Forum: F-16 News

Last edited by KennethKeeton on Aug 18, 2007 - 07:10 PM; edited 4 times in total

Here's a shot of 85-572 (the mini-van) as you called it on 6/20/07.
Kenneth Keeton

F-16.net Sponsor

Last edited by KennethKeeton on Aug 18, 2007 - 07:24 PM; edited 3 times in total

Hello, my name is Kenneth W. Keeton and I was at the Virginia Air National Guard's last flight of the F-16's. I am an Honorary Member of the VaANG Retiree's Association, and was honored to be able to attend the show on 6/20/07. It was a SAD day for me because of many ties to the Guard. I took pictures of the VaANG's P-47's when I was about 12 years old and that got me started as a fan and observer from then until now. I worked on the "new hangar" as an electrician when it was built in the 50's. I am retired now and 71 years old, my how time flies. I played music in 'Club 149" many times and FUN was had by all. I met Bob Flournoy (VaANG photographer) about 1968, went flying with him in his 1962 Cessna 172 and got hooked on flying. I learned to fly and flew 'ol 49X out of the Guard for about 20 years. I collected lots of "stuff" about the VaANG over the years and took a lot of pictures. I made a DVD of pictures about the Guard and it was played at Family Day 2006. I live near the airport (RIC) and will miss hearing and seeing them fly.The F-16's and F-22's are great, but there's much more than them to the Virginia Air National Guard! Thanks to all you VaANG Folks, Kenneth Keeton

If there are no air to air shots....this picture is my rendition of what they may have looked like on 6/20/07....Beautiful!

Thank You very much Mr. Keeton!! What a wonderful selection of pictures and well-said words, as well.

Greetings,

Henrik.

VaANG F-16's join up with F-22's from Langley 6/20/07

If there are no air to air views, here's another rendition of what they may have looked like on 6/20/07. Kenneth Keeton

Last edited by J.J. on Jun 28, 2007 - 09:52 PM; edited 1 time in total

Welcome to the forum, Mr. Keeton! 71 years old? I wish we had a honorary membership for users like you. My deep respect, Sir! And thank you very much for the shot of 85-1572! The "cloned" Viper in your first "rendered" picture must be originally 86-0254, marked 192 FW. To super your second "rendered" picture, you should change the tail numbers of the "cloned" Raptor 03-4042 (AF03042) with the tail numbers of the really involved F-22As 03-4057 (AF03057) and 04-4065 (AF04065).

As you told us, over the years you collected lots of "stuff" about the Virginia ANG and took a lot of pictures. Would you share with us some of your Viper stuff, related to the 149th FS, 192nd FW? The F-16.net team would be very grateful for any support, also from other people! After the Virginia Vipers are gone, it´s time to write their history.

Last edited by KennethKeeton on Aug 18, 2007 - 07:45 PM; edited 3 times in total

Virginia Air National Guard History: from P-47's to F-22's. Kenneth Keeton

Last edited by KennethKeeton on Aug 18, 2007 - 07:53 PM; edited 3 times in total

New Version
Virginia Air National Guard 6/20/07....F-22's join up with F-16's.

Last edited by KennethKeeton on Aug 18, 2007 - 08:02 PM; edited 3 times in total

Here's my picture of the pilot's last walk.....across an almost empty flight line.
It's hard to believe the VaANG will be no more.

Last edited by KennethKeeton on Aug 18, 2007 - 08:10 PM; edited 3 times in total

This is the last shot ever of the VaANG F-16's in front of the "Hangar", getting ready for their last mission. I helped build that hangar in the late '50s, working for Union Electric Co. Kenneth Keeton

Last edited by KennethKeeton on Aug 18, 2007 - 08:18 PM; edited 3 times in total

Virginia Air National Guard's last F-16 mission - first to taxi out - 219 6/20/07

VaANG F-16 231 second to taxi out 6/20/07

Virginia Air National Guard's last F-16 mission - second to taxi out - 231 6/20/07

VaANG F-16 223/149FS - third to taxi out 6/20/07

Virginia Air National Guard's last F-16 mission - third to taxi out - 223/149FS 6/20/07

VaANG last end of runway F-16 check 6/20/07 F-16's 219, 231, 223/149FS

Virginia Air National Guard's last end of runway check. F-16's 219, 231, 223/149FS 6/20/07

VaANG getting the last take off shots 6/20/07

Virginia Air National Guard's last F-16 mission - "Getting the take-off shots" 6/20/07.

Alex Hrapunov Photographer VaAng F-16 86-219 takes off 6/20/07

Photo by Alex Hrapunov Photographer, VaANG F-16 86219 takes off 6/20/07.

Forum: F-16 News

VaANG to fly their last F-16 sorties