Air Force Weather Archives

The Past Will Guide The Future!

AWS History Office Expands  

by Lil Wilbur

Air Weather Service

Chief of History



      Did you know your Air Weather Service History Office

was re-established at Scott AFB, Ill, in 1995?

     Since then it has been relocated numerous times, finally

settling in an area occupied in the past by the 7th Weather Wing.

The office has been undergoing a metamorphosis over the past 18

month and the final stage culminated with a ribbon-cutting

ceremony and reception Dec. 3, 1996.

 Do these pictures look familiar?  How many of us have not

had changes in their place of work over the last few years?

Patti Warner and I have been working hard to bring the history

office into a pro-active role at AWS.  Through long hours and

hard work we are well on our way.  These pictures depict our

move, the files installation, and the moving and unpacking of

over 185 boxes filled with historical archives and files!

     Today, the AWS History Office is more user-friendly with

rolling files similar to those seen at the Air Weather Service

Technical Library at the Air Force Combat Climatology Center.

Visitors to our facility now have a place to sit and look through

past history files.  Individuals needing a place to sit and study are

welcome, as are people working on official research projects.

     Now that we're in our permanent location, please remember we

accept any donated artifacts or archival materials, such as

photos, slides, and/or weather equipment.  We are pleased to

expand our archives now that we have the room!  Keep our office

in mind when spring cleaning comes around.

     General Dwight D. Eisenhower once said, "Neither a wise nor

a brave man lies down on the tracks of history to wait for the

train of the future to run over him..."  We, in the History

Office, agree with that.

     Did You Know is brought to you by your friendly Air Weather

Service History Office.  For more information, contact Lil Wilbur

by E-mail at "wilburl@hqaws.safb.af.mil" or call (618) 256-5654,

etc. 258; or DSN 576-5654, etc. 258.



Other historical and archival sources:



Air Force Historical Research Agency (AFHRA/RSA)

600 Chennault Circle, Maxwell AFB AL 36112-6424

phone (334) 953-5834

(AFHRA shares Bldg. 1495 with the Air University Library)

AFHRA has published an informative pamphlet:

"Air Force Historical Research Agency, Information for

Researchers"



 For information on specific individuals:

National Personnel Records Center

Air Force Reference Branch

9700 Page Blvd.

St Louis MO 93132



The National Archives also has certain information.

The Air Force Museum has a collection of shoulder patches of the

various numbered Air Forces, as well as a number of insignias of

Army Air Corps and Air Force weather units.  These, especially

the latter, would make an interesting online exhibit.



18th WS Built Weather Station

Exhibit at AF Museum



AF Weather Exhibit at AF Museum



WWII Era

Tower Replica WWII  Control Tower Air Force Museum