497th FIS BX

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As far back as I can remember, I have been influenced by photos and stories my father ('Newt') accumulated during the time he served with the USAF 497th FIS at Geiger Field and Torrejon Air Base.   Having shared some of those stories with friends of mine in years past, one of them recently asked me to confirm where my father had been based. Since he too, served in the military, one of his hobbies is collecting various military memorabilia and documents.  After confirming that Geiger Field was my father's first duty station, he recalled purchasing a handbook having to do with that particular base.  He was fortunately able to locate it and relinquish it into my care.

The handbook was actually a post World War II guide that was given to each personnel upon arrival at Geiger Field.  It included a detailed history of the base, names of on-site buildings and a map of their location, things to do in Spokane, code of conduct, etc, and everything a new arrival should know!  One of the more unique things about the handbook is the sixty or more historic photos, which I feel certain, would be recognizable to those of you based there.   I have some experience with graphics design, so my original task was to take this worn unique piece of history and reproduce it back to its original state.  The entire handbook was re-typeset,  even to the extent of using the same character styles originally used.  Just for grins, I even included some of the mistakes that were made in the original copy.  All of the photos were reprocessed to repair torn pages, remove water stains, and enhance the overall photo for clarity.  Maps were redrawn by hand due to the originals being damaged beyond repair.  In all, it took over 100 hours to complete.   I worked on this project unbeknownst to my father as my plans were to present him with a finished copy prior to the 497th FIS Reunion which was soon to take place in Kansas City, MO.  After thinking about it, I decided that even though the original booklet had been published years prior to the arrival of the 497th FIS at Geiger Field, it would be a nice piece of memorabilia that each of the squadron members would like to have for their own.  When my plan was disclosed to the reunion coordinator, I was requested to personally attend the reunion and present each attendee a copy.  It was indeed a great pleasure to meet those of you that I have only known by name. A copy of this booklet is available through the 497th BX.  Due to printing and shipping the cost per is $10 per book.  Copies of the booklet may be purchased by contacting  wmnewton@suddenlink.net     Derek Newton Son of Marion E. "Newt"  Newton

497th FIGHTER INTERCEPTOR SQUADRON BOOK On September 24 - 26 the 497th FIS enjoyed it's second major reunion in Spokane,WA.  It was a major success with eighty-five attendees.  Over the past three years, there have been three hundred and thirty-five squadron members located including those who are deceased. I was inspired to produce a 497th FIS book.  The book is comprised of one hundred and twelve pages of history, members biographies and hundreds of pictures of personnel, air craft from Geiger Field AFB Spokane, WA and Torrejon AFB,Spain The cost of the book is $23.00 plus $5.00 for mailing. Please send check for $28.00 to David Paup 10701 SE 293rd ST Auburn, WA 98092