Bullhunter
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318th FIS Jet Shop 1975-78
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Post by Bullhunter on Jan 12, 2009 9:08:44 GMT 9
My Dad was just finishing up at Penn State College when the U.S.A. entered into WWII. He was a college graduate and wanted to fly in the U.S. Army Air Corps so off he went. He entered pilots training for a B-17 pilot position and was almost finished with his flight training when it was discovered that he had a slight vision problem. He had night depth perception, which made it harder to land at night. The Army Air Corps decided to take advantage of his flight training and make him a Ground Link Flight Instructor. He trained flight cadets throughout the war. I look back the past 67 years to WWII at the Link Flight Trainer/Simulator and can’t hardly believe the progress in aviation. From a simple Link Trainer made of plywood, 2 by 4’s, and cables; to our state-of-the-art computer operater flight simulators complete with actural ground , sky, & clouds in the windows. The WWII Link Trainer: In 1972 I did engine maintenance run-up training in a C-141 flight simulator and there were no window displays. This is the flight simulator at Norton AFB, CA. In 1974 I went through the B-52 flight simulator that traveled around the SAC Bases on a railroad car. That was just a cockpit with sounds and no movement or window displays. Internet photo: Then in 1976 I went through the F-106 flight simulater for my engine run-up certification while assigned to the 318th FIS at McChord AFB, WA. Again no visuals just audio. Somewhere about 1992 I was able to try out the C-141 inflight refueling sinulator at McChord AFB. That was fun, as it had movement, visuial, and audio. Things had sure come along way from that simple plywood Link Trainer. www.mcchordairmuseum.org/REV%20B%20MAM%20COLLECTION%20F-106%20ATD.htmI have many WWII photo's my Dad left behind all put onto a CD filed away. I'll try and post some later.
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Post by Gene on Jan 12, 2009 10:49:14 GMT 9
i had a shot at the link trainer a long time ago....it was just a plywood dashboard with gauges and joystick. i got in it they closed the cover and it would rotate , and i suppose yaw, in relation to joystick control. there also was an old "timey" handheld microphone. dad had a shot a pilot training when they were looking at nco crosstraining during the war... he was partially colorblind... that stopped the avenue...its funny because you needed better color vision for the maintainace end (such as flight engeer) than a pilot would.. although if your colorblind now you can't drive on the flightline. because of the b2 gun lights from the tower... by the way, thats a mean looking turtle
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Bullhunter
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318th FIS Jet Shop 1975-78
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Post by Bullhunter on Jan 12, 2009 17:14:44 GMT 9
Dad used to come out each year from 1983 until 1987 (just before he lost his life). We hunted many areas around Mt. Rainer, Mossy Rock, and south of Randel. We also fished around Puget Sound (Point Defiance, Tacoma Narrows, and around Fox Island). Dad spent many days with us and greatly enjoyed his grandchildren and daughter-in-law. He would usually spent close to two months or less during his trips.
One day while we were fishing north of the Tacoma Narrows Bridge a big fish swam past us just under the surface and its fin broke the water and it slowly swam off. My dad remarked that was a big fish and he would like to get it on his line so he cast his line and bait out toward the way the fish swam. I asked what kind of fish it was and he said he didn't know but it was black with a white spot on it. I quickly said, "I don't think that is any fish, and we sure don't want to hook onto one of them, so bring in our lines!" We reeled in our lines and just scanned the water around us. Within a few seconds another one went passed our boat and I said, "Dad, that ain't no fish, that is a killer whale and they swim in pods." I said its time to move as the killer whales are hunting salmon and we are not going to catch salmon while they are here. He said lets hang out abit. So we hund out awhile and drifted on the tide. The killer whales stayed in our area awhile and a few circled our boat. Even a tug boat slowed and stopped while the killer whales were in our area. It was just too darn bad I did not have my camara with me that day.
On one of our elk hunting trips on the southside of Mt. Rainer off Skate Creek Road my Dad and I seperated. He was going to sit with his rifle and overlook a meadow and ridgeline as I circled & stalked around the area. I got back around to where my Dad was and too my surprise he was not there. I waited about 15 minutes then started calling out for him but there was no answer. The 3rd member of our hunting party showed up and wanted to know what the problem was. I briefed him on the plan and now Dad was missing. It was late in the afternoon and I was worried he was lost and at 60 years old spending nights in the Pacific Northwest Wilderness if a storm came in was not a good possiblity. I went into Packwood and got search and rescue and told them where we were and they said a search team would be on there way up in about and hour or so. I was to go back up and wait in case my dad showed up. After I arrived at the site my friend and I waited. Just about dark my dad walks out of the woods where our two vehicles are parked with a big smile on his face. About then the first search & rescue vehicle arrives. I'm upset by very happy to see my dad safe. I ask him what he was thinking taking off in the wilderness like that in a place he never hunted. He said, "see the mountian peak up there, I wanted to go have a look see from it." Before I could say anything the captian of the search & rescue said that they love searches that end like this and he was going to radio the other vehicles and have them turn back. Everyone would be spending this night in a warm bed.
Just typing this out helps bring back fond memories. I'm surprised more members are not posting in here.
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Post by Gene on Jan 13, 2009 9:26:24 GMT 9
i'm surprised to!! i'm glad its bringing back those memories...its what keeping those people we love alive...in our hearts
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Bullhunter
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Post by Bullhunter on Jan 15, 2009 11:15:33 GMT 9
Some of us over the years have sorta adopted others as more than just good friends. I moved in here just before Thanksgiving in 1989. Our neighbor who owned the property joining ours invited us to their Christmas Party by telephone. Our famalies did not know eachother then. We clicked very well. I was still active duty USAF and my wife is a U.S. Army Veteran (Registered Nurse). My neighbor had served in both WWII and Korea. He received a Battlefield Commission during WWII and remained in the army after the war. After chasing the Nazi's accross Europe from Normandy he was part of the occupation forces in Japan and later did battle with the Red Chineese Army. He has be awarded several silver stars and other medals. Some of the war storys he has shared have been awesome. WE also have the same birthdays (Jan 25th) but 31 years apart. Over the last 20 years we have grown very, very close. We have salmoned fished together, cut firewood, and attended eachother's family's activities. He is like a father to me and has watched over my children like a grandfather would. Bad news is that last night he was rushed to a hospital in the next county for a possible heart attack. I'm finding out through his wife that he has been chewing nitro pills all week for chest pains and never said anything untill last night at almost midnight. I stopped at the hospital today to see him but he was having tests done. I ask prayers for my friend and this great Americian Veteran. He is going to be 86 on Jan. 25th.
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Post by Jeff Shannon on Jan 15, 2009 13:22:31 GMT 9
Some of us over the years have sorta adopted others as more than just good friends. I moved in here just before Thanksgiving in 1989. Our neighbor who owned the property joining ours invited us to their Christmas Party by telephone. Our famalies did not know eachother then. We clicked very well. I was still active duty USAF and my wife is a U.S. Army Veteran (Registered Nurse). My neighbor had served in both WWII and Korea. He received a Battlefield Commission during WWII and remained in the army after the war. After chasing the Nazi's accross Europe from Normandy he was part of the occupation forces in Japan and later did battle with the Red Chineese Army. He has be awarded several silver stars and other medals. Some of the war storys he has shared have been awesome. WE also have the same birthdays (Jan 25th) but 31 years apart. Over the last 20 years we have grown very, very close. We have salmoned fished together, cut firewood, and attended eachother's family's activities. He is like a father to me and has watched over my children like a grandfather would. Bad news is that last night he was rushed to a hospital in the next county for a possible heart attack. I'm finding out through his wife that he has been chewing nitro pills all week for chest pains and never said anything untill last night at almost midnight. I stopped at the hospital today to see him but he was having tests done. I ask prayers for my friend and this great Americian Veteran. He is going to be 86 on Jan. 25th.Our thoughts and prayers are with him and his family as well as yours Bullhunter please keep us informed on how he is doing
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Post by Gene on Jan 15, 2009 17:02:35 GMT 9
i understand where your coming from...i'v met a lot of good people over the years that served from ww ii to the present...
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Bullhunter
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318th FIS Jet Shop 1975-78
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Post by Bullhunter on Jan 16, 2009 2:22:53 GMT 9
I went to visit him yesterday but he was away from his bed having a stress test and angioplasty done. He has 3 blockages and they are all rated 100% as just drops of blood are getting through. He is very lucky to be alive. He will be having a triple bypass done as soon as they can schedule it.
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Jim Scanlon (deceased)
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Post by Jim Scanlon (deceased) on Jan 16, 2009 3:51:23 GMT 9
WOW! Triple bypass at age 86. He must be in pretty good shape. Will be praying for the procedure to go well and for his recovery.
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Post by lindel on Jan 16, 2009 4:12:08 GMT 9
Having been thru a double bypass at a fairly young age, I don't envy your friend! If the docs think he can manage it, that is indeed a good sign. Be sure he keeps up a good attitude, that's 90% of the recovery!
He'll be added to my prayer list.
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Post by Jeff Shannon on Jan 16, 2009 4:39:52 GMT 9
Bullhunter thanks for the update.
Big prayers going his way!
For him to have triple bypass at 86 Wow The only heart surgery I had was a stent put in a couple of years ago because I was 98% blocked. (all those years of good living don't you know)
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Bullhunter
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318th FIS Jet Shop 1975-78
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Post by Bullhunter on Jan 16, 2009 5:30:30 GMT 9
Received two messages from Mrs. Olsen this morning. 1. Dick's condition has taken a turn for the worse. He is not able to walk or get out of bed without bad chest pains, and he is greatly depressed. The depressed and I'm sure has something to do with him questioning weather he knows & accepts Christ yet. He and I have had many talks about this over the years and he has mostly been verbually combative about it. 2. Mrs. Olsen called ten minutes ago and informed me that his surgery is set for noon tomorrow (Friday). My wife and I will visit with him tonight and I be with Mrs. Olsen and family tomorrow. My wife has a big company meeting she is managing tomorrow, that's been scheduled for months, so she has to be there. Please, Don't forget to keep praying for Dick Olsen and his family. Pray for me to, as I'm not ready to loose my old friend yet. Lost my cousin Robert (USMC Vet) this past summer, and my Uncle Ralph the previous year. Yes, the doctors say he is in very good shape for having his 87th birthday this Jan. 25th. A for Dick Olsen: Captian, US Army Retired WWII Veteran Japan Occupation Forces Veteran Korea War Veteran Husband Father Grandfather Good Neighbor Great Friend
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Post by Jim on Jan 16, 2009 12:10:21 GMT 9
Be a puttin in a good word with the man upstairs for your friend....The Old Sarge
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Post by Gene on Jan 17, 2009 10:08:00 GMT 9
A for Dick Olsen: Captian, US Army Retired WWII Veteran Japan Occupation Forces Veteran Korea War Veteran Husband Father Grandfather Good Neighbor Great Friend a salute from me too!! gene
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Jim Scanlon (deceased)
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Post by Jim Scanlon (deceased) on Jan 18, 2009 8:44:21 GMT 9
James Joseph Scanlon, my Pop, was born in Lodi, California on 22 January 1911. His father moved the family to Virginia City, Nevada when Pop was still an infant. He hoped to make money in the mines. He didn't. My grandfather was born in County Sligo, Ireland and came to this country as a young man. He was always a laborer or low income worker. He was killed in an explosion at a PG&E gas plant in San Francisco around 1928, so I never knew him. My Pop grew up in an Irish Catholic family in San Francisco after they moved there from Virginia City. There were eight children and not much money, so Pop went to work at an early age. His first real job, as a young teen, was the pianists assistant in a silent movie house. As an assistant he was the one who fired the gun, made the hoof beat noises, kind of a pre-radio sound effects man. He enjoyed cooking and when still a teen he got a job as a cook on a ocean going tug boat. He said that if the crew didn't like your cooking you made only one trip outside the Golden Gate. He must have been pretty good, as he made a number of trips. My Mom moved to San Francisco from Ogden, Utah to go to nursing school. She met one of Pop's sisters and through her met Pop. She went to San Diego for nursing school for one year and decided to go back to San Francisco. One of her older sisters was living there, working as a commercial artist and Mom roomed with her. This was during the Great Depression and she worked a number of jobs. When Pop and Mom decided to get married Mom's mother had a fit. How dare a good Swedish Lutheran girl marry a Shanty Irish Catholic? Well they got married in January 1934. I came along in December 1934 and my sister in June 1938. Our family was complete. Pop was working for a Boot and Shoe company sewing western boots. When I was pretty young he made me a pair of boots with Rattlesnake inserts on the sides. Man did I love those boots. I kept them for many years after I outgrew them. Pop was always working, even in the hardest part of the Depression. He worked as a zoo keeper at Fleishaker Zoo in San Francisco, working with the large primates. He even named an Orangutan Jimmy. That Jimmy was very old, Orangutan years,when he died. Pop was a pretty good golfer and got a job as and assistant pro at Lincoln Park golf course and later at Harding Park golf course. He competed in some California tour events, but was never good enough to make any money. Somewhere along the line Pop began having a problem with alcohol and by the time WW2 came along he was having serious problems with his drinking. It started costing him jobs and he was constantly going to a new job. He didn't go in to the military during the war. He had been a machine gunner in the California National Guard, but never stayed beyond his first enlistment. He did tell me about the machine gun. It was a WW1, water cooled .30 cal., Browning I think. Took two men to use it. One to feed the belt and refill the water tank and one to aim and fire. Took both of them to carry the gun as it was heavy. After WW2 Mom had enough and she got a divorce. Pop started making an effort to quit drinking and it took several tries and much time at AA meetings before he finally did. During that time he got married at least 3 more times. Always nice ladies. Always alcoholics. One died of cancer, One died from drink. One had a heart attack. Pretty checkered life. After he quit drinking and got involved in AA he began speaking for AA around the Bay Area. He didn't drive, so always had to have someone take him to speaking engagements unless they were in The City. At the request of Warden Clinton Duffy at San Quentin, Pop made a number of trips there to help start an AA group at the prison. That let to his going to Folsom prison for the same task. During this time he got a job as a cook at Camp Curry in Yosemite National Park and then the Awahnee Hotel. That led to a job as a cook at the Palace Hotel in San Francisco. It was a real treat to go there and have lunch in the Garden Court. He always had the waiter bring us Baked Alaska for dessert. Man, what a treat. He got tired of the hours it took to be a cook in a big hotel and started selling shoes. He sold shoes for many years and kept up his AA activities. He was offered a job as a housekeeper at the Mark Hopkins Hotel and took that for a couple years Then he managed the Henry Orloff House. It was a home for Episcopal priests who had drinking problems. He was ordained as a lay deacon in the Episcopal Church by Bishop James Pike. Yep, the same Bishop Pike who did some goofy things in the Seventies. Pop then went back to selling shoes until he retired. Pop smoked two to three packs of smokes a day, unfiltered Pall Malls for many years. He came down with stomach cancer and died in 1996. Pop lived some kind of life. We were always close and he taught me a lot. I would caddy for him while he gave me golfing lessons. This was in the 1940's and the clubs he used had wooden shafts and no numbers on the heads. The clubs all had names; mashie-niblick, etc. He was called Happy Jimmy and was well known all over The City. He knew many of the rich and famous of the city and called Joe DiMaggio a friend, along with Joe's brothers. He knew them through the restaurant business. Our kids were always amazed that no matter where we went with Pop people were calling him by name and coming over to talk to him. When we would visit him, he would take us to some of the best places to eat in The City, but not always places in the tourist books. Real, old San Francisco restaurants. Pop was an inventor, but never made any money from his inventions. He invented a ladies shoe with interchangeable heels that he sold to a shoe company, but it didn't work out. Wrong timing. He had a very nice Irish tenor voice and sang all the time. That is one thing he taught me, don't let the world get you down, sing, whistle and make yourself happy. His last wife was from Londonderry, Northern Ireland and together they made a couple of trips to the Old Sod. It was the fulfillment of a dream for him to be able to walk the streets of Sligo Town that his father had walked. De and I also took a trip to Sligo Town and I still cherish the time of wandering around looking at places my grandfather had. Pop was not a big man, five foot five, but he had a big heart and always shared the joy that was in his heart and did his best to make others happy.
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Post by Gene on Jan 18, 2009 9:49:23 GMT 9
outstanding story jim...i am always interested about how our relations came to this country...reading your story, i remembered that my dad worked at the local theater as the projectionists helper when he was in highschool and his mom played the piano there sometimes...thanks again for sharing,, gene
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Post by Mark O on Jan 18, 2009 10:43:37 GMT 9
Thank you for that story Jim. Wow! To me, that is the story of America and it really touched me.
Mark
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Bullhunter
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Post by Bullhunter on Jan 18, 2009 11:11:32 GMT 9
Excellent family story Jim.
Also update on Dick Olsen, Capt. USA retired. Doing well ! Thanks for the prayers.
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Post by Gene on Jan 18, 2009 11:59:43 GMT 9
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Post by lindel on Jan 18, 2009 12:26:31 GMT 9
Jim, thanks for telling us about your family. Nice to know where we come from.
bullhunter, that is excellent news. Now's the time for the attitude to kick in, he's gonna be sore and weak for a few weeks.
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