Captainblowdri - Latest Comments

Re: Revisiting Some Of My Past

Toy — Wed, 30 Oct 2013 13:06:21 -0000

I enjoyed the read and revisited memories of my 3 plus years at Willie. My job was a Physical Training Instructor working for Ned Jolley. I also did Drownproofing Training and Unarmed Combatives. You arrived in 1973 but I was there slightly ahead of you from 1965-1968. It was with great joy that I read your thoughts and I do thank you for the "trip". Since I got along with most of the officers I was fortunate to have been to the BOQ side on occasion and the Skoshi Tiger (T-38/F-5) is still my favorite aircraft (apologies to the SR-71). Thanks again!! You wouldn't have, by chance, a breakdown of the sister flight pairings of 3525 and 3526 PTW? I've been in contact with Boysan/Hacker Warlock/Goodgrief through a Norweign contact. A house fire and bad memory has made that info disappear.

Re: Somewhere Over The Rainbow

Leon Hammack — Fri, 14 Jun 2013 10:25:55 -0000

I think that you are totally correct, Jennifer! It was very eery at first. But the more I thought about it, the more I know that she was with me in spirit yesterday morning!

Re: Somewhere Over The Rainbow

Leon Hammack — Fri, 14 Jun 2013 10:13:29 -0000

Thanks, Sue. Mom was just a simple ol farm girl from Oklahoma, who truly loved all of her children!

Re: Somewhere Over The Rainbow

Sue Sakys — Fri, 14 Jun 2013 00:38:16 -0000

One of the best! ...Eric Clapton "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" Your Mom would have loved your thoughts Leon and the song. May she Rest in Peace. xOx, Sue Sakys

Re: Somewhere Over The Rainbow

Jennifer — Thu, 13 Jun 2013 23:41:15 -0000

I loved the tribute to Grandma. Thanks for sharing. I do believe she came to visit you. I had a dream with my mom and Grandma Smith both in it together last week.

Re: About Captain Blowdri

Name — Thu, 06 Jun 2013 12:54:11 -0000

Leon,

Saw your message regarding Williams AFB. I, too, have many treasured memories of that grand Air Force Base. Currently, I am a volunteer at Mesa Gateway. it gives me a chance to reminisce about the wonderful times we had at Williams AFB. My former husband (Lt. Col. Leonard Morgan, Retired/deceased) was an instructor for Iranian air force pilots in 1972-73. On several occasions, I have attempted to locate several of the landmarks - O'Club, commissary, base exchange and 425th TFS. It is getting more difficult to identiy exactly where everything was located. As a matter of fact, I think the 425th Squardron bldg. was one of the last buildings to be removed. There is a restaurant near the new terminal - the Flight Deck restaurant. Inside the walls are filled with pictures and memorabilia. It just does your heart good to sit in the restaurant and look out at the flight deck where so many excellent Air Force personnel served. We left Willy in 1974 and headed off to Iran. We were one of the last groups to be stationed in Iran - more great memories. My close friend was married in the chapel at Willy in 1958, and I was trying to find an old picture of the wooden chapel as a surprise gift for her. Then I came across your post.

Thanks bringing back some very special memories.......

Marlene Morgan

Re: Revisiting Some Of My Past

Jhipps — Mon, 14 Jan 2013 14:50:38 -0000

Great read Leon. I started pilot training forty-five years ago next month but it was at Webb AFB in Big Spring, Texas. I think it's a prison now; so, I don't think I'll be going back to visit.

Re: September 11, 2001: Never Forgotten!

David Cavender — Tue, 11 Sep 2012 12:45:48 -0000

Yes Leon, Captain Jason Dahl was a personal friend also, he gave me my 737 type rating, I will not forget!
Dave

Re: The Last Goodbye

Denny Schaar — Thu, 19 Jul 2012 17:30:09 -0000

Captain Leon,
Having spent the last several years compiling our family history, I have come across stories about my ancestors that I deeply treasure. Your story of your mother is no different, so I encourage you to hold those memories dear to your heart and record them for future generations of the Hammack clan. They are priceless.
Regards, Denny Schaar

Re: Shine Your Light On Me!

Melissaratliff — Wed, 04 Jul 2012 14:47:08 -0000

Hey antie you meant a lot to me, thank you for the good times. Love Julie Ratliff

Re: Shine Your Light On Me!

Jeremyhammack — Tue, 03 Jul 2012 18:09:17 -0000

Love this Pic. I am going call this one the Farewell kiss!!!! I am gona miss you grandma!!! Shine your LIGHT!! down on us .

Re: Part Of My Legacy

carl — Thu, 21 Jun 2012 15:08:12 -0000

man bro i love this.. glad to be part of this somehow.. lil man is growing up.. no doubt in my mind will be a fine ball player in the years to come... look at yankees.. you got yurself a future prospect! much love my brother

Re: Part Of My Legacy

Nancy Nisbett — Wed, 20 Jun 2012 18:24:07 -0000

Our family has always been proud of our youngins. I would be rooting fror Cole if we were there with him, but now we can root because of this video. Cole is lucky to have you as a grandpa. We are lucky to have him as our nephew. Way to go Cole.....Love Auntie & family xoxoxoxox

Re: Part Of My Legacy

Jeremyhammack — Wed, 20 Jun 2012 17:25:47 -0000

This was so awesome to see. It Has been a great yr for my son, we worked hard on the fundamentals of baseball,And lots of batting.I have got to say he is a natural at baseball and sports.He is a complete replica of his Daddy. Thx for taking the time and creating this article and video. I love Ya Dad U truly are the greatest dad .

Re: Faster Than A Speeding Bulllet….!

Sdetjen — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 13:07:06 -0000

Damn, I had those memories flushed out of my mind and you had to help regurgitate them back. Here's upchuck to you good buddy!! :)

Re: Faster Than A Speeding Bulllet….!

Denny Schaar — Mon, 16 Apr 2012 12:52:08 -0000

Captain Leon, Only you could make a God-awful experience seem hilariously funny. Been there-done that and good for a few more years.

Re: New Year’s Resolutions?

Sdetjen — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 11:22:03 -0000

Leon,
Once again you have out done yourself and brought a tear to my eye (yeah right, lmao). To beat the rush I went out and bought a murder of crows.

Re: The Las Vegas Indy Car Weekend After Thoughts

Jeremyhammack — Sat, 22 Oct 2011 14:59:58 -0000

Yes I do have to admit that I felt like I knew him.He was so full of life, His smile you can never forget,His awesome personality.I was so excited to meet him and get a pic with the two time Indy 500 winner,I didn't know these would be his last days on earth. :( R.I.P Dan Wheldon you will be greatly missed your new Friend Jeremy Hammack Thx for the short but brief time I had with you.

Re: The Las Vegas Indy Car Weekend After Thoughts

Sdetjen — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 23:43:28 -0000

Once again I have enjoyed reading your thoughts. You always had a way with words.

Re: An Open Letter To Dad

Jeremyhammack — Thu, 21 Jul 2011 12:21:27 -0000

Wow Dad that brought tears to my eyes ,your right time does not heal it just makes it a lil easier ,but the feelings never go away .I want to thank you for always being there for me n my family through the good times and bad, and maybe the the road we have went down has been a winding road but thanks for being the captain of the ship. So from my family to you thanks from the bottom of our hearts WE LOVE YOU. But I got to say not having my twin girls Macie n Ciara its been hard , thx for never forgetting them, they are always in my heart. I love you dad have a great vacation you deserve it.

Re: An Open Letter To Dad

Leon — Thu, 21 Jul 2011 10:34:54 -0000

Thank you my friend for your comments.

Yes, it was a very difficult article to write. However, my Dad was a good, honest, hard working, honorable, good old country boy from Oklahoma, with just a 6th grade education. Therefore, I just wanted to honor him today, on his 99th birthday.

We didn't have much growing up, but whatever we had, he was willing to share with friends and family. that was how he was raised. If you need something and I have it, you are welcome to it!

So Steve, even 15 1/2 years after his death, he is still my role model! I really try to ask myself, "what would Dad do", before I finalize my decisions.

Looking back, I guess that I just had a really special relationship with my Dad! I felt that he was really proud of me and my accomplishments in life!

And as I wrote in my article, time does not heal all, it only gives us strength to try to cope!

I am coping..................

Re: An Open Letter To Dad

Sdetjen — Thu, 21 Jul 2011 06:44:00 -0000

I can only imagine how difficult it was to write this, but once again your gift of using words to express yourself was nothing short of amazing. Well done Captain, my Captain.

Re: Oregon Wine Tasting

Sdetjen — Mon, 11 Jul 2011 16:46:25 -0000

And this from a guy who thought wine came in a box while we were in college. I am greatly impressed.

Re: Tillamook Cheese Factory

Denny Schaar — Sat, 09 Jul 2011 16:40:49 -0000

Capt. Leon, the Tilamook Cheese Factory was the highlight of many PDX layovers. We'd load up in the old golden goose (1969 Dodge station wagon) and head for the TCF, buy some picnic fixin's and find a spot on the beach to dig clams or just enjoy the beauty of the Pacific Ocean. Lots of fond memories, so thanks for this post.

Re: Life At 93!

Dona Simpson — Sat, 25 Jun 2011 17:50:24 -0000

Aunt Olmay, wow, 93, looking good too. Hope you had a blessed and wonderful day. Everytime I was with you and Uncle Archy you always made it so much fun and the memories are great. God Bless You dear lady, Dona