MCENTIRE JOINT NATIONAL GUARD BASE, S.C. -- Admittedly I was a little disappointed we had a smaller crowd attending our January Luncheon/Memorial Service. We had around 45 people to show, a far cry from our December luncheon. We had great speakers in the form of Lt. Col. Sherry Askins, and SMSgt. David Hutter. We had some first timers, Lorrie Austin and Sandi Strickland. Also we found out we still have a viable Honor Guard, SMSgt. David Hutter explained all this to us, and if you choose to, he is happy to provide honor guard services for us. He may be contacted at (803) 351-1411, if needed.
As I mentioned, we did have our memorial service for those that passed away during the 2017 year, both known retirees and non-retirees. Also, we listed the names of fellow retirees that are presently not on the SCANG monument. We also coordinate these lists with members of the Chief’s Council.
McEntire History: We are still honoring the folks that are presently on the SCANG monument. During this article, we have the folks listed on the lower South portion of the obelisk, the side that faces the headquarters building, if it’s still standing? They are as follows; J. D. Brown (believed to be James D. Brown), who retired in 1998 and passed away in 1999. D. D. Foster (believed to be Dewey D. Foster, Jr.), who retired in 1984 and left us in 1999. Artis E. Welch, he retired in 1974 and passed away in 1999. He was the last warrant officer, and part of the ‘original 50 members’. Bradley Swartensburg, he retired in 1996 and passed away in 1999. Robert J. Collins, Jr., he was with the security forces, retired in 1994, passed away in 2000, believe he was a good softball player. S. L. Foster (believed to be Solomon I. Foster Jr., Desert Storm, CAMS), not sure of his date of retirement. He passed away in 2000. R. E. Bell, I have nothing on him, passed away in 2000. John M. Motley, Sr., retired in 1988 and passed away in 2000, became a member in 1948. James L. Hare, retired in 1984 and passed away in 2000. E. A. Tarrants (Alan), he was in the clinic, not sure when he retired (missing link retiree), passed away in 2000. Franklin A. Drafts, he retired in 1984, and passed away in 2000. William W. Horton (Bill), he retired in 1978 and passed away in 2000. He also signed up in 1948. R. A. Smith (believed to be Robert A. Smith), retired in 1978 and passed away in 2001. D. S. Watson, I have nothing on him. He died during 2001. Leroy Farr, he retired in 1977 and passed away in 2001. Roy H. Wellborn, he retired in 1984 and passed away in 2001. William H. Comstock, he retired from CE in 1994 and passed away in 2001. Believe he used to be Santa Claus at times for the kids and Christmas parties.
February Deployments: Two Qatar trips; the first being in 1997, Operation Southern Watch, keeping Saddam Hussein and his planes within certain geographical boundaries. The second one was in 2002, part of Operation Enduring Freedom, both deployments were tasked with 200+ folks. The OEF deployment had to be tough on our pilots skirting some countries that would not let them enter their air space, sitting in the cockpit for hours, and having multiple refueling operations.
Our next Luncheon will be February 6th, at our usual spot, the Fort Jackson NCO Club beginning at Noon. They have gone up a dollar on us to $11.00 for the Luncheon, I hope this will not be a deterrent for you, we still enjoy socializing with our McEntire friends and buddies, and that’s what it is all about, see you at the Luncheon.
Prepared by Robert (Bob) W. Barkalow, Jr., MSgt Retired