Etain-Rouvres Air Base

Etain-Rouvres was a USAF air base, used last during the Cold War for the USAFE (United States Air Force in Europe).

More info:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Etain-Rouvres_Air_Base

Stationed at Etain Air Base as a Crash Rescue Specialist Fire Department in 1965 and 1966. AFSC 57150.  After 2 1/2 years at McChord AFB Tacoma Washington.  The training received at McChord AFB was very extensive taking me from 57010 thru 57130 to Specialist 57150....including extensive training on the HH43B firefighting/ rescue helicopters. Full 4 years Active and 2 years reserve.

The USAF was very good to me!!!!

I was stationed at Etain from Mar 56 to Dec 1 59 when I rotated to US. Worked at Officers Club after hours and weekends. Married French girl in Nov 58 an still together 53 years later. Worked as records clerk in orderly room of 561st FBS under MSG John Spanik. Spent 35 days TDY at Spangdahlem Germany. Saw Maj. cand burn at end of runway. saw other crashes at or near base. Enjoyed traveling around area and got to know many French people who treated me very kindly. Spent last 6 mos at Base Finance as travel voucher clerk. Remembre Col Wm E Bethea, worlds greatest fighter pilot, Comdr of 388 FBG. Worked under Wing Comder in Maj Blackburns office fo9r a short period. Must say those were the best years of my life.

For more info and talk to others who were at Etain AFB go to Etain France on internet and select McBee webpage for photos of Etain and many remarks from others.