Graduation day at Kansas State, 1954
Here is a May 1954 (I believe) picture from college graduation day at Kansas State for my dad Carl, accompanied by sister Florence, mother Magdalena, father Ben, and brothers Leon and Art. Dad, the youngest, was the first in his family to earn a college degree.
Below is a 1941 shot of Carl and older brother Leon.
Art, Carl, Leon, Florence, Viola with Ben and Magdalena, date unknown.
Below, in a high school journal, Carl describes his first experiences in an airplane, courtesy of his older brother Art.
How wonderful to gain perspective into Carl's earliest introduction to "flight". An intro. which planted (within him) the "Seed of Flight". An intro. which would eventually afford Carl the opportunity to establish a family while also establishing a successful Air Force career. Thus proving Major Carl Karst to be a driven, disciplined, motivated consummate Career professional.
In October of 1968 I was assigned to the 21 Tactical Air Support Squadron, FAC, at the MACV compound in the Central Highlands adjacent to Pleiku Air Force Base. I was an Airman 1st Class, with a "293" Radio Operator AFSC. I lived in a "Communications "Hooch". My job was to issue flight equipment, flight codes, brief, track via radio communication, and debrief our FAC Pilots. On many occasions I was allowed to accompany one of our FAC Pilots; flying as a "Back Seat Observer" . Though I had many interactions with Major Karst during briefing, equipment issuing, and debriefing; I never actually flew with Major Karst. However my interactions with the Major were always quite positive. Major Karst seemed to be a "Serene Soul". Completely at peace with himself and his surroundings. I am quite sure he (most assuredly) was a superior pilot; always calm and always focused. And always in complete control. It would have been a pleasure to fly with him. .