Snoopy

An Era Ends, Snoopy is going home
as published in "The Swadee Flyer"
written by TSgt. Donald B. Victor

All good things must come to an end, and thus it is that one of
our fellow Korat personnel now prepares for his departure from
Thailand. "Snoopy" will soon be leaving his home with the 553d
Reconnaissance Wing, to return to the United States, after more
than two years as mascot of the Batcats.

"Where did Snoopy come from?" "Just who was Snoopy, prior to
gaining inter-stellar fame for this operations in Southeast
Asia?" These questions and others are often asked by newcomers
and old heads alike, for Snoopy has personally shunned the lime
light.

Now faced with the imminent departure of our friend and mascot,
it seems fitting that we learn the answers to many questions
about him. At least one man remembers, for he has been both
trusted master and close pal to Snoopy during their two years
together at Korat. These facts are presented now, as told by
SSgt. James H. "Robbie" Robinson III, of the 554th Reconnaissance
Squadron.

Early in 1967, the 553d Reconnaissance Wing had just formed, at
Eglin AFB, Fla. In discussing a wing mascot, MSgt. James R.
Jones offered a $25 prize to the man who could find a dog that
looked like "Snoopy" of the PEANUTS comic strip.

One day, after rejection of many other doggie hopefuls, who
resembled the comic strip character to some degree, a marvelous
thing happened: The most wonderful Snoopy candidate of all was
found . . . and chosen as the Batcats' mascot.

Snoopy was purchased June 12 1967, by Sgt. Chester A. Roode of
the 553d hydraulic shop, for $3 from the Fort Walton Beach
(Florida) dog pound. Then, courtesy of prize winner Sergeant
Roode, a party was held. Snoopy "had a few" with the boys.
Everyone rejoiced. The wing had its mascot! Snoopy had a home!
A milestone had arrived in both their young lives.

Snoopy proceeded shortly afterward to Otis AFB, Mass., for a
month-long indoctrination with the Batcats. Then, it was time to
join his outfit overseas, as Snoopy traveled to Korat.

Sergeant Robinson remembers well Snoopy's first wing birthday
party, June 12, 1968. The Batcats presented their mascot,
companion and chum with the coveted SKY BADGE Award and SNOOPY
WINGS with First Cluster. And there was more rejoicing.

Around the base, Snoopy was constantly at Robbie's side.

This was home, and all the Batcats became benefactor and friend
to their mascot.

Who among us can forget the anxious moments last May during the
Korat RTAFB fund raising campaign for the Nahkon Rajasima
Provincial Hospital, when Snoopy was dognaped by a band of neo-
Robin Hoods? His fellow Batcats immediately raised the $130
ransom for release of the captive hero. Upon delivery of the
money to the Hospital fund, Snoopy was returned to his "Family."

Snoopy was there, to help Sergeant Robinson pin on his staff
stripes, just as he has been present at most other 553d goings-
on. Well, "Robbie" has gone home, just this month; and Snoopy
hopes soon to follow his buddy and master, back to the U.S.A.

In their departing Korat RTAFB and Southeast Asia, Sergeant
Robinson and Snoopy declare the passing of an era in the history
of the 553d . . . and an always fondly to be remembered time in
the lives of us who grew to know and cherish our Snoopy.

Snoopy's Story