Donald Emmons

Went to Coe College in Cedar Rapids, Iowa and commissioned through AFROTC. After completing navigator and bombardier training was assigned to Dyess AFB, Texas, and accumulated 3500+ hours in B-52 E/D aircraft. On temporary assignments to Guam, Okinawa, and Thailand flew 225 combat missions, to include 40 over North Vietnam and 5 over downtown Hanoi. Was then fortunate enough to be selected as a Reconnaissance Systems Officer (RSO) in the SR-71 Blackbird at Beale AFB, California. Chalked up 700+ hours in the Blackbird, 100+ hours in the T-38, and flew 69 operational missions worldwide Then was selected to be the SR-71 Squadron Operations Officer and became the acting Commander on a periodic basis at the SR-71 unit at RAF Mildenhall. From there spent 4 years at the Pentagon as the SR-71 program element monitor (PEM) and the assistant division chief for all Air Force reconnaissance operations. Then served as the Commander of the logistics squadron at Norton AFB, California, which was uniquely responsible for all world wide logistics support (cradle to grave) for the SR-71. This included depot overhauls and flight test. When Congress terminated the program I had the unfortunate duty to dispense of all its assets. My final assignment was as the Commander of the logistics squadron at Robins AFB, Georgia, which had the same responsibilities for the U-2 aircraft. Military decorations include two Legions of Merit, three Distinguished Flying Crosses, two Meritorious Service Medals and fifteen Air Medals. Earned a MBA from Hardin-Simmons University and a MS from USC. After the military I worked for aerospace in San Antonio until I was brought back as a USAF consultant to resurrect the SR-71 program at Edwards AFB, California. Years later was again given the responsibility to close it down. Now retired and spend most of my time playing Operations Officer for the local 3rd Coast Squadron of the Commemorative Air Force. This has refilled my void for the unique camaraderie always found in flying units. In addition it has been great fun being able to fly to air shows all over Texas in our open cockpit bi plane.

Growing up in the 50's had to have been the best.
I remind my sons often that they need to thank our era for inventing Rock and Roll. Whenever I hear an oldie I can picture myself doing something specific to that tune. I'll always remember the late night group study sessions we had trying to solve Mr Ferguson's physics problems. Skipping school with Byron Burton and darting in the middle of the opening parade and being the 17th car over the High Bridge. Spending half of Friday night with friends trying to buy beer and then the other half drinking it at the drive inns. Officer Mudd who personally gave me tickets on 5 different occasions. PiKs Drive In. Friday night football games. How fabulous it was that we were State Champs our senior year. Camping with the Boy Scouts / Explorers with a lot of classmates. Remembering when it was announced over the Ray PA systems that Buddy Holly et al had been killed.