Wednesday, November 11, 2015

Dad's Service in the USAF

Today, this Veteran's Day 2015, I have enjoyed sharing some interesting photos with my son.  They are all relating to my dad's (John Ryburn Bowden) years of service in the USAF.  My 24 year-old son, Benny Bowden, showing interest in his Grandfather makes me realize how important it is to share what little I know about my Dad so that his life story may continue for future generations to know.

Dad did not tell me a lot about his military service, but here's a few things I learned from him and my mother.

His military career started in 1951 as an ROTC student in the Corps while at Texas A&M College.  After graduation, he remained in the USAF reserves while teaching High School Ag class until he was called to active service in 1955.  My sister Kay had been born by this time as they were stationed for a time in Montana.  My brother Eddie was born that year and soon dad was reassigned to service in Korea.










Dad attending a meeting of the Rotary International Service organization while in Korea




Dad always downplayed his role in Korea, arriving there after the war ended, he said he was there during the clean up efforts after the war was over.  He told me he had participated in efforts to salvage instruments and equipment from crashed airplanes.

Most of his Korea stories related to his "Off" time when he enjoyed going Pheasant hunting and and trying to fight boredom around the base.  He was part of a team who built a u-control B-29 Superfortress.  He said it flew well in a large parking lot until one of its flyers lost control and it flew into a parked vehicle.











In 1957 back in the States, Dad was assigned to the Dallas Air Defense Filter Center.  There he was in charge of commanding the radar test operations.  He once told me they would send out large squadrons of Beechcraft Bonanzas throughout the southern United States to test radar efficiency to see how low they would have to fly to slip under radar contact.  This was during the Cold War efforts by the military to provide a security net of radar coverage across the nation.



Sunday, November 8, 2015

Looking to Swap - Robin Radiator for OX-5

I recently received this from Mark Lightsey of Aerocraftsman
 
Hi Terry,
I recently purchased an OX-5 plus a Robin radiator with the shutter
assembly from an estate sale.  If you know of anyone in need of the radiator
assembly, please send them my way. I'd be willing to sell it, but would rather
trade for a Travel Air Hisso radiator. 
Thanks,
Mark Lightsey

Saturday, October 31, 2015

Blakesburg 2015 in the 1929 Curtiss Robin

Here are a few of the Highlights of our Trip to and from Blakesburg Iowa at the end of August 2015 with the 1929 Curtiss Robin and 1946 Taylorcraft Chase Plane.






Here's a short video made by the local newspaper reporter during our Stop at Chilliothe MO on our way North.









Sunset at Blakesburg 2015
Cleaning spark plugs on the way home at our stop in Miami OK






Monday, April 27, 2015

2015 Central Texas (Taildragger) Fly-In

  Formerly known as the Central Texas Taylorcraft Fly-In... this year, we merged forces with the folks from the Cessna 120/140 association.  We also invited Champs, Cubs, and Stinsons.  The result was a good time in spite of some unstable weather conditions on Friday, Saturday morning, and Sunday.  As always, the crew at the Old Fort Parker Historic site and Fort Parker Flying Field were extra hospitable.  The food was great, the people were awesome.  Here are a few fun photos from this year's event.

Field Manager Darius Farmer proudly displays his custom Hand Washing Station

Uhhhmm... well it was all a big mixup and misunderstanding.

Mid morning lineup on Saturday.

The McGregor HS Howling Dogs Jazz Band entertained us under the Oak Trees.

Overhead view of the flying field and the old fort.

Sarah McReynolds is always a gracious host at the Old Fort.

View on short final coming over the trees to land on Runway 17.

PHOTOS BY NENA HADLEY, CASSIE HADLEY, AND ERIC MAJORS












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