis in the 6911th.
I played baseball for the Comets and loved tooling around Germany in my 1950 white Mercedes convertable.

My dad was SSgt Melvin Johns. He started out at Keesler AFB in about ’54, and then went to someplace in Asia. He told us he was in Japan, but I believe he was either in Viet Nam or Cambodia. In or about ’59 we moved to Crete. We lived in Iraklion until the base housing was completed and were one of the first families to inhabit the new trailer homes on base. Dad was transfered to Ft. Meade in ’62 where he retired and continued to work with NSA as a civilian. He was an analyst until he retired in 1991. My dad passed away in January of 1992 from complications of diabetes.

I was born in 1955 and would love to hear stories from others who might have been in Crete or elsewhere at the same time and who might have known my dad or me! Anita

Hi everyone. I wasn’t in the 6912 SS in Berlin but had friends there. I was in Berlin (at Templehof) from 1968-1972 in the 1946th Comm SQ as an Elint Operator in the EL section on 6th floor end of hallway past gym and entrance to the bowling alley. I lived on the 6th floor for about the first year there. my brother Frank was in the USAF SS in Chicksands and other places. I visited Berlin again in 1981. Loved the city and hope to see it again sometime. email me at: [email protected] if you wish. Love to hear from anyone. 73
walt

This is a comment to Ed Cooper MD. I was a radio traffic analyst (20250)stationed with the 6939th RGM while your dad was the CO. I was there ’56-’58and remmember Wheelus well. I also am a General Surgeon living in Pensacola, Fl where I am now retired and only do voluntary surgery for a free clinic for the working poor. It is great to hear a voice from the past.

I was in the 2nd class of Radio Operators to be assigned to the USAFSS from Scott Field, IL. in Feb 49 and assigned to the 2ndRSM, Ernst Ludwig Kaserne in Darmstadt.
Returned to ZI to Brooks and then on to Keesler for instructor in MIO school April 52 (Hanger 4, second floor Receivers and Freq Meters course). Went to the 29th RSM, Clark AB, 1954 and on to Det 1 up on Yontan Air Strip, Okinawa and on 8 May we became the 6927th Sec. Flight. Consec tour back to 6911th, Cambrai Fritsch Kaserne, Darmstadt. Ended career in USAFSS when I got married to German National June 1957. Retired 1975 from AF. (AFCS). My best ever tour was with the 2ndRSM, on
the Ernst Ludwig Kaserne 1949-1952

I came across a group photo of the 6981st Radio Group Mobile Unit stationed in Anchorage, Alaska 1956-59. A few of men pictured in the photo are named but my dad left many of the 14 individuals
un-named. I would like to know more about this particular group if any one has any additional information.

I enlisted Feb. ’67 and was discharged Feb ’71. Basic at Lackland AFB and Tech. School at Sheppard AFB. Stationed at Security Service Hq. at Kelly AFB Annex, San Antonio TX (affectionately known as OSL - Other Side of Lackland) for my entire enlistment. Was a Computer Programmer (687) assigned to the 6960th Support Group. Wrote programs for the USAF Cryptologic Depot and Engineering Lab. Stayed in the same technical field in civilian life for 34 years. Anyone out there serve at Security Service Hq. when I was there? Would like to hear from you.

I served in 6981 RGM on St Lawrence Island (can’t remember our detachment #) from June 1957 to June 1958 after language scool at Monterey. Three of many memories: seeing my first day of snow on 23 September 1957 (I was from Florida); Listening to Sputnik; and having my so many of my friends carted off the island after a nil-heard.

I was stationed at the 6981st RGM from 1957-1959 when we had to do 30 days of KP. I was a radio intercept analyst during that time element.
I had great friends, but completely lost contact.
I then was assigned to Tweibrucken, Germany and then to San Antonio . Left the AF in June 1965.

My Dad served in the USAFSS around 1961-1965? in Pakistan, Okinawa. His name is Mike Winters. If anyone knows him or served with him I would like to hear from you.

Went to 292×1 Morse Intercept School
in Sept of 1957 thru April 1958. Was in the 3410 Drum and Bugle Corp till I came down with penumonia in March 1958.
Then on to March AFB, CA to security hill for 292X2 Non Morse Intercept. Then on to 6938th in Iraklion about Sept 1958 for 18 months. Returned to states and San Antonio to the Kelly AFB Security Service Hill. Met my wife and then left service and TX in Aug 1961. Returned to service and 306×0 (Crypto Maintenance) in March of 1962 eventually retiring from USAF at Shepherd, TX as a 30692 (DSTE Maintenance) and Course Superintendent. Even made it to RVN.

You father served a year later than my tour but I tracked a lot of the same territory. I was at Lackland (the 4 weeks following August 15, 1957) and at Keesler. Later I went to Wheelus, Tripoli Libya North Africa and then to Misawa AFB Japan. I have been a college professor since 1973. All that history seems like some other life. I guess it was. I’m 74. We were just doing a job. It was no big deal. I am glad I served.

I was stationed at the 6981st RGM in Alaska from 57 thru 59.
I was a radio intercept analyst.
This was when Colonel Lachance was commander.
What I despised the most of this assignment was a mandatory 30 day KP duty. Hated it.

Don Biron

To Charles Cliett, What were the dates you were at Wheelus? I think we were there at the same time. I was there June ’56 til Feb ’58.Gimme a shout.

TO George M Ricketson III MD
I was at Wheelus May 1958 so I guess we just missed each other. I was a Morse operator. I started (with Pete Whiznant) a zoo which you might remember since he got it started just before me. I am now a comparative psychologist. Go figure!

So many of us remember with pride the service we performed in usafss. I have gone of so many missions for nsa and others. thanks for the memories-6948th ss 1972-1973.

Charles, I left there early Feb ’58, but remember Pete very well. We lived down the hall from each other and I was there when he went home on leave with several deadly snakes in sugar sacks held inside his shirt. He discovered and classified these adders in conjunction with Marlin Perkins. When he returned he brought back a boa inside an AWOL bag but he later died of pneumonia. We had a great deal of fun with that zoo. My very best friends were CW intercept operators: Jess Davis (my roommate), Bob Letson from Boston, and Merle Chucknick from NYC.My email address is [email protected], I would love to correspond with you. Where are you teaching now. I am a retired surgeon in Pensacola, Fl would love to hear from you. George

Hi, George. I, too, was stationed at Tripoli and knew BOB LETSON well. However, I have not been able to find him via the Internet. Would you know anything about him? Jack

I served as as a 20250 at Iraklion, Crete from Jan.59 till Dec. 59 and had many side jobs. Airman’s club server, movie projectoness, in charge of 1 maid who did clother for us. Drove truck to town for supplies when the ship came in, went to Athens for milk on the flying box car plane. Dick Lobby was my room mate and I left under medical conditions. It has great memories of many airmen who server with me and had 3 buddies at Goodfellow who went to a Family in San Angelo who became family to me and maybe one or more of the 3. I am 75 and would love to hear from anyone who was there at that time. 616 532 5301, just mention airforce or crete or rgm. Tom Owens A2/c 20250

I was stationed in Anchorage at the 6981 Security Group in 1964-65. Seven days after I arrived Anchorage was hit with a 7.9 earthquake at that time the worst ever. We all survived but it was a taught time. For a few days there were many tremors which finally stopped. If was a great tour and one I will never forget. In August 2014, we are going on vacation and will stop in Anchorage. I hope to get a pass and visit the barracks I lived in and hopefully get some good pictures. If anyone out there was stationed with me at that time please email me so we can get in contact. Happy New Years to everyone.

I was at Kelly from 1960 thru 1964 working in computer ops.
Loved San Antonio but the riverwalk was off limits during those years.
Hello to all who worked at security Hill.

I ENLISTED IN SEPT 68 LACKLAND FOR BASIC KEESLER FOR 292 SENT TO THE 6918 HAKATA JAPAN TILL JULY 71 AND THEN ASSIGNED TO 6903 AT OSAN KOREA TILL JUNE 72… 3 MONTH EARLY OUT,AF COULD NOT TALK ME INTO REUPPING.. THOSE DAYS SERVICEMEN WERE NOT LOVED AS THEY ARE TODAY.. REMEMBER SEPERATING AT TRAVIS AFB YELLING BABY KILLER AND OTHER NICE NAMES. LOOKING BACK ON MY EXPERIENCES IN THE AF I WOULD NOT TRADE IT FOR ANYTHING. MY USAFSS BROTHERS OR AS WE ARE KNOWN AS SILENT WARRIORS ARE GUYS YOU NEVER FORGET. YOU WHO SERVED KNOW WE WORKED ATE DRANK PLAYED HARD AND HAD EACH OTHERS BACK.WHAT A FRATERNITY TO BE PART OF.UNFORTUNETLY I DIDNT REALIZE ALL THIS UNTIL LATER IN LIFE. NOW WE HAVE A WEBSITE FOR THE 6918SS AND FOUND SOME 600 SERVICEMEN THROUGH A LOT OF WORK FROM A FEW PEOPLE WHO WANTED TO RECONNECT WE OUR PAST, AND HAD REUNIONS IN ST LOUIS SAN ANTONIO TWICE,NEXT ONE IN MINNINAPOLIS. WHAT A HOOT TO SEE GUYS AGAIN AFTER 45 YEARS, TO MUCH TO TALK ABOUT AND MANY NIGHTS STAYED TO THE WEE HOURS PERFECTING OUR DRINKING HABITS. ENOUGH OF THIS RANT,ANYONE WHO REMEMBERS ME GIVE ME A SHOUT. MIKE TZ TAZIK

I arrived on Okinawa in 1959 and was housed at Kadena. I was assigned as a “trick” driver to Yontan - The operations facility on the previous Japanese Air Base. The drivers worked half a shift at the quanset operations facility then to the comm unit a short distance from the main quanset facility.

Early on, I met S/sgt John Guion who was a ham radio operator, as I was also (K6CJM). Using unused equipment in a TRD-4 comm trailer, we converted it to a ham radio station. Working with our commander, Byron Hargrove, we were given permission to obtain a license with the call sign KR6XX. Hargrove didn’t like the call so we re-applied and asked for KR6SS for Security Service. We put up an antenna aimed at central U.S.A. At first we passed on messages for our guys and eventually we were able to license 30 of our airmen who could use the equipment. Eventually the station was moved into a quanset and I have pictures of other airmen who operated the station after John and I left.

I have pictures of the site, equipment, operators, etc. if anyone would like to get a copy just send me an email to [email protected]. My home call sign is K6CJM (California Junk Man) which I’ve had (and still have) since I was 16.

I loved my two years on the island. Met a lot of native people who adopted me and gave me a home in town and I loved the food. I was always interested in squatting with the natives at night around the hibachi and learning the language. Made good friends through the house boys. Not sure why I was able to legally use the jeep after hours and even received a salute from the gate guards. Anyway, I loved the 2 years there. The killjoy was after coming him I was sent to Stead AFB in Reno and was given a broom and warehouse to keep clean. I welcomed my discharge.

Attended 292X1 school at Keesler AFB, Mississippi, class of 1964.
Assigned to the 6910th. Security Wing, Darmstadt, West Germany 1965. Fantastic assignment. Got to travel Europe on Uncle Sam’s dime.
Found my work full filing, and my fellow airmen to be the cream of the Air Force personnel.
After spending a wonderful assignment in Germany,1965-67, I was reassigned to the 6993rd., Medina Annex, Kelly AFB, San Antonio, where the AP’s conducted a daily rattlesnake roundup.
Enjoyed my work at the 6993rd. but not as much as realtime assignment at the 6910th.
Many fond memories and lifetime friendships were established through my 1964-68 years with USAFSS.
I will always cherish those years. I am so proud to have served with my fellow brothers and am very proud to be a member of this special fraternity.
Sgt. Bob (Red) Ferrell Sr.

I am looking for a friend Tommy Fugate who I was stationed with 1963-64 at Elmendorf AF Base, Alaska. If anyone from his family or a friend let me know. He also has a brother named Joe Fugate.

Lackland, Keesler in Biloxi Miss.,then NSA for short schooling for a “J” prefix then to Darmstadt, Germany 6910th Radio Group for 2 Years then finished up in San Antonio at Kelly AFB to start “RIRAK”. Anybody?

I was at Iraklion Air Station from July 1958 to July 1959 as Morse Intercept and in Charlie Flight. I see two men on here that were there at the same times. I’m sure we passed each other at times but I dont recall your names right now.
I was an Airman 2class when at IAS but made Airman 1c upon return to the states. Drop me a line, would love to catch up with our stays there.

I enlisted in the AF in 1966 after basic in San Antonio I was to Goodfellow AFB. I became a 202 and was station ed at 6917th in San Vito. I enjoyed Italy being a 19 year old at the time. I later left there and transferred to Aviano AFB for the remainder of my AF career.

I was stationed at the 6910th in Darmstadt from August 1964 to August of 1967 on Able Flight as a 20250. Arrived as an 18 year! I had a 58 VW and traveled all around Europe.
In some ways, the best years of my life! Thank you Uncle Sam!

Served 61-65 crash rescue sheppard and bien-hoa viet-nam

I served in USAFSS 6924th Security Squadron, Da Nang AB RV from 1968-1970. Also served part of that time at Monkey Mountain. AFSC 20350
Chinese. Many great memories of my years in USAFSS. Also served with 6987th Security Group at Shu Lin Kou Air Station Taipei, Taiwan

I’m not positive, but I believe that I am the skinny airman two places to the right of your dad’s circled face
(in the photo at the top of this thread). Do you have a date and or location for that photo. I’m assuming that it was taken when stationed at Darmstadt where I served as an intercept operator.
Thanks,
Mike

That photo is his class photo when he graduated Morse at Keesler.

Is there a date of class number on the photo? Most all 292’s came through Keesler. I did as well. Graduated in 60 then straight to Darmstadt.

6-9-59
Class 10128
https://www.flickr.com/photos/21735518@N00/3149896203/in/photolist-5Nm3pe-5NqioL

Although the photo is a ringer for me. The dates don’t jive. I graduated
Keesler class 04119 date 05 03 60.
Went to Darmstadt 30 days later for 3 yrs. We had to have known one another.

I was in the 6912th (Berlin), from 1965 to 1968. Russian intercept analyst. Anyone else that was there during that time frame I would love to chat about it.

I’m still looking for a “hit” from anyone at 6930th during Aug.’60 to Feb. ’62 time frame. I was analyst,Baker flt. Some names from that era … Jack Hays,Dale Miller,John Miles,Hugh Blackerby,Bill Beach,Jim Pulley, Joe Capelli, Leroy Croswell,Ed Mashman,Larry Weaver, Jerry Maher,Roger Embry, George Hodo, Everett Jewel, Paul Hrach,George Seymour, Ellis Crabtree,Russ Burney,Billy Meyers and many more. E-mail = [email protected]. Thanks!!

I was in the 6930th from 1960 to 1962, I was a 292 on Baker flight I stay in contact with Dean Reed, Melvin Cobb, and Jack Herman. Would like to hear from others on the flight, Howard Kaiser, Bill Beach, Larry Weaver, Jim Hall There are others, who I can’t remember the names.

I enlisted may 68, did basic training at amarillo texas. Sent to kessler afb for ditty boop school, then sent to kelly afb in 1969. From there I went to 6981 st 70 and 71. Charlie flight with harley carter and jim murphy as my supervisors. Anyone do their basic training at amarillo, my di ‘s were sgt ozman and sgt monnet. Anyone that remebers me contact me at [email protected]

Bill Kauffman, I was in Berlin during that period-as a 203 on Dog Flight under TSgt Benevides. I went 2T to Trabzon for the final 15 months of my 4 years discharging in 1969. Incredible experience: Some names include, Jim Arts, John Cook, Howie, Ray Preston, ….avoiding Army alerts at Braodway Joe’s bar nearby and the then racy flicks he brought out. Many memories from that period…. Your name sounds familiar too.

served in AF 1955-59, basic at Lackland, teletype school at F E Warren AFB, 29151 school at Scott AFB, operator at 867th AC&W Squadron then operator a 6981st RGM UASFSS at Elmendorf from 12/57 to 02/59. Roommates were Georg H Qualkenbush and Bill Magoteaux. Others in the comm center were Neil Mcpherson,Willie Beatty,Don Deaton,Willie Grant and many more! It was 24/7, very busy and important, but quite exciting and rewarding to serve with such a great group!! Anyone still around from 57 years ago? email Jack Williams at [email protected]

6981st Radio Group Mobile from 1957 to 1959 (see earlier post this date)

I was stationed at 6912th SS from 1966-1969 as a 29150. I was very fortunate to have been able to serve there. Met some great people and at that time the wall was still there. Hats off to all who served there, including the 1946 omm Squadron, and also the fine AP’s. I was treated very good by the German people and Ms. Ruth at the Trocadero bar, very close to Templehof. A super, super , lady.

Enlisted Feb 67 flunked out of 202 school at Goodfellow. Then worked in the Education office helping Airman apply for the Bootstrap program. Left San Angelo in Mar 69 for 1 year at Don Muang (Bangkok) Thailand, finished up at Kelly Annex for the last year of my hitch. Great times, great people.

I was stationed at 6923rd PerPron
and 6960th Spt Gp Mar 58 thru Jul 61. 6981st Jul 6l thru Aug 64.
6970th Aug 64 thru Jun 67 and
finally 6985th Jun 67 thru Sep 64.
I was in the Personnel Records and
Pay Sections. Ended my career as
a recruiter in my home state of R.I. Retired in Florida about 20 yrs ago. As you can probably deduce
I’ve been retired a LONG TIME. If
any one remembers me would love to
hear from you.

I WAS IN THE DRUM AND BUGLE CORP AT KEESLER AFB WHILE RECEIVING TRAINING AS AN INTERCEPT OPERATOR FROM NOV. 1957-JUNE 1958. I WAS SENT TO WHEELUS AFB IN TRIPOLI LIBYA IN 1958 AND THEN TO DARMSTADT GERMANY IN 1959 AND WAS BILLETED AT THE CAMBRAI FRITCH KASERNE UNTIL DEC 1960.IF ANYONE REMEMBERS ME, PLEASE E-MAIL-THANKS JEFF

I was at Keesler from September of 1957 to about May of 1958 and was sent to Wheelus. I lived in the dorm straight across from the mailroom and bus stop. I was the guy with the zoo, if you remember. Pete Whiznant started it and I finished up and left in 1959. I’m sorry
I don’t remember you (I’m too old I guess) but we sure did tread the same sand. I was a 292, worked in the com center for three months first, then Transec boss for a few moths( I had 2 stripes while others only had 1). I went to Misawa, Japan after leaving Wheelus.

IT WAS GREAT TO HEAR FROM SOMEONE EVEN THOUGH, WE CAN NOT REMEMBER EACH OTHER. I DO REMEMBER THE LITTLE ZOO WITH THE MONKEYS AND A CHARACTER CALLED FRED WARD, WHO USED TO GO INTO THE CAGE AND SWING WITH THE MONKEYS UTILL AN OFFICER AT THE SECURITY COMPOUND TOLD FRED TO KEEP THE HELL OUT OF THE MONKEY CAGE. BY THE WAY, I WAS A SNARE DRUMMER AND FOR A WHILE THE DRUM SARGENT. SOMEHOW I GOT INTO ONE OF THE GRADUATION PHOTOS FOR JULY 1958 I AM THE GUY FIRST ROW CENTER, WITH A SLY GRIN, CURLY HAIR AND SWARTHY COM`PLEXION.-PLESE KEEP UP THE E-MAILING, AND PERHAPS EVENTUALLY, WE WILL AT LEAST GET TO KNOW ONE ANOTHER-JEFF LESSOFF

I was stationed at the 6930th RGM on Crete from late July 1958 until early August 1959. We got transfered out just before the tour moved from 12 months to 18 months. I was in Charlie flight and loved it. I was ready to transfer to Packistan but at the last minute had a chance to go to McGuire AFB in New Jersey just 50 miles from my home in north jersey and 20 mins from my girlfriends house in Toms River. Im sure you know I went to McGuire. My name is Charles Radice Jr and enjoyed it alot. Were you there when we had the earthquake? We were working in the compouned when it hit and was a shock seeing the cracks sligher down the hall just outside the rows of code monitors. My position was the second seat going down the right side of the far right bank of monitors. Played softball, basketball and flag football while stationed there. Did they ever get the bowling installed on base? When I left they were still looking for all the materials that were sent to other bases by mistake. Hope to hear from someone some day.

Like many of you I was a 202. My first assignment was Det. 2, 6932 Comm Security Squadrton at Clark Field PI. It was a wild ride. Clark didn’t want us there since we would be monitoring all there communications. Wo they gave us a bunch of quanset huts on the very southeast edge of the base. They were overgrown and run amuk with pythons, scorpions, and creepy crawly mildew. We hac to chop our way into them but finally made them livable. We were only 36 strong with one officer who didn’t have a clearance.

I enlisted in the United States Air Force in December of “1961”. Basic training at Lackland Air Force Base San Antonio Texas for 5 weeks.
shipped out to Keesler AFB Biloxi Mississippi. Mio School. Then was sent to NSA in Laurel Maryland for a “j” prefix to be added to my AFSC. I then went to Darmstadt, Germany where I was assigned to the 6910th Radio Group. I was there from October 1962 to October 1964 and then was sent back to San Antonio Texas to start a new squadron named “RiRaK” on Kelly Air Force base. Honoably discharged in December 1965. My TI at Lackland was Kalata. a former Marine. Smiled once, and that was when we graduated. That was it.

I AM MAKING ANOTHER TRY TO CONTACT GUYS WHO WERE AT KESSLER AFB 1957-1958 AND WHEELUS FIELD 1958-1959 WITH ME. SOME NAMES..- THE MOTH,_ JIM WHOOLEY- DAVID CULLER, FRED WARD, JOHN DIFFENDERFER.JOE MADDEN.-DARMSTADT 1959-1960 CAMBRAI FRITSCH KASERNE- BILL BUTTS, WHO GOT PROSTRITIS AFTER HIS WILD FLING IN PARIS. ANYBODY OUT THERE REMEMBER ME? JEFF LESSOFF

I like your dad enlisted Oct 1965 in Nashville. I was a ditty bopper going from Lackland to Keesler to Brindisi (6917th) and back to Kelly. I got out in 1969 and never being stationed at abase with planes saw those C130’s at Berry Field and joined the TNANG in 1974. I was lucky and got an AGR job there in 1985 and retired active duty in 2002 with 22 years active and 12 Guard time

I was 19 years old. Left my home in Hamilton ohio in Dec. 1961. Drove to Ft. Thomas, Ky.Took Physical. Swore in and flew to San Antonio. Basic at Lackland then school at Keesler AFB in Biloxi Miss. Then to Ft. Meade Maryland for more school. Received a “J” Prefix then off to Darmstadt, Germany for two years as a Morse Intercept operator. Then back to San Antonio to start a new squadron named “RIRAK” at Kelly AFB. Discharged in December of 1965. Anyone out there remember me please e-mail me. Would love to make contact with someone.

Elmendorf dec 58-may 61

My father Hank Kowal last served with the 6981st at Elemendorf. We traveled with him to Clark Airforce base and Brindisi. He passed away in April of 2013 but our life in the military was an amazing experience. He retired in 1974 or 1975. I would like to know if anyone remembers him and has any stories to tell. He shared some of his wilder ones so don’t be afraid.

If I remember correctly my complete class from Keesler arrived in Tripoli in August 1957 at the 6930 RGM. While awaiting our clearances, we were ask if we wanted to go to Crete, they were swaping the two units; Crete became the 6930 RGM, Tripoli became the 6938 RSM. Of course we all said yes! An 18 month tour for a 1 year on Crete, a no brainier!
I found a fair picture of the compound on Crete, and I have our graduation picture from Keesler if anyone is interested.

I served on Crete as Bulgarian Linguist 1956-57. Off duty I was a disk jocky for the AFN radio station CKLI. Went from there to DET 1 Turkey(Istanbul (Sile).Reenlisted in 1958 and went to Russian Language school (Syracuse) and then to 6912 RSM in Berlin. Retrained as Air Traffic Controller and was stationed at Langley AFB, Clark AB, Quang Tri, Phu Bi, Dong Ha and other lovely places in SE,
McDill AFB, Moron(Seville) Spain, and retired Patrick AFB, Fl. Had a great career, met a lot of wonderful people
and would gladly do it all over again.

God bless you sir for serving almost your whole life for the freedom we are so blessed to have. It is an honor to thank you.

Was in class 9-9-66B at Syracuse (Russian), I was stationed at Tempelhof Zentralflughafen from ’67 to ’70 and worked at the intercept site in Marienfelde on Baker Flight and oh yes! I loved those curry wursts and Renato’s pizzas!