This newsletter was reproduced exactly as received, with all spelling, punctuation, syntax, grammar, etc. preserved as presented in the original copy, as much as was technically possible on a web page.

As far as is remembered, the "Informer" was a collaboration between probably no more than half a dozen ASA and USAFSS troops combined who came up with the idea and used as content whatever rumors, gossip, exaggerations, etc, etc, happened to be floating around the island at the time. There was also an element of ridicule aimed at certain organizations (Northwest Airlines, or NWA, and the 5040th)and/or some individuals who had earned their scorn by some means or another.

There are a few "stories" behind some of the items in the newsletter such as the one about the AF TSgt caught leaving duty early. He was always on somebody's case about punctuality and held himself up to be the perfect example for others to follow when it came to being on time. Well, as it turns out, he wasn't. The article about the shoe polish referred to another individual who was an extreme "Brown Nose" but denied it. So, naturally, the paper accused him indirectly of being what he was by suggesting the shoe polish. As far as any comments referring to the 4050th N.S.(mechanized)(5040th support group); they were always a target for ridicule as they always claimed they knew what went on up at our site and that we were not as clever as we thought we were, so naturally we had to pick on them. NWA was also always fair game for any barbs about food, service, etc etc. During those years encompassing their tenure on Shemya, they were involved in various aspects of life on Shemya such as by providing food for "the troops."

There will be two copies of The Shemya Informer we've received that will be published on our web site, with the first one being published at this time. To read this copy of The Shemya Informer, click on the following link:

The Shemya Informer, 25 April 1959