497TH FIS ARCHIVES
                                                 


                                                      Geiger Oldies but Goodies

These photo were provided by Geneva (Delys)Lucas. Just prior to the Spokane Reunion she contacted me saying she had numerous photos of some of the guys who were stationed at Geiger if I would  like to have copies.  What a wonderful surprise! We were able to work it out for me to have the copies made prior to reunion.



When the squadron was stationed at Geiger there was a  service station near the base entrance. It was the "Economy Station" and the owners were Bob and Sharon Conrad.  This couple had a very clever business concept, they hired high school girls to pump gas!! We can all imagine "where" most of the guys purchased fuel. This station is still in existence; it is the "Flying J" and we purchased fuel on our way out of Spokane after the reunion.



One amazing thing that occurred due to these photo, one of the members who is in several of them, attended the reunion.  He and Geneva dated and  got to meet again after more than fifty years. You will see them reaching out to hug one another on one of the reunion photos. No, his wife was not jealous, she thought it was really unique! Thanks  John and Nell for being such an asset to our reunion.



If any of you know the guys that are unknown, please let me know. Hopefully, these photos will be enjoyed by many of you who were at Geiger during this time. May they bring many great memories to mind.  
497th Pilots Taken At Torrejon - If you can name these pilots let us know

Photo:  Courtesy of Nick Orton


                                Aerial View of Geiger Field
              497th Armament



Can anyone identify these men?
Photo:   Courtesy of Nick Orton
             Geiger Dress Parade

Photo:   Courtesy of Bob Norrie
 
 
 
 
 
Photo:  Courtesy of Norm Smith
 
                         My NAV/COMM (Radio Shop) Outfit at Torrejon


Starting at the far back, in red—Sandy (Irwin) Sandin and to his left is Sgt. Summers with the tie on.  At Sandy’s right front is Sgt. George Bethman and left front is Kal Oldenburg.  Left of Kal is George Plemons.  Front left of George is TSgt. Richard Fulkerson, in front of Fulkerson is Dale Peck and to his right in coat and tie is Roy Greenwood (I think this name is right).  Coming right front of Bethman is TSgt. Harvey Bethel and in the grey sweater vest I believe is Gerald Rittenhouse.  I am in the red sweater vest (Ed Bowman) and I can not remember the names of the two fellows with glasses.  On my left I believe is Donald Raffel and to his left is TSgt. Wilfred (Bill) Higley.  

This picture was taken at Christmastime in the Madrid apartment of TSgt. Summers. The year was probably 1959.

Some of the names I remember, if anyone recognizes any that I have wrong or don't have listed, please contact me at ebowman@everestkc.net