Châteauroux Air Station Born at CHAS
Children born to American G.I.'s (or civilians) who were stationed at La Martinerie
Châteauroux, France

Updated:  August 17, 2008 04:42 PM

 
           

CHAS UPDATES

CHAS HOMEPAGE              
   

7373rd USAF Hospital at Chateauroux-Deols, France


jp's photo

Hello children born at the 7373rd USAFE Hospital at Châteauroux, (Déols) France!

Your entries and photos are welcome; especially your baby photos. You may scan them and send them to me through the email icon above.

PICTURES!  SEND YOUR BABY PICTURES, PLEASE!

[jpinfo:]  If you are Catholic and were baptised at the Base Chapel, you can go to the following link for info how to obtain your Baptismal Certificate: 

Sacramental Records/Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA

 
Nov 7, 1952   WALL, Leslie E. - daughter of Lt. Robert E. Wall
1953   HOYT - Entry from wife, Elaine - 3-17-06 - Reading, MA.  My husband was born at Châteauroux Air Station in 1953 and apparently only lived there for 3 years. He always wanted to visit, to go back and see where he was born, but never made it there prior to his passing 7 years ago. Our son & I are thinking of making the trip now 'for him'. We're finding this site to be a wonderful resource as we begin acquainting ourselves with the area. 
1953   HUGILL, Mike
1953   JACKS, Dale
1953   SNYDER, Debbie - daughter of Vet Charles Snyder
March 25, 1953   POLSTON, Donald L., son of Don L. (Passed) & Frances Polston, 7373rd Air Installation (AIO) Sq 
April 13, 1953   MERKLING, Cathy  Parents T/Sgt Cyril & Alice Merkling - 7300th Materiel Control MDAP
Aug 19, 1953   CURTISS, Cynthia Lee -
Daughter of Frederic Curtiss
 
July 24, 1953  

DYKSTRA, Julia Marie - Parents:  M/Sgt. Otto Melvin & Callestia Ann Dykstra

Nov 14, 1953   SWANSON, Catherine:  Parents:   Ronald and Barbara Swanson. 

My parents always told the story that I weighed 2 lbs and 11 oz when I was born.  They had to fly in incubators from Germany.....so until they arrived....they put me in a shoe box with a hot water bottle!  8-7-07  I have spent most of the evening on your site....wow.  As I had said, I was born on the base...my parents are both gone and curiosity has gotten the best of me.  You have done a spectacular job on the web site.  I remember my parents talking about Joe from Maine.....guess they spent a lot of time there....before I was born.   I hope to travel to Chateauroux in the summer of 08.  I want to see where I was born.  Great Web Page!

Dec 30, 1953   KREIDER, Richard - Son of S/Sgt Richard & Barbara Kreider
Nov 1953   KERKMAN, Theresa - Dad Gene Kerkman - 7373rd Aircraft Repair Sq @ Chas 51-52 & 54-55
1954  

HAGEN, Lynne

March 29, 1954   KOEHLER, Janet Robb
Sept 22, 1954    COULAM, Leslie "Les"  Allan  Parents:   Ellen Bell Coulam &  T/Sgt Chester Pierce Coulam My dad re-enlisted until they wouldn't let him any more. He finally retired as a Master Seargeant, stationed in Port St. Joe, Florida....died early in 1980. Mother died December 1987. I never knew much about my dad but was always curious about Chateauroux, etc. ... seems I was in the US by the time I was 8 weeks old. (they divorced right after my birth) Been in Dallas ever since.  
1954   WILKES, Kim - son of  Norman L. Wilkes
Jan 27, 1955

 

 

 

 

 

  CURTISS, Carol Lynn - Daughter of  Frederic Curtiss
 
April 26, 1955   MERRITT,  Mark Wade - born April 26, 1955 - Killed in a motorcycle accident -  May 24, 1985 - Buried in Grayson County, TX -  Son of  Chas G.I. Edwin &  Dorothy Merritt
July 3, 1955   BUNN, Gary - Son of Lt. Col. Phil C.  & Myrla E. Bunn
July 4, 1955   GIBSON, Marianne - daughter of Elizabeth and Army Sgt. William J. Gibson, Jr. who was stationed at Toul-Rosiere
 
Nov 25, 1955   LADOCEOUR, Connie Dawn - Parents: Gary & Dorothy Ladoceour
May 8, 1956   STORTI, Tina -  daughter of William & Toni Storti
April 7, 1957   DRUMMOND, Jamie Herman  - Daughter of  James & Helen Drummond - stationed at Evreux

7-17-07  Jamie & her husband, Rod Herman, will journey to Europe, including a jaunt to Evreux, so Jamie can see where her family lived when she was born at Chateauroux - La Martinerie. 

Above - Jamie, age 2 with doggie friend and Jamie, her baby doll and daddy, James, working on his car.  In the background is base housing at Evreux on La Madeleine Street.

May 12, 1957   HIME, James L., Jr. - Parents James L. & Mary Francis Hime
James, Jr. lives in Houston, TX - James, Sr. was assigned to 7373rd Air Depot - IBM Computer

3-31-07  Sister, Sissy, sent the info about her dad and brother James.  Sissy, James, Jr. & dad returned to Châteauroux in May 2006. 

June 9, 1957   THOMAS, Julie Monique - Parents Burton & Eva Thomas
June 22, 1957   CREEKMORE, Donna Gayle - First child born to Roland & May Creekmore   (4th Aerial Port Sq)
Sep 20, 1957   DAVIS, Randy L. 40, died at 8:16 a.m. at Proctor Hosptial in Peoria. He was born Sept. 20, 1957, in Châteauroux, France, to Don and Donna NELSON DAVIS. He was a Navy veteran. He was member of St. Edward's Catholic Church in Chillicothe.
Oct 1957   ROZANSKI, Patricia - Father, Joseph Rosanski, Unknown Squadron  - @ Chas 1957 - [See Chas Memorium]
Oct 21, 1957   SMITH, Michael Rene' - daughter of T/Sgt. Aghee W. & Maryann Smith
Nov 6, 1957   HERRIMAN, Rebecca,  daughter of Gerald & Joyce Herriman  - Gerald was a civilian assigned to the 3130th Air Installation Sq
Dec 1, 1957   ELSEA, Charles L. - Parents Stan (Lt. Col. Ret) & Dorine Elsea Adjutant in the 3134th Warehouse Squadron.

2007:  Charles missed being born on his mother’s birthday by about 7 hours.

1958   HOFFMAN, Steven - Cousin of Michael Weaver (see below)
Jan 15, 1958   BELCHER, Pat  - parents Clarence (Unknown Sq; Deceased) & Patsy Belcher

 I sure would like some info on my dad.  I believe we were there for about 3 years.  My mother had  a son before me who was stillborn and is buried someplace there.  I am coming to Europe in Sept and Oct 06 and plan on visiting the air base.  Is there anything you can tell me about my dad?   Pat

[jpnote:  Emailed information]

Feb 17, 1958   BROWN, Norbert Harold - Son of Raymond Brown (1616th Support Sq - MATS - 4th Aerial Port)
Feb 1958   WEAVER, Michael - son of Charles O'Neal Weaver
June 7, 1958   CAHILL, Laura L. - Parents:  Doug & Rita Cahill

Laura Lee Cahill-Camou
May 11, 2008
Laura Lee Cahill-Camou, 49, of Mililani died in Mililani. She was born in Chateauroux, France. She is survived by sons Larry "PJ," Matthew and Ryan Camou; parents Douglas and Rita Cahill; brother Raymond Cahill; sisters Deborah Nicosia and Loretta Gerull; and a grandson. Committal services: 2 p.m. Tuesday at National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific at Punchbowl

July 4, 1958   MANSOURI, Karim -  Son of Hasan Abdulla Mansouri and Josephina Maria Caterina de-Korver Mansouri
July 17, 1958   BANE, Frank J., Jr. - born   - Son of Vet Frank Bane- Little brother of  Sharon and Sandra Bane. 
Aug 29, 1958  

HARMER, Barbara Kay (Beckie) Ernstrom  8-28-06  I was born in Châteauroux on August 29, 1958 to Burton Albert Harmer and Donna Norton Harmer.  I was born with the rh factor and was sent to Germany in the general's private plane for a blood transfusion on the day I was born.  So the day I was born, I was in two countries; neither one of them my own.

Nov 14, 1958   PALMISANO, Christopher Damian - Son of T/Sgt William J.   & Pat Palmisano (4th Aerial Port)
1959   WILLIAMS, Miguel  - Parents Thomas & Nicole Williams
Jan 18, 1959

 

 

 

 

 

  WEIDNER, Debbie - daughter of James & Joan Weidner
1959   HARRIS,  Greg
1959   HARTWELL, Katherine Lynn
Jan 19, 1959   AVVAMPATO, Charles J. Avvampato IV - Parents Mr. & Mrs. Charles P. Avvampato - NATO Supply Center
Feb 18, 1959   BRANDENBURG, Bryan

(Thx Carl Peters ('66) for the heads-up
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bryan_Brandenburg

Feb 24, 1959   BROWN, Sonia - daughter of Raymond Brown (1616th Support Sq-MATS - 4th Aerial Port)
Feb 27, 1959   HODGE, Unnamed Older Brother of Joseph Hodges
July 29, 1960   SMITH, Raymond Roger - Father -  Charles R. Smith - 7373rd Maintenance Sq
Oct 10, 1959   HARTWELL, Katherine Lynn - Parents - Larry & Betty Hartwell
Oct, 20,1959   SOUTHARD, Terri Lee -  daughter of Ray E. & Mildred Southard
1959   MINNOE, Tom Jr  - son of Tom Minnoe, Sr (3130th Air Base Group HQ
1960   McKECHNIE, Becky - daughter of Nicole Dauriol McKechnie
1960   TRIEBELL, Edward
Jan 8, 1960   FELDMAN, Cathy - daughter of Irving & Trudy Feldman (Mr. Feldman was a music teacher) Note from Cathy:

10-9-07 My name is Cathy Feldman, and I was born on January 8, 1960, at the United States Air Force Hospital.  The hospital is listed in Chateauroux, although my Department of State Birth Certificate states that it was Deols, Indre, France.  My Father is Irving Feldman, who was a music teacher at the time.  My mother is Trudy Feldman.   My dad and I recently made a pilgrimage to Chateauroux and I have many pictures that I can share with you.  We were also allowed on the base and given a tour!!  I also have photos that he took at the time I was born, late 50’s and early 60’s.  I’ve attached 2 photos that were taken on the base in 2005, and  a few of the town.   This is such a cool website and it’s so interesting meeting others who have a similar birth situation as I!!  I hope to hear from you soon.

Jan 30, 1960   MILLER, Steven Douglas - Son of Evelyn & Frank Miller, Sr - @ CHAS 1957-1961
March 16, 1960   LOCKETT, Evelyn - Parents Astride & Aldris Lockett
April 7, 1960   *AVVAMPATO, Joseph  - Parents Mr. & Mrs. Charles P. Avvampato - NATO Supply Center
April 5, 1960   CAHILL, Deborah D. - Parents Douglas & Rita Cahill
May 23, 1960   NELSON, Doug  - May 23, 1960-October 18, 2006
Son of David L. Nelson
3130th Transportation Sq
Biloxi, MS

5-21-02  I was born over there on 23 May 1960, yep almost 42 years ago this week. I am currently in the Air Force serving as a First Sergeant at Keesler AFB. The closest I got to visiting "C" was when I was stationed at RAF Alconbury UK 1982-1985. Security Police. We say NO, and you don't go. Hahahaha. Great Site, brought some wonderful memories for my father S/Sgt Dave Nelson.

7-25-07  Note from David Nelson, Doug's dad:  Our Son Doug who was born at Chas in May 1960, served in the USAF for 22 Years, Retired as First Sgt June 2003, died of a Heart Attack Oct 18, 2006. This was a devastation to us. His daughter Jennifer was born at Alconbury, AB England is now serving in the USAF as a Ssgt.

June 1960   MANNING, Kevin - Son of Chas A.P. Rod & Jo Manning
Nov 2, 1960   JACQUET, Mardi  is a French-American model.  She was Playboy magazine's Playmate of the Month for its October 1980 issue. Her centerfold was photographed by Richard Fegley.

Mardi was adopted by American parents and was raised in California. When she was older, she moved to Arizona and, among other things, worked on a ranch that raised Arabian horses. She is currently living and working as a school counselor in the Phoenix, AZ area. [jpnote:  This info was located on the net in several places.]

Aug 28, 1961   HODGE,  Joseph R. - Son of Charles M. & Lursie M. Hodge
Sept 25, 1961   LOCKETT, Ingrid - Parents Astride & Aldris Lockett
November 1961

December 1961

 

Article from AMFEA News - courtesy of Dave Madril

Feb 12, 1962   HAWKINS, Jammie Glenn  - Parents:   Jim Hawkins - 1616th Support Sq MATS (deceased) & Janine Artaud-Hawkins who was secretary of the same squadron.

Mar 17, 1962  

BRYANT, Susan - Parents:  William Thomas & Nancy Lee Watson  

4-27-07  My name is Susan Bryant and I was born in Châteauroux in 1962. As I was surfing for info on this town, I found [your] website. So, I just wanted to connect with someone from there. I'd like to hear what they knew and remembered about it. I am so excited to possibly be able to talk with someone from that time and place.

[jpnote:  Susan's high school band took a trip to France when she was a teenager, but she wasn't able to visit her birthplace at that time.  She joined the Air Force in the 80's and was stationed in Lakenheath, but did not visit Châteauroux at that time either.  She was discharged to return to the States when her father was ill and subsequently passed away.  CHAS Memorium]

April 26, 1962   GRIFFIN,  April Lynn - Parents:  Calvin Dee & Raquel A. Griffin
July 15, 1962   DIVENS, Deborah Nicole -  Parents Richard and Jeannine Divens
Sept 26, 1962   CASTILLEJA, Ralph and Rodney - Twin sons of T/Sgt Rafael O. & wife Castilleja (Unknown Sq) (another son below - '64)
Oct 21-28, 1962

Birth Announcement

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Article from AMFEA News - courtesy of Ron Roslawski

Oct 21, 1962   ROSLAWSKI, Mark- son of Ron & his french wife, Christiane Roslawski.  Ron was in the 7th Radio Relay Squadron, which later became the 2058th.    Ron was stationed at ALFA 4 in Vierzon, about 40 miles north of  Châteauroux  from March of 1959 to April 1963.  Above  is the birth announcement of Ron's son.  

The photo on the left is Mark's first photo ever and his signature signed by his proud daddy!

Oct 22, 1962   BONE, Dane N. - Parents SSgt. & Mrs. Lloyd Wilson - 7322d Air Base Wing
Oct 23, 1962   GOODWIN, David W. to A2C & Mrs. Walter L. - 7322nd Air Police Sq
Oct 23, 1962   SIMS, Sean A. - Parents SSgt. & Mrs. Phillip G. Sims - 1602d Air Transport Wing (MATS)
Oct 24, 1962   BAKER, Deborah L. - Parents SSgt & Mrs. Donald A. - 7322d Air Police Sq
Oct 25, 1962   GANDY, Oscar A. - Parents A1C & Mrs. Joseph W. - 1616th Support Sq (MATS)
Oct 27, 1962   AVVAMPATO, Alice M. - Parents Mr. & Mrs. Charles P. Avvampato - NATO Supply Center
Oct 28, 1962   GLASS, Cynthia A - Parents A1C & Mrs. Samuel C. Glass - 1616th Support Sq (MATS)
Jan 7, 1963   LOCKETT, Allan -  Parents Astride & Aldris Lockett
May 1963

 

 

 

  BLECKNER, Terry - son of Ralph Bleckner 

3-28-05  Searching for hospital where I was born. My father was stationed here with the 2058th Radio Relay Sq. Anything left of the old base so I can plan a visit one day?  [jpnote:  I wrote to Terry with links to various pages on the website. - 5-14-06  Connected Walt Kleiman with Terry at his request.  Walt served with Terry's dad.]

1963  

GARCIA, David - Pedro was my father and I was trying to find out more information about what he did. I was born on the base. My mother's name was Dolly Garcia. I have two older sisters and a brother.  If anyone knows what squadron it would be appreciated.

March 5, 1963   TOWERS, Stephanie Lynn - Mother, Jeani Towers (Chad Student) says Dr. Rosenthal (7373rd Hospital Squadron) delivered Stephanie. 
May  7, 1963   James Lynn Madril - Parents:  Dave (7373rd Hospital Sq) & Janine Madril
Sep 23, 1963   Andrew W. Hunley, son of M/Sgt Robert "Bob" Hunley @ Chas 60-63 - 3130th ABG (Hq)
Dec 2, 1963   FRAINIE, Michael, son of Charles A. "Chuck" Frainie who was a staff sergeant who wrote for the base newspaper, "Sabre Blade" and "Stars and Stripes." He passed away  on March 17, 2007 at the age of 81.
1964   HARRIS, Unnamed Brother of Greg Harris (Listed above)
Jan 1964

 

  HICKS, John - Woodland Hills CA

See Little Kids for Photos of Siblings and info about trip to Chas - 2-05

Feb 1964  

HOEPFNER, Son of Dietrich B.

March 1964   LASSITER, Patricia - daughter of William & Teresa Lassiter
March 23, 1964   RIVAS, Patricia - Parents Dan & Roberte Marina Rivas 
April 1964   TAYLOR, Terence Lee, son of  SSgt  Gerald D. & Doris Taylor.
April 4, 1964  
LIND, Thomas Martin was born at Chas Hosp on 4 April 1964.  Parents were TSgt Gerald and Roberta Lind.  Returned to Langley VA in July 1965
May  5, 1964

 

 

 

  POROWSKI, Steven Wayne - little brother of Jackie (Chad '66), Roxanne & Sandy Porowski
 

Son of   Isadore T. POROWSKI (Ret. Major) & Agnes  4440th Fighter Sq (TACT)  - Chas Memorium

 

May 23, 1964   CASTILLEJA, Anthony - Son of TSgt Rafael O. & wife Castilleja
May 26, 1964   MARTINA, Catherine Teresa - daughter of Dennis L. Martina aka Danny Martini (Unknown Sq)
June '64   PETHEL, Myra Pauline - born  to Bruce and June Pethel.
June 16, 1964   NEESE, Gary S. - Son of M/sgt Melvin C. Neese
July 1964   McMahon, 1st Child of Elementary Teacher Pat Bordes-McMahon & Vet John McMahon
August 27, 1964   LAW, Teresa - daughter of Bill Law - 7322nd Materiel Sq (Transit Alert)
Nov 4, 1964   KRAMER, Donald M. - Born to Janet & Donald C. Kramer, DDS  assigned to the 7373rd USAF Hospital Dental Clinic at Chas from 1963-1966.   Dr. Harold Miller delivered Don and now lives along with the Kramer's in Houston, Texas.
Nov 9, 1965   HARRIS, Steve Philip, son of Phil (See Chas Memorium) & Anne-Marie Harris (7373rd Hospital Sq)
May 17, 1966   COUNTERMAN,  Matthew Adam : Parents:  M/Sgt Andrew Counterman (Unknown Sq) and wife Ruth I.
    UNKNOWN BIRTH DATE
Unknown Year   BENTON, Myrtle Bob - daughter of Lawrence Floyd & Edna Earle Benton
Unknown Year  

CONLAN, Matthew -  son of Vet Herb Conlan 1964-1966

Unknown Year   DOBBINS, Don (Dad stationed at Laon)
Unknown Year  

DUNN - Two daughters of G. I. Art & Kathy Dunn who were @ Chas 61-66

Unknown Year   GOGGIN, Two Children of  Robert Goggin who was @ Chas 1962-1965
Unknown Year   HERRERA-SANDERS, Marilyn  (no relation to Sam's Son below)
Born & Lived there till 1968
Arcadia, CA
07/18/2002 - Looking for old friends, Pam Nickel?, who taught me English and American ways.
Unknown Year   HERRERA, First son of Sam Herrera
Unknown Year   JONES, Karen, daughter of Bobby Don & Margaret @ Chas 55-58
Unknown Year   JOHNSON, Sabine (Brown) - daughter of Larry Thomas Johnson 7373rd Hospital Squadron
Unknown Year   KASHYNSKI, son of Anne Manning, wife of Chas Vet
Unknown Year   RUSSELL, Charles Jr., son of Charles & Thelma Russell, Sr.
Unknown Year   WHITEHEAD, Erik Lee, son of Jerry C. - Erik & his wife & daughter reside in Chandler, AZ
Unknown Year   WILLIAMS, Robin 
Tucson, AZ
04/02/2004 Comments: My father was stationed in France.  I was born there and  lived in the town of Ardentes.

[jpnote:  I also lived in Ardentes and so did Katherine Hartwell.]

 This site is supported by your contribution of photos, memories, and monetary donations.  Thank you for your encouragement and participation - Enjoy!  ....Jenelle

 

Thank you, Charles, for your never-ending support.

Copyright © 1997-2008 Jenelle Peterson
Dallas, TX
In memory of my parents, T/Sgt Dale A & Virginia Peterson -Dad'sSquadron 3130th AB Gp (AMC)
"Whither thou goest, I will go."