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1946 to Present |
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1946 to Present |
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| I was born
in the Philippines shortly after the end of World War II in the town of
Binmaley, Pangasinan Province, near the Lingayen Gulf in northern Luzon.
From 1946 to 1951 I lived in Manila near Nichols Field, and at Clark Field/Ft.
Stottsenburg. Our family moved back to the Philippines and
Clark Air Base in 1958 until 1964. I visited the Philippines for
the last time in 1967 to 1968.
The following photos and other material are my attempt at documenting the people, places and events of those time periods. Many related family pictures are also included. |
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The front page of the Clark Air Base "Newcomer's Guide" from the early '60s. |
| Not many
years after having lived at Clark AB as a dependent in the early 60's,
I woke up in the hospital there after a bad day in Viet Nam. A few
days later some of us "escaped" from the ward and I went gimping around
looking at some of the old haunts... Wagner, the teen club, my old quarters
up on 2nd place, Cathie's old house in the Stone Barrio, even the stables.
It was very sad for a lot of reasons I didn't want to understand at the
time. I wanted, somewhat desperately I suppose, to recapture the
innocence and adolescent happiness of those "American Graffiti" days.
They didn't want to be recaptured at the time. I requested
and got an early release from the hospital to rejoin my team and didn't
think much about Clark and how wonderful my teen years were there until
I stumbled on this list and Gary's WHOA
site last year and then wound up going to the Washington
DC reunion that Ruth and Jim Kent organized this past summer..
I wasn't really prepared for the emotional roller coaster that experience
actually was either, but I wouldn't trade it for anything (beau coup and
mucho thanks to you, Ruth and Jim..). Today I count myself among
the most fortunate guys in the world to have lived there back in those
days and to have shared that time with such an incredible group of people.
Your pictures and your maps
bring that home again.
Thanks, Geoff Shaw '65." |
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Photo
#2
Joe Yuponce '65 (left) and
Remember those blue school buses? |
| "Adult
educational opportunities are available at the Education Center for military
and civilian personnel and their dependents on Clark Air Base. Elementary,
secondary, vocational and college level courses leading toward diplomas
or degrees are conducted in on-duty and off-duty classes. Special attention
is given to those who have not completed high school. Many people obtain
a high school diploma or a State Equivalence Certificate (GED) test. The
College Level GED test is also available. USAFI courses may also be taken
via correspondence or self study.
In 1953 a branch of the University of the Philippines was established as a base residence program leading to undergraduate and graduate degrees in the liberal arts. Credits and degrees earned through the University of the Philippines are readily transferable to leading colleges and universities throughout the United States. The Wurthsmith Memorial School, a modern school designed for "tropical teaching and learning," is tuition free to all school age dependents of military and civilian personnel here at Clark. The latest addition to the base system is the air-conditioned Wagner High School, occupied in April 1961. Because of an excess of elementary pupils, the 5th through the 8th grade also use this school, in addition to the regular high school age students. Regular AF school buses transport students from on and off base housing areas. Entry into first grade is dependent upon age verified by birth certificate or certified statement and other grades require a transcript of credits, report card or other records. So be sure and include these papers when you pack ! Wurthsmith School conducts a remedial six-week summer school program to correct school deficiency-caused-by-travel problems before the start of each school year. All textbooks, work books and other supplies are furnished to the students free of charge and pencils and paper are issued on regular schedules to meet their needs. New desks adorn many of the rooms and a well-stocked library is available with approximately 7000 volumes at both the elementary and high schools. Swimming instruction is available to students through Red Cross instructors. Student Council, National Honor Student, school paper, year book and a crowded sports program offer channels for every student's interests." From the Clark
AFB Newcomer's Guide, circa 1962
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Judy Stroh '66, between classes, Wagner HS, circa 1963. Notice the tell tale rolled-up
PE towel under her arm.
"Super pictures of the school. Thats Sharon Woods walking up behind Judy Stroh. Sharon always had that pigeon toes sort of walk. Remember who else had that walk....? I'll bet a few of the guys from that time do.....:)" Geoff Shaw
'65
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Jim Getto '65, one of the "Balibago Boyz" circa 1962, in front of our favorite Sari Sari store in Mountain View subdivision. |
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