Photos and comments courtesy of:
TSgt. Mike Fodale
Chief of Maintenance
35th Tactical Fighter Wing
35th Headquarters Squadron
Aircraft Deficiency Analysis Section
Phan Rang AFB, RVN
3/31/69-3/31/70
I was assigned as NCOIC, Deficiency Analysis, Chief of
Maintenance, 35th Tactical Fighter Wing (F-100s and B-57s).
I prepared staff studies, evaluated maintenance techniques and assisted
shops in MSET (Maintenance Standardization and Evaluation Team) procedures.
This involved the improved use and maintenance of AGE equipment,
better mission control of the dispatcher in Wing Maintenance
Control, and better coordination of maintenance and loading
activities. This also reduced overall number of aircraft aborts.
My staff and I created the first 'High Five' Report listing aircraft
(F-100s) with the most hours flown to the least hours flown based on
individual aircraft maintenance down times. I called it 'The Pig Report'.
After about six months in Nam, I wanted to find more to do to make
the time pass quicker. So I took a part time job as bartender at
the officer's club. I started at one dollar an hour. But in a month
I was promoted to head bartender and given a 10 cent raise. I was
in the big time now. Got to know some of the senior officers (forgot
their names by now) but most of the junior officers partied in their
hootches. So I didn't get to know many of the fighter pilots.
Here I am outside our 35th Chief of Maintenance building. (1969)
On the right is SSgt Tipple. I think he was from
California. Tipple...where are you??? (1969)
Me with the bosses. On the left is SMSgt Bill Roy. On the right is MSgt Charles
Washburn. Don't know why these guys wouldn't look into the camera. (1969)
Above is the Maintenance Analysis Team: 1. SSgt Tipple; 2. name?;
3. SMSgt Bill Roy (NCOIC); 4. SSgt Shablitsky; 5. MSgt Charles
Washburn; 6. name?; 7. myself; 8. TSgt Carlisle (1969)
Behind me is where "Rocky" the little old Vietnamese man worked.
His job was to remove the rocks stuck in the tires of the flat bed
hauling the bombs onto the flight line. Often when "Rocky" didn't
show up for work we would get nervous because that's when the base
would usually be attacked during the daytime hours. (1969)
Some of the damage from a rocket attack to an F-100. (1969)
On the left is TSgt Carlisle. He was the one who shot most of these color
photos I'm posting. I thought he looked like President Johnson. (1969)
I can't remember this fellow's name, on the left, but we
both worked in my office. I recall he extended another year
in Nam to keep his Marine son from having to go to Nam. Real
nice guy. Anybody know his name? Wonder how his son did? (1969)
Here's me standing outside my barracks. I
think my cube was right behind me. (1969)
Me outside our barracks doing our mandatory sand bag detail. (1969)
Our barracks bunker. During an attack, most of the time we would just stay
on the floor in the barracks to avoid the Pit Vipers in the bunker. (1969)
Just outside my barracks after a rocket attack
- enjoying a Falstaff and a smoke. (1969)
In front of PRAB's NCO club. I was able to purchase a 90cc
motorcycle. No longer had to walk around the base. (1969)
The Bamboo Viper slot machines at the NCO club.
I never could win but had a little fun. (1969)
Me at the NCO club bar and juke box area next to the deck area. (1969)
Col L. Jack Obus (left) presenting me with the AFCM. (1969)
Here's a photo of me today. We built a home about 30 years ago on
an acre outside of San Antonio. We're near Randolph, Brooks, Lackland
(and what use to be Kelly) bases and Fort Sam Houston. This is a military
town. We also have Wilford Hall USAF Hospital here. (2010)
Click on Drive-In photo to 
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