Cliff Manuel

A little history that I have not run across yet regarding the Winder, Georgia facility; 'Cherry' Light was the original Winder Plant Manager (I believe), and was replaced by Jake Zodrow upon the death of Cherry.

In the early 1960s, Jake and I accompanied (flight) Cherry to Georgia - Jake to become facilities manager under Cherry. I was on special assignment then for a short time. As I remember, Jake had been assigned to the Auburn facility, and this was his first trip to Winder.

I was first sent to Winder temporarily to help resolve some problems with the E2-A Hawkeye aft fuselage program, then, after seven weeks there, Herf Emerson came to Winder and asked me to transfer to the Winder facility, where I became responsible for the Industrial Engineer, Manufacturing Engineering and Tooling functions. Then, when Jake became Plant Manager, I also assumed the responsibilities for the Plant and Equipment Engineering and the Plant Maintenance functions.

During my Winder stay, I answered directly to the Director of Manufacturing Engineering in Chula Vista - indirectly to Jake. This arrangement worked out quite well for five years, then I was transferred back to the Chula Vista plant.

At my age, memories are getting a little dimmer, so I thought I would send you this little bit of Rohr history before they get too dim!

Fred Disharoon was also at the Winder plant during this timeframe. Fred, Dick Mingus, and a few other Chula Vista types were also there during that timeframe.

I believe that Jake Zodrow was the Auburn Plant Manager before coming to Winder.

Submitted August 30, 2016