| Chris Shields/Pickett | Email |
04/03/08
Where do you live now? Ellicott, Co.
How many years were you in the desert? 17
Are you willing to help with pictures? maybe
Are you willing to help with stories? yes
Comments:
I have just found out that a long time resident has passed on March 1st, 2008. Clareance "Rae" Leonard was a great man with many accomplishments. But the one I remember the most is him playing Santa for all us kids. I lived next door to him and he came over for my little sister as Santa on Christmas Eve, her face lit up so much, I don't think she knew it was our next door neighbor. I also had the pleasure of babysitting his dog Duke, he was such a sweet dog. So if you have had the pleasure of meeting Rae you know what I mean by saying he was great. I will surely miss him.
03/25/08
Where do you live now? Blacksburg, VA
How many years were you in the desert? 1945 - 1951
Are you willing to help with pictures? Yes
Are you willing to help with stories? Yes
Comments:
I echo the remarks made in response to John's email. I served in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War and I object to the generalization that China Lake's products are all aimed at killing people. Many of the devices produced during "my" war saved the lives of American pilots, who were doing the job they were asked to do, whether we all agree the conflict there was worth it or not.
As a kid growing up at China Lake in the "early days" - my badge number was 359 - I know that the few ranchers and miners who owned some of the land that became the base and Ranges were paid so much for it that many literally left their supper on the table and headed out! We used to go explore those buidlings and in the very early days, found dishes in the sink and (spoiled) food still in the icebox (whose ice had long since melted.)
As with so many people who try to re-write history without an awareness of the actual times that they are critiquing, while I served in our Armed Forces so that people like John can make statements like his, I would strongly recommend doing a little fact-checking first!
It's a shame that an otherwise terrific website has to be contaminated like this, but, sorry folks, I could not sit and let this go. I hope this ends it. But probably not.
Jim
03/20/08
Where do you live now? CAMERON, OK
How many years were you in the desert? 18
Are you willing to help with pictures? YES
Are you willing to help with stories? YES
Comments:
VERY NICE SITE, STUMBLED ACROSS, BORN AT RIDGECREST COMM HOSPTIAL IN 1965, WENT TO SCHOOL, GRAD FROM BHS 84, LEFT THE DESERT AND SAW THE WORLD....BUT STILL REMEMBER THAT PLACE, ALL THE COOL PEOPLE, THE FAIR...FOOTBALL GAMES..COACH BIRD'S ENGLISH CLASS...PLAYING THE ROCKY THEAM FOR THE BASKETBALL TEAM AT GAMES...GOOD TIMES...
03/18/08
Where do you live now? Columbia Station, Ohio
How many years were you in the desert? 1
Are you willing to help with pictures? None
Are you willing to help with stories? None
Comments:
Well done!
03/16/08
Where do you live now? San Bernardino, Ca
How many years were you in the desert? sixteen years at N.O.T.S.
Are you willing to help with pictures? my children have all the photos now.
Are you willing to help with stories? no
Comments:
I love the stories people have sent in. It brings back many good memories.
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