Ron Albers – “Ron”

From his USAF Official Files (Personal info follows at the end) 

Colonel Ronald L. Albers retired on 31 Dec 02 as Vice Wing Commander of the 121st Air Refueling Wing, Ohio Air National Guard, Rickenbacker International Airport, Columbus, Ohio.

Colonel Albers was born Dec. 9, 1946, in Brainerd, Minnesota and graduated from Washington High School in Brainerd in 1965.  Following extensive travels alone throughout Europe that summer, he returned to attend Brainerd State Junior College, graduating with an Associate of Arts degree in 1967.  He then attended the University of South Florida in Tampa, receiving his Bachelor of Arts degree in English in March of 1969.  His professional military education includes Air Command and Staff College and Air War College.

Ronald L. Albers – “Ron”

“‘Big Ron’ came to Columbus with the typical Air Force issues for student pilots: a wife, a car, and not much else…

Included in Ron’s more notorious deeds are driving on the BOQ lawn, driving the get-away car in the great Jensen Kidnapping, and being among the original five to be influenced by the Sunglassed Kid of T-37s.”

71-01 Yearbook, page 14.

Don Bennett – “Ace”

I currently plan to attend the Oct. reunion with my wife DeeDee. I am divorced/remarried. I have twin sons (Mike and John) who were born in 1973 while I was stationed at columbus AFB as T-38 instructor pilot. I left the AF in March, 1974 as captain……have not flown since.

We are unsure of whether we will come via flying or driving yet, but have made reservations at the Magnolia for Thursday thru Sunday. My wife and I are retired here in Rochester, NY (I worked at Kodak for 38 years). Together we have 9 grandchildren (3 for me, 6 for her) that we don’t see enough of, travel some, I play a lot of golf, and work in stained glass (windows and lamps), and occasionally do some consulting on the side. DeeDee likes to work in the garden/yard and go antiquing and flea markets. Hope this helps. I’ll check in at this web site from time to time, and I will call Tom Bowman as things get closer in. Looking forward to seeing everyone again!

P.S. My wife wants to “sit in a T-38 and also try to fly a trainer.”

Donald Bennett — May 15, 2012

Donald J. Bennett – “Ace”

“‘Ace’ Bennet (commonly called Don) reported to CAFB fresh from brainwashing at Lackland. His first military act at UPT was to inform everyone ‘how they did things at OTS’…

The first time his flying became noticeable was when he taxied out in a T-41 and then aborted because of ‘radio failure and inoperative fuel gauges.’ He found, much to his chagrin, that the master switch has to be on for them to work.

Don desires a SEA assignment in RECCE aircraft upon departure from UPT–he should make a good shutter bug.

71-01 Yearbook, page 15.

Bill Buchanan – “Buck”

Career Summary:

Initial assignment was C141A Charleston AFB SC 1970-75. Last few years concentrated on airdrop ops working in wing combat tactics office. Assigned to new Airlift Center at Pope AFB NC 1975-1979 as C141 test director and project manager. Separated active duty 1979 and took sales executive job with IBM in Jackson MS branch. Joined MS ANG in Jackson and flew C130H and later C141B until retirement in 1990.

William C. Buchanan – “Buck”

Buck has been an indispensable part of 01. His sterling example of leadership and devotion to duty has inspired his classmates to aspire to greater heights. Buck valiantly displayed his courage and quickness of mind on several occasions. Once, with no thought for his personal safety, Buck made repeated low passes on a closed runway, diving and jinking to avoid the hail of red flares and radio transmissions aimed at him. On another occasion, Buck was honored by being chosen as a member of the wing commander’s golf foursome at a base tournament. Relaxed under pressure, Buck arrived at the links, well rested, fours after tee time…

Let it be said that Buck has been a memorable part of the first class at Columbus Air Patch.

71-01 Yearbook, page 17.

Burton D. Humphrey – “Hump” (In Memoriam)

Burt was my roomate while at Columbus, and I did keep up with him for the short time until he was killed in a 1972 crash. Burt went to Ellington after Flight School for transition to the 101. He was from Fargo, ND, and that is where the crash occured. I was out of the country at the time and did not learn of the crash till several weeks after the fact. Burt was a good guy, a good friend and I have thought of him fondly through the years.

In case you are interested, I am attaching the safety report from his crash. I apologize for the quality of the sketches–a copy of a copy of a copy… Fate truly is the hunter in some cases.

— Bill Grubbs (“Buzzard”), July 31, 2012

Burton D. Humphrey – “Hump”

“Burt, better known as ‘the Hump,’ is normally not seen or heard on the flight line. But this is deliberately planned and constitutes a phenomena known as the Guard syndrome or Humphrey’s law. In his words, “If they can’t find you, they can’t volunteer you.” As of this date he holds the ATC record for cleverly avoiding all extra duties: snack bar, dispatch, and regalia. Having a lust for the finer things, give him a Michelob and he’ll follow you anywhere.”

71-01 Yearbook, page 35.