Sparks

Well we sure chewed up some of the same ground. I think it was 1973 when the gas shortage was in full swing. I was on my way back to Langley after having spent the weekend at my GF's house in W Va. During the wee hours of Monday morning I was on fumes. Pulled of at a closed gas station (nothing was open) and fell asleep in the car at the pump. I woke up after daylight when an attendent was tapping on my window. Needless to say, I was very late for work. Still smarting from the A-- Chewing I got.

I remember J Clide Morris Blvd. I think I lived closer to Mercury Blvd. off Kicotan (sp) road. I used to go down to the outer banks NC (Nags Head) for vacations. Fass Brothers fish house was one of my favoret places for all you could eat Flounder. My mother lived in Newport News and also worked at Riverside Hospital as a Nurse Anesthetist. If Rex worked Hydrolics, his shop was right down the hall from Electrics. Always great talking to you. I talked with the wife about a possible reunion next year and she is all on board. Keith

I was stationed at Langley 1971-74. On one of my first ROTES to Mildenhall I heard the story of the airman with marital problems having taken off with the 130. Having worked in Maintenance, a group of us discussed how easy it would be to start up and taxi a 130. After all, starting the GTC and getting bleed air to start the engine was no big deal. However, even as we discussed the incident, I always thought there may have been an element of a "war story" attached to this. After 40 years you guys have just confirmed that the story is true!

Giz, Hey thanks. Yes, keep me posted on the reunion in Hampton. I met my future wife in Hampton my last year in service. We lived in an upstairs apartment just off base. She worked at Giant Open Air Market and we have been married now for 37 years. While we were dating, I took her to one of the Phase docks and gave her a personal tour of one of our C130's. Of course I did this on a weekend when very few others were around. I let her up through the hatch and onto the wings. She was very impressed, and I was never caught. Good memories. Take care........

I finally filed a claim in june 2010. had to gather copies of med records, etc. I was evaluated at the VA clinic at Pensacola, Fl and like Giz, I found the personnel to be very professional and respectful. Proving boots on the ground in Viet Nam was difficult and I don't know if my "proof" has been accepted or not. My claim is in the "Decision" phase so maybe I'll hear something soon. Good Luck

Hello folks, Was doing some VA stuff on the computer when I stumbled on this website. Fantastic! I was an Aircraft Electrician and worked on C130E's at Langley 1971-1974. While I was there, we had 3 squadrons of 130's ; 36th, 37th, and 38th. These were later consolidated into the 316th Field Maintenance Squadron. TDYs included Mildenhall, RAF Lynam, Viet Nam (what a trip!), Azores(1973 Yom Kippur war) as well as many stateside trips to fix aircraft. I have many fond memories of my time fixing and flying in "my" C130's. I would be very interested in attending a reunion of Langley folks in 2012. Looking forward to more interaction