USAF ROTORHEAD Members

Thomas Howard

I started out at Gary AFB going through the Air Force rotary wing mechanics school. We were a mixed class of Air Force and Army, Our instructors were Andy Benton and Bob Hunter they later became the traveling helicopter FTD team for years, I think everyone that worked on any model of chopper crossed their paths.

This was in 1954, I can remember during our many hours of instruction that we were taught how to time the mags on an H-5, kind of weird laying on your back timing 1320 mags, but all part of the job I guess.

To make a long story short I stayed on at Gary working the H-13 line, we were called X-shack and our maintenance officer was Capt Sulliven, he later moved with us to Randolph AFB.

At Randolph I was in charge of flight test for all of the H-13’s, I stayed there for an additional two years then got orders for Ladd AFB, Alaska and the H-21B. What a great tour that was, did a lot of site support, great fishing with the upper brass, I rotated three years later.

Next stop was Pope AFB, NC. and the H-43B LBR concept. Nice aircraft to work on but a pain with all the mods Kaman kept coming out with. I think the maintenance ratio was 21 to the flight hr.

On to Spangdahlem Germany with the H-19B and the H-43B. When we first got there it was Det. 1, 67th ARS with the H-19 then it changed to Det. 1, AARC with the H-43B LBR set up.

From there I rotated to Grand Forks AFB, ND., and the UH-1F missile site support, this was a short tour I believe I was their just short of two years. “COLD”

Received orders to Udorn RTAFB and the Pony Express we had four UH-1P aircraft and our headquarters was out of Nha Trang, RVN.

Rotated back to Sheppard AFB and was in Stan Eval. checking out hoist and fire fighters for flight standards.

My final SEA tour was with the 21st SOS Dust Devils, I was the line chief and we had 3 CH-3s and 12 CH-53Cs, a great crew to work with.

I rotated back to Hill AFB and retired in Aug of 73.

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~ Final Flight 05 January 2013 ~

Thomas Fredrick Howard, Sr., MSgt. USAF (Retired)
June 16, 1936 – January 05, 2013

USAF Msgt. (Ret)
Thomas Frederick Howard Sr.

ROY, UT. – Tom Howard, 76, passed away January 5, 2013 at home, after fighting a long battle with heart disease and many surgeries.

He was born June 16, 1936 to Robert and Evelyn Howard of Northbrook, Illinois.

He served 20 years in the Air Force as a helicopter mechanic and traveled worldwide and was awarded the Bronze Star. He also worked in light aviation at Ogden airport, Hosking Helicopters, and Orange County airport in CA.; he had his A&P license and his AI certification.

He retired from the 1550th ATTW at Hill AFB, UT. in 1973 and later started his career as a civilian employee at Hill AFB, UT. Retiring in 1991 as an Industrial Engineering Technician.

He married Linda Orme Weyburn in Elko, NV in 1974. They renewed their vows in 2008 at Christ Prince of Peace Catholic Church, Hill AFB, UT.  He was a member of St. Mary’s Parish in West Haven.

After retirement he and Linda spent time traveling in their RV, took cruises to the Mexican Riviera, and the inside passage in Alaska. They were campground hosts at Hyrum State Park the summer of 1994. He built and flew RC airplanes and was a member of two flying clubs. He was also a crossing guard for Roy City for 10 years. Tom was a happy, friendly, fantastic man. He had many friends and loved his pets, his family and made the best salsa in town!

He is survived by his wife Linda, son Matt of Roy; son Arty of Ogden; daughter, Mari of PA.; and his brother, Bob (Audrey) of Jacksonville, FL; He is also survived by his sons, Scott (Cindy) Weyburn of Roy; and Todd Weyburn of Sunset; 20 grandchildren and 27 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his daughter Evi, son Tom Jr. and brother Arthur.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, January 9, 2012 at 1 p.m. at Myers Roy Mortuary, 5865 South 1900 West, Roy. A viewing will be held Wednesday from 11:40 a.m. to 12:40 p.m. prior to services.

Interment, Roy City Cemetery where Military Honors will be accorded.

The family has requested that memorial donations be made to: Best Friends Animal Sanctuary, 5001 Angel Canyon Road, Kanab, UT. 84741. www.bestfriends.org