Whitlow, Homer

In 1950, I was working in the Kress, TX, Post Office, selling first-class stamps for 3 cents and postcards for a penny, when a good friend came by and said he was joining the Air Force due to the Korean War. I joined with him and started my 26-year journey in the most interesting life you could imagine.

While stationed at Bitburg AB, Bob Cass (SSS) was my flight commander. What rides we had in the F-86! His replacement was Buzz Aldrin. Ed White was also in the 22nd FDS; Hoot Gibson (SSS – RIP) and Deke Slayton were in another squadron on base. Bill Creech was the leader of the Sky Blazers, Don Emingholz (SSS) was on his wing. Chuck Yeager would fly in from a nearby base and we would all join up in the Officer’s Club and listen to his stories. What a wonderful time for a young 2nd Lt.

When I was medically grounded, I thought it would be all over for a career in the Air Force. But the Chief of Military Personnel (CBPO) at McClellan AFB asked me to work for him, which I did, and started a career in Personnel.

On July 31, 1977, I retired in Lubbock from Air Force with my sweet wife Jo, and girls Denise and Elise.

I am now blessed to be part of such a great organization as the SSS with its rich personal histories, talented personnel, such great stories that they could fill a thousand books, and a roster of the best fighter pilots who made the cut from flying school.

Special thanks to the great crew we have for creating THE INTAKE; what a fascinating publication! And thanks to all military SSS members for your service to the Air Force, your dedication to your profession, and to our wonderful country.

I wish all of you the very best in your journey of life. God bless you and your sweet families. And bless all of those who continue to serve in the military for this great country!

Best regards, —Homer Whitlow