Features

Aug. 28, 2013
The French Farm Girl of the Flying Field: Yvette Hamel and the 371st Fighter Group

It was the summer of 1944 in Normandy, France. In June, Allied forces had successfully landed on the European continent and began the great campaign across northwestern Europe to defeat Nazi Germany. Within days of the landing, aviation engineers carved out advanced landing grounds (ALGs) to be used
Aug. 6, 2013
Those were the days: An Oregon Airman remembers the Oregon Maneuver of 1943

Aug. 1 marks 70 years since the start of the largest military maneuver ever held in the Pacific Northwest - the Oregon Maneuver of 1943. This is my recollection of the events of that maneuver, which lasted for 90 days, from Aug. 1 to Oct. 31, 1943. I was an original member of the 123rd Observation
July 18, 2013
Oregon Air National Guard Recruiting: 1973 through 1977

The Vietnam conflict was winding down in 1973, so the "all volunteer force" became a new challenge for the armed forces, including the Air National Guard. Up until then, the Oregon Air National Guard remained near the 100 percent manning goal because of the selective service draft.Maj. Gen. I.G.
July 17, 2013
History of Lockheed T-33A Shooting Star (T-Bird) in Oregon Air National Guard Service

The Lockheed T-33A T-Bird is important to Oregon's aviation history in support of the air defense mission. It was instrumental in the 142nd Fighter Group's recognition for several achievements and awards.In its support roll, The T-Bird was used as a target, to tow electronic targets, deploy chaff
July 9, 2013
Keeping an attitude for fitness

It's a hot July afternoon at the Portland Air National Guard Base, in Portland, Ore., as the 142nd Fighter Wing Vice Commander Col. Matthew Schuster and Executive Officer Maj. Frank Page take off for an afternoon run. It would be easy for Schuster to skip the workout and catch up on work in the
June 6, 2013
The 371st Fighter Group on D-Day, June 6, 1944

June 6, 1944, will always be remembered for the successful landings by Allied forces on the beaches in Normandy, France. We should also remember the contributions of the Airmen who helped make that outcome possible. Some 8,000 Allied aircraft of all types were available for D-Day operations, and
May 24, 2013
Springtime Tears: Remembering the Oregon Air National Guard's first postwar losses

It was two weeks before Memorial Day, 1948, when the searchers found them. More than a month had passed in the spring of 1948 since three Oregon Air National Guard Airmen had gone missing in one of the 142nd Fighter Group's Douglas A-26 Invader light bombers. Capt. Alexander J. McCorkel, 26, Master
April 23, 2013
The Brothers Bigelow

A unique aspect of the National Guard is that members of the same family often serve in the military at the same time together or perchance even in the same unit. The odds are, at almost any given time on the flight line of the Portland Air National Guard Base, Portland, Ore., any member of the
Jan. 25, 2013
Ceremony honors six Oregon Airmen

PORTLAND AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Portland Ore.- In a rare break with normal ceremonial protocol, the commander of Air Force Special Operations Command invited family members onto the stage for photos following the pinning of each of the five Bronze Star Medals and one Purple Heart Medal awarded to
Dec. 5, 2012
Redhawks Welcome a New Commander

PORTLAND AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Portland, Ore.-- Oregon Air National Guard Col. Richard W. Wedan, former 142nd Fighter Wing vice commander, assumed command of the 142nd Fighter wing from Col. Michael E. Stencel during a change of command ceremony Dec. 2. The wing's colors were passed to Wedan

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