Introductions

[jayc]

To start the ball rolling I created this topic as a place for people to introduce themselves.  Feel free to post your own information.

My name is Jay Clark, I got started in TechReping with Page Communications in Central America after getting out of the Navy in the mid 60's.  From there I went on to working for Philco in SEA on the MRC-98 project in Thailand. Bailed on that one when I got my 510 in, it was just after Tet and Philco was trying to transfer guys to Vietnam which did not seem to be a great Idea at the time. Went on to work for BFEC in the Canaries on the Apollo and related NASA projects, After that it was back to Philco to work on Augsberg Upgrade in Germany, then on to Iran for Peace Ruby.  Over the years I also accumulated time in Algeria (DomSat) Jordan, Nigeria back to Iran a couple of times and other interesting stuff.

At one time I had a HR guy tell me my resume read like Charlie Manson's rap sheet <sigh> Tech Rep's do not make good people for stateside assignements. Most recently I spent some time in Baghdad working for the CPA, and last year was back in the UAE doing some training for KBR.

Always happy to chew the fat with the guys from the old days,

jayr

jayc@exreps.com

[Richard Bowyer]

Hi Jay, just found the site and got signed on. Believe I am number six. LOL

I was a TechRep from 1954 1974. Was in Air Defence Command at two radar sites, then at GEEIA for a few years, then Headquarters as a recruiter for a few years, then to Vietnam for a couple of years and then to the JPL program for a few years.
Had my own manufacturing company for several years and am now retired in WV.
I am 75 and in very good health.
Thanks for all the good work.

Richard (Dick) Bowyer, Spencer, WV

Here are the addresses of three exReps that you may want to send a heads up to about the new site:

jim thompson [jwt3@hotmail.com]

Sarno, Ted [ted.sarno@lmco.com]

George Lee [ghleejr@hotmail.com]

[jayc]

Richard,

Welcome aboard, Actually you are more like number 3 or 4 because I had to set up two accounts just to get this software installed.

I would like to think that someday I am going to retire, but got married <again> at 64, and now have to get the house paid for before I can pull the plug.

But then, I live in Vegas, who knows I may hit the mega slot tomorrow 

jayc

[Brian Clary]

Hi Jay,

Got your e-mail that you finally got me listed as a new member.  You mentioned this Forum so registered here too.
Just noticed two names that appear above, that being Ted Sarno and Geo. Lee Jr.  I knew them both. Also worked both on the Transportation contracts at Saigon/Thu Duc in 1968-1970 and later up in Danang 71-72 all these with Philco-Ford.  Returned back to the US in late 72 and went to work out of Palo Alto and worked at the USAF Satelite Test Center in Sunnyvale.

I found out about this site from Frank Reinsch a month ago.  Have stayed in contact with some other ex-reps from PF over the years.
To name a few, Tom Sisk, Bob Weagel, Fred Finke.  I just noticed another person the other night who is also listed here as an ex-rep and that was Bob Vogt.
Have talked by e-mail with George Lee Jr. a few times now and he is relocating his Headquarters from Kuwait to Thailand within a few months.  Had his own business now over there.

This site is real nice to have around to maybe help contact old co-workers from the past.

Brian Clary

[jayc]

Hiya Brian,

Glad you like the system, you would probably not believe what went on behind the scenes to make it happen, but I have wanted to have a way for everyone to talk directly to each other for a long time.

Most of the guys I know from the SEA days are the ones that I worked with over in Thailand, but some guys I worked with elsewhere around the world have retired there now.
<sigh> and I am still working for a living what is wrong with this picture
I expect Bill Mitchel to show up here shortly, he was a 30+ year man with Mother Motorola, and when he got loose moved to the Phillipines and as I understand brought his own island.  Must be nice.

Another guy I expect to see show up here shortly is the Ratman (Don Rathman), he and I worked together in Iran, Germany, Nigeria, and even in Baghdad for a while a few years ago, like me he is still on the grindstone and is doing install/test back east these days.

jayr

[BOB VOGT]

          Typical Romance, 1936 --2005   I don’t think so!!
                          BOB VOGT

Robert (83) and Garnet (81) Vogt of North 7th St, in Phoenix have been sharing their lives for 64 years come 11 April 2007.Pre high school friends, High School Lovers, Married before they were graduated and survived WW2.   

Garnet to Union Pacific as a telegrapher, Robert to Europe, Utah Beach and  5 campaign’s with the 3rd Army and General Patton. This included a session at the Battle of the Bulge at Bastogne.
 
Extensive world travel and lived, with three children, in and to Alaska, England, Greece, Thailand, Japan, Vietnam, Malaysia and Singapore, and both Coasts of the US, totaling 35 family moves before settling down in Arizona, after two (2) retirements from Ford Motor Co. (Military Electronics Division). Started with the Philco Tech Rep Division.

    We are both are active with musical entertainment to this date , and favor Senior Centers, Retirement Homes, CARE Centers and the VA system at   Prescott, Yuma  and Phoenix, (Retirement Home and Nursing Home). 

We are called “Country Plus” and perform an average of three days per week. On August 3, 2005 we provided the musical entertainment for the recognition of 8 (EIGHT) Centurions, (ages from 100 to 106) who are residents of the Christian Care Facility on 19th Ave. (in Phoenix This event was honored by the presence of Governor Napolatano
 and her  entourage.   We now have a new goal---100 years!!!           
         
 Our home phone number is (602) 404-0599   We would like our history compared with others.  Our pride cannot be matched as we found the GOOD LIFE at last!!!

                ACCOMPLISHMENTS (that are different)

Garnet:     
Sang with Gary Crosby  (hey I did too!!) Typical Romance   cont

Gave up an excellent nursing career to travel and live in  world wide countries:   Alaska  10 yrs  Singapore  5 years     England (North Yorkshire)  5 years

Mothered three children, sadly lost one at the age of 5, and  Adopted one in Alaska.

Robert:   
Was a member of Ford Management (Electronics) for 35 years. Studied serious music, on the Trombone.  With tutors   both of whom were ex members of the John P. Sousa Band.

Had opportunity to audition for and  play with the Glen Miller Air Force Dance Band  while awaiting deployment to   
Normandy and Utah Beach on June 10, 1944.

Managed my sensibility and maintained an excellent marriage relationship for 64 years (TO THE SAME WOMAN)

Survived 4 years in the city  of  DaNang, Vietnam during the Conflict years.  (1968---1973)

                                             BOB AND GARNET 2007
How do we stack up??

[Richard Bowyer]

Brian, we must have just missed each other in DaNang. I was there from 1968-70. The same time with Bob Voght and Ted Sarno.
I was Admin. Services Mgr. most of the time working for Tom Moore. I also spent a few months at Phu Bai as camp manager until the camp operation was turned over to another contractor.

My claim to fame at DaNang was the Purple Pussy Cat.  When I arrived in 68 there was no place to eat except at the Navy or Marine officers club dining room, and no place to relax other than the O club.
I had the addition built onto the rear of the main office with the dining room downstairs and the lounge upstairs. Bought the slot machines in Singapore as well as the bar stools which were upholstered in purple. The pool table came from our purchasing agent stationed in Seattle and to get it to us quickly he had it air lifted as medical supplies and fresh blood!
Ben Newiniski and I won quite a bit of money at the pool table!
I was really proud of it and the kitchen was great with a Korean chef and a Vietnamese chef. Lots of good times were had by all.
Richard

Hi Jay,

Got your e-mail that you finally got me listed as a new member.  You mentioned this Forum so registered here too.
Just noticed two names that appear above, that being Ted Sarno and Geo. Lee Jr.  I knew them both. Also worked both on the Transportation contracts at Saigon/Thu Duc in 1968-1970 and later up in Danang 71-72 all these with Philco-Ford.  Returned back to the US in late 72 and went to work out of Palo Alto and worked at the USAF Satelite Test Center in Sunnyvale.

I found out about this site from Frank Reinsch a month ago.  Have stayed in contact with some other ex-reps from PF over the years.
To name a few, Tom Sisk, Bob Weagel, Fred Finke.  I just noticed another person the other night who is also listed here as an ex-rep and that was Bob Vogt.
Have talked by e-mail with George Lee Jr. a few times now and he is relocating his Headquarters from Kuwait to Thailand within a few months.  Had his own business now over there.

This site is real nice to have around to maybe help contact old co-workers from the past.

Brian Clary

[richman]

My name is Richard Santiago. I became Philco techrep in 1961. I worked for the FE&I group from 61-65. I worked in Brunswick Ga. , New orleans on a Guided Missle Destroyer, Houston Tex. at JSC, Abelene Tx. on Atlas Comm., Witchata Ka. on Titan comm., and Managua, Nic. for JUSMAG. Went to Thailand in 1965. Worked in the Mod Facility in Bankok. I then went to Kokethem as site supervisor. My next job was as Supervisor of th Phu MU complex (Phu MU, Long Nak Ta, and Mukdahan Village). After 18 months there I went to Bang Ping/Bang Pla as supervisor. When Ford lost the contract on IWCS I was one of the few who remained on a separate contract with the air force. I spent one year training the troops at Takli airbase.
My next job was working on AFKN in Korea in 1970 And on the Manila to Cebu comm. system. after the Phil. I went to Iran and worked at Dabed and in Sharaz airbase. I left Iran in Jan. 73 and headed to Los Angeles where I went to work as a Ford contractor at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory(NASA). After 5 years Ford lost the contract and I went to Ford in Newport Beach to work on the Sgt. York Tank. I left after 2 years and went back to JPL as a Caltech employee, During my 24 years at JPL I picked up a BSCS and and MBA. I held various positions including Mgr. of Software Quality, Deputy Mgr. of Quality and Mission Assurance Mgr. for the Deep Space Network. I retired in May 2004 ending 19 years with Philco/Ford and 24 years with JPL. I feel very thankful  and lucky to have had such a great job for so many years.

[merlewagner]

Hi all,
Not sure if this forum is where I should be...My name is Merle Wagner and got into repping after leaving the Army in 63. Was stationed in Italy at NATO HQ comm site (Lago di Patria). Page had installed an Ionospheric tropo site there that I maintained.
Went to work for ITT/Federal Electric and contracted with the Naval Communications HQ and they sent me around the world to troubleshoot all their commstations. Worked on HF receiver/transmitter sites everywhere around the world for 3 years. Left that contract and went to Andros Island to do the installation of AUTEC for the Navy for a year, still with ITT/FEC. After AUTEC I went to work on the Apollo tracking ship USNS Mercury and stayed with them until 1969. Went to Raytheon service to work on their Over-the-horizon" radar system in Italy but that job was a joke and soon left for another job in Iran installing a communications system throughout the country.

Finally I woke up one day and came back to the U>S> and went to work for Digital Equipment Corp. and traveled the world again as a corporate filed engineer on their PDP15 computer systems. Finally after 20 years of DEC I went to Florida and worked for the City of St. Petersburg managing their computer network and DP infrastructure for 13 years.

Now retired and living in NH on an aviation community trying to build my scale P51.

Merle Wagner 

[RogerMacy]

Hi Jay
I found your site by GOOGLEing USNS Vanguard. I was a TechRep for 25 years

1967  1971     Federal Electric Corp. FECITT
    1968-1970 Apollo Tracking Ship USNS Vanguard
    1970-1971 Automatic Switching Center AUTODIN in Okinawa
1972 – 1989 UNIVAC, SPERRY UNIVAC, SPERRY, UNISYS (One company changed names 4 times while I was with them and now Lockheed Martin Defense Systems)
5 different locations over 17 years as a TechRep.
     1972-1973 New Jersey: AEGIS software development
     1973 Minnesota: at one of the factories
     1974-1982 Japan: US Navy mobile technical support group MOTU-7
     1982-1987 California: Marine Air Traffic Control And Landing System MATCALS
     1987-1989 Canada: Canadian Patrol Frigate Combat System CPF
Five years with VITRO then I became a government employ :'(.

Roger Macy Bloomington Indiana

[jay clark]

Some folks only visit the forums, other folks only go to the website, it is a bit of a struggle trying to get everyone talking to everyone elses.

Be sure to check out the notes section of the main website, as soon as more people are using the forums area I will try to figure out a way to import all of the stuff from the older system
http://www.exreps.com/Notes.shtml

[Patrick Crittenden]

Hi Jay,
I just recently found the ex-reps site and appreciate all your efforts. Here is a brief background
to introduce myself. I was in Thailand with Philco-Ford from early 1966 to late 1968 after my
initial hitch in the military and a brief (less than 1 year) with EG&G Inc. I was originally hired
for the tracking station at Kodiak, Alaska but between leaving Las Vegas where I was living at the
time and arriving at Palo Alto the company rerouted me to the IWCS project in Thailand. I was
initially with the installation crew at Pak Chong (Green Hill)then on to Korat, Korat Air Base,
Bangkok office and the finished up my last year as a traveling QA test engineer at Khon Ken, Ubon,
NKP and Udorn Air Base. I posted (in the gallery) a picture of three of us from the installation crew,
(Charlie Alexander and myself, Patrick Crittenden).
Unfortunately, it is the only picture to survive from those days and I only remember the names of one
other person. I worked for ITT Actic Services on the AWCS system from 1971 to 1973 at the Sparrevohn,
Granite Mountain, North East Cape and Kotzebue sites. I rejoined the US Coast Guard in 1973 working
as the Western Alaska troubleshooter and on to Washington DC in 1976 to help manage the services
world wide maintenance and inventory program until 1979. In 1983 I went to work for Radar Alaska Inc
in Kodiak maintaining marine electronics and remote communications sites in and around Southwestern Alaska.
In 2001 I moved to Washington state and worked for JRC America Co. Ltd. as Light Marine technical and
customer rep for North and South America until my retirement in September 2006. I am presently living
near Tacoma, WA and trying to decide what to do next.

[jay clark]

Hi Jay,
I just recently found the ex-reps site and appreciate all your efforts. Here is a brief background
to introduce myself. I was in Thailand with Philco-Ford from early 1966 to late 1968 after my
initial hitch in the military and a brief (less than 1 year) with EG&G Inc.


I was originally hired
for the tracking station at Kodiak, Alaska but between leaving Las Vegas where I was living at the
time and arriving at Palo Alto the company rerouted me to the IWCS project in Thailand. I was
initially with the installation crew at Pak Chong (Green Hill)then on to Korat, Korat Air Base,
Bangkok office and the finished up my last year as a traveling QA test engineer at Khon Ken, Ubon,
NKP and Udorn Air Base. I posted (in the gallery) a picture of three of us from the installation crew.
Unfortunately, it is the only picture to survive from those days and I only remember the names of one
other person. I worked for ITT Actic Services on the AWCS system from 1971 to 1973 at the Sparrevohn,
Granite Mountain, North East Cape and Kotzebue sites. I rejoined the US Coast Guard in 1973 working
as the Western Alaska troubleshooter and on to Washington DC in 1976 to help manage the services
world wide maintenance and inventory program until 1979. In 1983 I went to work for Radar Alaska Inc
in Kodiak maintaining marine electronics and remote communications sites in and around Southwestern Alaska.
In 2001 I moved to Washington state and worked for JRC America Co. Ltd. as Light Marine technical and
customer rep for North and South America until my retirement in September 2006. I am presently living
near Tacoma, WA and trying to decide what to do next.

Hi Jay,
I just recently found the ex-reps site and appreciate all your efforts. Here is a brief background
to introduce myself. I was in Thailand with Philco-Ford from early 1966 to late 1968

Hiya Datum

Just a suggestion, but you might want to include your street name someplace in your post, some of the guys you worked with in the past might not recognize your "Handle" In my case I have a real problem remembering real names these days.

Took a look at your photo, I was in Thailand in the same time frame, worked in Udorn and Tahkli.  But looking at your photo I find it hard to believe that I was ever that young. Was working over in Baghdad a few years back and had the same problem there, all the guys (GI's and Contractors) seemed to be way too young to be in a war zone.