Navy Patrol Bombing Squadrons 102/14 Association

The New Tale Spins

Volume VI-I

January 2002

Sincere good wishes to everyone.
May it be a year of good health and happiness!

News from our friends:

Casey Kacewicz tells us that he and Millie are not doing too well. Millie has long suffered arthritis. He has been on chemo for a recurring problem. His spirits are good and he is still hoping to make our September reunion with sons Jack and Jim.

Bud and Mary Ann Collom of Gilroy, CA wrote to say that they are considering joining us in Boston. This will be their 1st reunion. Welcome and hope you do come. We will do our best to make it a worthwhile trip.

This person can not believe that Marlin and Linde Waechter and Frank and Dorothy Burton say that their old bones will keep them from joining us. What will we do without these young reliables? Come on. We'll let you get away with one dance instead of the whole evening..... For the Burton's new phone number please consult your printed newsletter.

ALSO: Marlin sends word of the passing of both Don and Mary Quinn in January of 2001. Don was a member of Crew 13.

Pier Ponder of Pine Bluffs sends word that he lost wife Rita some time back.

We are sorry to hear of any losses and ask that you all keep us informed so we can let your friends know.

Herschel Blackwell has moved: For Herschel's new address, please consult your printed newsletter.

Jim Barron of Venice, CA sent along a copy of the pictorial history and personal notes he prepared for his grandson. It starts from when he joined the Reserves here in Bridgeport, CT and ends at the time of his discharge. These pages will be added to our history. Well, where are yours?

Bob and Nita Kirk spent time in Hawaii at the 60th anniversary of the Pearl Harbor attack. Nita came home not feeling so well and spent most of the next 8 days in bed. Things are looking up again.

Just spoke with Dick Charlton. Doris has had a difficult last 3 months of 2001 with 3 hospitalizations for a sodium deficit, a broken hip and abdominal surgery. She is back home, recovering. Best wishes for a speedy recovery Doris.

OTHER EVENTS:

The Kaneohe Klippers, Pearl Harbor Survivors and VP-11 together, sponsored a 4-day program in early December to commemorate the 60th Anniversary of the attack on Pearl, NAS Kaneohe and various other facilities on Oahu.

Memorial services were held. The Klippers return every 5 years to remember those who lost their lives in the attack. The program included a tour of the John Finn building named after our own John of VP-14 and many other special events held at Kaneohe, Pearl Harbor and the USS Arizona Memorial. A copy of a painting of John Finn representing his heroism during the attack of December 7, 1941 by artist Jim Laurier, was presented to and accepted by Rear Admiral Winns at a ceremony in front of the John Finn Building. John, as you may know, is the Country's oldest surviving Medal of Honor winner.

Attending from Navy Squadron 102/14 Assn. were John Finn, Hershell (Blackie) Blackwell, daughter Peggy Price, John and Beverly Sachs and Bob and Nita Kirk.

You are Visitor since January, 2002

Any comments may be sent to the Association Coordinator