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319th FIS reunites, tours Grissom

  • Published
  • By By Tech. Sgt. Benjamin Mota
  • 434th ARW Public Affairs
GRISSOM AIR RESERVE BASE, Ind. --  Base tours are commonly used to educate the public, but a recent group of tourists taught Airman a thing or two as they toured their old home and shared their rich heritage along the way.

More than 30 former Airmen from the 319th Fighter Interceptor Squadron Association and their guests participated in a base tour here, Sept. 25.

"It's important that we continue to share our history," said Dave Headen, 319th FISA member and tour coordinator. "Each year we pick a location for a reunion; this year we chose Grissom because the squadron was once located here."

The 319th FIS was created as part of the 325th Fighter Group in 1942 and served until its deactivation in 1977. It was located at Grissom, formerly Bunker Hill Air Force Base, from 1955 until 1963.

"Having an opportunity to see our old home is something special for so many of our members," explained Headen who was stationed here between 1955 and 1961. "It's amazing how the base has changed over the years."

During the tour, visitors had an opportunity to see Grissom's propulsion shop and witness first-hand how technology has changed the engines.

"They have come a long -long way from when I first started working on engines," said Headen. 

Despite the changes in technology, the camaraderie and pride of the group's heritage still remains the same.

"Each member had a story to tell, and listening to their experiences and memories was something I won't forget," said Staff Sgt. Zack Gibson, 434th Maintenance Squadron aerospace propulsion journeyman. "The group was like one big family, and even though they are now veterans, they still treated us like family.                                                                         

"It just goes to show that the military is something that sticks with you, even after you leave," he added.

After visiting the engine-shop, the group had an opportunity to tour a KC-135R Stratotanker, where pilots and crewmembers showed them around the aircraft and answered questions.

"Prior to this, the only time I had ever seen a KC-135 was from the receiving end," said retired Lt. Col. Robert Sweetwood, a former Air Force fighter pilot. "I was really impressed by the quality and condition of the aircraft and the base all together."

The tour was part of 319th FISA's 24th reunion and included members from all eras of the association's history.

"Keeping our history alive is very important," added Sweetwood. "The camaraderie you had between the people you served with is a lifelong thing.

"Getting together once a year allows you to renew that; we remembered what we did for our country even through the difficult times," he concluded.

The 434th ARW is the largest KC-135 unit in the Air Force Reserve Command. Airmen and aircraft from the 434th ARW routinely deploy around the world in support of the Air Force mission and U.S. strategic objectives.

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Public Affairs Staff

Material contained on the Official Grissom Air Reserve Base Internet Web Site is written and produced by members of the 434th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs Office. The award-winning staff includes:

Ben Mota
Chief, public affairs

Maj. Elias Zani
Public affairs officer

Master Sgt. Wendy Day
Staff writer

Tech. Sgt. Alexa Culbert
Staff writer

Senior Airman Elise Faurote
Staff writer

Senior Airman Benjamin Cowles
Staff writer