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Airway Pioneer Member |
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Paul, I write this with some trepidation, knowing how many outstanding retirees exist. But here goes: Gordon Henderson was brought up on a farm in Northern Wis.- Attended U of Wis, Wright Jr. College, & Texas A&M. (completed EE-855 rating at OKC in 1958) Had training in USN at Ward Island, Tex & then to FAWETUPAC Whidbey Island, WN where he installed APS-3 radars & marker beacons in PBY a/c headed for Russia via the "lend lease" program. Also taught Loran & APS-15 airborne radar. In 1946 after USN discharge was picked up by PHILCO as a Tech Rep & sent to Howard AFB, CZ ostensibly to repair radar on old French Canal but set up radar class for some 15 surplus Master Sgts. When ordered by PHILCO to transfer to Guam, took job with CAA as Tech at the Corazal HF Transmitter site. After 3 years, transferred to Fort Bridger, Wyo. until a RIF, when he bid Shuyak Island, Alaska where Dee & I were the only inhabitants. Maintained combined CAA/Army VHF/UHF repeater & Fan Marker. Great fishing & shot a Brown Bear. Did a short stint at Woody Island, (Kodiak) until new repeater station opened at Rodgers Pt, AK where he put station on air. When in 1956 after FAA was created, bid Minneapolis, Minn as Relief Tech, then as SEMT to Muskegan, Mich. followed by two years as Radar & Avionics instructor at OKC. In'59 went to Washington DC, In Sys. Maint under IJ Rovang, then to Frequency Mgmt in various positions in AF & R&D. Was fortunate to receive a "Special Award" from Airway Facilities & a "Distinguished Career Service" award from Administrator Langhorn Bond. All in All, it was a wonderful place to work with very dedicated people. | |
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