Jack, Thanks for the website and I might add job well done.
I was one of the guys that came down to help start the 34th from the 36th TFS out of Yokota.
I well remember how we arrived ready to continue with what we had done TDY from Japan for the previous 2 years at Takhli, and the Thai Government’s refusal to allow our F-105s in country for a short time period. We maintenance folks had to sit and wait.
Also I well remember the pay line snaking through a darkened 34th TFS Orderly Room and Major Blank standing by the projector as the gun camera film of his MiG shoot down was run over and over. We were told that the Major would answer any questions we might have. The guy in front of me asked Major Blank if he thought he had killed the MiG pilot. With no hesitation at all he replied "There is no doubt in my mind that he was killed, watch those shells walk in on the left wing and through the canopy".
Like others, I find that looking back on a 20 yr AF stint, those few years in the 36th TFS and the 34th TFS were truly the most outstanding.
Thanks to all the "thud drivers" and never forget the ones we didn't get back, thus my E mail address. Tom Elder

I think often about how fortunate I am that my father, through skill and good fortune, managed to return home unscathed from Vietnam. I would not be here to read about you otherwise. His experience at Vietnam, and generally in the Air Force make up a large part of his pride and self. The good values that were instilled in that experience, such as loyalty, strength, pride and sheer guts were shared with me. I look up to my father for his strength of character and I hope to have that strength someday. I can already see it in my brother (see entry 21). I want to thank all of you for providing such a great foundation and giving us opportunity to continue to enjoy freedom and peace stateside. It is a sacrifice you made not only for yourselves, but for your families and country. For that, we are forever indebted.

I am very proud to be a fighter pilot's daughter!!

To all of the men of the 34th Fighter Squadron. My father (Lt Col Donald O. Austin USAF Ret) was a member of this prestigious squadron in 66/67. I was very fortunate to have him return from what appeared to be one hell of a war, especially the "PACK 6" missions. He was a model father to both me and my sister with a typical fighter pilot approach. I have flown in Desert Storm / Desert Fox / Enduring/Iraqi Freedom in both B-52 and B-1 and have experienced combat both in the air and on the ground. I am currently the F-35 Operational Test Director at AFOTEC. To the Point: I have been raised by fighter pilots throughout my adolescence and I want you all to know that this generation of fighter pilots are my heroes and I am quite sure that my friends growing up would concur. Thank you for doing what you did. You all are a credit to your generation and fighter pilot community. You exceeded the standard in all areas. Keep your speed up and Check 6, Kurt L. Austin Lt. Col. USAF