Navy Patrol Bombing Squadrons 102/14 Association

I hope we’re all enjoying this new season.  It was a difficult winter for many.  We, here in southern New England, have not seen so much snow in many years.  My wish is that this is also a time of renewal for all of us as well as a change of season.

Bob Kirk is working on our next reunion in PEORIA, ILLINOIS. More information follows in this mailing.  Be sure to read it and plan on joining us......................

I’m sure you are all anxious to hear what is going on with your friends so I will go directly to the information we have received.

Spoke with Frank Burton.  He is doing well, though legally blind.  If his health remains good, he and Dorothy are planning on Peoria!!  Also spoke with Bo Kilner and she tells me that husband John Kilner is doing well again after a serious fall and hip injury back last Fall.

Oscar Windham died sometime in the Fall of 2002.

We hear from Thaddeus Godfryt that we lost William MCClintock in January 2001. 

Phil Knights wrote that an injured back keeps him away from reunions but he really appreciates hearing about Association activities and friends through our Tale Spins.  Says he’s ONLY 81!  Love that outlook.

Leroy Norton died on 3/09/02 due to complications from diabetes.

Ken Thoman suffered a minor stroke in October 2002.  Thank goodness he waited until after the reunion.  On 11/14/02 his name was added to The Enlisted Man’s Wall of Honor on the USS Yorktown at Charleston, SC. Thanks to son Mark and wife Nancy, we were able to attend.

Word came to us that Cyril Wojnerowicz died of a heart attack in mid November 2002.  The 5 remaining members of that crew plan to meet in St Cloud, MN next September.  Go for it guys!

Ed Pagel lost his wife, Freda, on 12/25/2002.

Dick Halvorsen had a quadruple by-pass and valve repair on Nov. 27, 2002, was home recovering after long hospitalization from complications when he developed intestinal complications and underwent emergency surgery.  We hope “Humpty Dumpty”, as Dot calls him, has been put together well and is now as good as new after this spell.

Martha Washburn’s new address is in the hard copy that was mailed to you all.

Tragically, we have lost another of our long devoted members, Phyllis Maginn.  Phyllis succumbed January 19, 2003. Chuck wrote what I feel to be the greatest tribute. “My wonderful blessing left us this morning and I will certainly miss her.  But her quality of life had so deteriorated these last two weeks that I could not in good conscience pray for her not to go.  Fortunately my prayers were answered and she left this life as she had lived it - quietly with dignity and concern for others.” We will all miss this dignified, gentle lady.

Walter Marshall emailed Bob Kirk of his move to Freedom Plaza and numerous surgeries.  Hopes to be able to walk again rather than using his electric wheelchair as he does now. Email - wmarsha3@tampabay.rr.com

Bill Alcorn received word from the son of Don Schmuhl that Don passed away 2/4/2003.

Also, David Kinsel, son of Richard Kinsel informed Bob Kirk that Dick passed away on 12/15/02 with his family by his side.

J.D. McBriety informs me that Lew McBriety died 2/15/2003.  Lew had been severely handicapped by a stroke he suffered shortly after the San Diego reunion.  He was 96. JD writes “ He would not want to make anyone sad for him.  He was confined to a wheelchair after a major stroke 2 years ago.  His memory and speech were gone, but he never quit trying to get out of the restraints and take his daily lakeside walk.  It was that daily walk that kept him alive and healthy for so many years.  I recommend those that can, take a daily walk for Lew and wish him “Anchors Away!” to that great beyond.  Proud son J.D. McBriety. The McBriety family are planning a family picnic/gathering in May in memory of Lew and another family member, veterans of WWII.  Wonderful way to commemorate the lives of loved ones.

Word comes that Don Butler died in mid October 2002.  Ed Barnier  is suffering Alzeimer”s.

From J. Wright, nephew of Lloyd R Morgan, member of the Haskett crew lost July 17, 1948, returning from a  raid on Kahili Air Field.

“I was reviewing your site (web) on Navy Bombing Squadron 102 and noticed that my uncle is among the Haskett crew.  The plane was lost on July 17, 1948 returning from a raid on Kahili Air Field. ; I noticed that my uncle’s name is not listed on the photo of the Haskett crew.  His name was Lloyd R. Morgan and he is in the back row (standing), the 5^th man from the left.  My mother has this photo somewhere, and I think that each of the men are identified on it. Both he and his brother Norman E Morgan were killed in WWII while flying with the Navy.  They were my grandmother’s only sons.  By the way, she is 98 years old (99 in Feb.) And still collects the Navy insurance that they left her!  Thank you for providing this site.”  J Wright, Big Spring, TX.

Thank you to Bob Kirk and Terry Dell for their continuous dedication to spreading the word about Navy Squadrons VP14, VB102 and VPB102.  Hearing from families who have paid the supreme sacrifice is very special reward for hours and hours of detective work.

ANOTHER REQUEST: “My uncle, William Walter Feaster, VPB102, Crew 6, once spoke of his experience flying a Privateer in WWII.  I am interested in learning more about his service history and the markings on the plane to which he was assigned.  He has a son living in California who might also be interested in learning more about his Dad’s military service” Does anyone remember this member of  VPB102? Do you have any personal information about him, recollections? Contact me, Louise Thoman and I will obtain an address for you.

A message from RADM P.D.Smith (Ret) President of the Association of Naval Aviation.  “I reviewed your site (web) and congratulate you on it being “well done”.  I have posted it into my “Favorites” and hope to hyperlink it to our website at www.anahq.org in the future so our visitors can read about this great squadron as well.  I was in a sister squadron, VP26, in Brunswick, Me. When VP-21 was decommissioned.  "NOBODY COULD UNDERSTAND WHY, SINCE IT WAS CONSISTENTLY ONE OF THE BEST.”

There are a few copies of both "The Chronicles and A Retrospective" the story of your squadrons, available. The Chronicles $25.00 including  postage. A Retrospective a minimum contribution of $8.00 including postage.

Send one check, and a description of which books you want, made out to Navy Squadron 102/14 Assn. To: Navy Squadron 102/14 Assn, 86 Driftwood Lane, Trumbull, CT   06611

PICTURES FROM BOSTON II 2002

PLEASE - anyone who has pictures from our Boston reunion and who would like them to be included in our scrapbook, send them to Louise Thoman at the above address. 

A very special thank-you to Lucy Leon for the beautiful books she put together for several of our reunions.  She has asked for a break so I have agreed to take over this responsibility. The sooner the better...........  

Again, our very best wishes to everyone.  Good health, enjoy the rebirth of our seasons and remember in your thoughts and prayers, our young people who are again coming forth to preserve freedom and make our world a safer place.

Friendship - what would life be without it.........

Louise Thoman, Editor