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Shaw 1950s footballers reunite

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Susan Penning
  • 20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. --  The last time the group was together at Shaw, its mission was to obliterate opponents on the football field. Now, a half century later, the team has gotten together to accomplish a different mission … not to catch the pigskin, but rather to catch up on old times. 

Shaw's football team, originally called the Shaw Flyers, formed in 1954 when senior leadership felt the 9th Air Force should be represented in big-time service football. After the team was disbanded in 1957 due to mission requirements, most teammates went their separate ways. Randy Clark and Albert Long were two who stayed in touch. They spent the last few years trying to locate teammates and organize a reunion. Last week, that dream became a reality. 

Twenty-one members of the team arrived May 21 to a very different Shaw than what they remember. During their four-day reunion, they met the 20th Fighter Wing commander, got an up-close look at an F-16 and visited the fitness center, education center, 79th Fighter Squadron, dining facility and dormitories. They shared memories of what life was like at Shaw in the 1950s and talked about how things have changed over the years, mainly the quality of life. 

"I am so impressed with the facilities we have today, like the education center, and the availability of opportunities for our Airmen," said teammate Jim Whittlesey. 

"Young men and women in the Air Force today are provided with more information, which gives them a better sense of direction and feel for what the mission is all about," said teammate Gil "Speedy" Gonzales. 

The men were also impressed with the service they received while here. 

"It's incredible that the Air Force would care about 70-year-old jocks who played football 50 years ago," said Mr. Whittlesey. "Members of the base and community really rolled out the red carpet." 

Teammates said the trip is something they will never forget. 

"The bonding experience with guys I haven't seen in this long is incredible," said Mr. Whittlesey. "It's like we just played together last week." 

"This has been one of the greatest events of my life. I can't describe it in words," said Mr. Long