Robert V. "Bob" Blair
Six Boys Enlist
Six fellows missed about town and home this week include Duane Ashton, who left Monday for Great Lakes, where he will take his boot training in the U.S. Navy.Robert Blair, Paul Martin, Ralph Barker, William Joyce and Russell Tuttle enlisted in the air force.
The boys went to Indianapolis on Friday and were sent to Sampson Air Force Base at Geneva, New York, for basic training.
This October 4, 1951, Lowell Tribune article was found on page 1, column 6:
News of Last Week's Enlistees
Letters from the five fellows who enlisted in the air force a week ago Friday tell of their arrival at Sampson Air Force Base, Geneva, N.Y. Bob Blair writes his folks, the Lawrence Millers, that the day's time -- 4:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. -- is consumed with daily washing, ironing, bed making and afternoon classes. 9 p.m. marks bedtime. Bob's address is Pvt. Robert V. Blair, A.F. 16388234, 3664 Trng. Sqd., Flight 863, Sampson A.F.B., Geneva, N.Y.We also received Bill Joyce's address: Pvt. William H. Joyce Jr., A.F. 16388240, 3664 Trng. Sqd., Flt. 863, Sampson A.F.B., Geneva, N.Y.
And that of Pvt. Ralph E. Barker, A.F. 16388235, 3664 Trg. Sqd., Flt. 863, Sampson A.F.B., Genva, N.Y.
Paul Martin and Russell Tuttle, who conclude the group, are stationed at Sampson A.F.B. also.
Duane Ashton, who enlisted in the navy, is stationed at Great Lakes.
The following November 1, 1951, Lowell Tribune article was found on page 1, column 2:
- Russell Tuttle, Paul Martin, Ralph Barker, Robert Blair and William Joyce, who have completed five weeks of their basic training at Sampson Air Base, Geneva, N.Y., enjoyed a gala weekend with home folks who went to New York to see them. Mr. and Mrs. Ike Tuttle and daughter, Marjorie, Mrs. John B. Martin, Mrs. B.M. Barker and daughter, Lavonne, left Friday morning and picked the boys up at the base where they were joined by Mrs. Martin's daughter and her husband, T/Sgt. G.L. Mackey, who is ROTC instructor at the University of Maryland, and all enjoyed an overnight stay in Rochester and a trip into Canada on Sunday.
The following November 15, 1951, Lowell Tribune article was found on page 1, columns 2-3:
- Pfc. Ralph Barker is being transferred to a civilian school at Ruston, La., where he will be trained as a clerk-typist. His address is forthcoming. Pfc. William Joyce has not received notice of transfer as yet for only half of the flight have received orders. Russell Tuttle and Robert Blair expect to leave tomorrow, Friday, for Corpus Christi, Texas, and in a phone call home Sunday, Paul told his parents, Mr. and Mrs. John B. Martin, that he is being transferred. His address will be published next week.
A December 27, 1951, Lowell Tribune article (page 2, column 1) listed Bob Blair as one of many servicemen from the Lowell vicinity arriving home for the holidays.
This March 27, 1952 Lowell Tribune article appeared on page 5, column 6:
- Robert Blair arrived home last Wednesday from Lowrey Field, Denver, Colo., to enjoy 27 days at the home of his parents, the Lawrance Millers. Bob has orders to report to Camp Stoneman, Calif., before leaving for Alaska.
This April 17, 1952, Lowell Tribune article appeared on page 2, column 1:
- Robert Blair left Sunday for Camp Stoneman, Calif., and will soon be enroute to Alaska, having recently completed studies at Lowery Field, Denver, Colo. Bob, who is a member of the Air Corps, spent a 30-day leave at the home of his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence Miller.
This June 19, 1952, Lowell Tribune article was found on page 2, column 1:
- From Korea Bob Blair sends his address to home friends and writes interesting letters telling of the people and conditions so far from here. A personal greeting from the Tribune goes to Bob and best wishes for a safe return. Address: A/3c Robert V. Blair, AF16388234, 547th Ammo. Sup. Sqdn. APO970, co P.M. San Francisco, California.
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