244th History 1973

Year 1973 1956 1957 1958 1959 1960 1961 1962 1963 1964 1965 1966 1967 1968 1969 1970 1971 1972 1974 1975 1976 1977 1978 1979 1980 1981

1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006

AFCS

244 Mobile Communications Squadron

LtCol Mark E. Luedtke

Major Mark E. Luedtke assumed Command of the 244th Mobile Communications Squadron on 9 February 1973.

In August 1972 while sitting atop a pile of logs on fire watch Major Luedtke had an idea. With pen in hand, he started to formulate a proposal to establish an agreement with the Forest Service to provide communications support during forest fires. He figured this would be a good way to help in a state emergency as well as to provide realistic training for the members of the 244th.

When he was finished writing, he sent the proposal to Oregon National Guard Headquarters. It was not until August 1976 that the proposal would become reality and, in 1977, put into practice.

The 244th Mobile Communications SQuadron participated in exercise WESTACS II, headquartered at Gowen Field, Boise Idaho. The 244th deployed equipment and personnel to Gowen Field, Fairchild AFB, Yakima Firing Center, Mica Peak, Saddle Mountain, Ahtanum Ridge and Greyback Mountain, Washington. Other remote locations included relays at Big Lookout Mountan and Mt.Emily, Oregon and Table Rock, Washington.

Other members of the 244th deployed to Fort Hood, Texas for participation in Gallant Hand 73, and were also deployed to Anderson Mountain, Texas.

Technical Sergeant John W. Matzka was recognized as the Outstanding Unit Airman of 1973.

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1973 Photos

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1973 Luedtke 01	1973 Luedtke 02	1973 WESTACS II Photo 01	1973 WESTACS II Photo 02
1973 WESTACS II Photo 03	1973 WESTACS II Photo 04	1973 WESTACS II Photo 05	1973 WESTACS II Photo 06
1973 WESTACS II Photo 07	1973 WESTACS II Photo 08	1973 WESTACS II Photo 09	1973 WESTACS II Photo 10
1973 WESTACS II Photo 11	1973 WESTACS II Photo 12	1973 WESTACS II Photo 13	1973 WESTACS II Photo 14
1973 WESTACS II Photo 15	1973 WESTACS II Photo 16	1973 WESTACS II Photo 17	1973 WESTACS II Photo 18