Dale Allen

I had asked Dale to compose an article for us to use on our Alumni site from their home in California. Below is what he sent. It is a great example of how we can learn about the lives of our classmate friends even if we cannot actually do a person-to-person visit.

  Dale married fellow classmate Judy McLaughlin in Feb. 1967.   Since that time, we spent 21 years in the U. S. Air Force and were stationed in South Carolina, Colorado, Okinawa, Utah, Idaho and Holland.  I also had remote assignments in Viet Nam, Thailand and Korea, which were a year apiece.   Upon retiring from the service in 1985, we moved to Lancaster, California where I was a Test Engineer on the B-2 Bomber until 2000. With a small stint in Philadelphia to work for Boeing, we are now retired and live in Rosamond, California.  Judy was a Manager for the Army and AF Exchange Service (BX) and is currently working as a counselor for Jenny Craig.  We have two children, Chris and Kimberly and three grandchildren. Hobbies include snow skiing, golf, backpacking in the Sierra’s and racing.

  They have been in Moundsville for the August picnic as well for the Wellman Reunion several times.

Update January 2015

In January of 2015, Mick got in touch with Dale Allen arranging a drop by visit while in that part of the country.  Dale and Judy McLaughlin Allen live in Lancaster, CA which would be near where the travel back east would lead Mick and Susan. So emails were exchanged and a time and date were arranged for a visit.

On Friday January 23 near noontime, Mick and Susan found their way to the home of the Allen’s. It was not a hard task as Garmin directed them to the front door. Mick called Dale about a half hour prior to the arrival so preparations could be according to the designated meet. Mick called Dale from the driveway announcing their arrival.

Judy had preparations for lunch that she was able to complete while we all talked and visited. Judy prepared a wonderful Spaghetti and Lasagna meal. It was perfect for a visit with old friends.  Judy is retired now and enjoys travel and company with Dale.

It was fun to recall old times as well as to learn about the lives Dale and Judy had led through his years of service in the Air Force. Dale retired at the rank of Master Sergeant as he was employed in the technology of military air craft.  His service record showed many stations abroad as well as in country. His services were considered significant enough for him to be asked to continue on projects after his retirement. We all are very grateful for the years of service Dale gave to the protection of this country.

Dale and Mick were friends as they shared rides in Dale’s father’s ‘57 Chevy. In conversation, we learned that Sue had worked with Dale’s dad in the chemical lab at PPG before she and Mick were married.

Dale and Judy are contemplating moving again closer back east to where their families would be less distance away. So their house was prepared for viewing and was perfect to receive visitors. But I think Judy is that kind of house keeper anyway as things were exactly where they were supposed to be. Dining table was set perfectly so we felt quite honored by all the preparations.

Of course, Mick and Sue had their dog with them so she was treated royally too as Dale gave her a couple Milk bone treats.

  We had a wonderful luncheon visit with Dale and Judy and thank them for accepting our invitation to come visit them in California. Looking forward to their return home at the end of summer so we can treat them in return.

 

  Dale added that he was “totally thrilled that we stopped by”. He added that he and Judy enjoyed the visit. Dale and Judy have two children. A daughter living in Round Rock, TX north of Austin with husband and grandson. They have a son living in Lancaster, CA with wife and daughter living there and a daughter attending the University of Michigan.

 Pictures in Dale’s computer room showed memories with associates in stock cars and a picture of the neighborhood friend Denny Klug with his stock car. Mick enjoyed looking at the cars and memories of watching Denny race in Tyler County. Of course car conversations lead back frequently to the red and white 1957 Chevy that Dale drove around back then. Of course, most cars were family cars of our parents but to use them we usually had to keep them clean and maintained. Many used Dale’s uncle’s gas station to wash the cars during the winter. Blake’s garage was a fun place to gather to wash the vehicles. Mr. Blake was very generous to let us use his washroom. Ah, the visions of those days that pop into one’s mind when discussions with old friends happen.

Thanks to Dale and Judy for allowing the physical visit as well for us to visit the memory visions of life in those times.