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I just happened upon this site and was
so glad I did.
I was Radioman third class stationed in
Panama 1956-1958. The comments from other buddies brought back some great
memories.
Two of my close buddies were John (JB)
Barnes and Robert Kwitchoff.
I remember the civilian bartender's name
was Holder
 (A Panamian);
he was a great man and a good friend during those
two years. In the bar we had a juke box, shuffleboard, and room to dance (if you
were lucky enough to have a partner, usually the daughter of one of the Chiefs).
We also had a pool table outside the
bar where the barber shop was.
We had a chief (can't remember his name)
who constantly played 'Old Cape Cod' (his home town) on the jukebox. And he
refused to ever let it be taken out when they were putting in some new songs and
taking out some old ones.
Holder (our bartender) and I were
the shuffleboard champs, loved to play dice, and we sang together to 'Little
Darlin'. What great memories. I haven't heard the term 'Cerveza' in years, and
for five cents you could really get a good buzz.
We had a movie theater on the
base, a swimming pool (I was lifeguard and cleaned the pool) and
base quarters, the mess hall on the second floor, and we slept on the third
floor with two in a room.
I was the cook on our midnight watches.
I made scrambled eggs with potatoes, peppers, onions and sometimes
ham.
JB (my buddy) and I were the local
photographers. Snapping pictures all the time at many functions, holidays etc.
(Unfortunately, I don't have many of those pictures) I will enclose a picture of
me and JB.
Our transportation into town
was 'Cheva's' (busses) they were small with crazy drivers along very narrow
roads. And of course taken liberty in Panama City.
We would often go to Ft Amador a base
close to us for shopping and movies.
We had two great chefs, I wish I could
remember their names. Also the Panamian help who would clean our rooms and do
our laundry. I do remember a Jose, but that is a pretty common name in
Panama.
We did play softball in the field across
from the barracks. And we had a Bohia where our chef would
barbecue.
Hope this brings back some good memories
to those who served in Farfan. Hope to hear from you.
Jim Lasher
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