john e. ehrhart
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teddy d. dupaul
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ned j. dupaul
MSGT john e. ehrhart - USAF Ret.
joined 1978 - retired 2015
I was born in San Antonio, 28Aug1954. 3 brothers and a sister.
My Dad joined the USAF 1952 or 3, worked on the Connies, 4 engine reciprocating work horse of the 50s and into the 60s. Stationed in Iceland for a year, got out when he returned and hired on with Eastern Airlines, forerunner to American Airline, we moved a lot. He flew on the same Connies as a Flight Engineer until jets took over in late 50’s … Commercial jets didn’t need Flight Engineers anymore, so he went to jet Airframe and Power school, licensed with Eastern and was there until his death in 1985 flying a WWI British DeHaviland D-6 bi-plane over Stinson Field, Texas. He loved his airplanes…was on a team to refurbish the only flying B29, they found it in the desert in north Africa, put it back to together. It is still flying I think with what used to be called the Confederate Air Force, based at the time in Harlingen. He worked on many CAF aircraft, P51, B29, others.
I joined to get out of Conroe… to see the world. Debby and I decided to change our path, take the road less traveled. Thought I would get computer smart on the Air Force’s dime, and get out, get a job… computing. But we were hooked on the adventure, the traveling, and the security under the DOD umbrella… and I found out I was good at it, especially the Operations side of USAF things.
1st assignment, Presidio of Monterrey Czechoslovakian Language School…really. Calif 1978.
2nd McChord AFB, WA 25th NORAD Command Post 1979-81 Surveillance, Weapons Control, PLC
3rd Bergstrom AFB, TX 602nd TACC 81-83 Mobile (truck or air) Tactical Control Center
4th Keesler AFB, MS 7th AACS (ABCCC) 83-89 EC-130E
5th Elmendord AFB, AK 962nd Squadron (AWACS) 89-94 E3B and C+ PDS
6th Tinker AFB, OK 963rd Squadron (AWACS) 94-2000 E3B and C+ PDS
Retired Dec 2000, went to work as DOD contract Instructor for the 552 AWACS Wing, Tinker AFB
Retired again in 2015.
“While I served my country, she was also serving! While was gone from home much of my career, she raised 3 kids, got her Education Degree, Masters Degree, and she was a National Board Certified Teacher for 20 years until she retired in 2014. She is still giving as a volunteer for the Catholic supervised Saint Vincent DePaul Society, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Conroe, TX. Ted was her brother, and Ned was her uncle.”
John Ehrhart joined the United States Air Force during the post-Vietnam Era. It was an unusual time in our country which was in the process of downsizing after Vietnam. For the USAF, only those with the highest scores were allowed into the positions for Air Defense for the North American continent. The tech at the time were the results of lessons learned during Vietnam. The implementation of computers meant sudden changes for the Air Force and a true paradigm shift in our nation’s capabilities. Flying faster and higher with the ability to multi-target from the cockpit was a game changer for surveillance. Add the need for agility and responsiveness to the equation and the ABCCC and AWACS systems were upgraded and developed. These were the platforms Airman Ehrhart operated on his last 17 years on active duty, his flying career, almost 5000 hours… after 2 years operating on the ground in the 25th NORAD Region Command Post, McChord AFB, WA and 2 years with the 602nd Tactical Air Control Center (TACC), Bergstrom AFN, TX.
teddy d. dupaul - usa
aUGUST 12, 1956 - MARCH 6, 1997
Son of Ted and Barbara Du Paul. Born in Corpus Christy, TX Aug12, 1956.
Died in Conroe, Mar 6, 1997.
He joined the Army when very young, 17 yrs old with his father’s signature, 1974…finished basic infantry training at Fort Polk, LA and was assigned for a short time to Fort Hood, TX where he worked as a quartermaster, logistics… for a year before mustering out. Honorable Discharge.
He was a successful home framing contractor in the Conroe area… framed homes in Walden, April Sound, Rivershire, and others.
Ned j. dupaul
service dates or life dates
Brother of Ted Du Paul, the elder. Born in Newhaven, CT July 31, 1935.
Died in Conroe, Nov 7, 2022.
He also joined the Army very young…Buffalo, NY. He was trained to serve with the quartermaster as well, ammunition… He served 3 years before mustering out. Honorable Discharge. As a civilian, he was a successful salesman for many years. The photo of him and his wife, Arlene, is taken shortly after leaving the Army.
insights on the awacs and its history
John E. Ehrhart spent much of his time in the Air Force serving on the AWACS and these videos reveal great insight to the importance of the plane, its systems, and importance to America. Best of all, you get a glimpse of young MSgt USAF John doing what he did best!
Video showcasing the “AWACS” surveillance aircraft system and the special role it plays to keep American’s safe.
A tragic loss of a great aircraft and the incredible pilots and crew who’s sole responsibility was protecting America.
A great video illustrating the roles and processes involved in operating the “AWACS” aircraft system. Airman Ehrhart operated as a Support Controller, controlling Airborne Forward Air Controllers (FACS), Ground Tactical Air Control Parties (TACPs), A-10s, AC-130A and AC-130H Gunships conducting Close Air Support (CAS) for ground forces. Support Controllers were trained to control Search and Rescue Ops, Airlift Ops, and associated aircraft.