Couple visits March after six decades

  • Published
  • By TSgt James P. Stossel
  • 452 AMW/HO
MARCH AIR RESERVE BASE, CALIF. --  Joseph "Bernie" LeMay and his wife Katherine (McKee) LeMay visited March ARB in December for the first time in over 60 years. 

The couple met on the base in 1945 and were married in the base chapel on March 9, 1946. 

At the time, Capt. Bernie LeMay was a physical training instructor. He assisted recovering wounded, ill, or injured soldiers and airmen so that they could return to duty. 

Mrs. LeMay worked as an administrative assistant in the base hospital; today, at Fourth Air Force Headquarters. 

Bernie courted his bride-to-be by bringing cherries to her office, while pretending to be looking for her boss. Shortly after marrying, the LeMays left the military and March Field behind to become teachers. They later returned to the area and now live in San Bernardino. 

While touring the base, the LeMays joked about the number of people who have asked them if they are related to U.S. Air Force General Curtis LeMay (they are not) and remarked about how little has changed in the historic district at March ARB since the 1940s. 

While peering into the entrance of the former base hospital, at stairs they had both climbed hundreds of times, they both said, "It's exactly the same. It hasn't changed one bit." 

Here's wishing these members of our March family 60 more years of health and happiness.