June 2008 Summary: Col. James H Kasler presentation

Tuesday, July 8, 2008 Col. James H. Kasler shared some of his story with us at our monthly dinner.  Below are just a few notes that I have from the event.  They are not comprehensive.  Col. Kasler shared so much!  Thank you, Col. Kasler, for the visit.

Regarding the F-100, Col. Kasler said the aircraft was very difficult to fly at first and that it was sent back to the manufacturer after he, and other test pilots, flew it.  Six to seven months later they got it back and the improvements made it a much better aircraft to fly. When it was deployed Chuck Yeager got command of the first wing at Edwards AFB, and Col. Kasler got the second wing based out of Nellis AFB.

Col. Kasler shared that he spent six and half years as a POW in Viet Nam.  If I heard the story correctly from the back of the room, his first contact with John McCain was through the "tap code".  He later ended up "rooming" with John McCain in prison.  More of what Col. Kasler endured during his captivity is shared on this article from the POW Network carrying his bio (note: it is not for the faint of heart).

Since he could only be with us for a couple of hours, I did a few searches on the internet and found a few more interesting nuggets (links below) to share with the club:

• Col. James Kasler Senior Squadron
• Illinois town dedicates park to local war hero
• Entry @ Wikipedia
• Kankakee is Proud Home of Air Forces Most Highly Decorated Veteran

And if you didn't get a copy of his book, Tempered Steel, you can purchase a copy at the link below, or your local bookstore.

7/16 Update:  John Brill sent in some pictures from the event.  Here's a picture of our club President with Col. Kasler.  The rest of the pictures can be viewed here.