September 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 Reunion #13 San Diego.

It’s almost here! Don’t let this time together slip by.  Join us....   Sign up now! 
We all want to see you again.

The wonderful group that has been planning this event for the last 2 years; coordinating events, hotels, meals, etc., is eager to hear from you. ALSO, don’t miss the great cruise afterwards, if you can fit it into your schedule.

At the reunion, we will be joined by sons, daughters, wives of members present and deceased. We are so pleased to welcome them all. It is such a good feeling to watch the numbers of peripheral family increase each reunion. All of us who have worked to form and hold the organization know that our efforts have really been worth it. Bob’s ferreting out all the information about you and keeping up with it all these many years and my compiling The Chronicle, couples who have hosted reunions. Now, it’s your turn. Come join us, for one thing, and just as important, pass your history on to present and future generations.

I have received letters and phone calls from family members who did not realize the extent of their loved one’s involvement in the war. Now that they are dead, they find memorabilia and want to know more. Don’t do that to your family. Leave a living history. Talk about it all. Show your grandchildren your memorabilia. Share your memories. It will help the future generations understand how terrible war is and how much it should be avoided. You are leaving a legacy of freedom, you should also leave a legacy of knowledge for your loved ones. Peace is the result of the dread of war.

Willa Zimmer, daughter of Bill and Treva Janssen, would like to hear from anyone who knew Bill — anyone who can tell her about his life in VPB-102. (P 0 Box 70, Ness City, KS 67569)

Tony Martino, nephew of Charles Bell, would also like to hear from anyone who knew Charles Bell. (914-744-3859)

Speaking of leaving knowledge and memorabilia behind, James Bradley, son of John Henry Bradley, who was one of the flag raisers on Mount Suribachi, found a legacy of papers after his father died. He has since written a book entitled “Flags of our Fathers.” Stephen Ambrose calls it “the best battle book I ever read.”

Also, Alan Carey of Round Rock, TX has written a book called “We Flew Alone”. It is about the USN B-24 Squadrons in the Pacific (Feb. 1943 to Sept 1944). Your squadron is well documented in this book. It is expected to sell for $19.00 and can be ordered through Alan Carey at 1623 Sylvia Ct. Round Rock, TX 78681.  acarey@austin.it.com  Also: Amazon.com

Now, to information about our own Squadron members and families:

I received a phone call, in February, from Barbara Hubbard, informing us that Vaughn Hubbard gave up his battle for life on December 3, 1999. He succumbed to congestive heart failure after a long fight. I am told that Vaughn served in the Washington State Assembly for many years.

Gus Martin is out of knee replacement surgery and in Rehab. He is doing well and optimistic that he will be ok to attend the reunion. Pauline will undergo back surgery and may have to miss... Sure hope not!

Be sure to read about your friends and the new members who have been found in the next pages.

The following REUNION pages come to you courtesy of your reunion committee. Let’s all give a rousing cheer for them now and in San Diego! Come join us and cheer the loudest. They have worked for you for the past 2 years.

Be sure to keep Bob Kirk, the next reunion host and/or me informed of your doings, whereabouts, moves, health, etc. Your friends want to hear about you.

Friendship, what would we all do without it!

Editor, Louise Thoman