Was with ARIA from 1972 - 1979 at both Patrick AFB and Wrght Patterson AFB. My most memorable memory was the Apollo 17 night launch as seen from base housing in Satellite Beach. I had a lot of ARIA stuff, but lost it all during hurricane Katrina. At least my wife and I survived. Great site. Hubert R. (Roger) Wendler MSgt retired
I was a young engineer that worked on the developement of the ARIA antenna pedestal and control unit for Bendix Eclipse-Pioneer from 1966 thru 1969. I spent many days at Patrick and Mac-Doug in Tulsa. Flew some test and evaluation missions as well. Visiting your siten brings back memories. Mike Durkin
It was great to see so many familiar names in the ARIA Alumni list. I worked with the ARIA group when they first arrived at Edwards AFB. I worked in the Building with CMSgt Lowe and MSgt Mike Wheeler, from 04/15/94 to 03/15/95. I did not see my name (Patsy A. Humphrey) on the Alumni list, nor did I see my friend Anita Barrett's name, or her current husband CMSgt James Rennie (we all worked with ARIA at Edwards AFB). Anita Rennie is still a Department of Defense employee and her husband has now retired from the Air Force and as far as I know he's not working. I also am currently not working; but have been actively searching for employment since obtaining my Bachelor of Science in Management, with a 4.0 GPA, in June of 2004. Any ARIA people who remember me can write me at PatsyCalifornia@adelphia.net. Great website!!!
Hi Randy I havent forgot about you.I will send pictures.My E-Mail is Pools00374@yahoo.com
My frist vist to your site, I think it is great. I was the crew chief on 374 when it was at Patrick AFB FL, back in late 69 and 70, Then left for Nam. At WPAFB, was assigned as the first ARIA Flight Chief During the transfer of Aircraft to WPAB.Left bin 78 for CAFB S.C. and retierd in 81. Dave Dillon
IT'S BEEN AWHILE SINCE I VISITED THE SITE AND IT LOOKS GREAT. kEEP UP THE GOOD WORK. PERHAPS WE CAN ADD SOME DEPLOYMENT PHOTOS, NOT NECESSARILLY MISSION RELATED BUT CREWS RELAXING AT THOSE GREAT PLACES WE WENT, SUCH AS ASCENCION IS. OR SENEGAL.
Hello, just found the site. My name is Robert J Burns went to Patrick AFB June 1966, got there before ARIA arrived. Was assigned to 6549 CEMS Telemetry Shop. Went to Tech School at Lowery AFB 65 to 66. We worked on the EC-130 before the ARIA arrived. I remember the first thing that was done before ARIA arrived was to add on the shop, to make room for all the new equipment. I went to antenna school first then rf school, then went to timing and recorders school, work on all the equipment by the time I left in 1971. Hoot Gibson was the was CMSGT in charge of shop. My memory not so good but some of the first guys to work on ARIA, Jim McVay, Don Hatfield, Lou Giddens, Dallas Bains, Bob Sterling, Rock Oliver, Doug Price, but just can’t remember names. I left June 1971 went back to Lowery AFB to be instructor. Tough Sets for two years. After 8 years got out of service, moved back home Williamsport Pa. rjburns@chilitech.net Hope to here from some of the old guys.
1969 to 1972 at PATRICK IN MAINT. LOTS OF FUN NICE SITE
Enjoyed your site. I have a small bit of ARIA material on my site that someone had sent in years ago on my PHOTOS page. Don't know the accuracy of it though. Gary Schulz gschulz@bfec.us www.bfec.us
Interesting site... brought back some memories for sure. I was one of the assistant crew chiefs on 81-0896 1986-1988. Interesting to see the pics and read the info. Brad Doane braddoane@adelphia.net
I just wanted to add to all the other comments out there. Looking over some of the links Ive come to relieve that one of the A/C I use to service was listed. I worked 60-0375 from 1997-2000 as a life support technician. I always knew of its unique history and was amazed of it missions. In fact one of the picures listed, I was at location when it was taken. John/USAF
I love the site it keeps the aria family alive. My dad was Tsgt Larry Wetzel from Aria 328. Anyone who new dad can contact me or my mom at tonyabaker73@netzero.com. Tonya Wetzel-Baker
Thank you for your effort with the memorial. Glenn Resides was my father. He perished when I was only a small child of four years of age. I still remember the love he held for my mother, myself, and my younger brother. I try to live my life the way he would want me to. Thank you for the funny story ("Big Night Out"). I tried to picture the situation in my head and it makes me chuckle to myself. Keep up the great work. Best Wishes, Brian Resides
Great site. I'm a retired Instrumentation Tech that always thought ARIA would be my next assignment. I was at WPAFB working at another shop when 328 crashed -- bad day. SMSgt Bill Johnson Ret
I still carry the dog tag recovered from the crash site. It was returned to me by Bob Egnor. Joe Brundage was wearing my flight gear and it was in the brest pocket of my flight suit. I think only a few of us know the real stroy.
Randy, What a great web site and tribute to my fiends and former crew members that paid the ultimate price on AGAR 23. I had flown many hours aboard aircraft 328 with many of the crew members. I had only left the Squadron one month before the crash. I felt that a part of me died that day with the many friends that perished. I will be buying a brick for the memorial and hope that I can make it to MD. next year. Michael Ling, USAF, retired 1989. Mdcsl@alltel.net
Randy, is ti possible to establish a blog? we could periodically write in teh status of us and our familys and leave messages for each other? steve davis, MC AGAR Airlines
Randy, is ti possible to establish a blog? we could periodically write in teh status of us and our familys and leave messages for each other? steve davis, MC AGAR Airlines. my email is steven.davis@wpafb.af.mil
Ventura Franco here,was at Patrick fromm July 1969 to July 1970,,,,Participated on Apollo 13,Was On 60-375 with Tsgt Levi,went down range to Darwin and Figi to cover the launch and Splash Down near Samoa,,Many memories on other missions,,,,Dave Dillon if you are the Dillon that Hit the Crew Entry door with your head, on the 135 while we were boarding,please write to me.This is SSGT-Franco telextremebiz@hotmail.com