JC's Musings

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Here is the content of an email we received recently from JC sharing some of his latest medical issues.
 
March 6, 2021
My last drive

Well, I guess I should let everyone know a bit about my memory. On Feb. 5th, 2021 while driving I had what some might call a seizure.

In a conversation with my wife, she said I quit responding and still traveling down the highway eyes straight ahead and both hands on the wheel.

Then it was off on the right-hand side into the ditch, off a tree, and into two of the units of a Storage Building complex.

The wife was able to make it out of the wreckage in a short time but tells me it was maybe half an hour before I was to be extracted.

After the hospital visit, we were released with only minor injuries. I have Zero Memories of any of this and the next several hours.

The insurance adjuster said he quit when he reached $35,000 in damages. The car had only 7,000 miles but I got a new one free and clear.

I am now no longer to be behind the wheel, NO MORE DRIVING. And I will tell you that having to have someone to drive you everywhere you have to go is not good.

I am seeing numerous doctors (specialist etc.)
Hope this never catches any of you.

J.C.

 

Comments (31)

  • Tom Nurre Wed, 07 Apr 2021 at 03:18 PM Permanent Link to Comment Link
    Hello JC and all our website viewers. We sure hope this new feature provides an easy way to send greetings to JC and wish him well. If you would like JC (or any other viewers) to contact you directly, please include your email address or phone number in this Comment section of this online form. Sent from [email protected]
  • J.C. Wheeler Wed, 07 Apr 2021 at 04:13 PM Permanent Link to Comment Link
    I would like to First say Thank You to Tom and Joe for taking over for me 7 years ago.  My short term memory got so I could no longer maintain the web-site.
    Next I will try and answer any questions.  Also I hope you can and will share any of your mission activities here for others to read.
    Running Short on Time, we need to preserve our part of history. I was 28 then and will be 83 in June.
    And as always,  That was the Best Year of my 20 year career because of My Crew (I am the sole survivor), The Aircraft,  and The Mission we flew.
  • W. Doug Milton Wed, 07 Apr 2021 at 08:39 PM Permanent Link to Comment Link
    JC
    Hang in there buddy, you have been thru a lot.
    1968/9 was a memorable year for me also, but can’t say it was the best, my tour at Wakannai Air Station was my favorite as a Linguist.
    My most harrowing moments are etched in my mind and I live with those quite often.
    I do miss those reunions at San Antonio and other venues.
    Later,
    Doug Milton
  • Dallas Ward Wed, 07 Apr 2021 at 09:37 PM Permanent Link to Comment Link
    JC,
    If you're in Bridgeport, TX you can have a free ride anytime.  Your compatriots in the 362nd TEWS carried me safely in and out of Pleiku during all of 1969, so I'd be glad to return the favor.
    Dallas Ward
  • Tom Angstadt Thu, 08 Apr 2021 at 08:13 PM Permanent Link to Comment Link
    Thank you for your service to our great country and also your service to fellow C-47 crew! I stumbled on your website some years back and returned to it often. I was a 202 at NKP from 6/69 to 6/70. Many good memories and I had the pleasure of serving with some very skilled and smart people. My only regret is that we never got feedback on how effective our missions were.
      We served for each other and for those on the ground who may have benefited from our efforts.  Tom Angstadt
  • Tom Nurre Fri, 09 Apr 2021 at 02:38 PM Permanent Link to Comment Link
    Hi JC...
    We are coordinating the purchase of an EC-47 Memorial Plaza paver for 362nd TEWS First Sergeant, MSgt Charley Vernon Neely. Here is some information sent by his son, Richard Neely. This was a different squadron than yours and he was a bit after your time, but wondering if you or anyone else reading this Comment ever crossed paths with Charley. He was the First Sergeant at the 362nd TEWS at Pleiku from 1968-1969.
    More info from Richard Neely:
    My father's career covered 27 years starting from the U.S. Army Air Corps (or Air Force) to the creation of the U..S. Air Force to his retirement in 1969 at Eglin AFB. He served as a tail-gunner on a B-24 with the 8th Air Force in WWII flying 35 missions (awarded the DFC).  He served during Korea but to my knowledge never served in-country.  While at Altus AFB (KC-135 SAC) he was wearing the Viet Nam Campaign (yellow one) ribbon.
    A little about the son Richard:
    Leaving Altus AFB we headed over to Walker AFB in Roswell, New Mexico.  It was here, much to my parent's dismay, at age 18, I joined the U.S. Naval Reserves (enlisted in the Carlsbad Surface Division).
    I attended New Mexico Military Institute for the year after high school graduation - which was a bad academic year for me.  Enrolling in Moorhead State College in Moorhead, Minnesota where my maternal grandmother lived. I ran aground and finally, (lacking common sense or whatever) joined the Marines and made "meritorious" Private and went to Recruit Training at MCRD San Diego.    Not doing very well in Radar Fire Control Tech school, I married and moved to the 2nd MAW at MCAS Cherry Point, NC where I became an Aviation Electrician.  From there, I was caught up in a replacement draft and ended up going to Viet Nam in 1969 (to 1970) to VMFA-115 as an electrician and leaving days after VMFA was moved to Da Nang from Chu Lai.
    Genealogy research of my family shows I had a cousin, Army PFC Gordon M. Gunhus, (Kenyon, Minnesota) who was KIA on Easter Sunday in 1970.  VMFA-115 marked my departure by having rockets cook off one of the aircraft while parked in the revetments.  I have more cousins who served in Viet Nam, but Gordon sticks out like a sore thumb.
    ///edited text///
    Respectfully,
    Richard (Rick) V. Neely
    USNR 1964-1967
    USMC 1967 - 1989

    JC, let us know if you knew of First Sergeant Charley Neely...or if you have stories about any other noted First Sergeant(s) in the TEWS squadrons. Thanks
    Tom -
  • J.C. Wheeler Fri, 09 Apr 2021 at 08:30 PM Permanent Link to Comment Link
    Rick I am sorry but I never met or communicate with your father.  I wish I could be of some help but with my loss of memory especially short term is all but gone.  Keep searching around on the sight you just might stumble on to something,                            Tom, I really think we would be better off if I just got off the bus.  Sorry, J.C.
  • Tom Nurre Fri, 09 Apr 2021 at 09:07 PM Permanent Link to Comment Link
    JC...will keep this page active for a while to allow others to drop a line if they wish. If that doesn't work out, can't say we didn't try. Stay in touch. Tom
  • James C. "J.C." Wheeler Sun, 25 Apr 2021 at 01:56 PM Permanent Link to Comment Link
    Hello to all those who keep up with the Site and any New folks who come by. It has been almost 25 years since I began the EC-47 Web-Site. And now, 7 years since I had to turn it over to others to continue to Collect, Preserve and Make Available all those little True Stories and Photos and Other Evidence of Our Part in the War in Vietnam.

    As you may or may not know but my memory is failing fast and I could not co-ordinate the duties of keeping things together.  What I bet you don't  know is that Every Morning, Yes, EVERY MORNING  while having my coffee I am On The Site looking for your input.  We are All getting Older each day.  Back then I was 28 and Now 82 and in 6 more weeks will turn 83.  Folks when we are Gone who can take our place in this History?

    I sincerely hope if you were a part of this, "The EC-47 Mission"  that you can add to this and preserve a part of the History and mark and Hold our part of this History.  I have been saying now for almost 55 Years,  " That was The BEST YEAR of my 20 year career."

    And, if you have any comments, PLEASE  add them below.

    J.C. Wheeler  Flight Mech with the  360th and 361st TEWS  Sept. 66 to Sept 67.
  • James C. "J.C." Wheeler Sun, 25 Apr 2021 at 09:19 PM Permanent Link to Comment Link
    WE WERE THERE


    We were there, so long ago,
    To fly our mission, low and slow.

    Our mission to others, was unknown,
    We flew unarmed, and all alone.

    Both day and night, we would fly,
    To locate Charlie, so our men won't die.

    Of our mission, we dared not speak,
    Big ears were listening, the prying sneak.

    On each other, we did depend,
    So all would come home, in the end.

    Yet big guns shooting, from below,
    Some would take, someone we know.

    When we returned, few would care,
    While others cursed, yelling how you dare.

    For we were sent, by our nation,
    We did our job, without hesitation.

    We did our job, We did it well,
    So long ago, only now, can we tell.


    James C. Wheeler MSgt USAF Retired
    The EC-47 Mission
    Vietnam  1966-1974
  • James C. Wheeler MSgt USAF Retired Tue, 04 May 2021 at 06:13 PM Permanent Link to Comment Link
    Hello Folks,

    With my memory as it is I just remembered that I better let you know where you can watch numerous Video's that I have posted on U-tube (YouTube) over the past 13 years and yes they are all well worth watching.    I assume you know how to get on U-tube (YouTube.com) and then look for the EC-47.    I hope you can do this and let me know what you think.                 
    TAKE CARE,    J.C.
  • Tom Nurre Tue, 04 May 2021 at 07:06 PM Permanent Link to Comment Link
    Was the Documentary advertised in this video ever finished? Thanks
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wV21IDDRhkI
  • J. C. Wheeler Sat, 08 May 2021 at 02:09 PM Permanent Link to Comment Link
    Tom, sorry to be so slow but I have searched but have no memory of what/how to answer your question.    J. C.
  • James C. ( J.C. ) Wheeler Sat, 08 May 2021 at 02:13 PM Permanent Link to Comment Link
    Tom I am sorry but I have no memory of what you speak.    J.C.
  • Tom Nurre Sat, 08 May 2021 at 03:33 PM Permanent Link to Comment Link
    Hi J.C.,
    My question was about one of the EC-47 YouTube video clips you mentioned in your May 4th comments above. This three-and-a-half-minute video ( https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wV21IDDRhkI ) features you, Danny Russell, Paul Clever and others speaking about the EC-47 mission and a documentary film you were involved in creating. I have always been interested in whether or not that documentary was ever completed. Thank you.
  • James C. (J.C.) Wheeler Sat, 08 May 2021 at 03:53 PM Permanent Link to Comment Link
    Tom I don't remember but I will see if I can find anything more.    J.C.
  • James C. "J .C." Wheeler Sun, 09 May 2021 at 07:39 PM Permanent Link to Comment Link
    Watch this Video "A History Denied"  for a good description of the Mission flown by the EC-47.

    https://ec47.com/video-a-history-denied

    J.C.
  • James C. (J.C) Wheeler W5OI Ham Call Tue, 25 May 2021 at 12:29 PM Permanent Link to Comment Link
    The Ham


    By: James C. Wheeler (W5IO)

    There is this bunch of guys I know,
    Who like to talk on the radio.

    Around the clock both night and day,
    They never run out of something to say.

    They talk to each other about this and that,
    About problems of the world and how to combat.

    New Friendships are born both far and near,
    While enjoying this hobby they hold so dear.

    They provide the world and our nation,
    With a constant flow of information.

    From humor to technical the subject may run,
    It's all in good taste it's all in good fun.

    While old timers tell of how to home brew,
    Some sit and talk while sipping a few.

    Newcomers join in rather timid at first,
    Only to learn they could have done worse.

    A wonderful hobby this ham radio game,
    Compared to some it may seem rather tame.

    Then comes along a need or disaster,
    And no others can act any faster.

    They load up their gear without hesitation,
    And head for the field with emergency stations.

    They ask for no pay they cannot accept,
    All this is for caring no fees are set.

    This is the time when there is no phone,
    But because of their hobby you can call home.
                                     
    Your family assured that you are okay,
    Re-enforces the spirit they work this way.

    And when it's all over they return to their shack,
    Resume their chatter and never look back.


    I have received many request to use/duplicate
    this poem. Feel free to use it in it's present
    form if you credit the origin.

    James C. Wheeler (W5OI)


    .
  • J.C. Tue, 01 Jun 2021 at 02:49 PM Permanent Link to Comment Link
    Well for some reason my email is  inop and un-usable says " user name or password is incorrect ",  and has been for several days.  I have been unable to recover it and now asking for HELP again.    J.C,
  • J.C. Tue, 01 Jun 2021 at 03:40 PM Permanent Link to Comment Link
    Well several days ago my email account went south.  It tells me that the user/password is incorrect.  With my Memory GONE I have been unable to take corrective action and I do hope I can/will get some help.  I tried to post this comment earlier but I guess I missed a step and this is my second try.      J.C.
  • Tom Nurre Tue, 01 Jun 2021 at 03:45 PM Permanent Link to Comment Link
    J.C., sorry I am not moving more quickly on your account concerns. The email server notified us that there was some "unusual activity" from your email address and it was temporarily disconnected...just like the last time this happened. Your account using the same address but with a different password has been reactivated. Joe Martin just sent you an update to your gmail account with the new password for your ec47.com email account. Please call me if you haven't received Joe's email or you need additional help. Stay well.  Tom 325 450-4476
  • J.C. Mon, 21 Jun 2021 at 01:43 AM Permanent Link to Comment Link
    Tom, I had not forgotten you but I believe the video you ask about is at:  https/ec47.com/video-a-history-denied 
    This video run 47 and half minutes.  I think this one is correct.    J.C.
  • Much Appreciated, J.C. Tue, 06 Jul 2021 at 07:02 PM Permanent Link to Comment Link
    Dear Readers,

    J.C. Wheeler continues to experience lapses in short-term memory that affect his online communication efforts. This entry, although it appears to be more recent, was first recorded on the original website circa 1998. Use the website Google Search to find the exact quote/date of entry.
    J.C. certainly misses doing work on the website, but most of all I believe he misses the way things were more than 20 years ago. I encourage you to please drop him a note at his email [email protected]. He checks it every day.

    Here is the text of JC's email from earlier today. Thanks, Tom Nurre

    QUOTE

    Mr. Wheeler,

    I was reviewing your website in greater depth yesterday and was quite impressed.
    Your dedication and ongoing efforts are not only notable but nearly unique. Never
    before have I seen an aircraft, a unit, and a mission so well documented -- I
    believe that largely because of your efforts, the true story of the EC-47 and its
    mission has been preserved and published. My hat is off to you -- an amazing job.

    Thomas Van Hare Publisher, 'Historic Wings'

    UNQUOTE
  • James C. (J.C.) Wheler Fri, 03 Sep 2021 at 01:58 PM Permanent Link to Comment Link
    Can anyone provide me with one of these Patches as shown now on the site home page of the site?    My email address is:  [email protected]    Postal Address:  703 Apple Tree Lane  Clarksville Ark. 72830  THANKS,    J.C.

























    t
  • Monte Pettit, SMSgt USAF/Ret (Dec 69-Nov 70 164 missions) Mon, 28 Mar 2022 at 02:52 PM Permanent Link to Comment Link
    Hi JC,  Not sure if you were still kicking or not.  I just turned 88 and didn't think I'd even get there.  I've a hundred war stories after my 26, mostly ditty bop career, and could have contributed to your book, which I've had for years but just read.  One:  landing at Udorn or Ubon, (memory fuzzy) with a flat tire and the base CO told the pilot to get it off the runway or be dozed off, before the pilot told him who owned the Goon.  A carriage then held the tire and it was towed to a parking place.  It took a day to get and repair it and be on our way.  And an explanation for the item on page 197/199:  A zip transmitting a coded message and our 202 (Dave Leibergot) needed the call sign for identification.  I had the Y op run up to the freq and key his transmitter blocking the zip's message.  The zip then scrolled up to another freq and began calling with his call sign.  We followed him and got it.  71-72 flew with RC-135s from Okinawa to Vietnam, about 60 missions.  Then at Offutt, TDY'd a month twice to fly EC-121's at Karat,17 missions.  I've a million stories.  Monte
  • J.C. Wheeler Fri, 15 Apr 2022 at 01:03 PM Permanent Link to Comment Link
    Is everybody getting tired or just getting old.        J.C.
  • Tom Nurre Mon, 02 May 2022 at 09:39 PM Permanent Link to Comment Link
    Comm check of JC's musings blog pages.
  • J.C. Mon, 02 May 2022 at 10:25 PM Permanent Link to Comment Link
    Thanks Tom,    J.C.
  • James C. ( J.C. ) Wheeler Tue, 03 May 2022 at 03:26 PM Permanent Link to Comment Link
    Hello folks,  this note is hoped to catch a few more of you old timers like who participated in the Mission  of the EC-47's, members of the Flight Crew from the TEWS Squadrons.  Guys I was 59 years old when I began with The EC-47 History Site and am now 84 years old.  Because of Short Term Memory loss I had to turn the site over to other in 2014.  Todays note here Hopefully will get in before time runs out.  We did play a very important role in Vietnam that needs more History Preserved.                                Thanks,  J.C.
  • GARY MCPHERSON Mon, 20 Jun 2022 at 05:41 PM Permanent Link to Comment Link
    JC I wish you all the very best and send prayers.I justr read this even.Love your site and have pasted to down to my kids and grand kids,Hang in there my friend. EC47 Jan 1966
  • J.C. Fri, 22 Jul 2022 at 01:01 PM Permanent Link to Comment Link
    Morning folks, this is J.C.  ( [email protected] ) again asking for HELP in the recording of our part of the War in Vietnam.  It has been so long since I have found anything new,  maybe I'll find it tomorrow.    J.C.

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