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Photographs of Bob Henry, Museum Curator at the museum. Robert L. Henry is a general contractor and military historian. Bob has for over twenty years been a collector of military memorabilia. His collections include military uniforms, military patches and insignia. If he finds an interesting military artifact, he will probably acquired it. He is one of the founding fathers of the Columbus squadron of the Confederate Air Force. Some of the associations and organizations he is a member of include Columbus Squadron and Indiana Wing CAF, American Military heritage Foundation, MATS Constellation Group, Bald Eagles, Air Force Association and Air Force Museum. Bobs duties as Curator the Atterbury-Bakalar Air Museum include preservation of artifacts, collections, research, exhibits, restoration, scheduling and guiding of tours and recruitment of museum volunteers. After retiring from the air show circuit in 1992, he started working with the Atterbury-Bakalar Air Museum and later became it's first curator. He was presented the Atterbury-Bakalar Air Museum Award in 1993. Bob is an invaluable resource for the museum.
Photographs of John Hoff during his WWII service, in a 434th C119G, his last official photograph before retirement and current photo at the museum. The photo on the right is when he was a Colonel and the Base Commander. John Hoff, Major General USAF (Ret.) served a long, distinguished career in the Army Air Corps and United States Air Force starting November 1942 serving for 34 years. He was a B-17 Command Pilot with the 8th Air Force during WWII. He served as the Chief Air Defense and Air Traffic Control Officer for the Caribbean Air Command in the Canal Zone. General Hoff's other assignments included Commander Bakalar Air Force Base and 434th Troop Carrier Wing and participated in the Cuban Crisis during October and November 1962. He was the Commander of the 512th Military Airlift Wing at Fort Worth, Texas and Commander Central Air Force Reserve Region Houston, Texas. Some of his awards include the Legion of Merit, Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal with three oak leaf clusters, Presidential Unit Citation, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, American Theatre Campaign Medal, European African Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with three Victory Service Stars, WWII Victory Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Air Force Longevity Service Award with two Oak Leaf Clusters, Armed Forces Reserve Medal and Command Pilot Wings. He participated in the planning, ground breaking and the November 11, 1992 dedication of the Bakalar Air Museum. He continues to serve in many capacities for the museum. He contributes to the continued planning of museum operations as well as special visits by organizations and school groups. Editors note: General Hoff is the prime mover for the preservation of the history of the former base, the construction of the Atterbury-Bakalar Air Museum, Bakalar Green and the preservation of the Jeanne Lewellen Norbeck Memorial Chapel, and is a wealth of historical information. Without his assistance, none of this would have been possible.
Dutchess II is the museum's newest volunteer. She recently moved to Columbus, IN from near Branson, MO to become a resident of our community and assist with museum activities. (Dutchess I passed away Thursday May 31, 2007) Dutchess II (she prefers to be called just Dutchess) is the companion of Major General and Mrs.Hoff.
Photographs of Gordon Lake in barracks #6748 at Fort Knox, Kentucky winter of 1962-1963 during basic training and the second photo taken in the 1970's. The third photo was taken at the Camp Grayling, Michigan artillery range in the late 1990's and in his Dress Blue uniform just before his October 1999 retirement from the military and a current day photograph. Gordon C. Lake, First Sergeant AUS (Ret.) served 23 October 1962 to 25 October 1968 and again from 28 September 1975 to 30 October 1999 with over 30 years service. During his last 15 years of duty, he was the First Sergeant of Headquarters Battery 2-150 Field Artillery, Indiana Army National Guard with his total career served as a Field Artilleryman. Some of his awards include the Army Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal with six Oak Leaf Clusters, National Defense Service Medal, Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal with Gold Hourglass Device, Joint Meritorious Unit Award, NCO Professional Development Ribbon with Numeral 3 Device, Army Service Ribbon, Indiana Commendation Medal, Indiana Long Service Medal, Indiana Emergency Service Ribbon, Indiana Volunteer Emblem, Georgia Olympic Ribbon, Senior Noncommissioned Officers Academy Device and other devices and badges. Gordon is currently employed with White River Broadcasting in Columbus, Indiana as a marketing consultant. He is a Ball State graduate and served as a faculty group member at the Indiana Non-Commissioned Officers Academy at Camp Atterbury. He holds a private pilots license and is a member of numerous military and veteran's organizations. His duties at the museum include working with special museum events, visitor guide and helping maintain the museum web site.
Photographs of Tom Vickers in Korea during 1953-1954 and recent photograph of Tom as he was presented with a street sign as a street at the airport was named after him. Tom H. Vickers was born March 15, 1932 in Wheeling, West Virginia and grew up in Martins Ferry, Ohio. Tom served in the United States Army with 13 months duty in Korea during the Korean War and served with the 46th EUD. He graduated from Ohio State University in 1958 joining Cummins Engine Company that year. He retired from Cummins as a Vice President in 1988. Tom married June Ann Michael in 1956 and they have three children and ten grandchildren. He is a former Aviation Commissioner and member of numerous service and fraternal organizations. His duties at the museum include special projects, tours, overall museum operations and planning of museum events.
Photographs of Wendell Ross in 1957, later career, during a community event in 1995, and a current day photo. Wendell R. Ross, Commander USNR (Ret.) was commissioned as an Ensign in the United States Navy 9 June 1957 and graduated from the University of Louisville, Speed Scientific School with a Bachelor of Science, Mechanical Engineer. He reported for duty aboard the USS Bausell DD845 at San Diego, California on 15 June. He attended Destroyer Engineers Course for ten weeks, and was assigned the duty of Main Propulsion Assistant. Wendell served on board the Bausell for three years, as First Lieutenant, Gunnery Officer, and Chief Engineer. He also had collateral duties as Combat Intelligence Duty Officer, Officer of the Deck, in port and underway, and Command Duty Officer. He was released from active duty in June 1960. While on board the Bausell, it made two deployments to the Western Pacific, one for six and one half months and one for five and one half months. He became a member of the naval Reserve and retired in August 1977 as Commander USNR (Ret.) after 20 years and two months of military service. During that time he was attached to several surface units in Indianapolis and Louisville serving in various roles including Commanding Officer of three units. During the last years of service he served on the Staff of the Naval Reserve Command at Indianapolis. Wendell joined Cummins Engine Company in June 1960 and served in various positions including Application Engineer, Order Administration Manager, Purchasing Manager during his twenty five year career. He retired in 1985 as a manager in the Industrial Application Engineering Department. Wendell was the Columbus Municipal Airport Director from September 1985 to September 1999. During that time he served as President of the Aviation Association of Indiana and as Director of the Great Lakes Chapter of the American Association of Airport Executives. As Airport Director, Wendell was involved in the creation and construction of the Atterbury-Bakalar Air Museum. His duties at the museum include visitor guide, creating an inventory of artifacts and administrative duties.
Photographs of John Walter during WWII, in England, with his B17 crew and a current day photo in the museum under a one eight scale model B-17 painted in his plane markings. John C. Walter enlisted as an Aviation Cadet in the United States Army Air Force in August 1942. He was awarded Pilot's Wings and commissioned a 2nd Lt. on January 7, 1944. John completed B-17 pilot training, was assigned a crew and flew to England in August 1944. John and his crew joined the 8th Air Force, 95th Bomb Group. He flew thirty five combat missions over Germany. Some of his awards and decorations include The Distinguished Flying Cross and Air Medal with Silver Cluster. He resigned from the Air Force Reserve with the rank of Captain in 1953. When John was released from active service in 1945, he returned to college and graduated from the University of Southern California with a B.S. degree in Mechanical Engineering. He joined the Cummins Engine Company in Columbus, Indiana July 1949. He held a number of different positions in engineering, manufacturing and international. He retired in 1983. He provided consulting services to Cummins for several years. One of the consulting assignments was to direct the execution of the "Exploded Engine" sculpture in the Cummins Corporate Office Building. His duties at the museum include visitor guide, providing technical assistance to the museum regarding such projects as the design of the chapel restoration, museum display cases and panels, suspension of the aircraft models and the CG-4A Glider restoration project.
A photograph of Gustav Potthoff in Thailand, December 1945 after he gained his freedom from a Japanese POW camp, on the left side of photo leaning against a Centurion Tank taken in Holland with NATO in 1956 and a recent photo at the museum. The photo on the right is Gus upon his return to Thailand and the place he was held POW. Gus was with a film crew that was producing a documentary about Gus and the POW's who were forced to work on the Hell Fire Pass and the Bridge over the River Kwai rail road. Gustav Potthoff was born in Indonesia, Indies and in 1941 enlisted in the Netherlands Army Tank Battalion in Bandoeng Java as a corps technical mechanic. After the war with Japan started, he became a Japanese prison of war. One of the POW camps where Gus was held captive was at the infamous Bridge at the River Kwai. Gus gained his freedom in 1945 when the war was over. In January 1946 Gus was recalled to active duty during the Indonesia Conflict. He remained in Indonesia until 1955 when he went to the Netherlands as a tank repair mechanic NCO until his retirement from the military in 1962. He then came to (in Gus' words) "United States of America of the Brave" where he went to work for Cummins in 1965 till his retirement in 1987. Gus wrote, "Now is the time, back to the war in my art painting again of the rising sun of Japan in canvas about the Burma-Thailand Railway." "For my friends, I promise to do something for who we leave behind in the jungle of Burma-Thailand." Some of Gus' painting are on display at the museum. His duties at the museum include special projects, tour guide, and in general, listing the spirits of those who know him. During the weekly work sessions at the museum Gus is "standing by for orders."
Photograph of Bob Kirk during WWII, as the S1 of the 524th Field Artillery in 1949 and a current photo at the museum. Robert E. Kirk entered service in Bloomington, Indiana July 1942 and was commissioned a 2nd Lt. at Fort Benning, Georgia April 1943. Bob started pilot training in the United States Army Air Corps November 1943 and was awarded pilot wings at Turner Field, Georgia August 1944. he attended B-24 transition training at Maxwell Field, Alabama and combat crew training at Mountain Home Idaho Air Base from November 1944 to March 1945. He trained on low altitude bombing by radar at Langley Field, Virginia until May 1945. He staged for overseas transfer to China but was transferred to Tarrant Air Field (later Carswell Air Base), Texas for B32 transition. He separated from active service December 1945. Bob transferred to the Army National Guard as an Army Aviator June 1947. He graduated from Field Artillery School at Fort Sill, Oklahoma March 1951. He retired as the S-3 of the 2nd Battalion 150th Field Artillery in August 1962. Bob is a retired Vice President of Irwin Union Bank in Columbus, Indiana. His duties at the museum include, tours, special projects and restoration.
Photographs of George Budd and his wife Glowdine in front of the Grant Hotel in San Francisco, California in 1943 and a current photograph of George. George W. Budd served in the United States Navy Reserve. He was appointed Ensign in July 1942. He served as armed guard officer in the South Pacific on a tanker and Liberty Ship September 1942 to December 1943. In November 1943, George was appointed Naval Gunnery Instructor at the United States naval Training Station, Miami, Florida through May 1945. He was appointed as Gunnery Officer aboard a naval transport in May 1945. He served in the South Pacific and Caribbean for 39 months. George graduated from Indiana State Teachers College in 1936. he was employed with Burroughs Corporation from 1936 to 1942. Upon appointment as an Ensign, he left Burroughs. Upon retirement from the Navy be became the owner of Neal Paint & Wallpaper Company and retired in April 1981. His duties at the museum include working on special projects and tours.
Photographs of Jim Porter at basic training, later in his Air Force enlistment and a current day photo of him. Jim Porter served in the United States Air Force from August 22, 1961 to May 15, 1965. he attained the rank of Airman Second Class. Jim was a reciprocating engine mechanic R4360 on KC97's. He cross trained to jet engines mostly J57's on KC135's. He served during the Berlin, Cuba and other crisis and during the Vietnam era. After he attended Tech school at Sheppard Air Force Base the remainder of his duty was spent in the Strategic Air Command at Schilling Air Force Base at Salina Kansas. Jim was employed at Cummins Engine for forty-two and a half years and was a journeyman toolmaker for over thirty years retiring in January 1999. His duties at the museum include participating in the CG4-A glider restoration project, helping maintaining the chapel and museum and as a museum visitor guide.
Photographs of Charles D. Shrake during WWII, the Korean War, and a current photo. Charles D. "Chuck" Shrake, CMDR USN (Ret.) enlisted in the United States Navy in February, 1943 and was ordered to the V12 Officers Training Program at the University of Kansas. he was commissioned as Ensign in 1945 with orders to the aircraft carrier, USS Shangri-La (CV38) The Shangri-La was part of Task Force 38 with the mission of launching air strikes on Okinawa and the main island of Japan. After the formal surrender of Japan to the Allied Powers on the battleship USS Missouri in Tokyo harbor the Shangri-La was assigned duties in Operation :Magic Carpet". This was to transport a strange assortment of battle hardware back to the US for mothballing and redistribution. Charles took part in operation "Crossroads" otherwise known as the Bikini A-Bomb Tests. After release from active duty, Charles finished college getting a degree in Electrical Engineering. He went to work for Caterpillar Tractor Co. and also joined a Ready Reserve Unit in Peoria, Illinois. He was recalled to active duty in February, 1951 for Korea service. Chuck served on the Staff of Commander Seventh Fleet on the battleships New Jersey, Iowa and Wisconsin. Some of his awards and decorations include WWII Victory Medal, American Theatre Ribbon, Asiatic-Pacific Theatre Ribbon, Navy Occupation Ribbon, China Service Ribbon, United Nations Ribbon, Korean Service Ribbon with four Campaign Stars and the Korean Presidential Unit Citation. He retired from the Navy in February 1964 with 21 years of service. Charles was an Electrical Engineer for Caterpillar working as an International Field Representative in the Far East and in Europe with twenty one years with the company. He retired from Cummins Inc. in 1985 where he had worked in Governmental Sales with seventeen years of service. His duties at the museum include restoration work at the chapel and museum. He is a museum tour guide and assists with museum inventory.
Photographs of Otto Eichel during WWII and a current day photo of Otto and his wife. Otto L. Eichel served during W.W.II from September 21, 1942 to February 16, 1946 in the Army Air Corps. He attended the Air Corps Mechanics School and Turret School. Otto served at Seymour Johnson Field North Carolina, Cochran Field in Georgia, Apalachicola Florida and with the 331st Bomb Group in Guam. Otto was a professional musician with the Forth Wayne Philharmonic from 1949 to 1958. He worked for Grabill Cabinet Company in sales and design, Broadview Lumber in sales, Waynedale Lumber as sales manager and retired in 1980.
Photographs of Joe Grube at Fort Knox in 1960, at the museum and on the ramp at Columbus Municipal Airport watching AT-6's and a BT-13. Joe Grube was born in Hawthorn Pennsylvania. Joe graduated from Brookville High School in Brookville, Pennsylvania in 1954 and was drafted into the United State Army in 1959. he was discharged as a Specialist 4 in 1961. Joe's tour of duty was at Fort Knox Kentucky and was trained as a tank gunner. He was assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company 34th Armor at the Fort Knox Armor School and held wrecker driver and track vehicle mechanic MOS. Joe was licensed to operate the M-38A2 1/4 Ton Jeep, M-37 3/4 Ton Truck, M-54 5Ton Truck, M-62 5 Ton Wrecker, M-135 2 1/2 Ton (Duce and a Half) Truck, M-113 and M-59 Armored Personnel Carriers, M-48A2 and M-60 Tanks. Joe was one of a group of six that developed the first seal kit to enable tanks to cross water submerged dependant to depth of water. Joe was employed in the foundry industry for thirty eight years retiring August 1, 2001. His duties at the museum include designing, construction and maintaining the scale model aircraft on display. He constructs dioramas and works on special projects and events. Joe and his brother Glenn, work on many of these projects in their "Possum Works" facility.
Photographs of Richard J. Yeaton at the United States Army Training Center, Armor, Fort Knox, Kentucky January 1958, a 1999 photo of Dick as an Indiana Guard Reserve Chaplain and a recent photo as the Columbus Indiana Fire Department Chaplain. Richard J. Yeaton was born and raised in Lynn, Massachusetts. He graduated from Cincinnati Bible Seminary in 1955. He entered the United States Army in 1957 and served at Fort Knox, Kentucky in the G-2 (Military Intelligence) as an enlisted soldier. He was released from active duty in 1959 and served in the Army Reserve until 1960. He is currently a member of the Indiana Guard Reserve as Chaplain and holds the IGR rank of colonel. He is the IGR Command Staff Chaplain. Dick was ordained to the Christian Ministry in 1960. He served three congregations of the Christian churches in Columbus, Carmel and Edinburgh, Indiana over a span of forty-two years retiring in 1999. He is still active in interim ministry today. He served as volunteer chaplain with the Carmel, Columbus and Edinburgh Police Departments. He continues to serve as Chaplain to the Columbus and Edinburgh Fire Departments. Dick held positions of Director of the Bartholomew-Brown County Chapter American Red Cross. Also, was the Indiana State Service Council American Red Cross director and chairman. His duties at the museum and chapel include special events and he is called upon frequently to conduct special services at the chapel and for community events. Dick's dedication to the veterans of the community is unlimited.
Photographs of James R. Alvis at Lockbourne Air Force Base, Ohio, signaling start up of an AC-119G Gunship in Vietnam, looking out the cockpit window of the C-119G he crewed at Phan Rang, Vietnam and a current day photo in a 71st SOS sweatshirt. During 1963-64, things were heating
up in Vietnam and Jim was facing the possibility of being drafted. Not wanting
to be drafted, he visited the 434th Troop Carrier Wing at Bakalar Air Force Base
several times in 1963 and 1964, and put his name on the enlistment waiting list.
He received a call in October 1964 and took the oath on 1 Dec 1964. When he
signed up, he had a choice between two openings, and selected Reciprocating
Engine Aircraft Mechanic training. Jim's duties at the museum include special event support and museum research. He also is the webmaster for the 71st SOS web site.
Photographs of Glenn Leonhart as part of the Korea, Army of Occupation during the late 1940's and a current photo at the museum Glenn's service with the United States Army started September 11, 1946 with his basic training at Fort Knox, Kentucky. Glenn served overseas in Korea as part of the Army of Occupation from December 25, 1946 to July 14, 1948. He was assigned to the 6th Division Engineers, 506th Utilities Detachment and obtained the rank of Tech Sergeant 5. Glenn received a B.S. in Architecture in 1953 from Oklahoma State University and had two years of graduate study at the Institute of Design at Illinois Institute of Technology. He had thirty eight years as a consulting designer of institutional and wood office furniture to companies in Chicago, Grand Rapids, Michigan and Jasper, Indiana. Glenn's design skills are put to good use at the museum and he is an invaluable source for gallery display design. He also hosts museum visitors and works on special projects.
Louise Henry, the better half of Museum Director, Bob Henry, provides the home baked goodies for the museum staff members on their Tuesday work days. Louise is especially known for her summer zucchini bread, fall pumpkin roll, and homemade chocolates at Christmas. Louise's home town is French Lick, Indiana. Her college education includes a bachelor's degree from Indiana State University and a master's degree from Indiana University. A teaching position brought her to Seymour, Indiana in 1976. She is a fourth grade teacher and has taught for many years. In her spare time, Louise enjoys baking and doing crossword and jigsaw puzzles. Her hobby is collecting dishes and miscellaneous items with daisies on them.
Photographs of Robert J. Goedl at Tachikawa Air Base Japan 1968, Takahli Royal Thailand Air Force Base, Thailand 1970 and a current photo at the museum
Photographs of Robert E. McCubbin taken in 1960-1961 at Fort Eustis, Virginia and a current photo at the museum. Robert McCubbin enlisted in the United States Army in January of 1960. After basic training at Fort Riley, Kansas he attended US Army Transportation Corp helicopter school at Fort Eustis, VA. Robert received an MOS as a H-21C Tandem rotor 4th echelon mechanic. His MOS was declared surplus upon graduation and he assigned, attended and graduated for the NCO Academy at Fort Eustis. He was promoted to Specialist and served as cadre at the Academy until the summer of 1961. Robert was transferred in August 1961 to Fort Sill, Oklahoma for artillery training. Upon completion he has assigned to US Army Air Defense command at Niagara Falls Air Force base. While there he served as a H-21C mechanic and operations NCO at the air station for the Nike Missile sites in the Niagara Falls area. He was billeted on an Air Force Base, worked in a Navy hangar, performed air search and rescue for the Coast Guard while assigned to the Army. Robert was promoted to Sgt. while at this station. He was discharged in December 1962. Upon discharge, he attended Virginia Polytechnic Institute and graduated in Industrial Engineering in June 1965. Also in June 1965 he married Lena Cowherd and started working at Caterpillar Tractor Company in Peoria , Illinois as a plant operations trainee. Upon graduation of the trainee program he worked at many positions at Caterpillar starting as an inspection foreman and ended his stay at Caterpillar as a Senior Quality Engineer assigned to General Offices. In 1982 Robert joined Shopsmith, Inc. as their Director of Quality. He left Shopsmith in 1986 and joined Electrolux, Dometic RV Division as the Corporate Quality Manager. Robert left Dometic in 1991 and moved to Columbus, IN where he first worked at Como Plastics as their corporate Industrial Engineer. When Como was sold he worked for STI as their Quality manager in Greensburg, IN. Robert retired for reasons of health in 1998 from MCC of Franklin, IN serving as their corporate Quality Manager. His museum duties include assisting in the CG-4A Glider nose restoration, Century of flight time line, and various museum support activities as needed.
Photos of Rod Williamson taken during his service in the Air Force 1950-1954 and Rod today. Rod Williamson enlisted in the Air Force shortly prior to the Korean Conflict and completed a year of training in radar maintenance. He served in the Air Defense Command in Washington State and in the Japanese Air Defense Command Furamaki, Japan. He was discharged in 1954 at Fairchild Air Force Base Spokane, Washington. Rod was born in Brown County, Indiana and graduated from Christiansburg High School which is no longer in existence. He graduated from Purdue University in 1959 with a degree in mechanical engineering. From 1959 to his retirement in 1999, Rod was employed by Cummins Engine. He served with Cummins in Columbus, Indiana, Seattle, Washington, San Francisco, California and Indianapolis, Indiana. His duties at the museum include special projects, visitor guide and museum support activities.
Photos of Harry Thompson with the 82nd Airborne, 101st and a current photo at the museum Harry Thompson went into the Army December 1958. He completed Jump School at Fort Bragg in 1959 and served with the 82nd Airborne until transferred to the 101st Airborne at Fort Campbell. He served with the 502nd Airborne Infantry until discharge from active duty as a PFC. Harry then joined the Air Force Reserve in 1961 and became part of and experimental Combat Control Team with the 16th Aerial Port Squadron at Bakalar Air Force Base Columbus, Indiana. Harry attended Jumpmaster School in 1963. He was again called to active duty during the Cuban Missile Crisis. His rank at that time was Airman First Class. He was then recruited to be a part of a new Airborne National Guard unit in Greenfield, Indiana. They needed another Jumpmaster on the rolls to get it started. While serving with the 151st Company D, Airborne Rangers, Indiana Army National Guard he injured his knee for a second time and that ended his military and jumping career. Harry married Karen Elaine Goken in 1961 and their daughter Kari was born in March of 1963. Harry has two granddaughters Meagan and Kathryn. Harry is retired from Western Electric with thirty years of service. Harry's duties at the museum include special projects, visitor guide and museum support activities.
Photograph of James S. Peters, Sr. in 1943 at Basic Training Ft. McClellan, Alabama, 1944 after graduation from Gunnery School and current day at the museum James Peters was drafted into the US Army February 1943 and went to Infantry Basic and then selected for ASTP Program and transferred to the USAAF. He took mechanic training at Amarillo, Texas, Flexible Gunnery Training at Kingman, Arizona then to Combat Crew Training at Sioux City, Iowa. He helped ferry a new B-17G via the northern route to Wales, North Africa and Italy. He was assigned to the 99th Bomb Group 348th Bomb Squadron and flew 27 missions before VE Day. James returned to the United States by B-24 via the southern route, North Africa, Brazil, Puerto Rico, Camp Atterbury for a 30 day leave. He returned to Camp Atterbury for reassignment to a P-51 Fighter Training Group Tampa, Florida and Alexandria, Louisiana until VJ Day. He was discharged in October 1945. He re-enlisted January 1948 for a two year tour in Alaska reassigned to the 92nd Bomb Group, Fairchild AFB as B-29 ground crew member with 4 month TDY in Japan for the start of the Korean Conflict. He returned for conversion to B-36 aircraft January 1953 then reassigned to the 99SRW for RB/GRB-36 Aircraft Maintenance. He was then assigned to Westover AFB in Massachusetts for B-52 Aircraft Maintenance. He returned to Fairchild AFB in 1963 and retired in 1965. Jim was born in Columbus, Ohio. He was married in 1946. Jim worked for Boeing as an inspector of parts for 707, 727 and 737 airliners. He also was in cost estimating and production control with Boeing. He then moved to Phoenix, Arizona and retired from Republic Airlines in 1981. Jim moved to Columbus in 2003 to be close to his youngest son after Jim's wife passed away. Jim holds FAA A&P License and a Private Pilots License. Jim's duties at the museum include, special projects, research and museum guide.
Photograph of Kevin Habel at the museum Kevin Habel has a love for all military machinery, planes, tanks, guns, ships and anything else military. He has built al least one model of just about every aircraft of W.W. II. Although Kevin has no military service, his family has a military background with his father and his six of his brothers that served in W.W.II and another two uncles on his mother's side serving in that war. Kevin is retired and wishes to help preserve the heritage and honor of those who have served in uniform. Kevin's duties at the museum include, special projects, museum guide and museum support activities.
F. O. "Pete" Jenkins at the museum and in a 1957 photograph next to a Jeep mounted 106MM recoilless rifle at Fort Ord, California. Pete Jenkins was born and raised in Paris, Illinois. After graduating from public high school in 1955, he entered service on the six month active duty program with the Illinois Army National Guard, 106th Battalion, Company H, Infantry Heavy Weapons. Basic training was done at Fort Leonard Wood Missouri or as Pete refers to it "Fort Lost-in-the-Woods Misery" in the fall of 1956. The remaining four months training were at Fort Ord, California with bivouac at Hunter-Liggett Military Reservation training on various mortars, bazookas and recoilless rifles. Pete was discharged from the Illinois National Guard after the Cuban Missile Crisis. Pete worked 44 years in Information Technology as a computer operator, programmer, systems analyst and project leader for seven different companies. His longest tenure was with Cummins Engine Company with seventeen years service. His duties at the museum include docent, "open house cook" volunteers breakfasts and general museum project support.
Photographs of Roy Eldridge during his Army days and a current photograph In Remembrance
Dutchess passed away Thursday May 31, 2007 at her home with General and Mrs. Hoff. Dutchess' main duties at the museum were being the morale officer, official greeter and works well with tour groups especially with children. At museum staff meetings, she is the chief taster of any baked goods Mrs. Henry bakes for the meetings, but would snack on a dog bone treat. Dutchess was a constant companion of General Hoff and Mrs. Hoff.
In remembrance of William B. "Bruce" Dalton, Army Air Force Veteran, museum volunteer, WWII Glider Pilot, and our friend. November 14, 1914-May 12, 2007
Photographs of Bruce Dalton in front of his CG4A Glider in England and in various uniforms during his WWII service and a current day photo. William B. "Bruce" Dalton served in the Army Air Force from September 1942 till October 1945. He was a flight officer and Combat Glider Pilot. Some of his awards are the Air Medal, Glider Pilot Wings, Good Conduct Medal and more. He participated in the Holland invasion during WWII and transported eight medics, jeep trailer and medical supplies during his CG-4A glider landing in Holland. Bruce is a retired retail merchant and owner of Dalton & Payne Inc., men's wear stores. He is involved with the CG4A glider cockpit restoration project. He also hosts museum group tours and helps keep the museum running.
In remembrance of Glenn R. Grube, Air Force Veteran, museum volunteer, skilled scale aircraft builder, and our friend. January 7, 1933-May 27, 2004.
Photographs of Glenn Grube at basic training in 1952, in 1954 and a photo at the museum. Glenn Grube served in the United States Air Force. He completed basic training at Sampson, NY and was assigned to Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri then to the 6621st Air Base Squadron in Greenland. Glenn also was stationed with the 2466th at Atterbury Air Force Base, Columbus, Indiana and the 1608th Squadron in Charleston, South Carolina. He had a total time in service of four years. Some of the awards and decorations Glenn received were the National Defense Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Letter of Commendation signed by Major William A. Weston, Jr., Commander Charleston Air Base and Letter of Recommendation signed by Sergeant Major Joseph F. Lilly. Glenn worked fifteen years with the foundry in accounting, twenty years as a supervisor and nine years as foundry purchasing agent and retired on July 30, 2000. He is currently doing part time work. His duties at the museum included designing, construction and maintaining the scale model aircraft on display, working on special projects and events. ----------- In remembrance of John Hodel, Air Force veteran, museum volunteer and our friend. August 30, 1930-February 7, 2004
Photographs of John Hodel at Chanute Air Force Base, Illinois, in Europe when stationed at Rehin Main Air Force Base and a recent photo. John Hodel enlisted in the United States Air Force 28 June 1948. After basic training at San Antonio, Texas he attended USAF tech schools at Chanute Air Force Base in Illinois. John received an MOS as a Jet A&E Mechanic and Reciprocating Engine Specialist (R-2000 Engine) finishing the schools in May 1949. Two facts determined the rest of his military career; First the only airplane in the Air Force using the R-2000 was the C-54, and the Berlin Airlift was in full swing using every C-54 there was. He spent the remainder of 1949 at Rehin Main Air Force Base Frankfort, Germany and with the end of the Airlift he was transferred to Wiesbaden, Germany (Air Force headquarters in Germany). He was assigned to the 7150th Maintenance Squadron (Base maintenance). The Korean War started during this period but the remainder of his enlistment (including the extra year President Truman added) was at Wiesbaden. At his discharge he held the rank of Airman First Class with an MOS of Crew Chief, Multi-Engine Transports. After his discharge, he attended Ohio State University and graduated in 1957 with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. He worked for Cummins Engine Company as an Application Engineer and specialized in application of Cummins Diesels in military trucks, armored personnel carriers, tanks and specialized construction equipment. In 1974 he obtained a Professional Engineering Certificate. He retired from Cummins in 1985 and worked as a consultant till his passing. His museum duties included assisting in the CG-4A Glider nose restoration project, special events and general museum support activities. ----------- In remembrance of William J. "Ernie" Schorr, veteran, fighter pilot, museum volunteer and our friend. October 9, 1921-February 19, 2002
Photographs of William J. "Ernie" Schorr during WWII as a Cadet, in his dress uniform and standing next to his P-47 "Old Faithful" and a photograph standing next to an AT-6 he had just piloted. William J. "Ernie" Schorr served in the U.S. Army Air Corps during WWII and continued service after the war in the Kentucky Air National Guard at Standiford Field Louisville, KY. Ernie enlisted at Patterson Army Air Base Dayton , Ohio. He was an Aviation Cadet with assignments that took him to many air fields with Advanced Flight Training at Aloe Field Victoria, Texas graduating Class 44-C. He was assigned to the 93rd Fighter Squadron 81st Fighter Group Guskhara, India. The 93rd was assigned base protection duties for the 20th Bomb Group, the first B29's sent overseas. The 81st protected bases in China as well as in India. Ernie graduated from the University of Cincinnati in 1952. He was employed by Cummins Engine Company from 1952 to 1982 in sales, service training and with the Cummins Foundation. He was a consultant for them from 1982 to 1992. His duties at the museum included chapel restoration-maintenance and museum staff tour guide. ----------- In Remembrance of Robert N. Ellis, W.W. II Army Air Corps veteran, museum volunteer and friend.
Robert Noel Ellis July 16, 1917-May 13, 2000
"EVERY GENERATION HAS ITS HEROES"
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