#LT Robert E Kyle, USMC (1956-1961 )
Kyle	Nickname: Robert Branch: USMC Commission: Navcad 1958 Pre-Flight: Navcad 13-57 Wings Year: 1958 Active Years: 1956-1961 Reserves: 1961-1980 Mil Retirement:  1981 Last Location: FL	Assignments: VMA-224 VMA-225 VMA-242 146th FIS	Highlights:
— Robert Kyle October 16, 2009

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LT Robert W Kyle, USMC 1956-1961

After a year in the Marine Corps (Boot camp @ Parris Island , ITR @ Camp LeJeune, and A&P school @ Jacksonville) I received orders to Pensacola for flight training as a NavCad. In March of 1957 our NavCad class was #13-57 and Sgt Shelkopfsky was our DI. Eighteen months later with stops at Whiting, Barin, and Kingsville I was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant and designated a Naval Aviator.

On October the 28th 1958 I reported in to the Commanding General at Cherry Point. The General was curious why I had come to see him so I explained that after graduation at Kingsville I was handed a copy of the Marine Officers Guide which states that the first and most important thing to do is 'report in to the Base Commander.'

After a short conversation I was directed to VMA224. LtCol Charles Boggs was our Commanding officer. Col Boggs died of a heart attack about a year later. Major 'Barrel' Fenton took over as CO. The high point of my time with VMA224 was landing my A4 on runway 32 at Cherry Point with two wheels. The hanger Queen that I flew back from Leaward, Cuba, lost a wheel on take-off. I was #5 in the emergency pattern at Cherry Point, the MorRest was standing room only, and after three months of deployment my first wife was mad because everyone else taxied their planes in and I came in on a fire truck. A lot of people were glad that I saved the bird.

Anyway I transfered to VMA225. LtCol Don Wegley was the CO of VMA225. At the end of a year with 225 I had to choose whether to get out or extend for 9 months and go to sea. I got out.

Back to Pittsburgh and Union Electric Steel. No Marine flying in Pittsburgh so I joined the PaANG and flew the F-102. The Deuse was a kick and 'fighter interceptor' was a nice compliment to the close air support of the A4 mission. Oh, did I mention that I was going to the University of Pittsburgh at that time, too? That was a very busy five years but I got my BS in Engineering in May of 1966.

Eighteen more months in a steel mill and I was ready for the airlines. Joined Allegheny on 3 October 1967. After fifteen years as a co-pilot and eleven as Captain I retired from the B767 in September of 1994.

Flying was a great career. Since retirement, I have won a lot of golf trophies, have had time to enjoy my wife, eight kids, and eight grandchildren.

— Bob Kyle, October 16, 2009