Debbie Corley Wiltse
July 15, 2010
Pineville, Louisiana
Comments: EAFB Elementary School was a special place that created a bond between the staff and students/parents that will continue on forever. The impact of that school touched so many in so many ways. It was a teacher's dream come true!
David Kramer
July 12, 2010
Phoenix, Arizona
Comments:
I was stationed twice at England AFB LA, once as a dependent (my father was F-100 Fighter Pilot and 416 TFTS CC), and once on active duty 1980-83 A-7D conversion to the A-10. I am a Crew Chief by trait, USAF retired 24 years, currently working for L-3 Vertex Aerospace at Luke AFB AZ. I grew up around the HUN and ALEX, attending Alexandria Jr High and 2 years at Holy Savior Meanard HS. My 3 sisters also went to school in ALEX and we loved water sking at Cotile and Buhlow lakes.
Little brother Rick and I would walk my sisters to Catechism on base eaery Saturday and Mass on Sunday, but the best days were Friday and the fish frys. My Dad was an avide sportsman, and fishing at Toledo Bend was an annual spring trip. I remember The Sharpes, the Beckwiths, The Mangum's, Snowden's, Carlton's, Griffith's, Gayden's, and on and on.
What a great life in the Air Force, and the service to our country. I love you all forever!!
Donna Parker (donnarpa@msn.com)
July 12, 2010
Benton LA
Comments: I'm looking for a friend of our family; his name is James Hopson and he was stationed at EAFB in 1963.
Tim Hellrung (hellrungth@centurylink.net)
June 27, 2010
Tazewell,TN
Comments: Good Ole EAFB was my 1st assignment Base after Tech School training at AAFB (Amarillo Air Force Base - San Antonio, TX), Oct 1965 till June 1967, being deployed to Vietnam 67-68. Just a 19 yr old scared, yet gutty kid!
Was assigned to the 834th Air Police Squadron and became the Chief Administrative NCO for the Squadron's Orderly Room (they called it). I worked for such GREAT Officer's, i.e., SMSGT, John Robinson (growled with a Texan/frog, very distinguished, SSGT Jessie Phillips, my 1st Office Supervisor (learned a lot from that man), a SSGT Ken Friend (who was 2nd office supvr & a good one), LT then Capt Charles Fuller (funny man), 1st LT Granson (very young, probably like 20, just out of College, Squadron Commander, Col Jesse Richardson (like a 2nd father to all of us), then many Cop and non-Cop buddies like Bruce (from MN), Michael Friedman (1st Jewish friend), Joe Robbison and Petry (Alabama, always puttin my MICHIGAN Football team down), & so many, many more, most
went to Vietnam & didn't make it...I DID, only thru the Grace of God....
I remember the Base Main Gate, where even I, had to direct cars thru it until I neglected to salute a WOMAN 1st LT, so she DECIDED NOT to go, as signaled, ultimately CAUSING a 5 car pile up (as I kept on white glove han signaling ... LOL), remember serving in the Base Honor Guard, going to military burial's all over the state & getting paid EXTRA for a job I would have done for NOTHING as was such an HONOR, yet so very SAD, tears streaming down our faces for our fellow servicemen & their families.
Remember the BASE PX (would SPEND almost my whole $65.00 a month salary, being broke the rest of the month til next pay day (BUT SAVED SO MUCH), remember the Base Theater & bowling alley we use to go to on weekends, IF we had any money !
Downtown Alexandria, remember my 1st Christmas away from hometown, Wyandotte, MI, the Christmas before, Wyandotte had gotten NEW Street Christmas lights, etc, they had purchased from somewhere in Texas and in 1965, Alexandria had purchased these SAME Street Deco's...so was almost LIKE being home, very similar downtowns and would shop at this men's store in Alexandria (Forget the name) but was just like my Wyandotte's Famous downtown men's store, Armstrong's & Chelsea's.
I still remember how I chickened out, after going through parachute traing, NOT bailing out, along with 6 others out of 9...LOL. Remember GROWING up there, enough to VOLUNTEER to go to Vietnam, when I could have easily NOT and served the rest of my 4 yrs right there at my BELOVED EAFB. Never got the chance to go back. I'm retired NOW and Alexandria (& what's left of EAFB) is on my BUCKET LIST, along with the Vietnam Wall in D.C.
If anyone out there was in 834th AP Squadron, please send me an email at hellrungth@centurylink.net
...Thanks EAFB, for a part of my LIFE I shall NEVER FORGET.....
J.P. Perkins
June 25, 2010
Dickson, TN
Comments: I was stationed at England AFB from 80-83 in the CRS Hydraulic Shop. I will always take pride in having served with the Flying Tigers, and my time with the fine men & women of the 23rd TFW.
Ray A. Gandy Sr.
June 19, 2010
San Gabriel, Calif.
Comments: I was stationed at EAFB May 1958 thru Oct 61 as Jet eng spec. 366th & 401st CAMS & F100 Crewchief - 614th - July, 59
A/2C Ray A. Gandy aka GOOSE
Erica Williams
June 16, 2010
Columbus, Mississippi
Comments: I grew up on England AFB!!! It feels so good to be able to look on this site and feel all the memories that I once had as a child all over again!!!
Chester W. Sharp (cwsh1@aol.com)
June 4, 2010
Pineville, La.
Comments: I came to EAFB in Feb of 1958 and was basically there until we closed it down in December of 1992. I was one of the last personnel to leave out the gate which ended the era of one and only adult adventures of my life's adult work. came as a young Airman from tech school and was asisigned to work in Aircraft Maint. with the F-100D, KB-50 refuelers, and some other tenant aircraft such as T-33, SA-16 and a lot of other transient aircraft of the day.
After about 6 months they decided I was in the wrong career field and was sent the the Civil Engineers in the Mechanical section. Short story: I went through 35 years of stages of change and Wings and units of which I have a lot of memorabilia and information to share if anywone would like. I served as a young Blue Suiter and then later as a Enineering Civilian technician in the energy mamagement unit and system controls designer and renovations, etc. I helped with consulting on and building the Base air park as it apears today. the Architect for that project was David Word, who did a great job. That was with the 23rd Flying Tiger Wing which was there 20 years, but the first Wing(s) I was associated with was the 401st TFW and the 366th TFW which was an Air division and with a lot of over tennat aircraft. There is just too much to cover in all those years; I would need a more detailed request and some Photos to share that I could offer if anyone wishes to know and / or talk about. so, really, I spent all my adult life in the service of the Airforce at EAFB which was better than anything I have known since or before and all the smart people I met will be forever in my life and mind. Thanks for taking the time. That base should never have been closed ... it was one of the best in the Airforce.
Thanks - Chester Sharp
Mike Matson
June 4, 2010
Fort Worth, TX
Comments: I was stationed at EAFB from 75-78 as an SP. I served with a lot of good guys and have a lot of great memories.
jerry e davis
June 3, 2010
waller texas
Comments: was at England AFB from feb 1959 to sept 1962 in 622nd
Juanita (juanita-wilson@comcast.net)
June 1, 2010
Olympia, Washiington
Comments: My mother, Maureen Holmes, lived in Alexandria around 1944. She met my father, Harry Wilson (known as "Willie" to his AFB buddies) at the base. They married soon after. Both of my parents have passed away and I would love to make contact with anyone who knew them during their time in Alex (1954 - 1958). Please feel free to contact me at juanita-wilson@comcast.net.
caralyn cloud (katespets1@hotmail.com)
May 30, 2010
san marcos, texas
Comments: I am looking for william roy johnson; he was at england afb, from approximately 1963-1966. if you have any information about him I would appreciate it. thank you.
Jim Reed
May 23, 2010
Voorhees, NJ
Comments: Stationed at EAFB during 1973 to 1975. Avonics system on the A7 aircraft. Looking for any info on names or other items that was related to this shop.
Nicki Crittenden
May 22, 2010
Columbus Mississippi
Comments: England AFB was my first assignment. I got there in Mar 80, worked in the 75th TFS Ops Admin until Oct 86. I spent alot of time trying to get back there. I loved it.
Rick Sauve
May 12, 2010
Burton, MI
Comments: Stationed at EAFB from March 1974 - December 1975
Jim Lofton
May 9, 2010
Cheyenne Wyoming
Comments: 23rd MMS 1975-1979
Ken Bowers
May 9, 2010
Norfolk, MA
Comments: Met a girl named Lanie. Where is she now?
David Lambdin (captaind80@hotmail.com)
May 7, 2010
Sitka, AK
Comments: Stationed at EAFB 1967-68. Crew chief on C-47.
Born & raised in Alexandria, and graduated Bolton in 1966.
LOOKING FOR MY RECRUITER!! Recruited in Alexandria in 1966.
I bought my recruiter's 1963 Corvette after he returned from Nam in about 1965.
Trying to remember his name so I can provide history for classic car repurchase. CAN ANYBODY HELP?
My grandfather "Mr Bill Lambdin" ran streets & parks of Alex. He put the F84 in the city park. I was there when the plane was placed in park around 1960.
Recognize lots of names and places on this site!
Chuck Hawes (chuckhawes@ymail.com)
May 6, 2010
Nitro, WV
Comments: Stationed at EAFB 1972-1975 in Medical Supply. Would love to hear from anyone I worked with, i.e. Bill Gaul, Tom Causey, Ed Laymen, Sandra Lowe.
Pamela Planck Wilkie (billandpamwilkie@roadrunner.com)
May 3, 2010
Highland, Ca
Comments: Anyone remember my dad, Maj. James B Planck and his dog, Gunner, who used to fly with him and was written up in a local newspaper? He was there from '56-'59. Any help will be appreciated.
Sheriaka Bazzelle
April 28, 2010
Fort Lewis, Wa
Comments: I was young, about 7, when my family and I were stationed there, from summer of 1984-summer of 1986, when we moved from Edwards AFB. After England, we got stationed at George AFB (which closed around the same time as England).
I remember living down the road off base (England) and then moving on base in a 2 story house a big long back yard and the Bayou was our backyard scenery with the armadillos digging holes. I remember walking down the pathway by the Bayou to go school, and across the street was the hopsital and not to far from that was a park (where I sat in a pile of ants and they attacked). The theatre and other places my parents took us, my family shopping off base (downtown) and visiting friends and family in Shreveport.
I remember the Air Shows (which I still love as a Army spouse) and the shows Tops and Blues (hope that was the name). My next visit to LA, maybe I should stop by and take a look at something that was a part of my childhood and a part of history. As I get older I apprciate my childhood more and the things that were apart of it and show my 2 kids the AirForce side of things (though they know a little) ... I'm in awe about the photos I've seen ... memeories, memories, memories !
Del Schmick
April 18, 2010
Bethlehem, PA
Comments: 23 TFW, 76 AMU.
1984-1988
Clara Gantt
April 2, 2010
Columbia SC
Comments: My husband was stationed at EAFB from 1959-1963. We married at the chapel there and had our first son at the hospital there. Great times.
Bob Horne (meddrummer@comcast.net)
March 31, 2010
Jacksonville, Florida
Comments: Was stationed at England from 1963 to 1965. Great memories. Would like to hear from anyone that remembers me from so long ago.
Chuck Hawes
March 30, 2010
Nitro, WV
Comments: Stationed at EAFB Hospital from 1972-1976 as a Medical Supply Specialist.
Wendy Shivers Gintz
March 29, 2010
Bentley, La
Comments: I was born there in 1970, wonderful memories. Went for a long time for check ups and dentist visits and eye exams on the base. I thought it was so cool growing up and so proud of my dad's service in the Air Force!!
Ben Hillman
March 28, 2010
Baton Rouge, LA
Comments: England AFB meant a lot to the Alexandria area.
My father was a civilian firefighter on the base in 1948. I grew up near EAFB close to Hot Wells; and attended several air shows there in the 1950s. I recall the thrill of F-84s, F-86's, and F-100s flying over our house. I remember my sisters dating some of the pilots, and one who married an airmen in 1955.
When I return to the Alexandria area now, it is sad to see the base closed.
Chris Ellerson
March 25, 2010
Las Vegas, NV
Comments: Assigned to EAFB May 1972 to Dec 1973
Phillip D. Dyer
March 22, 2010
Weatherford, TX
Comments: England AFB was my first duty station. I was stationed at England AFB from 8 Dec 86 - 12 May 92. I was assigned to the hospital. I've gone back to the base several times and it really brings back memories. I just retired 1 Aug 09 after 23 yrs.
Ed & Bonnie Budy
March 21, 2010
Riverview, FL
Comments: We spent 3 years at EAFB. Our daughter was born while stationed there. My husband worked the NDI lab and I worked in the BX.
Tim Dorman
March 2, 2010
Newark, CA
Comments: 401st Air Police Squadron - Sentry Dog Handler at EAFB. 1961 to 1964.
Ed Conti
February 20, 2010
Sunset, LA
Comments: I was in POL from 11-'63 to 6-'67. I fell in love with Louisiana and still live here.
Ed Jones
February 20, 2010
Chandler AZ
Comments: Stationed at EAFB 1982-1988 as a munitions troop. Worked Munitions Control and 76th CMU. Special duty in Correctional Custody, NCOIC of Transition Flight.
Great memories of the base and great folks of Alex.
Dan Page (danielpage@bellsouth.net)
February 19, 2010
Wilmington, North Carolina
Comments: In a search for photos of Chennault Air Force Base (I served there 1958-1961), I came upon your site.
I have great memories of playing in the 2nd Air Force fast pitch softball tournament at Barksdale in the early 60s. Anyone know of a source for pictures of Chennault?
Thanks!
Howard Jenkins
February 15, 2010
Lake Wales, Florida
Comments: Member of the 23rd Trans Sq 1984-1990. Helped unload the F-86 & F-105 for the Air Park.
William S. Hayes (charliethechoochoo@hotmail.com)
February 10, 2010
Slidell, LA
Comments: My first base out of Basic Training. From July 1976 to October 1st 1979. Was in POL. Great base and excellent city. First Daughter born at Rapides General.
Made some friends ... Hey Dennis B. and Lary W. -- Wonder if R.T. Lee is still kicking?
Kathleen M. Rodgers (TRod348@aol.com)
February 7, 2010
Colleyville, TX
Comments:
My name is Kathleen Rodgers and I am the author of the award winning novel "The Final Salute: Together We Live On."
Military Writers Society of America awarded me the Silver Medal in 2009 for my story that deals with USAF fighter pilots and their families around the time of the first Gulf War. The former England AFB served as the model for my fictionalized account. The Town Talk in Alexandria did a story on me and that got picked up by USA Today and the AP. Military Times ran a story about me and my novel in the Feb. 8, 2010 issue on page 3 of Off Duty section.
Below is a link to a recent story.
http://www.dailyworld.com/article/20100207/NEWS01/2070325/1002/La.-is-setting-for-Air-Force-family-novel
Sincerely,
Kathleen M. Rodgers
www.kathleenmrodgers.com
Mark Lamberson
February 3, 2010
Abilene, Tx
Comments: I was stationed at England AFB from oct 84 to dec 89. Some of the best memories I have are from Alexandria. I still like to "savor" them 20 years later.
William R. Sanson (frogman@islandhoppers.biz)
January 29, 2010
Spring Texas
Comments: Well I know too well of the MPs vigilance ... when I was a boy my grandfather Floyd Nichols worked on the base. One day I ventured into a hanger and found the most wounderful thing to play on a small jet. I climb aboard and found my self inside the cockpit only to be removed by the well-placed hand of an MP. It seems I walked into a squadron of dragon flies. Cessnas pre-answer to the ground attack warthog. They were being shipped to Vietnam the next day. Needless to say I was having fun and the Col over the base was not happy with the MP; only question was how did I get into hanger and much less into the cockpit.
If anyone knew my grandfather please write me.
Kirk Gibson (kwgibson@aep.com)
January 16, 2010
Roanoke, Va.
Comments: I was stationed at EAFB from early 74 to mid 77 with 23rd MMS TAC, and worked in the missile shop out in the "Bomb Dump".
Would love to hear from anybody who I knew when I was there.
Alex was a great place and I met a LOT of the nicest people there. I drove a cab at night for Cenla Cab Co.
Hello to Marion (aka "Dusty"), Steve (aka "T"), Laverne, Linda and the people of Alexandria.
Thanks for making that time in my life special.
I think about those times often and maybe someday will get a chance to revisit.
Thanks for the memories.
Kirk
Wheeler Newman
January 16, 2010
Thomasville, GA
Comments: My father was stationed at England AFB from 1963 through 1966 and I attended Pineville Elementary School for 3rd and 4th grades, and Woodland Elementary in the 5th grade. Ms. O'Neal was my 3rd grade teacher, Mrs Duncan - 4th grade and Mrs Estrada 5th grade. I remember these days of my childhood well and have a place in my heart for Pineville / Alexandria.
Randy Murphy (rgmurphy@nf.sympatico.ca)
November 11, 2009
City: Conception Bay South, Newfoundland, Canada
Comments: I moved to Alexandria in 1960 with my family as my father was stationed at England AFB as the GM for the BX.
The photo of the base gas station brings back memories as this was one of the many facitilies dad ran along with the base cafeteria, snack bar, flight line snack bar, convenience store and of course the main BX and toyland.
We lived in the Highpoint subdivision located off of Jackson St. Ext. (you turned off at Ida Street just past Mr. McGraw's ranch) and lived there for 8 years.
I went to school at Prompt Succor and Menard until 1968 when dad was transfered to the Azores, Portugal where I graduated in 1969.
Big event that happened every Saturday night at the CYO center on Texas Ave. Was the ATA's dance where we would dance the night away listening to the music of the Stepping Stones, Dimensions and many other local groups. It was the place to be on Saturday night and the place where the chaparones had to see 'daylight' when we danced to 'When a Man Loves a Woman', 'House of the Rising Sun', 'Whiter Shade of Pale' and many other slower tunes...we also had fun participating in the dance contests that were held. Mr. and Mrs. Gaspard, along with many other volunteers, made sure we had a good and safe time.
Loved to go to Lazarones for a Po-Boy along with the old Burger Chef on MacArthur Drive and of course the meeting place...McDonalds.
We would eat at the Waddle 'N Grill, pick up snacks at Jiffy Pak or Rizzo's, go to the movies at both the Don and Paramount Theatres, hangout and play the pin ball machines at Bowlero, go swimming at Castor Plunge and Valentine Lake, Stewart's Lake and watch the races at Buhlow Lake. The highlight of the school year was the football game between the Menard Eagles and the Pineville Rebels...they could get heated!
I moved back in 1973 and worked at both KALB and KDBS as a radio announcer, which bacame my career for 16 years, and then moved back to Canada where I have resided ever since.
Alexandria has many found memories, and is where I call home! It will continue to have a special place in my heart.
Randy Murphy
Buz Decker (Buzzy) (buz1544@wmconnect.com)
November 3, 2009
Woodville, Texas
Comments: Was stationed at Ft Polk until 1977.
Many fond memories. Was at this club called The Lighthouse (I think) down the road from England Air Force base every weekend. Saw KC at the Coliseum with Cindy Edwards whom I've never forgotten. She knew sign language. I think I might have located her on this site. Sure would be nice.
Thanks for the fond memories.
Freddy Rouse (radome_00@yahoo.com)
November 2, 2009
Mouth Of Wilson, Va.
Comments: I was stationed at England AFB from 1972 til 1981! Of the 22 years I was in the Air Force, Alexandria was my favorite place to live!
If I could afford it, i would move back there for good.
Garfield (Gar) Pearson
November 1, 2009
Portland, OR
Comments: EAFB 401st CAMS 1960 tp 1963. Met and married my bride of 45yrs. Warmest Thoughts!
Wesley Glenn Anderson (anderphoto@gmail.com)
October 30, 2009
Manassas, VA
Comments: Thanks for putting these pages together. My first AF assignment was at EAFB in 1969 as a Photographer at the Base Photo Lab.
Don Gassman
October 13, 2009
Apopka, FL
Comments: Assigned for almost three years (1956-58) at England AFB. Great memories on and off base.
Cindy Vercher (LONGJON24@AOL.COM)
October 5, 2009
Panama City
Comments: My name is Cindy Vercher, I had 2 brothers JD Vercher and Joel Glenn Vercher; 2 sisters, Brenda Vercher and Amelia Dee Vercher. My parents are Lamie and Eileen Vercher. I grew up at 4603 Green Street. I joined the AF and was stationed at England AFB in INTRO from 80-85. I was married to Don Hardison. I have a daughter named Heidi Edwards. I remember going to Damicos grocery store and getting nickel candy.
I do know the Thiels (Whimpy, Sandy, Oscar and Ms Mary). My daddy played poker with them. I went to Cabrini, Brame, Bolton and ASH. I remember we went to Pizza Hut to hang out, after cruizin MacArthur Drive. If you know me or my family and would like more info please email me. LONGJON24@AOL.COM
Gary Harding
August 29, 2009
Prineville, Or.
Comments: 834th CES Fire Department at England AFB from 1965-1968
Joseph Leonard
August 27, 2009
Strasburg,VA
Comments: I have many fond memories of serving at England Air Force with my fellow members of the USAF from 1963 to 1965.
The residents of Alexandria were always very nice to Air Force members providing a home away from home for us, and I shall always treasure memories of being stationed there.
Julie Poole Hayden (julieanneorr@yahoo.com)
August 20, 2009
Fort Lauderdale, FL
Comments: I married Fred Ross Hayden III there in '67 or '68 when he returned from Vietnam. I would like to know if anyone remembers Ross or his sister Linda and how they are doing.
Willis J. Rabalais Sr. (crf823@yahoo.com)
August 16, 2009
Boyce, LA
Comments: I was stationed at EAFB from 1958 thru 1966.
I live just a few miles from the former base. I would love to reconnect with any old buddies out there!
Mary Wynona Sims (msims8502@sbcglobal.net)
August 14, 2009
Dale, Indiana
Comments: I am David Sims, from Dale, Indiana. I am looking for Barry Avert, he was living in Alexandria, Louisiana in 1977; if any one knows of his whereabouts please e-mail me at msims8502@sbcglobal.net We were in Minot, North Dakota Air Force Base together.
David Coco (David.Coco@hphood.com)
June 18, 2009
Winchester Va.
Comments: Hi - I've signed before, but the comments about the Air Force base made me remember something that may not have been mentioned before. I remember as a young boy, in the 50's and 60's, having the glass window panes rattling because of the new thing that was happening, something called "sonic booms." The jet aircraft from the base were breaking the sound barrier, and it was a novel noise at the time in Alexandria. Best to all...live in Virginia but miss the true south.
Ed Jones (Av8shunbuf@aol.com)
June 11, 2009
Chandler, AZ
Comments: Wow....nice site!
I was stationed at EAFB from March 1982 to March 1989 with the 76th CMU, and special duty with Correctional Custody.
Many fond memories of cruising Jackson St. and working many hours as a part-timer at the MacArthur Drive Exxon.
Al Rapouli and Darty Smith, if you guys read this, I'm thinking about you!
Great times, great place!
Ed Jones
USAF Retired
Chandler, Az
Av8shunbuf@aol.com
Lynn Rowe
June 2, 2009
Tampa, Florida
Comments: Thanks for the pictures. I was assigned to the 23rd TAC ATH; was a RN with the hospital squadron. I have no pictures from that time due to a house fire. I enjoyed the pictures.
The base had a newspaper and pictures of the hospital appeared from time to time, including our training exercises for setting up the field hospitals. It was a great base.
I have fond memories of the Alexandria-Pineville area and especially of EAFB.
Robert L. Ward (rward.pe@cox.net)
May 28, 2009
Fountain Hills, AZ
Comments: I was an F-100 pilot with the 612th Tactical Fighter Squadron stationed at Phan Rang AB, South Vietnam during 1970. In late September 1970, our wing, I believe it was the 35th Tactical Fighter Wing, was transferred to England AFB.
We flew our F-100s across the Pacific, with overnight stops at Guam, Hawaii, and Cannon AFB in New Mexico. On the 4th day we flew into England AFB.
Once at England, I was assigned to the 68th TFS, still flying the F-100. The F-100s were phased out a few years later and replaced by the A-7.
At that time I was re-assigned to the 6th Special Operations Training Squadron, as an A37 instructor pilot for South Vietnamese student pilots.
I left the Air Force in Dec 1974 and moved to Arizona where I have since worked as a professional civil engineer.
I was on Google Earth today trying to find the old Claiborne gunnery range, but was unable to find any visual evidence of where it was.
Charles P Briggs SSgt. Ret.
May 24, 2009
Hampton,VA
Comments: Got to EAFB in March 80. Worked as crew chief A-7, A-10 in 76 AMU. Went to Nellis in Oct 83. to work F-117. If I had a chance I would go back to Alexandria.
Larry Newcome (newcome@cox.net)
May 24, 2009
Washington, DC
Comments: I noticed two names on your register that rang a bell. Debby Horton was a fellow 6th grader in the once-a-week GT class held at Horseshoe Elementary; I recall the day her father was lost in a KB-50 crash in 1962. I was also a classmate of Paula Spera Burton's father, Charlie, at Aiken Elementary, whose great-uncle (?) served as the crossing guard for the school. Until he moved to SF after 5th grade, one of our classmates was Bruce England (along with his younger brother and sister), son of Lt Col John England, for whom the air base was named.
We lived in Alex from 1954 to 1963, first on Asber St, around the corner from the St Francis Cabrini CYO, then two blocks away on Linda Lee Lane, a short walk down Bacon St (then a dirt road) to Masonic Drive. I attended 1st through 6th grades at Aiken (Mr Ford, Principal) and 7th at Alex Junior High (Mr Nichols, Principal). I spent my summer days riding my bike through Bringhurst Park, from the branch library at one end, by the swings, golf course, zoo, amusement park, and pool to the baseball fields near the SFC Hospital at the other end, where I played Civitan League baseball. With my windows open in the summer, I would wake up hearing the lions roaring as the sun rose.
We would celebrate the school play at the end of each school year by stopping by one of the A&Ws (Bolton Ave or Bypass). Sunday wasn't Sunday without a dozen donuts from Shipleys ($0.60 with a 13th one thrown in). Something great was always showing at the Don, Joy, Paramount, or Rex theaters.
When "The Horse Soldiers" was being filmed out from town, I recall watching the buses with the dust-covered actors (John Wayne and William Holden among them) and crew pulling up to the Hotel Bentley at night.
EAFB always hosted a great air show every May; Capt Bond was the local stunt pilot. It wasn't Christmas until Wellans set up its annual window display with everything in motion.
Alex in the 1950s was a great place in which to grow up.
Albert Hutcheson (Hutch) (weshutcheson@hotmail.com)
May 9, 2009
Old Hickory, TN
Comments: Stationed at EAFB from 1962 to 1964 working on KB-50 tankers-in-flight refueling systems. I have very fond memories of Alexandria. I made a lot of friends at the roller rink. I would love to make contact with them ... Kathy Kidd, Gail Kidd and Gail Simmons.
James Wismer
May 4, 2009
Ragle,y La
Comments: Stationed at Alexandria Air Base 1953, married Claire Plauche 1954, now live in Ragley La.
David Roll
April 26, 2009
Ellsworth AFB, SD
Comments: I was stationed at EAFB from 1981-83. I worked at the base hospital in the Non-Flying Physical Exams section, then in the Emergency Room. My wife, Bobbie, was a nurse up on the medical floor. I enjoyed fishing at Lake Cotile, the great Chinese food at the Mandarian House and the get-togethers with the hospital personnel. I remember hanging out at a gas station outside the gate that had a make-shift bar in the back.
Sgt Steve Redford
April 25, 2009
City: Las Vegas, NV
Comments: Man, what a place. England AFB was my first duty station with the USAF. I was stationed there from 85 to 89. I remember cruising Jackson Street on Friday nights in my buddy's '54 Chevy. Or another buddy's '80 Mustang GT. We used to go to places like the Bayview Yacht Club, or the Cotton Gin. Or Indian Creek for water skiing. Crawfish boils and etouffe's. Jambalyas and gumbos. Boudin & andouilles. Man, that's the best food in the world. Tunk's was my first experience eating alligator. It tasted pretty good.
The people of Alec & Pineville are the salt of the earth. I'll hopefully return one day with my family, and show them the old stompin' grounds, and introduce them to some of the kindest folks they're ever going to meet.
Angel Guaderrama
April 21, 2009
Walnut, CA
Comments: I was at England from 1965 to 1968; my time at England helped me grow up and understand a lot of the stuff in life. Thanks for the memories.
E4 Guaderrama
Jim Rodgers
April 19, 2009
New Braunfels, TX.
Comments: I had a grandma who lived in another town just below y'all -- Glenmora. And I have a brother who was stationed at England Air Force Base some years ago.
James A. Coe
April 13, 2009
Dothan, AL
Comments: I was in 366th or 401st A&E Maintenance from 1957 - 1959, we had F-84s then got F-100Ds and 100Fs. Our daughter was born in St. Francis Cabrini Hospital in Oct, 1957!
Sgt. Dwayne Lang (dwaynelang5@gmail.com)
March 15, 2009
Jackson, MS
Comments: I was a member of the 23rd Tactical Fighter Wing, 76th Strike Fighter Squadron, 76th Combat Aircraft Maintenance Unit, 1985 -1989. I served under the command of Lt. Colonel James Jameson. Participated in Gunsmoke when we won the Daedalian Award as the best A10A Fighter Wing in the world.
Also participated in Long Rifle Competition, George AFB, Ca. Red Flag Competition, Nellis AFB, Las Vegas NV. Forward Operating Location Mobility Exercise with Navy Seal unit at Barbers Point NAS, Oauhu, HW. Operation Cornet Fox with the German Armed Forces, Leck AFB, Leck, Germany.
I do appreciate the support the people of Alexandria gave to our Wing and our mission to protect their freedom at all cost. The people of Pineville-Alexandria made us all feel at home. A special thanks to the good people of Pineville Baptist Church that several of our pilots and support personnel were a member of. All the prayers for us when we left the area to go into the four corners of the world to protect our freedoms. They treated us like family also. Thank you very much for the support and prayers you gave us.
I enjoyed my time in the Alexandria-Pineville area mainly because of the wonderful, supportive and appreciative people of the area.
Thank you Alexandria.
Tracey (West) White
March 2, 2009
Ocean Springs, MS
Comments: Loved the pictures - Brought back some great memories - It was a simpler life in the 70's. After "running" the roads of Jackson Street and Twin Bridges graduated from ASH in 77', left Alexandria in 86' but go back a few times each year to visit family.
Flew in recently and it felt a little strange riding thru the ole Airbase, my Dad help to build the golf course in the mid 50's. Keep up the good work.
Bob and Mary Holm
February 24, 2009
Columbus, Ohio
Comments: We lived in Alexandria from 1960 to 1963 at 2219 Vance Avenue. Bob was an officer in the 401st Air Police Squadron at England AFB. We had been married for a month when we arrived, so we have special memories of Alexandria and our early married life, and the birth of our first son.
Nicholas M Williams
February 22, 2009
Lancaster, California
Comments: I was stationed at England from Aug 1962 to Aug 1964, with the 401st TFW. I have many memories of Alexandria, mostly good, some sad; it is a very special place in my heart.
James E Downs
(fourj1@bellsouth.net)
February 13, 2009
Meridian MS
Comments: I worked in sq. supply 1969 to 1973. First air planes A37 trainer, F100 Super Sabre, A7 flying tigers. Please write if you want to.
Clara Claud Gantt (bcgantt@bellsouth.net)
February 8, 2009
City: Columbia,SC
Comments: I would love to hear from anyone in Alexandria and maybe renew old friendships. I lived on Edward Avenue from 1955-1960. I married a wonderful man from England AFB and we left Alex. in 1963. My parents moved from there and went to Bossier City, La. I have been back to Alex. only 2 times, but still call it home.
Carl T Harris
February 3, 2009
West Point, MS
Comments: Stationed at England AFB fro 1966 to 1970. Enjoyed every moment.
Norman E. Hicks, Jr.
January 25, 2009
Magee, MS
Comments: I was stationed at England AFB from 1955 to 1958.
Patty Miller Eberhart
January 22, 2009
City: Granbury, Tx
Comments: My dad was stationed at England AFB from 1966-70. He ran the gunship (C-47) school. Everyone who flew C-47s in Vietnam went through that school. We lived off base in "Major Ronka's house". Maj Ronka had been killed in Vietnam. I went to Brame, then started at Alexandria Sr High when it opened. They had synchronized swimming in PE then. The favorite thing to do was cruise the McDonalds to see who was there hanging out.We moved to San Antonio when my dad retired, but I still keep in touch with friends there.
Sgt. Larry S. Chauvin 1st Air Commando Div (piplarry@gmail.com)
January 5, 2009
Kissimmee, FL
Comments: So many years have passed, seems as yesterday. Great
times with friends!!
Discharged May 69 !! Miss my 1st Air Commando beret. Lost it some
years back. Please assist me to replace it!! Maroon beret with
1st Air Commando side of beret (Any Place Any Time) 101 missions
Vietnam!
Thanks.
Sincerely,
Larry S. Chauvin
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