Dusty FE's Flight With The Ponies

I remember a funny story that happened in early '69 (I think).

Remember the guys in the 20th Pony Express used to come into NKP once in a while. Well I got to know some of their FE's fairly well.

One day about 3 or 4 of their birds came into NKP and landed for fuel. I had the day off and saw them coming in and thought I would go and say Hi to some of them. When I got to the flight line, one of their guys said to me "Hey J.D. we are short one FE for the mission we are going on after we refuel. Would you like to fill in? I said sure and went to PE and got my gear and met them back at the flight line.

The thought never occurred to me to ask Col. Houser if it was okay for me to go. Long story short, I went with them and we got back just about dusk that evening. I don't know how he found out but Col Houser almost gave birth to a Rag Doll when he did. I got my butt chewed out royally by him and was told never to do that again!!!!!! He said "Don't you get enough of combat flying with us)?????? I said "Yes Sir, but it sounded like a good idea at the time since they were short handed"..........

Needless to say, after the Colonel got through with me I never flew another one. By the way, the mission was totally uneventful. I don't remember getting shot at that day. (J. D. Adams)