Newsletter Issue: Fall/Winter 05 |
Reunion 2005 attendees... Ames, Scott & Lisa Parkinson* Arthur, Allen Barber, Wayne & Barb Brock, Marty & Hedda* Colangelo, Bob & Ellen Cooper, George & Louise Corey, Bob & Norma DeHart, Paul & Mary Geise, Bill & Bea Hagg, Al & Joy Harvey, Frances Kingery, Jaime* Kinn, John Kloess, Marion Panaro, Tony Polanski, Norb & Charlene Richardson, Moe & Vera Ritz, Ernie Ritz, Joe & Olive Sauter Ritz, Joe Jr. Ritz, Tom Ross, Gene & Inez Strobel, Ed Schwartz, David Thurman, Roy & Lillian Reeves Thurman, Linda Wilson, Harry & Julie Fortuin Wohlfeil, Anne Wooge, Carroll & Wylo *Denotes first timers that were with us and were welcomed. Also visiting us was Kevin Walsh, the nephew of Lt. Joe Walsh who was KIA on February 2, 1945. |
About the reunion...
As you can see by the attendees we had a good turnout. Our reunions continue to be blessed with the presence of our nephews, sons, daughters, and other family members. Also, having members of the 410, 411 squadrons and 373 group with us was true bonding. We thank them all for spending their time with us, and they certainly put a spark into our reunions. The Hospitality room was hopping from Sunday afternoon, until late Wed. night. About 36 people arrived on Sunday. The "goodies" and refreshment tables were filled with great homemade and other things to eat. On other tables were pictures, articles, books, scrapbooks, photo albums, declassified mission data from the National Archives and other things relating to our Squadrons or WWII history. Great stuff. Our webmasters were busy with their scanners making files of as much info as possible. Using Fran Harvey's wireless computer, Joe Ritz Jr. and a crowd of guys reviewed our 412th website and, in particular, went through the roster of pilots and talked about stories back then. Topping off Sunday's activities was the traditional pizza party. About 30 participated. At $5.00 per person, there was a good selection and plenty to eat. We shared with the hotel staff. On Monday the final attendees arrived. The continental breakfast was well attended. Conversations lasted well into the morning. A get together was held in the Hospitality room. Bob Colangelo presented a documentary tape from the XXIX TAC Air command Squadrons made by Dr. Gary Walford. Dr. Walford's dad (deceased) had the original film. He is attempting to identify places and time of the film in his genealogy work on the TAC air war. References for contact have been forwarded to him. It is the intent to have the film on our website. |