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Hi, I am Sig (junge1),
I was born in Dominikus- Krankenhaus in Berlin-Hermsdorf, Bezirk Reinickendorf in December 1939. Bezirk Reinickendorf was one of 20 Bezirke that made up Gross-Berlin before World War II and one of 12 Bezirke that made up former West-Berlin, the other 8 Bezirke were Russian occupied and became East-Berlin after the war. Moved from Berlin to Neurohlau (Nova Role) Sudetenland (now Czech Republic), in August 1943 (our entire block of apartment buildings was bombed out in November 1943) and returned back to Berlin in November 1945. Saw my dad the first time in my life in August/September 1946 after he returned from POW camp. Attended elementary school in Berlin-Waidmannslust, high school in Berlin-Hermsdorf, and trade school in Berlin-Kreuzberg. Was an apprentice for the trade of Klischeeaetzer (photo engraver) at Burrath & Schmidt on Friedrichstrasse between U-Bahnhof Kochstrasse (near to what later became Checkpoint Charlie) and Hallisches Tor.
While watching Allied planes supplying West-Berlin by air during the Berliner Luftbruecke in 1948-49 I developed my love for aircraft. I guess I could be considered a 'Berliner Grosschnauze", or at least I used to be.
'Wanderlust' led me to leave Berlin in summer 1960 to emigrate to Toronto, Canada and in February 1962 to move from Canada to New York City, NY, USA. In January 1963 I joined the United States Air Force, one step ahead of Uncle Sam drafting me. Became a United States citizen within 7 weeks after it became a security issue because of my military career. One day after I was sworn in as a citizen in Seattle, my entire unit left for Southeast Asia in June 1966. After nearly 5 years of active duty (extended 11 months to make it an 18 months overseas deployment) I got discharged and moved to New York City. In 1973 I moved to Phoenix, Arizona and two years later joined the Arizona Air National Guard.
Received my higher education at Arizona State University and the University of Georgia and worked for 22 years for the Arizona Department of Water Resources in various capacities. Upon military retirement in 1999 and State retirement in 2005 I looked at a number of things to keep me occupied. Traveling and joining 'renderosity' in September 2007 were a couple of them,
Sig..
Comments (18)
ontar1
Cool, great capture!
Faemike55
Love this vehicle - wouldn't mind owning one myself
junge1
Neither would I!
starship64
Great looking vehicle. Now I want one!
Otto1969
A Pinzgauer from Switzerland in Arizona? I wondering. Nice shot.
Buffalo1
A new one for me!
farmerC
Shining.
T.Rex
I remember when they were new. There were several parties interested in them. Good vehicles. The Swedes had a similar one called Valpen (Puppy dog), 4 or 6 wheel drive. Just as good, but for different terrain. The Swedish phone company had several Valpen in maintenance and construction. They have been used to point of worn out. So it's interesting to see the Pinz still up and running. Nice photo! Keep up the good work! :-)
aksirp
Good old Pinzgauer! And I see there is some one from the Swiss Army in USA at work? very interesting picture.
bmac62
A military collector for sure. And maybe he has a buddy with a Hummer...poke, poke. Paul Allen had one airplane hangar full of gorgeously restored, flying WWII aircraft five years ago at Payne Field. Two years ago he added a second building and now plans are in the works for a third building. Why? More stuff...yup, WWII armor, artillery, trucks and even some newer stuff...like a Mig 29 for instance. Maybe I can entice you to come to Seattle for another visit the next time you want to put some more miles on your new BMW. Oh, love the Pinzgauer:-)
junge1
@bmac62! Bill, that sounds like a good idea. I will keep in mind!
junge1
These vehicles are owned and maintained by WWII and other war buffs!
durleybeachbum
Very businesslike!
kgb224
Stunning capture my friend. God bless.
Stringy
One of these and a unimog would have all offroad adventures covered. Great pic!
virginiese
Great vehicule. Do I see ice next to the tire? What did they do with ice?
junge1
@virginiese! Yes you do Virginie, but it is ice from a cooler to keep the cokes cold!
sossy
interesting capture and info! Someone has lost his ice there at the right 🚒