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6987thAlumni Association


TECH SCHOOL PHOTOS


This Page Updated on
August 12, 2020

ODE TO THE DITTY BOPPERS

By Martin Sandy Doria

Hail to you comrades so old,
Veterans of the war so cold.

Oer the ramparts a watch you kept,
While most of us dreamt and slept.

What no heat of battle, scars!
No wounds on body to mar.

Not lance nor pistol you bore
How fought you that damned war?

When you say it was electronic,
Makes it sound most demonic

Can you relate tales of battle?
Oop is that security tattle!

How then do you we commemorate?
No troubadours, no verse of any rate.

Yet, you've lost most hearing so dear
From the decibels beating on ear.

Hail to all of you veterans so old,
Who did that service oh so bold.

© Copyright 2013 Martin Sandy Doria
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

This page features the graduation photos of men that graduated from the Morse Intercept Operator (MIO) School located at Keesler AFB, MS. Each of the below graduation photos identifies by name, the men who served at the 6987th RSM/RGM/SG during their USAFSS career. The MIO school has a rich history going back to the late 1940's when the school was located at Scott AFB, IL. Hundreds of MIO graduation photos were taken over the course of the two-plus decades when the school was active at either Scott or Keesler. While we feature here only the class photos that include people that served at the 6987th, over 300 of these photos exist in a collection owned by Merritt "Red" Barthel. Red has launched a Web site to showcase his collection to a wider audience with the hope that visitors to his site, viewing the photos, will be motivated to send him a copy of their own MIO graduation photo.

Many of these photos exist in photo albums in homes all over the country. In some cases, widows, sons/daughters, or even grandchildren of MIO graduates have looked at these photos, not knowing the history behind them. If you have such a photo in an album at home and would like to share it, please send a copy of it to Red so he can add it to his collection and preserve the history and legacy that these men left behind. You may click on the photo of the Morse Sending Key below and it will take you to Red's Web site. His entire collection is on display and he will be adding additional photos as they are received. Red's e-mail address is: marritt@bellsouth.net.

If you graduated from the MIO School at either Scott AFB or Keesler AFB, and you still have your graduation photo, won't you please share a copy of it with Red for his collection? He will not only display it on his Web site, but he will share it with the Keesler Heritage Museum. As many of you know, Keesler AFB was devastated by Hurricane Katrina in 2005, and their museum was all but destroyed. It is Red's intention to also make his collection available to the museum to restore their MIO exhibit.

This is a worthy project that Red has undertaken and your help would be greatly appreciated. You may e-mail a copy of your photo to Red Barthel at: marritt@bellsouth.net.

photo of morse sending key

Our Web site is soliciting Keesler Graduation Photos from Graduates of the MIO School. If you served as a Morse Intercept Operator, at any time during your career, at Shu Linkou Air Station when it was designated as the 6925th, Detachment 1, or later when it was known as the 6987th RSM/RGM/SG please submit your class graduation photo to us. Our e-mail address is: webmaster@6987thalumniassociation.org We would like to display your photo here on this page. Thank You.


KEESLER AFB KELLY AFB YALE IFEL



KEESLER AFB - YEAR OF GRADUATION
1950 through 1955 1956 through 1960 1961 through 1965 1966 through 1970
(Click on Graduation Years to View Photos)


1950 THROUGH 1955
(Click on Photos to Enlarge)

CLASS NUMBER 03130 - GRADUATION DATE-1950
Archie White's Class. Archie is pictured on the top row, 2nd from the right end.photo of graduating class of arche white

CLASS NUMBER 23053B-GRADUATION DATE 09/09/1953
Bert Daniels Class. Bert is pictured on the right end of the first row.
Prior to his arrival at Linkou, he was assigned to Bremerhaven, Germany and Kirknewton, Scotland.photo of graduating class of bert daniels
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CLASS NUMBER 05063A-GRADUATION DATE 10/01/1953
E J Ledet's Class-shown in 2nd Row, 3rd from left. EJ went to Tripoli and then was selected
to be on the site survey team to set up the station in Pakistan. He took an officer's commission and came to Linkou as the Flight Commander of Trick 4. EJ went on to a long and successful careerphoto of graduatiing class of E J Ledet
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CLASS NUMBER 17114-GRADUATION DATE 06/01/1955
Jim Clark's class. Jim is shown seated on first row, 3rd from left. He attended Ground Radio and Intercept school (AFSC 293XX) at Keesler'54-'55. He toured Misawa initially, following up with a long and successful Air Force career with tours including Trabzon, Turkey, Ashiya/Brady (twice), Japan, Keesler 60-64, Goodfellow, Nha Trang, Vietnam, Shu Lin Kou, Taiwan 67-69, Barksdale (AFSC/SAC), Incerlick, Turkey
photo of jim clark's graduating class





1956 THROUGH 1960
(Click on Photos to Enlarge)

CLASS NUMBER 29065-GRADUATION DATE 01/17/1956
Bob Parriott's class. Bob is shown seated on the first row, 2nd from the the right. He went to the Philippines after Tech School and then was "volunteered" to go to Taiwan in early 1956, known in those days as the 6925th, Detachment 1. He wound up serving three tours at Linkou on his way to a long and successful Air Force career.photo of robert parriott's graduating class

CLASS NUMBER 01026-GRADUATION DATE 08/01/1956
Phill Cacace's Class. Phil is seated on the front row, left end. Phil was assigned initially to the 6925th in the Philippines and then transferred to Taiwan to relieve manpower shortages.photo of phil cacace's class
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CLASS NUMBER 21036-GRADUATION DATE 09/25/1956
Roger Swift's class. Roger is pictured in the top row on the left end. Roger's first overseas assignment was to the 6925th in the Philippines. As was the case with many of the operators in the Philippines, he was 'volunteered' to transfer to Linkou help with manpower shortages there. Also pictured in this photograph is Dan Pentacost,(top row middle), who was also assigned to the P.I. and then transferred to Linkou with Roger. We continue to search for Dan.photo of roger swift's class
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CLASS NUMBER 29086-GRADUATION DATE 02/12/1957
Bill Wood's graduating class, shown in front row, center (standing on the riser.) His 1st assignment out of Tech School was to the 6925th RGM in the Philippines. Due to a shortage of Operators at Linkou, Bill took a transfer to SLK when it was still known as Detachment 1, 6925th RGM.
Bill served tours at Misawa, Karamursel as well as a Training Instructor at Lackland and stint of recruiting duty in Anderson, SC.photo of bill wood's graduating class
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CLASS NUMBER 26126-GRADUATION DATE 06/11/1957
Gary Scorby's class. Gary is pictured in the 2nd Row, on the far right end. He was assigned to the Philippines after Keesler. Like Bill Wood, pictured in the class photo above, Gary volunteered to go to Linkou Air Station, which at that time was named Det.1, 6925th RGM. He served on Trick 4 from September, 1957 to the time of his departure, December, 1958.photo of gary scorby's graduating class
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CLASS NUMBER 13117-GRADUATION DATE 04/29/1958
Fred Grafe's graduating class, pictured as tallest Airman in the back row. Fred's first assignment after Keesler was in Germany, after which he came to the 6987th for two consecutive tours from 1961 to 1963. Tragically, Fred died in an automobile accident in 1966.
photo of fred grafe's graduating class
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CLASS NUMBER 03098B-GRADUATION DATE 03/03/1959
Larry Swanson's graduating class, pictured on left end of the back row. Larry's first assignment after Keesler was in Germany, after which he came to the 6987th for two consecutive tours from 1961 to 1964. Larry returned to Linkou in 1971 for another tour. Also pictured is John Ping, 3rd from right on back row. After graduation, John was was assigned to additional schooling at Ft. Meade, and then went to the 6987th in July, 1959.
After completing his tour at the 6987th, John returned to Keesler in November, 1960, as an instructor.photo of larry swanson's and John Ping's graduating class
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CLASS NUMBER 08108A-GRADUATION DATE 04/07/1959
Russ Rigdon's Class-shown in 1st Row, 2nd from right.
Russ' 1st overseas tour was at Karmursel, Turkey after which he came to Linkouphoto of graduating class of russ rigdon
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CLASS NUMBER 22108B-GRADUATION DATE 04/21/1959
Bill Baughn's Class. Bill is pictured on the first row, 2nd from the right. Bill enjoyed a long and very successful career in USAFSS, having served not only at the 6987th, but in Japan (Wakkanai and Yokota), Okinawa, San Vito, San Angelo, Vietnam (Pleiku, DaNang, and Phu Cat), closing out his career with tours at Offut, Fairbanks, AK, and finally Barksdale AFB . After retirement, he went to college and then signed on with the Jackson, MS Police Department in charge of their emergency 911 systemphoto of bill baughn's graduating class
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CLASS NUMBER 29108A-GRADUATION DATE 04/29/1959
Lou DePalma's Class. Lou is pictured on the first row, right end.
Lou served on Charlie Flight in 1963-64. Additional biographical info will be forthcoming.photo of lou de palma's graduating class
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CLASS NUMBER 05118A-GRADUATION DATE 05/05/1959
Chuck Andres' Class. Chuck is pictured on the top row, 2nd from the right. Most of the men in this class were assigned to the 6987th. We are searching for them now. After his discharge, Chuck went on to a long career
with Ford Motor Company, retiring from there in 1994, after 30 years.photo of chuck andres' graduating class
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CLASS NUMBER 19118A-GRADUATION DATE 05/19/1959
Keith Lillie's Class. Keith, pictured in the middle row on the left end, went to the 6933rd Det 3 at Karamursel for his first overseas tour. He followed up with a second tour at the 6987th, getting assigned to work for NSG.photo of Keith Lillie's graduating class.
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CLASS NUMBER 19118B-GRADUATION DATE 05/19/1959
Jim McCants' Class. Jim, pictured in the middle row as indicated, went to Bremerhaven, Germany for his first overseas tour. He followed up with a second tour at the 6987th. Jim went on to join the 707th MAS in 1966, became a Loadmaster on C142's and retired as SMSgt.photo of jim mccants' graduating class
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CLASS NUMBER 26118A-GRADUATION DATE 05/26/1959
Joe Charette's Class. Joe is pictured on the 1st row, 3rd from the left. Joe had a long and successful USAFSS career serving primarily in the Far East and SEA, with stops at San Vito, Kelly AFB, Orlando, Keesler, and MacDill AFBphoto of graduating class of joe charette
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CLASS NUMBER 03128B-GRADUATION DATE 06/02/1959
Joe Rebeiro's class. Joe is pictured on the first row, 2nd from left. He drew an assignment to Karamursel Turkey after graduation. He then extended for a 2nd overseas tour which allowed him to come to Taiwan and the 6987thphoto of joe rebeiro's graduating class
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CLASS NUMBER 17128BB-GRADUATION DATE 06/19/1959
Joe Jacobson's Class. Joe is shown in the front row, 3rd from the left. He was initially assigned to Pakistan and after his twelve month tour there, he opted for a little bit of paradise and came to Taiwan for his second overseas tour. After his tour of duty at the 6987th, he transferred to Kelly AFB to finish out his enlistment. He separated from the Air Force while at Kelly.photo of joe jacobson's graduating class
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CLASS NUMBER 31128B-GRADUATION DATE 06/30/1959
Ralph Allen's Class-shown in 1st Row, right end. Ralph was at Shemya, Alaska
and Kirknewton, Scotland prior to arriving at Shu Linkou Air Station.photo of graduating class of ralph allen
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CLASS NUMBER 08018B-GRADUATION DATE 07/09/1959
Ed Benningfield's class. Ed is pictured in the front row, 2nd from the left. Ed went on to a successful 26 year career having attained the rank of CMSgt, with assignments in Taiwan, Japan, Vietnam, Germany.photo of ed benningfield graduating class
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CLASS NUMBER 21019A-GRADUATION DATE 07/21/1959
Paul Petty's Class-pictured in the top row, 5th from the left. Paul came to the 6987th after a previous tour in Crete. He remained at Linkou for back-to-back tours and then went on to other assignments including Vietnam,
Shemya, Turkey, and San Vito, before returning to Linkou for another tour of duty in the 1970'sphoto of paul petty's graduating class
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CLASS NUMBER 28019B-GRADUATION DATE 07/28/1959
Mike Freedman's Class-shown in 2nd Row, 3rd from right. Mike came to Linkou from his first overseas tour in Kirknewton, Scotlandphoto of graduating class of mike freedman
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CLASS NUMBER 11029B-GRADUATION DATE 08/11/1959
Michael (Mick) Hagala's Class-shown in top Row, 5th from left. Mick's
1st overseas tour was in Pakistan at the 6937th prior to coming to Linkouphoto of graduating class of michael hagala
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CLASS NUMBER 18039B-GRADUATION DATE 09/15/1959
Roger Romanik's Class-shown in first Row, 3rd from left. Roger's 1st overseas tour was to Tripoli. When the Tripoli operation was closed, he moved on to Crete, and then to Linkou
photo of roger romanik's graduating class
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CLASS NUMBER 22049B-GRADUATION DATE 10/20/1959
Frank Brock's Class-shown in 2nd Row, 4th from right. Photo also includes
Roy Politte, shown in 2nd Row 4th from left. Both men went to different overseas tours prior to meeting again at Linkouphoto of graduating class of frank brock
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CLASS NUMBER 15079A-GRADUATION DATE 01/12/1960
Joe Grim's graduating class. Joe is shown in the top row, 2nd from the right end. Also
pictured in this photo, top row on the right end is Ralph Bishop who also served at the 6987thphoto of joe grim's graduating class
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CLASS NUMBER 23099A
GRADUATION DATE 03/23/1960
Jerry Bussure's Class. Jerry is shown on the top row, 2nd from the right. His first assignment
was to Crete, after which he toured the 6987th. Jerry went on to a long and successful career with the Air Force, with postings at other USAFSS units around the world. He retired as a MSgtphoto of jerry bussure's class
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CLASS NUMBER 04119A
GRADUATION DATE 05/03/1960
Bob Atherton's and Sid Jenkins' Class-shown in photo as designated. Both men went
to the Phillippines for their first overseas tour prior to arriving at Linkouphoto of graduating class of bob atherton and sid jenkins
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CLASS NUMBER 18119B-GRADUATION DATE 05/17/1960
Guy Orr's class. Guy is seated in the 2nd row, 2nd from the left.
Guy went to the 6987th straight out of Tech School and extended for a 2nd tour.photo of guy orr's graduating class
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CLASS NUMBER 25119B-GRADUATION DATE 05/24/1960
Ronald Draper's class. Ron is pictured on the front row, 2nd from the right end. He was assigned to the 69xx at Osan, Korea, after which he volunteered for a second overseas tour arriving at the 6987th in August, 1961.photo of ronald draper's graduating class
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CLASS NUMBER 02129B-GRADUATION DATE 05/31/1960
Henry Larry's Class. Henry is pictured in the top row, 3rd from left. Also pictured in this photo is Curtis Wallace (1st row, 2nd from right). Both Henry and Curtis were assigned to the 6987th right out of Tech School. Linkou was the only overseas tour for both men. Henry returned to Edwards AFB, while Curtis transferred to Mather AFB, both in California.
Curtis gave weather briefings to the student navigators that were flying the T-29'sphoto of henry larry's graduating class including curtis wallace
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CLASS NUMBER 06010A-GRADUATION DATE 07/05/1960
Maurice J. Dalton's Class-pictured top row, 3rd from left. Maurice's first tour after Keesler was Osan, Korea, after which he came to the 6987th. Also included in this photo is Charles George (2nd Row, Left end), Danny Wynne (shown kneeling, 2nd from the left end), and Ron St. John (Darby) on the top row, 2nd from the right. Ron (Darby) was reassigned to Hurlburt Field in Florida after his tour and eventually went to work for United Airlines, retiring after 33 years in Operations. Danny went to the Philippines first and then extended for another overseas tour to the 6987th. Charles George hailed from Peoria, IN, and we are trying to locate himphoto of Maurice Dalton's graduating class
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CLASS NUMBER 06010B-GRADUATION DATE 07/05/1960
Frank James' Class-shown as designated. Nine other men out of this class were assigned to the 6987th straight out of Tech School: Ron Lesher, James Regnier, Ron Tribe, Gary Rush, David Cordero, Bob Johnson, Paul Hodges, Donald McLaughlin, and Chuck Roe.
photo of frank james' graduating class
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CLASS NUMBER 27010A-GRADUATION DATE 07/27/1960
Norris Williams' Class-shown in center of 1st row. Norris made two separate trips to Linkou. 1st in 1960-61 and again from 1971-75. Norris also went on to a successful Air Force careerphoto of graduating class of Norris Williams
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CLASS NUMBER 10020A-GRADUATION DATE 08/09/1960
Gerald Holloway's class, shown on first row, 2nd from Right. Also in this class is Roscoe Morris, pictured in back row, third from Left, and Gene Sparks, on the first row, right end
photo of graduating class of gerald holloway-includes roscoe morris
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CLASS NUMBER 02030B-GRADUATION DATE 08/30/1960
Dennis Morris' class. Pictured here on the front row, kneeling 3rd from the right, Dennis' first assignment after Tech School was to the 6987thm where he spent one tour. He went on to a successful career with the Air Force and retired as a MSgt.photo of dennis morris' graduating class
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CLASS NUMBER 30030B-GRADUATION DATE 09/28/1960
Glenn Kibler's Class. Glenn is pictured kneeling to the left of the Class Placard. Glen's first assignment was to Bremerhaven, Germany, after which he opted for a tour at the 6987th. Glenn was Yogi's first roommate when Yogi first arrived at Keesler in July, 1960. Also shown in this photo, but not an alumnus of the 6987th, is Patrick Kindlin who was also Yogi's first roommate at Keesler with Glenn. Patrick is pictured on the Top Row, 5th from the left (wearing the rope.) One other thing in this photo (not related to the 6987th)--Ken Suhovsky is pictured kneeling to the right of the Class Placard. Ken was the 1959 Golden Gloves Open Champion in New York at the Welterweight level and the won the Golden Gloves Tournament of Champions in 1959. He went on to win the U. S. Air Force Welterweight Championship after enlisting in the Air Force.photo of glenn kibler's graduating class
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CLASS NUMBER 20040A-GRADUATION DATE 10/19/1960
Ken Yashus' Class-shown on Top Row, 2nd from left. Ken's first assignment was at the 6927th in Okinawa after which he came to Linkou. After Linkou, he returned stateside, received an early out, and in 1963 joined the Daytona Beach Police Department where he retired in 1984 with the rank of Sgt. Pictured also in this class (2nd Row, 3rd from Left) is Fred Collins. Fred''s first tour
was in the Philippines after which he came to the 6987th. We're still searching for Fred.photo of graduating class of Ken Yahsus
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CLASS NUMBER 06070A-GRADUATION DATE 12/27/1960
Dale Nelson's Class, shown seated in the 2nd row, 2nd from the right end. Dale toured the 6987th right out of Tech School, after which he cross-trained into another AFSC. He had a 28 year USAF career, having served as an aircraft mechanic, x1, and a 702
in different locations including Kelly AFB, San Vito, Brazil, and Vietnam.photo of graduating class of dale nelson
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CLASS NUMBER 06070B-GRADUATION DATE 12/27/1960
John Robinson's Class. John is pictured in the first row, 3rd from the right. His initial assignment out of Tech School was to the 6927th in Okinawa. He opted for a 2nd overseas tour at the 6987thphoto of graduating class of john robinson
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1961 THROUGH 1965
(Click on Photos to Enlarge)

CLASS NUMBER 13070B-GRADUATION DATE 01/10/1961
Wesley (Wes) Jones' class. Wes is pictured in the front row, on the right end. Arriving at SLK in February, 1961, he was assigned to "D" Flight. Wes completed his 15 month tour in May, 1962photo of wes jones' graduating class
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CLASS NUMBER 17080B-GRADUATION DATE 02/14/1961
Gary Knighton's and Gil Espinosa's Class-shown in photo on 2nd Row, right end and 3rd from right, respectively. Also in this class and assigned to Linkou were Walter Adams (top row left end) amd Dennis B. Reynolds (top row 3rd from right), Merle Mountain (3rd Row 2nd from left), Larry Back and Gary Snarr (2nd Row, 3rd from left and 2nd from right, respectively) and on the 1st row, Jose Ortiz (4th from left) and Powell on the right end
photo of graduating class of gary knighton
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CLASS NUMBER 24080B-GRADUATION DATE 02/21/1961
Paul Schofield's Class. Paul is on the top row, 3rd from the right. He was assigned to Baker Flight
and after his tour at SLK, he chose another overseas tour, transferring to MIssion Control at the 6921st Security Wing, Misawa, Japan. Also pictured in this class is Jerry Vincent (2nd row, 3rd from left) Mario Perez (3rd row, right end) and Jimmy Williams (top row, right end) all of whom went to Linkou after graduation. Interestingly enough, Jerry Vincent went on to a long military career, having served not only in the Air Force but the Army and the Navy as well.photo of graduating class of paul christian and paul schofield
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CLASS NUMBER 31080A-GRADUATION DATE 02/28/1961
Rick Roerig's Class. Rick is shown on first row on right end. After two tours at Linkou, Rick left USAFSS for a year. USAFSS found and reclaimed him while at Eglin AFB, and sent him to San Vito. His overseas tours include two tours at Misawa, Korea,
Vietnam, Offutt, and back to San Vito, lastly at RAF Mildenhallphoto of rick roerig's graduating class
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CLASS NUMBER 14090A-GRADUATION DATE 03/14/1961
Sam Martin's Class-shown in 3rd Row, 2nd from the right. Unlike many that went through Keesler, Sam completed his entire basic training at Lackland. Once at Keelser, he was backlogged for a month before being assigned to a class. He came down with pneumonia which set him back another month. Finally graduated, he went to the 6925th in the P. I., before coming to Linkou in 1962photo of graduating class of sam martin
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CLASS NUMBER 28090A-GRADUATION DATE 03/28/1961
Garry Phillips' Class. Garry is pictured on the 2nd Row, on the left end. After Linkou, Garry was transferred to MacDill AFB. Floridaphoto of garry phillip's class
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CLASS NUMBER 12100B-GRADUATION DATE 04/11/1961
Bruce McCabe's Class, shown on back row, 3rd from left. Bruce initially went to Pakistan. A call for volunteers sent him to San Vito, Italy after which he came to the 6987th.
photo of bruce mccabe's class
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CLASS NUMBER 29031B-GRADUATION DATE 09/27/1961
David Demaree's class. He is pictured in the photo on the top row, 2nd from the right. David was the only one out of this class that came to the 6987th. After 1 tour, he returned to the States and was assigned to HQ, Kelly AFB, in San Antonio, TX. He finished his single enlistment at Lackland AFB, TX (also in San Antonio.)>photo of david demaree's class
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CLASS NUMBER 19041B-GRADUATION DATE 10/17/1961
Jimmy Dedmon's Class-shown on Top Row, 3rd from left. After arriving at Linkou in 1963, he served on Baker Flight. Linkou was Jimmy's 2nd overseas tour, having served at Misawa, Japan from 1961-63 on Trick 3photo of graduating class of jimmy dedmon
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CLASS NUMBER 19071C-GRADUATION DATE 01/16/1962
John E Ross' class. John arrived at Linkou in March, 1962 serving his only overseas tour. While at Linkou, he excelled in sports, particpating on the base basketball team as well as pitching on the Trick 3 softball team. John is pictured in the front row, 2nd from the left. Also pictured in this photo is Charles Weigle, shown in the second row, on the left endphoto of john e ross graduating class
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CLASS NUMBER 02081B-GRADUATION DATE 01/31/1962
Larry Kelley's Class. Larry is pictured in the top row, 2nd from the left. Larry, nicknamed "Reb", was assigned to Charlie Flight. After his tour ended, he returned Stateside to complete the balance of his 4-year enlistment. As a civilian, Larry retired ater a career with the U. S. Army Corps. of Engineers. Also pictured in this photo is Raymond Jennings, also on the top row, 3rd from the left.photo of larry kelley's graduating class
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BASIC TRAINING FLIGHT NUMBER T32C1-DATE MARCH, 1962
Gene Chambers' Basic Training Flight graduation photo. Gene is pictured on the 3rd row, at the left end. Most Airmen initiated their Basic Training at Lackland AFB then, when assigned to the Keesler Technical School to learn their Air Force Specialty, completed the remainder of their basic training while attending MIO Tech School classesphoto of gene chambers' basic training flight
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CLASS NUMBER 08111B-GRADUATION DATE 05/08/1962
Ron Sargent's Class (pictured in the back row, 3rd from the right.)
Ron's first overseas tour after graduation was at the 6987th. After Linkou he left USAFSS, transferred back to the States into SAC, and enjoyed a successful 20 year career in the Air Force, retiring as a SMSgtphoto of ron sargent's graduating class
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CLASS NUMBER 22111A-GRADUATION DATE 05/22/1962
Cliff Wiley's Class (pictured top row, right end)
The 6987th was Cliff's first overseas tour after which he was transferred to Amarillo, TXphoto of graduating class of Cliff Wiley
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CLASS NUMBER 04042B - GRADUATION DATE 10/03/1962
Alex DeFazio's class. Alex is pictured in the middle row, 2nd from the left. Alex's initial assignment was to the 6950th in Chicksands, England. He opted for a 2nd overseas tour to the 6987th, arriving in October, 1964. In December, he answered the call for volunteers for Vietnam, transferring to DaNang in January, 1965.photo of alex deazio class
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CLASS NUMBER 13062C-GRADUATION DATE 12/12/1962
Jeff Carleton's Class-Jeff is pictured in the top row, 5th from right. After his tour at Linkou, Jeff was assigned to the 6948th Security Squadron at Goodfellow AFB, and then went to the 6924th Security Squadron in Vietnam from 07/1965 to 08/1966photo of jeff carleton's graduating class
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CLASS NUMBER 08082B-GRADUATION DATE 02/06/1963
Dave Myers' class. Dave is pictured to the viewer's left of the class placard. Dave was
initially assigned to the 6981st at Elmendorf, AK. He opted for the warmer climes of Taiwan for his 2nd overseas tourphoto of dave myers' graduating class
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CLASS NUMBER 06015A - GRADUATION DATE 04/14/1965
Loren Terlisner's class. Loren came to Linkou in August, 1965 and was assigned to Dawg Flight.
He is pictured in this photo on the Top row, far right end. In November, 1966, he took an assignment to Iraklion Air Station, Crete, arriving there in December, 1966. He ended his tour at IAS in October, 1968photo of loren terlisner's graduating class
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CLASS NUMBER 17025B - GRADUATION DATE 05/23/1965
Richard E. Mitchell's class. Richard arrived at Linkou in September, 1965. He is pictured in the second row, 3rd from the right. He departed Linkou in December, 1966 with orders sending him to Kelly AFB. He was there for six months when he volunteered for ARDF training, serving with Det, 1, 6994th Security Squadron in Nha Trang, S. Vietnam. After a year in Vietnam, he received orders back to Kelly AFB. Those orders were countermanded a few weeks later when the Air Force decided, with only a few months remaining on his enlistment, he could opt for an early separation. He separated at MCord AFB in August or September, 1968. Richard's roommate at Keesler was Loren Terlisner, who is pictured in the photo immediately to the left.photo of richard mitchell's class
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CLASS NUMBER 02124B - GRADUATION DATE 09/03/1965
John Quinlan's class. John is pictured in the top row, 2nd from the left. After Tech School, he was assigned to TUSLOG Det 94, Able Flight, at Karamursel Air Station, Turkey. Following Karamursel, John chose an assignment to Shu Lin Kou's 6987th, assigned to Baker Flight from 1967-1968. In his words, a wonderful choice. John served the last few months of his enlistment at Kelly AFB, Texas.photo of john quinlan class
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1966 THROUGH 1970
(Click on Photos to Enlarge)

CLASS NUMBER - 16026B-GRADUATION DATE 04/26/1966
Mike (Sam) Smaha's Class. Pictured in the top row, 3rd from the left, Sam's first assignment after Keesler was to the 6922nd, Clark AB, The Philippines. From there he extended for a tour at the 6987th and found a home.photo of micheal smaha graduating class
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CLASS NUMBER - 04056A-GRADUATION DATE 07/26/1966
Terry Ricchiardi's Class. Terry is pictured on the 2nd Row, 2nd from the right end. Also in this class was Robert Kimm, pictured in the top row, 2nd from the left end. Robert went on to serve in Vietnam, and passed away in 2008 (see Personnel Roster)photo of terry ricchiardi's graduating class
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CLASS NUMBER - 04056B-GRADUATION DATE 07/26/1966
Gary L Cameron's Class. Gary is shown in the 2nd Row, 3rd from the left end. He was assigned to the 6987th immediately after Tech School and also served a tour of duty in Vietnam. Also shown in this photo is Bobby Billups, in the 1st Row, 3rd from the right end, as well as Phillip Dito shown in the 1st Row, 3rd from the left end.
All three men were assigned to the 6987th. Bobby Billups also spent a tour at the 6994th in Vietnam.photo of gary cameron's graduating class
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CLASS NUMBER - 22066B-GRADUATION DATE 09/20/1966
Richard Hockin's Class. Richard is pictured the first row standing, 2nd from the right. At the end of his tour at the 6987th, Richard opted for a 2nd overseas tour at San Vito, Italy with the 6917th ESG. Also pictured in this photo is Al Lebow, standing 3rd from the right (next to Richard), and Pat Riley, kneeling and holding the placard on the right side.
Both Al and Pat also went to the 6987th straight from Keesler.photo of richard hockin's graduating class
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CLASS NUMBER - 14096B-GRADUATION DATE 12/13/1966
Roger Ferris' Class. Roger is shown kneeling in the first row, 2nd from the left. After Keesler, he received additional training in NMIO at Goodfellow AFB, TX, then on to Crete for a tour at the 6931st. He arrived at the 6987th in October, 1968.photo of roger ferris' graduation class
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CLASS NUMBER - 08037B-GRADUATION DATE 06/06/1967
Mike Homcha's Class. Mike is pictured in the top row, 4th from right. After his tour at Linkou,
he cross-trained as a 292x2 at Goodfellow and was then assigned to 6994th Command HQ in SATX.
Prior to his discharge in 1970, he served in Vietnam as an ARDF specialist, flying 137 missions.
Also pictured in this photo is Tony Sturgill, on the first row, 2nd from the left.photo of mike homcha graduating class
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CLASS NUMBER - 15037B-GRADUATION DATE 06/13/1967
Donald Dickson's Class. Don is pictured in the very middle of the front row, kneeling behind the placard. After his tour at Linkou,
he opted for a 2nd overseas tour at the 6918th at Hakata Japan
, he also served in Vietnam as an ARDF specialist.photo of don dickson's graduating class
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CLASS NUMBER - 28067B-GRADUATION DATE 09/26/1967
Joe Talamantes' class. Joe is shown in the first standing row, 2nd from the left. After MIO graduation he was assigned to the 6927th, Onna Point, Okinawa. He then came to the 6987th his 2nd overseas tour.photo of joe talamantes' graduating class
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KELLY AIR FORCE BASE, TX - SCHOOL
CLASS NUMBER -GRADUATION DATE 12/1956
Bob Gee's class, shown in front row, far right. Bob went on to Radio Printer School at Suitland Hall, MD before going to his first assignment at the 6922nd RGM at Ashiya Air Base in May, 1957. Once there, he requested, and was approved, to revert back to work as Chinese Linquist and held this specialty for the next 16 years. He was then appointed US Army Warrant Officer, still in the intelligence field. By that time, he was a qualified military linguist in Japanese, German, and several main Chinese dialects. Bob was a "re-tread", having served a combat tour in Korea with the 7th I. D. as a Chinese linguist. Note his ribbons: The Korean Service Medal, UN Service Medal, and the National Defense Service Medal.
photo of graduatiing class of bob gee

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YALE INSTITUTE OF FAR EASTERN LANGUAGES
CLASS OF JANUARY, 1964 - GRADUATED AUGUST, 1964
image of page one of january 1964 graduation program
image of page two of january 1964 graduation program
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