2011 Honorees
Mr. John George Aument
Mr. John George Aument was born on February 24, 1929, in Camden, N.J. At the age of seventeen Mr. Aument enlisted in the US Army Air Corps, which in 1947 became the United States Air Force. He served in the military from 1946 till 1958 as a radio operator. After leaving the Air Force Mr. Aument commenced the pursuit of his formal education at the University of Miami. Mr. Aument obtained both a bachelors and masters degree in education from the University of Miami. While attending the University of Miami John met and married the love of his life Ms. Maria Nidia Guerra in Miami Springs, Florida on June 27, 1959. In 1974, Mr. Aument’s military background and academic education made him the preferred choice to lead the new 443rd Technical Training Squadrons Instructors System Development Course. During his assignment at the 443rd Technical Training Squadron at Altus Air Force Base Mr. Aument served in several different positions. Perhaps known best for his instruction and guidance within the Academic Instructor Course; however, he was also a designer and co-developer of the Course Developers Course. His expertise was also used in the Quality Control section. As a Quality Control person Mr. Aument had the responsibility to ensure that the instruction, all courseware, training aids and the classroom would provide the student with the optimum learning environment. In the mid nineteen eighties Mr. Aument’s superior performance made him the preferred choice to serve as the Resource Manager for the Deputy Commander for Operations, 443rd Military Airlift Wing, Altus Air Force Base, Oklahoma. Mr. Aument retired from Civil Service at Altus Air Force Base in 1989 and accepted a position with Hughes Training Systems Incorporated in Arlington, Texas where he worked on the development of the C-141 Aircrew Training System training programs. Retired once again in 1994, he and Maria then relocated to Wichita Falls, Texas to be near family. John George Aument, deceased April 22, 2004, in Wichita Falls, Texas. Let it be known to family and friends that for having served our country with honor and distinction, we the 57th Alumni Association bestow upon John George Aument honorary membership in the 57th Alumni Association.
Mr. Fiore “Fred” Carlucci, born and raised in New York City, began his esteemed career in the United States Air Force on November 25, 1952. Mr. Carlucci completed his Basic Training at Sampson Air Force Base, New York. His follow-on Air Force assignments included places like Mitchell Field, NY, Altus Air Force Base, OK, Thule Air Base, Greenland, again Altus Air Force Base, OK, Grand Forks Air Force Base, ND, Da Nang Air Base, Vietnam and Othello Air Force Station, WA. During has first assignment at Altus Air Force Base, OK, he contributed to the establishment of the base while assigned as a heavy equipment operator. He would eventually transition to his chosen career path, the Carpenter Shop. After a highly successful career in the Air Force Mr. Carlucci retired in 1973 and elected to return to Altus. For a period of time Mr. Carlucci worked as a surveyor for the Tom Steed Reservoir Water Project; however, you cannot keep a wood artisan out of a wood shop very long and Mr. Carlucci would soon be working in the Altus Air Force Base Wood Shop. A short time later, Mr. Carlucci would commence his Civil Service career with the 443rd Civil Engineering Wood Shop. After a short period in Civil Engineering he transferred to the 443rd Technical Training Squadron Fabrication Shop. Here he constructed unique aircrew training devices and many other items that would support the mission of the 443rd Military Airlift Wing and that of the United States Air Force worldwide. In addition he spearheaded several training programs with Job Corp, Welfare Work Program and school programs from the surrounding Altus area. These students were trained to work within teams and as individuals to construct quality projects for the Air Force. In 1991, Mr. Carlucci advanced in a new professional direction as a Planner and Inspector of Civil Engineer projects. After eleven years in this position he would retire on January 3, 2003 culminating a distinguished career of more than fifty years. Mr. Fiore “Fred” Carlucci for having served our country with honor and distinction, we the 57th Alumni Association bestow upon you an honorary lifetime membership in our association.
Mr. Fiore “Fred” Carlucci
Mr. Leroy “Okie” Gardner
Mr. Leroy “Okie” Gardner enlisted in the Army Air Corps on 8 August 1941 and would have the honor of serving his country in the Army Air Corps, Army Air Force and lastly but most importantly the United States Air Force. Mr. Gardner was trained to work on several different aircraft during World War II; however, his primary assigned aircrafts were the B-24’s and B-25’s. During the cold war between 1948 and 1949 Mr. Gardner supported the European theater operation Berlin Airlift. In the early days of the Strategic Air Command he would have the honor of being assigned to the very first Air Refueling Wing in the United States Air Force. As a Flight Engineer he would accumulate flying hours on the C-54, B-29, KC-97 & EC-121. During his military career he was stationed or would traverse many locations around the globe. Some of his assignments were to places like Fort Sill, OK, Shemya, AK, Roswell, NM, and Dow Air Force Base, ME, to name a few. Notably Mr. Gardner was one of the early Chief Master Sergeants in the Air Force. Retiring from active duty in 1965 he would continue to serve his country via Civil Service starting in Jan 1966. Mr. Gardner’s superior performance in the Air Force led to his selection as one of the first C-141 academic training instructors at Tinker AFB, OK. In 1968 Mr. Gardner was selected from among his peers to attend the Lockheed factory school for the C-5 Galaxy. Accepting another Air Force transfer, Mr. Gardner relocated to Altus AFB with the C-5 training program in 1969. For his significant public service of enduring value to aviation, in 1984, Mr. Gardner was nominated for the prestigious Wright Brothers Memorial Trophy. In addition Building 87, Academic Training Facility Auditorium was redesignated Gardner Auditorium in honor of Mr. Gardner on 1987. Mr. Gardner continued his career with the C-5 training program until his retirement in 1987 culminating in forty-nine years of service to his country. Mr. Leroy Gardner for having served our country with honor and distinction, we the 57th Alumni Association bestow upon you an honorary lifetime membership in our association.
Mr. James August Mitchell was born on May 7, 1927, grew up and was educated in Eldorado, Texas. Called to serve his country in the United States Army during World War II, he upon completion of training was sent to Tokyo, Japan. While in Japan he was assigned to the First Calvary, Eight Regiment Division. Upon discharge from the Army Jimmie and his lovely wife Dorotha would locate to Amarillo, Texas, where they started their family. On September 12, 1964 Mr. Mitchell commenced his Civil Service career at Altus Air Force Base, OK in the Civil Engineering Squadron. His dedication and attention to detail in his work led to the selection for his next position with the Altus Air Base Transportation Squadron. With an outstanding safety record Mr. Mitchell was given the opportunity to support the 57th Military Airlift Squadron daily. Although Mr. Mitchell’s responsibility at the 57th was to transport the crew members to their assigned aircraft in a safe and timely manner, he could be counted on to support any part of the squadrons operation. Mitch, as he was referred to in the 57th, would help out at the crew information desk, assist with aircrew alerts, aid the students in locating information for a flight and sometimes put some of us in our proper place. Yes, Mr. Mitchell was more than a crew bus driver he was an integral part of the 57th Military Airlift Squadron operation. Mr. Mitchell was a strong supporter of the Altus community, mindfully making cash donations to local school programs and support agencies. His work within his church organization, with young men, helping them develop strong character brought him statewide attention. His attention to detail, dedication to duty and outstanding humor made him a lot of friends on Altus Air Force Base. Mr. Mitchell retired at Altus Air Force Base after working twenty-six and one half years in Civil Service. Let it be known to family and friends that for having served our country with honor and distinction, we the 57th Alumni Association bestow upon James August Mitchell an honorary membership in the 57th Alumni Association.
Mr. James “Jimmie” August Mitchell
