Fellow Firebird Flies West

Robert “Bob” Shellenberger Jr. flew West June 12, 2026. Colonel Shellenberger was a 1958 USMA graduate and served as Firebird commander from July of 1976 to August of 1978. A consummate gentleman, inspired leader, true patriot and a caring friend. He will be missed but oh what a wonderful life lived!

We will always smile and think of him when reciting the pledge of allegiance and his insistence on not pausing between nation and under God. He, of course, was right! His Sam Magee recitation likewise was special at our reunions.

Read Firebird Memories of Bob here.

Bob also enjoyed acting and one of his colleagues posted this about Bob.

Fellow Firebird Flies West

Robert “Bob” Snyder flew West July 31, 2026. Those attending last year’s reunion might remember Bob’s account of a chance meeting in a California car lot with a vacationing North Carolinian Firebird, Jim Plyer. Turned out they were both coming to the Chattanooga reunion! Kismet?

Bob was a joy to be around. Initially wary, Bob was the first to agree to be video-interviewed at our upcoming reunion for what we hope will be part of an exhibit of Skibird history in the National Museum of the USAF. No worries, Bob, we will see you at the Grand Reunion and get that interview!

Fellow Firebird Flies West

Richard “Dick” Dodge flew West May 12, 2026. In addition to Dick’s faithful service to his country, he served as President of our Firebird Association. He helped coordinate our 2025 reunion in Chattanooga but was unable to attend. Always eager to serve, Dick was also planning to help us with a reconnaissance mission to Savannah this Spring, however, his health prevented that.

Some of Dick’s squadron mates may well remember him “flying” an IBM typewriter! We are all grateful for his friendship and service.

Bulletin from Richard Charles “Dick” Dodge Memorial.

Excellent Task Force Slide Article!

In 1998, the American Aviation Historical Society (AAHS) published a detailed history in their Journal about Task Force Slide — the developmental/operational testing of C-130 ski-equipped aircraft. It’s written by Kent A. Mitchell and titled TASK FORCE SLIDE USAF C-130 SKI TESTS. It details not only the initial testing, but follow-on events conducted in Greenland and Antarctica. The Air Force tested the C-130BL with Navy Squadron VX-6 as Joint Task Force Slide III during Project Deep Freeze. Great photographs and descriptions of the lessons learned by aviators who laid the first C-130 Skibird tracks. Our thanks to AAHS for allowing us to share this with you!

You can download a copy of this AAHS Journal article here.

You can find other outstanding AAHS articles on their website aahs-online.org.

60-Days Out from our 2026 Reunion in Savannah, GA

We’re hoping to see you there and will miss you if you can’t make it!

Details are in The Friendly Firebird NOTAM Release #8.

Things to think about are on the CURRENT REUNION page.

Author John H. Cloe Obituary

John flew West December 26, 2016. His article “Skibirds on the Ice Cap” published in a 1977 edition of the American Aviation Historical Society Journal is a testament to his love for aviation, the military, and history. The men and women of the 17th TAS and predecessor units owe John a great debt for preserving our history in such a splendid work. John did not serve in the 17th TAS however, he did fly to Greenland with the 17th in 1973 and credits that experience for inspiring him to write the Skibird piece. His article is posted here in his memory and with gratitude.

Obituary for John Haile Cloe.

You can download a copy of this AAHS Journal article here.

Great Skibird Article from 1977!

In 1977, the American Aviation Historical Society (AAHS) published an excellent history in their Journal about the DEW Line mission and the C-130D. It’s written by John H. Cloe and titled Skibirds on the Ice Cap. Mr. Cloe was a historian for the 1931st Communications Group as well as for the 21st Composite Wing at Elmendorf. He documented the role of the 17th TAS and other units in the construction and sustainment of the DEW Line – specifically DYE II & DYE III. There are some great photographs as well as extensive references. Our thanks to AAHS for allowing to share this with you!

You can download a copy of this AAHS Journal article here.

You can find other outstanding AAHS articles on their website aahs-online.org.

Firebirds.org goes LIVE!

News, Reunion info (present and past), our Roster, and Taps roll, all now reside here. You will find the updated pages are more mobile friendly than the older Historic site pages. Rest assured, the Historic site remains entirely intact and can be reached here and from our new home page.

Due to the tremendous amount of data it holds, modernizing the entire website was beyond our budget, but Firebird history is now preserved there. Note that there is a brief chronological overlap (2024 and 2025) between the Historical and the Current site.

Fellow Firebird Flies West

Iron Mike Makes No-notice Bed Check

Gene Ramsey gets a no-notice bed check by Tiny Tin Mike during his hospital stay in Columbus, GA. Gene and Kathy’s quick visit to see their grandson graduate Army Infantry Training at Fort Benning turned into an unwelcome extended stay.

January 14 UPDATE! We’re all grateful they are both back home now. The love and support of the  Firebird faithful was appreciated.

April 23 UPDATE! Gene passed his latest test and is back to an unrestricted diet.