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.