Navy Patrol Bombing Squadrons 102/14 Association

Welcome to the new Millennium. How wonderful to be around to see it, enjoy all of its beauty, joys and sorrows.

To start out on a sad note, back in July of 99', we received word of the death of Gordon Fowler. Gordon had a long military history including several stints as temporary CO of VP-14 and CO of VB-102 from 7/7/43 until it was decommissioned on 11/15/43. These were the months spent on Guadalcanal, Carney Field - a very active time in the war.

Beyond his duties as CO, Gordon found time to participate in sector searches. He and his crew (#1) destroyed a Japanese Betty during that period. We now know that that Betty was piloted by plane Captain Yukio Ogawa from the 751st AG. Gordon and Elaine attended several of our reunions and we always enjoyed their quiet presence.

We were also saddened by the loss of Ralph (Wash) Washburn to cancer in August 99'. We are happy to say that Martha plans on joining us in San Diego. It is so wonderful to see how important our friendships have become.

Word also came to us in September of the passing, on 9/17, of Jerry Edwards (VB-102) after a long battle with Alzheimer's Disease. He was buried at Arlington National Cemetery with full military honors. Jack Leonard attended. Jerry and Betty were part of the Washington, DC team when our reunion was held there so many years ago.

Florence Gebhard was lost to us in 99' also. How can we forget Seattle and Florence everywhere, seeing to it that all went well? We will miss her and hope that Bud will join us in San Diego. We want all of our family there...

Word has also reached us of the loss of Bob Young to cancer in July of 99' and Joe Rademacher to heart complications in April 99'. Also Mary Louise Foster, wife of Fred, was lost on 8/19/99. Bob Kirk also has informed us that Anne Blackwell died 10/12/99.

All of these losses mean so much to all of us in our wonderful extended family. Our most sincere sympathies go to all affected whether immediate family or extended family. Every one of them will be sorely missed.

Speaking of friendships, Bob and Nita Kirk "disappeared" for a few weeks and you should have heard the buzz over the Internet. Poor Kirk's, can't even get away for a few days without leaving a detailed itinerary for the "kids" in their lives... Friendship. What would we do without it!

Lew McBriety turned 93 in October 99' after surviving a near fatal run in with a car. Lew was hit while crossing a main thoroughfare in Salisbury, MD. He is back home and doing well, hoping to join us in San Diego.

John Kilner is hangin' in there - still going to Maine to enjoy that beautiful ocean view each summer. Alcorns are doing fine after a few bumps in the last year. Barbara Capdevielle has had a hard year with several hospital stays for surgeries and injuries but maintains her good outlook. Rormans have moved to Colorado to be closer to family.

REUNION ITEM: Diggs Walton reminds all GOLFERS that tee time for the match will be at 0830 on Wednesday morning, September 13th. Out of town Golfers must arrive on Tuesday, September 12th, rooms have been blocked including Tuesday. Make your reservations today at the Holiday Inn Bayside, San Diego (1-800-662-8899)

REUNION ITEM: Diggs also advises that we need at least one more person to join the cruise if we are to receive as additional $900 rebate from the cruise line. The rebate will be divided equally among all the members who will be cruising in the form of a cash rebate or an onboard ship credit. That will be decided later. Please feel free to invite friends, neighbors, and family members to join you. Presently, 31 members, wives and guests plan to cruise. ALSO for those of you who have signed on for the cruise, please remember to remit your payment of $225 for each passenger by April 17, 2000. (Easy to remember - IRS will also be expecting money then too...) Your remittance may be made by check or credit card. For credit cards, call Connie Lemmon at 1-800-398-5579. Be sure to identify yourself as a member of the Squadron group. Any questions - call Diggs Walton at 1-858-487-1826. You can also email Bob Kirk at BobKirk@aol.com Cruisers will be contacted via letter in late March or early April.

REUNION ITEM: Please dial 1-800-662-8899 to make your hotel reservations ASAP. Your reservations can be canceled if you find that you can not attend. The committee would appreciate your early reservations. There is no charge for the call so please take a moment and reserve now.

Many thanks to the great committee that has put this together. You can also view the reunion schedule on our association web site. The new shortened address (URL) is http://vpb_102.tripod.com

We should be ever grateful to these host committees for giving us the opportunity to be together one more time. Please be sure to give this great group of people your utmost cooperation when it comes to registration. When arrangements are made, they often hinge on the number of people who will attend so they must have your answers to be able to commit for everyone.

Your next issue of the New Tail Spins will be mailed in early July. Please keep me, or Bob Kirk informed of your doings, health or anything. Also come join the fun in San Diego!

Friendship, what would we all do without it...

Sincerely,
Louise Thoman, Editor