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1302 entries.
Hello,
My name is Geoffrey, My Father James F. Epler was part of the 38th TMW at Hahn Air Base Germany from 1956 thru 1960. Dad left Germany in 1960 and went to Lowry Air Force Base where he transitioned to Titan I ICBMs. After Lowry we moved to Grand Forks AFB and he worked on Minuteman missiles then Whiteman AFB. He retired out of Lowry in 77. Dad always talked about working with the Matadors at Hahn . He met my Mom while stationed at Hahn also.
Dad passed away in 2016, I wish he was still here , it would be nice to have a beer with him and talk about his missile days.
Thank you all for serving during the Cold War!
V/R
SFC Geoffrey Epler
U.S.Army (RET)
My name is Geoffrey, My Father James F. Epler was part of the 38th TMW at Hahn Air Base Germany from 1956 thru 1960. Dad left Germany in 1960 and went to Lowry Air Force Base where he transitioned to Titan I ICBMs. After Lowry we moved to Grand Forks AFB and he worked on Minuteman missiles then Whiteman AFB. He retired out of Lowry in 77. Dad always talked about working with the Matadors at Hahn . He met my Mom while stationed at Hahn also.
Dad passed away in 2016, I wish he was still here , it would be nice to have a beer with him and talk about his missile days.
Thank you all for serving during the Cold War!
V/R
SFC Geoffrey Epler
U.S.Army (RET)
Admin Reply by: Russ Reston
Hi Geoffrey. I've added your Dad's name to the TAC Missileers Honor Roll - https://tacmissileers.org/honor-roll-of-deceased-missileers/
Best Regards,
Russ Reston
TAC Missileers Webmaster
Best Regards,
Russ Reston
TAC Missileers Webmaster
The 2023 TAC Missileer Farewell Reunion in San Antonio is now history. Thanks to all of the officers of TACM and others that put it all together and kept it moving smoothly. I especially would like to thank Joe Perkins for initiating the TACM in the first place. I have been a member since 2004, and went to all reunions starting with 2005 in Nashville. Many great trips experienced and wonderful memories made along the way.
Bitburg - MEMS - 62/64
Bitburg - MEMS - 62/64
Just to let you all know that Harry Gardner and Harold Reninnger passed away recently.
I was stationed with the 38th TMW at Wuschheim AFS Germany, 85-88. I ran across the missileers doing some research. Great history. I enjoyed my time in Germany and regretted coming back to the states. I hope to visit one day.
Hello,
I was reading about the old Mace missile system and inadvertently discovered this group. I spent only 9-10 months in the 498th TMG as a newbie Inertial Guidance Specialist since it was decommissioned in late 1969. Following that assignment, most of my class was reassigned to the 4315th Combat Crew Training Squadron at Vandenberg, during which time I completed my enlistment and was discharged as an E-5 in early 1972.
From there, I went to the University of Washington (BA) and Seattle University (MBA) before embarking on a long executive career in the defense industry. As a side note, upon completing my BA, I was contacted by a USAF recruiter about possibly reentering the USAF and taking a commission, possibly becoming a B-52 navigator. I respectfully declined.
After all these years, I've never run into anyone from my USAF days (April '68 - March '72) until now. Thank you for this group.
I was reading about the old Mace missile system and inadvertently discovered this group. I spent only 9-10 months in the 498th TMG as a newbie Inertial Guidance Specialist since it was decommissioned in late 1969. Following that assignment, most of my class was reassigned to the 4315th Combat Crew Training Squadron at Vandenberg, during which time I completed my enlistment and was discharged as an E-5 in early 1972.
From there, I went to the University of Washington (BA) and Seattle University (MBA) before embarking on a long executive career in the defense industry. As a side note, upon completing my BA, I was contacted by a USAF recruiter about possibly reentering the USAF and taking a commission, possibly becoming a B-52 navigator. I respectfully declined.
After all these years, I've never run into anyone from my USAF days (April '68 - March '72) until now. Thank you for this group.
My father Lonnie Adair was at Sembach AFB between 1957-1961 where I believe he worked with the MACE missile. I wondered if anyone has pictures of him.
Thanks
Thanks
I joined the AF in 1964, trained at Lowry, AFB in Denver, Co. I then went to Germany, at Bitburg as Guidance Mechanic. My wife Janet & I had twin Boys at a Bitburg they were treated at the Hospital at Wiesbaden and Dr. Deer took care of the boys who grow up to be healthy adults. We rotated to Englen AFB, FT Walton Florida. Our site was at Okaloosa Island, A10 initially A-Birds converted for targets over the Gulf Test Range the B-Birds came off the inventory and we converted into targets we were given the task to rewire the airframe to accommodate the RC system flying, we launched 185 B & A-Birds all done by AF personnel. Then went to Hill, AFB in UT working in the Fire bee, Drones that were launched off a C-130 in multiply of
configurations, I volunteered to work on the Cruise Missile Test Force that ended in 1974 then transferred to the Engineering Division helping to upgrade to Range to support Air Force capabilities. I retired at Hill in 1990 as a SMSGT, live in Elizabeth, Co.
configurations, I volunteered to work on the Cruise Missile Test Force that ended in 1974 then transferred to the Engineering Division helping to upgrade to Range to support Air Force capabilities. I retired at Hill in 1990 as a SMSGT, live in Elizabeth, Co.
Was at the Indiana Military Museum in September and got a good look at the old Mace on display. This is a great stop if you are in the area. Toured the museum with Ron Kling (Mech 1) and Phil Goodpaster (GSC tech). Had a great day. Lots of old memories of school at Lowry AFB and our tour at Kadena. We were all there when the system was shutdown in December 1969. Looking forward to seeing everyone at the 2023 Reunion.
I would like to hear from anyone who was at Patrick AFB 1956-1957 or at Hahn 9/57-6/59.
I would love to come to San Antonio, but I don't travel well anymore. Father Time!
I went back to the Cape after I got out and worked for General Dynamics/Astronautics on the Atlas Program as an Electrical Technician until I joined IBM in 1965 to work on the Apollo program as an Electrical Engineer. I worked thru Apollo 16 and then transferred to Manassas, VA to work on Large Scale Integrated Circuits including College Teaching and a long stretch as a Substitute Teacher at local schools. I think that is enough for me.
I went thru the Member List without finding anybody I knew. Maybe I am the last one from this era. I hope not. Enjoy San Antonio!
I would love to come to San Antonio, but I don't travel well anymore. Father Time!
I went back to the Cape after I got out and worked for General Dynamics/Astronautics on the Atlas Program as an Electrical Technician until I joined IBM in 1965 to work on the Apollo program as an Electrical Engineer. I worked thru Apollo 16 and then transferred to Manassas, VA to work on Large Scale Integrated Circuits including College Teaching and a long stretch as a Substitute Teacher at local schools. I think that is enough for me.
I went thru the Member List without finding anybody I knew. Maybe I am the last one from this era. I hope not. Enjoy San Antonio!
Lowry 1960
Orlando 1960
Kadena 1961 - 1963
Orlando 1964
We were among the first to arrive at Kadena.
The missiles arrived at Kadena via cargo planes.
We loaded them onto 40'; trailers and delivered to the 498th maintenance area. The parts and pieces were assembled.
Each missile was diagnosed. and as construction became capable, we installed each missile to their launch bay.
From this point the 498th Maintenance Group was responsible for scheduled maintenance.
Orlando 1960
Kadena 1961 - 1963
Orlando 1964
We were among the first to arrive at Kadena.
The missiles arrived at Kadena via cargo planes.
We loaded them onto 40'; trailers and delivered to the 498th maintenance area. The parts and pieces were assembled.
Each missile was diagnosed. and as construction became capable, we installed each missile to their launch bay.
From this point the 498th Maintenance Group was responsible for scheduled maintenance.
Hi fellows,
just working on plans for a scale model of MATADOR transport('resupply') and transporter/erector/launcher trailers in 1:32 scale.
Unfortunately I can not find any good/correct drawings nor correct nomenclatura (like M-### in the ARMY...) of these trailers and all other support vehicles. Does anyone know where I can find TM (or copies/downloads...) to the MATADOR-related vehicles !
THANKS for ANY information and help !!!!!
Benno
just working on plans for a scale model of MATADOR transport('resupply') and transporter/erector/launcher trailers in 1:32 scale.
Unfortunately I can not find any good/correct drawings nor correct nomenclatura (like M-### in the ARMY...) of these trailers and all other support vehicles. Does anyone know where I can find TM (or copies/downloads...) to the MATADOR-related vehicles !
THANKS for ANY information and help !!!!!
Benno
Sorry to see our 2022 reunion has been canceled due to low attendance. We all knew that this would eventually happen. Father Time doesn’t wait on anyone. Regardless, myself and Frank Martinez will still celebrate in Nashville. Our flight and hotel reservations are completed. Never pass up a party. If you feel the same way we can make this a “mini reunion.” Plenty of local tours are available to keep us busy. Many thanks to Max. See you in Nashville.
Looking for launch crew members at Hahn Site IV Blockhouse 1. 1964-1966
Bruce Johnson:
Are you the Johnny Johnson that served with me at Hangar C in 63 ??
Are you the Johnny Johnson that served with me at Hangar C in 63 ??
Hi Jim Martindale. This is Les Evans.
I remember you from the 498 TMG at Kadena AB, Okinawa.
I worked at the bottom of the hill in the maintenance complex. I did the airframe and engine periodic inspections and maintenance, engine test runs, etc.
I was there from September 1965 to June 1968.
I was an E-4 Sergeant when I left Okinawa.
I finished my first enlistment, and re-enlisted there.
I was transferred to the Minuteman Missile System, and remained there until I finished my 20-year career in the Air Force.
I retired in 1984 at the rank of Master Sergeant.
Retired while stationed at Vandenberg AFB, CA.
I worked on Vandenberg for a another 22 years for several civilian companies.
I live in Lompoc, near Vandenberg.
I remember you from the 498 TMG at Kadena AB, Okinawa.
I worked at the bottom of the hill in the maintenance complex. I did the airframe and engine periodic inspections and maintenance, engine test runs, etc.
I was there from September 1965 to June 1968.
I was an E-4 Sergeant when I left Okinawa.
I finished my first enlistment, and re-enlisted there.
I was transferred to the Minuteman Missile System, and remained there until I finished my 20-year career in the Air Force.
I retired in 1984 at the rank of Master Sergeant.
Retired while stationed at Vandenberg AFB, CA.
I worked on Vandenberg for a another 22 years for several civilian companies.
I live in Lompoc, near Vandenberg.
Has anyone in the association worked the MACE A Bird at Hahn and stood alert at the site that was located at the Idarkoff? There is a tower located there now, but from the tower you could also see the remains of the concrete pads that were used to park the missile and other equipment on. When I was with the 50th TFW, my wife and I used to go for walks in the Hunsruck area and went to that missile site many times. At the time we lived in Hirschfeld.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Idarkopf_Tower
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Idarkopf_Tower
Served Okinawa 498 training wing maintenance division from June 1966 till January 1968 have fun there lot of work worked on the maze missile corrosion control missile run up and maintenance so some of my high school buddies there can't find them today but still think of them look for my roommate found him but unfortunately he doesn't answer his phone and I do know he still alive very upsetting I thought we were good friends
Arrived Hahn Oct 1959. Returned home to be station Andrews Oct 1961. Getting old so is my memory. Worked on MM 1 on site.
Dave Rush, Totten, Messer, Runnels and Parsons.
Dave Rush, Totten, Messer, Runnels and Parsons.
I was at Orlando 12/59 to 8/61 as a special vehicle mechanic and worked on the MM1's. If anyone is interested the FWD museum in Clintonville WI has a running MM1 at there museum, where I was able to visit an old friend from my USAF days. Also if you have looked over this site you know we at the Indiana Military in Vincennes have a Mace B bird here.
Frank
Frank
Here is a link to my completed build of the old Revell/Renwal Mace missile and Teracruzer. I can't express how much the photos and tech manual on this website helped in my attempt to build an accurate model of a TM-76A, MM-1, and translauncher at Orlando AFB. My late father, MSgt (then TSgt) Charles Henning, trained at Lowry and Orlando before going to Sembach with the 38th. He was in QC from mid 64 to Dec. 65.
Click here...
Click here...
Joe Dubner - I was at Hahn and on a launch crew when you were there, but I can't picture you (getting old, haha). We probably were at Orlando at the same time too. Maybe see you at the upcoming reunion? My launch crew included SSGT Jones and Joe Eddins, but I can't remember the launch officer we were with. In case your memory is better than mine, my email is (aja8888@gmail.com) if you care to drop me a line.
Hello from the former Mace launch crewmember A1C Joe Dubner (long retired). I was at Hahn from 1965 until deactivation of the 38 TMW a couple years later.
My lieutenant (Robert A. Barton) passed away this year. I have not been in contact with anyone else in all this time but would welcome contact with others (jdubner@yahoo.com).
My lieutenant (Robert A. Barton) passed away this year. I have not been in contact with anyone else in all this time but would welcome contact with others (jdubner@yahoo.com).
I was among the first arrival of Air Force non-commissioned enlisted personnel in February 1951 to be assigned with the Matador B-61 project at Patrick AFB (formerly Banana River Naval Airbase). I also was briefly with the Glenn L. Martin Co. Testing Group at White Sands, New Mexico and during their transfer move to Patrick AFB/Cape Canaveral Missile Test Center. I became an instructor to train ground crew launch personnel for the 1st Pilotless Bomber Squadron. Served at Patrick AFB until January 1953 to volunteer for service in Korea with the 319th F-94 Fighter Interceptor Squadron. I finally was discharged in December 1954.
I just bought the book "US AF Tactical Missiles 49-69.
My AFSC was 33150B and received weapons training at Lowry AFB in 1958. Then I was asigned to the 4504 Tac Missile Training Squadorn at Orlando AFB -- Sep 1958 - May 1959. Then as a complete squadron, shipped out to Osan Air Base as the 310 TMS. I was on Launch Team 4 known as the "Turtle Team."
After Korea, I was assigned to the 1090 Special Reporting Wing at Sandia Base.
After my Honorable Discharge, I earned an AA in Engineering Science at Nassau Community College and a BA in Physical Science, a Standard Life K - 9 Teaching Credential, and a Masters in Education Technology at San Francisco State University.
I have worked as an 8th grade Science teacher for 24 years, provided technical support to internal users of H-P computers at a variety of companies including H-P. Also, I have earned a 100 Ton US Coast Guard License and have worked as a sailing instructor and the captain of a crewed charter boat in the Caribbean.
I am now retired
My AFSC was 33150B and received weapons training at Lowry AFB in 1958. Then I was asigned to the 4504 Tac Missile Training Squadorn at Orlando AFB -- Sep 1958 - May 1959. Then as a complete squadron, shipped out to Osan Air Base as the 310 TMS. I was on Launch Team 4 known as the "Turtle Team."
After Korea, I was assigned to the 1090 Special Reporting Wing at Sandia Base.
After my Honorable Discharge, I earned an AA in Engineering Science at Nassau Community College and a BA in Physical Science, a Standard Life K - 9 Teaching Credential, and a Masters in Education Technology at San Francisco State University.
I have worked as an 8th grade Science teacher for 24 years, provided technical support to internal users of H-P computers at a variety of companies including H-P. Also, I have earned a 100 Ton US Coast Guard License and have worked as a sailing instructor and the captain of a crewed charter boat in the Caribbean.
I am now retired
Jacque Hansen, wife of Arnie Hansen, informed me today that Arnie had passed away on 10 August 2021. Arnie was a member of the 887th TMS. He was a good friend to all and will be missed.