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Project Jenny KLIK - 1st Inf Di v Women in Vietnam RELATED-- To AFVN To Saigon To Vietnam Further Afield Index
From: Tim Boodle
Dated: April 19, 2016
Subject: Welcome Home AFVN'er JOHN WORKMAN - Saigon Engineer
Joe - I live in Waco and work for the VA here right now. I'm so glad you are here. I've always wondered about you, Joe, and Art too. Things are coming together for me now.
From: Jim White
Date: April 20, 2016
Subject: Welcome Home AFVN'er JOHN WORKMAN - Saigon Engineer
John,
The crash photo is somewhere on our site (most likely in someone's yet-to-be-indexed slide show)--can't find it at the moment. As I recall, the caption was only "a downed US aircraft."
For more "unofficial" military terms go to Index, "SNAFU, etc."
Jim W
From: Ron Bartlett
Dated: April 19, 2016
Subject: Welcome Home AFVN'er JOHN WORKMAN - Saigon Engineer
Welcome, John. Ron Bartlett TV director TV type SEPT 1969 to July 31, 1970. I spoke with Joe Van Vooren back in the late 1950's [sic. late 1990's] and he was with John Deere at the time (I think).
Three of us in Saigon Station (I'm on the right), can't remember names of the other two.
[NB: Joe Falconer is in the center.]
From: Art Key
Date: April 20, 2016
Subject: Welcome Home AFVN'er JOHN WORKMAN - Saigon Engineer
Hi Ken, If you can pass a brief message to John Workman.
Hi John i remember you from AFVN in Saigon.Welcome to the group. I'm living in Bangkok now so I wont be able to get to the Reunion.
Cheers,
Art Key
From: Tim Boodle
Dated: April 18, 2016
Subject: Welcome Home AFVN'sr JOHN WORKMAN - Saigon Engineer
Welcome, John. Have you communicated with Joe VanVorren lately? Art Keys [sp] is here living in Thailand.
Anyone know story behind it, how it got there?? Had typical "military" term spray painted on it "FUBAR."
From: John Workman
Dated: April 14, 2016
Subject:
I was AFVN TV Saigon late 1969-late 1970. I also recorded the "infamous" Bob Lawrence broadcast charging US Army with censorship. I know it was true as I had to edit all the CBS newscasts that came to the Saigon station to be re-broadcast and make copies sent to the detachment stations (7). If you are interested I have some of the station and the Bob Hope show at Tan Son Nhut airbase.
John Workman|V.P. Engineering | WITI Fox 6
From: Jim White to John Workman, reply by John and then more comments by Jim
Dated: April 16, 2016
Subject: AFVN TV Website
[NB: This is a "back and forth" message. The original message from Jim White is in black.
John Workman's comments are in green and then a response from Jim White is in red.]
John,
Sounds like you used your time in Vietnam well. I did so, at least to an extent, translated a book from Japanese to English, did a couple of Army extension courses, etc. Many others didn't.
Guess the GI wasn't hurt. Which vehicle were you driving (jeep, 2.5 ton, the Dodge carryall)? I remember that for much of the time I was with AFVN we had a designated "night duty person cum night duty driver" (Army Sgt Falconer was one of them). However I also remember having a rather "heated conversation with Marine MSG Tom Segel about my belief that "everyone should be eligible and take their turn as night duty driver" and he disagreed. -- Was the Van, possibly a dodge don’t recall, happened as I came around the traffic circle (was after curfew) & probably my rotation turn as I don’t recall it being all the time. (I had no problem taking a turn, actually was kind of nice, especially after curfew).At one time or another I drove practially everything AFVN that was drivable. I definately drove the jeeps, the 2.5 ton, the 3/4 ton and a Dodge pickup with a back seat in the cab (does that make sense?). I don't really remember a van (i.e., something like a VW van). But, at 82, I'm lucky to remember my name sometimes.
PHOTOS: (Should have written this earlier.) B&W are fine. Would much prefer JPG files over PDFs (Otherwise I would have to convert them.). Also, would like them to be properly orientated and cropped if you can do that. Pixel size should be no more than 720 wide by 720 tall (which doesn't mean that they have to be square). Since they will be shown "only on screen" around 200 to 300 dpi is ample. Anything over that means "large files with no real purpose." If you want only a few of your pictures posted, I'll insert them individually (for example, see: https://www.afvnvets.net/pho-sto---brigham.html ). Or, if you have a number of photos, I will make a slide show (for example, see: https://www.afvnvets.us/pho-sto-ashley.html ).
Your aerial photo, entrance photo and photo of the tower are all already on the website but I don't mind duplication (i.e., same shot--different shooter). You did a good job of explaining the photos you sent, but please add an approximate date if possible--or, if enough photos for a slide show, then give some kind of order (either by file name or in a separate list). And, finally, location would also be very helpful. "That's a nice shot, wonder when it was taken, where they are and who they may be" photos are rather meaningless to others. If you can't be precise, then being somewhat vague. (or, for people--"don't remember") is OK.
Yes, later after I sent, I saw a color aerial photo posted. Will try to contact person to see if I can get a color hi-res copy once on the Yahoo Group. Gene Wentz has some aerial photos of the AFVN compound in his slide show at https://www.afvnvets.net/pho-sto---wentz.html .
My aerial photo was signed on back- Paul (admin) - no last name, maybe Paul Mariano (sp?) Probably SP5 Paul Miano who worked (?) for me in Admin. The question mark is a result of his propensity to goof off as much as possible and pass anything I gave him to do on to Jerry Nelson. More than once, I would pick it up off of Jerry's desk and give it back to Paul with a "THIS IS YOUR JOB!"
Have lots photos to make a slide show & will add info & scan as JPG so meet your needs for easy posting,.
you don’t need to try to convert those PDF’s, just sent them as examples & scanner I used was auto set to PDF. I’m working on lots of photos as my wife passed away last May, which started me on looking back thru all the photos I have of her & family and brought to attention my book of Nam photos, which then led me to Internet search to try & ID those I couldn’t remember, and then found the AFVN site. Am sorry to hear that you lost your wife--even if it led you back to AFVN. I guess I am very lucky that my wife of nearly 60 years is still in reasonably good shape.
You said you had some Da Nang photos. Does that mean you were stationed or TDY there for a while? If stationed there, I should correct your entry in the roster. I guess I would say it was TDY (very short) as I went up to repair the 2” Quad VTR.
OIC Capt. (name?- believe USAF) and as I recall Chief MSG (name?) let me stay day several extra days as sort of on base R&R. Short-term TDY's are not entered on the roster. As far as I know, Da Nang never had an AF OIC. Mike Pitts, USMC was there in 1969 and Chuck Adams, USA took over in 1970. Perhaps one or the other. From my diary. I know that Chuck Adams was the OIC and CMS Joe (or Richard -- or both) Allison, USAF was the NCOIC in October 1970.
Chief MSG (name?) later stopped by Saigon station on his way back to states to be promoted to highest level (don’t recall rank name) would have been sometime in 1970.
Write a story about your tour if possible. Your working for CBS and for the clubs sounds interesting. Will do as AFVN got me started in the Broadcasting business and been doing ever since, worked for all the major networks & PBS.
Reference your other message. Will change Sgt Biever's (Do you remember a first name?) roster entry to:
Biever, ?? SGT, USA, Nha Trang / Saigon (69-70)
No I don’t recall 1st name as obviously didn’t use it to address him. We also had a Chief Warrant Officer at Saigon station for early part of my time (late 69- 70)- “think” he had something do with AFV / tower technical side and not operational? The CWO might have been William Lilly. I understand that he died of natural causes not long after leaving AFV
Joe Van Voreen has never contacted me so I don't know if he is a member of the AFVN Yahoo group or not. Bob Morecook might be able to tell you.
Britt: May be a new person. Will add him to the roster, but can you give me a little more info? First name, rank, branch of service in pix was SP4, years with AFVN, etc. Again don’t recall except for picture where I was able put to name to a face from his name tag. From the website pix w/ names I have been able to know more names of some of my other pix that I didn’t have names. Will update names to pix when I send.
Now that I know you are in Wisconsin, I'll add you to the "Where are we now?" map. That would be great. You are now there.
Best wishes,
Jim W
From: John Workman
Date: December 6, 2017
Subject: Daily Appeal December 6, 2017
This [Quote from the above Daily Appeal:1957 – Project Vanguard: A launchpad explosion of Vanguard TV3 thwarts the first United States attempt to launch a satellite into Earth orbit.] is very interesting to me personally as I lived in Huntsville, AL around this time as my father worked at the NASA base on the Redstone rocket. I was too young to know any details of what was being done at the time (& he was probably not allowed to tell anyone) and he passed away in 1959.
Coincidentally when I was drafted, out of basic I was sent to the Army Missile & Munitions center at Redstone Arsenal in 1969 located right next door to the NASA base. Leading into the base are series of rockets from a V1, Redstone, & others up the big Saturn. Somewhere I have a pix (though probably can find online). That’s when my 35B20 MOS (Electroic Instrument Repairman] was changed to 26T20 (Radio/TV Systems Specialist) then on to AFVN. Had he lived I’m sure he would have had some real stories to tell years later as he also worked at times with Werner von Braun as my mother later told me.
From: John Workman
Dated: April 20, 2016
Subject: Welcome Home AFVN'er JOHN WORKMAN - Saigon Engineer
I was in Saigon late 69 to late 70 but went to Da Nang sometime in 1970 to work on the Quad VTR and have pix of road leading to station with tail of plane sticking out of the side next to road.
From: John Workman
Dated: April 18, 2016
Subject: Welcome Home AFVN'er JOHN WORKMAN - Saigon Engineer
You are the 1st one to talk to since 1970 !!! (except Jim White)
Had emails with Jim White getting set up on website & Yahoo (Bob Morecook).
Just got setup on Yahoo group today.
You are the one I remember most, probably since we worked same / similar hours together in addition to be quite a character (in a good way). Plus have hard time remembering last week let alone 46 yrs. ago.
Have number of pix of you, Joe and others that I can’t place a name to face.
BTW, Art is Key (no “s” I’m told by Jim W)
Are you still in Texas?? (from AFVN map)
Will be getting Jim W scans of pix in few weeks or so to post on website and see if others can remember names.
Good to hear from you after all these years, had thought about you in past but until found AFVN website didn’t know where you were.
What have you been doing over the years?
I see 71-72 in DaNang.
John Workman
From: John Workman
Dated: April 14, 2016
Subject: AFVN TV
Yes to all. I will try for Sept reunion.
I saw the video clip and remember it as I watched recoding during show that clip probably came from the "extra' air check recording I did that night. Don't recall who grabbed it after show was done.
Was looking to also contact Tim Bodle and Art Keys as I worked with both at Saigon station. Lost touch over the years.
I also worked CBS News while there. After Bob's on air claims they moved us to barracks at Tan Son Nhut AB. Bob of course they moved out of station. Attempted to court martial me till CBS stepped in.
When I'm asked how I got my start in broadcasting they are shocked when I tell my 1st job I carried a 45 auto to work.
Thanks , jw
From: Jim White
Dated: April 19, 2016
Subject: Welcome Home AFVN'er JOHN WORKMAN - Saigon Engineer
To clarify:
According to Art Key, there is no 's' in Art Key's name (that was a possessive "s," the use of which probably helps lead to many errors by many people). As proof, attached is a message from Art dated July 24,2014.
Art's Message
I was in AFVN Saigon as a SP5 for a year from June 1969 with a brief week to Nhatrang. I worked as a technician trying to keep the AMPEX VTRs running. I enjoyed my R&R to Bangkok so much I eventually found a job here . After surviving a good year in Viet Nam, Thank God. I was running for fun in the Bangkok suburbs and fell of a bridge. I'm in a wheelchair now but otherwise would like to meet a few friends at your upcoming Reunion. I'd like to contact Walter Leriche an old AFVN Saigon and Boston drinking buddy. Does Pat Sejack join in the AFVN Group? He's probably the most famous from AFVN. If anybody comes to Bangkok please email me.
Best wishes to all,
Art Key
This page started with John Workman contacting the AFVN Webmaster.
From: John Workman
Dated: April 14, 2016
Subject: AFVN TV
I was assigned to AFVN TV late 1969 to late 1970. Was US Army, SP4. I also have pictures of station, Bob Hope show (1969) which AFVN did live from Tan Son Nhut airbase by microwave link. I did the recording of Bob Hope show for distribution to other AFRTS stations.
From: John Workman
Dated: April 15, 2016
Subject: AFVN TV Website
Jim, since we overlapped tours you may show up in some of my photos. I usually worked PM evening & sometimes into overnight shift. I recall driving guys back to barracks and coming back to station well after curfew when all the streets were deserted other than MP’s..
Couple additional updates:
・ Sgt Biever, is listed Nha Trang but was also at Saigon--I have pix of him & can read name tag. I remember him well. Think he was there into early 70?
・ Van Vooren--I have pix of him. If he [is] on [the] Yahoo Group, I will reach out and share once I am on group.
・ Britt (no 1st name--Don’t see him on list but pretty sure he was FM Radio in Saigon as pix is him in record library. Can read his name tag.) [First name is Ken.]
John Workman|V.P. Engineering | WITI Fox 6
From: Jim White
Dated: April 14, 2016
Subject: AFVN TV Website
John,
I was at AFVN from August 1970 to June 1971 so our tours overlapped--but I must admit I don't remember you. You're not in my diary either so evidently you were never in any particular trouble. (Smile!)
Both Art Key (no "s") and Tim Boodle have been in contact with me within the past year. Art is now living in Thailand and Tim is in Texas. If, as suggested by Bob Morecook, you join the AFVN Yahoo Group you can out a message asking them to contact you and you might be pleasantly surprised. To join, just send a "I want to join" message to Bob.
I've already added you to the roster as a "Broadcasting Engineer." ( https://www.afvnvets.net/roster-w.html ) Let me know if that is wrong or there are any other corrections needed. There is a map at https://www.afvnvets.net/afvn-roster.html / "Where are we today?" Let me know what state you live in and I'll add you to the list. [It may take a few hours for the changes to reach you via the internet.]
Any photos, video or audio that you may have you can send to me and I'll post them on the AFVNVETS.net site. Also, any stories you might have (to include further enlightenment related to the censorship problem) will be welcomed. Please "wander" AFVNVETS.net a bit to see what we already have. One place is: https://www.afvnvets.net/conv--censorship.html and Para 1-16 on https://www.afvnvets.net/afvn-history.html
Hoping to continue this conversation....,
Jim W
From: Jim White
Dated: April 19, 2016
Subject: Welcome Home AFVN'er JOHN WORKMAN - Saigon Engineer
To clarify:
According to Art Key, there is no 's' in Art Key's name (that was a possessive "s," the use of which probably helps lead to many errors by many people). As proof, attached is a message from Art dated July 24,2014.
Art's Message
I was in AFVN Saigon as a SP5 for a year from June 1969 with a brief week to Nhatrang. I worked as a technician trying to keep the AMPEX VTRs running. I enjoyed my R&R to Bangkok so much I eventually found a job here . After surviving a good year in Viet Nam, Thank God. I was running for fun in the Bangkok suburbs and fell of a bridge. I'm in a wheelchair now but otherwise would like to meet a few friends at your upcoming Reunion. I'd like to contact Walter Leriche an old AFVN Saigon and Boston drinking buddy. Does Pat Sejack join in the AFVN Group? He's probably the most famous from AFVN. If anybody comes to Bangkok please email me.
Best wishes to all,
Art Key
From: Robert Tucker
Dated: April 19, 2016
Subject: Welcome Home AFVN'er JOHN WORKMAN - Saigon Engineer
Welcome home, John
Robert Tucker, Saigon 71/72
From: John Workman
Date: April 20, 2016
Subject: The latest Offer from the AFVN Logo Store.
Thanks for the link to buy items w/ AFVN.
Had been thinking about buying cap with Vietnam Vet on it but AFVN is even better!!! Bought 4 items.
John Workman|V.P. Engineering
From: Bob Morecook
Dated: April 14, 2016
Subject: AFVN TV
Hi john
Yes I am very interested.
I am copying Jim White on this as he maintains the AFVN webpages.
I maintain the Facebook page and the yahoo email group.
I have a short clip of the Bob Lawrence event on YouTube at this time. I am in touch with Bob from time to time.
We have an AFVN reunion set for late sept of this year I Raleigh NC. Want to come?
Would you like to be on the AFVN group email list?
I am also copying Rick Frederickson and Ken Kalish about this.
Welcome home
Bob Morecook
AFVN news 72-73
From: John Workman
Dated: April 15, 2016
Subject: AFVN TV Websitr
Thanks, Jim, I would like to be on the AFVN Yahoo group.
Yea I didn’t get into much trouble between working at station & CBS & officer & enlisted club, so it was work, eat, sleep 7 days a week. Only “trouble” I had was GI ran in front of my van after curfew & hit him, threw him about 30 feet, he then ran off but I had to explain why the windshield was laying on the dash board.
Attached are a couple of pix I have, will scan more to send.
I shot a bunch of B&W as I could develop & print myself, many are 8x10.
What size scan (resolution & file size) do you prefer?
Hate to send a 2mb pix when if you can only post much smaller (typical)
Attached is (scanned at 300x300 to keep file size low)
・ aerial pix of tower & studio. (looking north)
・ Tower pix from ground
・ station entrance
・ Tim Bodle @ quad vtr--he better remember me as I remember him above all others.
・ Pix of 3--I’m the one on right, don’t remember other two names- (I’m terrible on names)
o Like I knew our transmitter guy pretty well but can’t recall name 45 yrs. later. Was USAF. I remember he was asleep in a chair in transmitter building (or passed out) and we rolled him out to parking lot in the chair and left him there to wake up.
Have more pix of Saigon TV & FM radio staff and some pix of AFVN Da Nang on the mountain.
Some pix of Bob Hope show, New Christy Minstrels, George Peppard, Miss America show that all visited the studio while in country for USO.
I’ll work on narrative of my time at AFVN and send more scans of pix.
Will have to check for any audio & video I may have
John Workman|V.P. Engineering | WITI Fox 6
Individual Photo Albums and Stories
John Workman, SP4, USA
Broadcasting Engineer, Saigon 1969-70
From: Roy Burnette
Dated: April 19, 2016
Subject: Welcome Home AFVN'er JOHN WORKMAN - Saigon Engineer
Welcome, John
Roy Burnette, Da Nang 70/71
From: AFVN@yahoogroups.com
Date: April 19, 2016
Subject: The latest Offer from the AFVN Logo Store.
Shoup our online store now and get a 10% discount, regarldess of your prder size! Click below to take advantage of this great deal by Februar 9th.