Raven-15  




On 3 May 2013, Colonel Jim Thomas (Ret.) coordinated and emceed the "Tales of The 55th" event held in the CMSAF James M. McCoy Airmen Leadership School on Offutt AFB. The event is co-sponsored by the 55th Wing Association, the Strategic Roost of the Association of Old Crows and the LeMay Flight, Order of Daedalians. My contribution was a display table and talk that focused on the history and heritage of "Cobra Ball" operations during the "Cold War" (1961-1992). As usual, it was a very enjoyable exprience sharing stories with young and old. Three senior veterans of my generation, General Reggie Urschler (Ret.), Colonel Steve Stevens (Ret.) and Colonel Bill Ernst (Ret.) were present as always. Reggie was the aircraft commander (AC) on my very first RC-135S operational mission in 1967 when we were both Captains. "Rivet Ball" back then was named "Wanda Belle". After a successful mission he gave me a memorable up close tour of the islands before landing on Shemya. I remember telling Reg ......."I like this kind of flying!"

Unfortunately, Lt. Col. Robb Hoover (USAF, Ret.) is no longer with us as of 29 October 2012. Robb created the "Tales of The 55th" program in 2000. He will be missed by all that knew and worked with him.

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"Tales of The 55th" 2013


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On 1 July 2013, I received the following message in part from MSN TV Communications.

"Dear MSN TV Subscriber,

For the past decade, we have been excited to build products that provided our customers with easy access to the Internet on TV. Unfortunately, all good things must eventually come to an end. Today we are announcing that we will be closing the MSN TV service. The last day of the MSN TV service will be September 30, 2013........"


This is not good news. It means that I will need to find another way to publish my website before 30 September 2013. Wish me luck.

Yours Truly,
King Hawes




On 6 August 2013, I was interviewed for the "Veterans History Project" (Library of Congress) at the Eastern Nebraska Veterans' Home in Bellevue, NE. Congressman Jeff Fortenberry and Lee Terry showed up in person and gave a speech in support of VHP. After being briefed I met with an interviewer in private for about 45 minutes. During that time I told my story about Rivet Ball, Rivet Amber and Shemya, donated a zip file of my website, a DVD containing two home videos ("The Iron Pumpkin" & "A Place Called Shemya") and a folder containing 13 photos (See Links Below). All of this information will be stored in the Library of Congress in Washington, DC. It will be on permanent file and available to the public in about 6-8 months.



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Time Marches On
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