Navy Patrol Bombing Squadrons 102/14 Association




The New Tale Spins

Volume VIII-II

June 2004




Finally, there is a memorial in our nation’s capitol, in your honor. This beautiful setting is dedicated to your phenomenal efforts during the war.  And, one of your own was on the honored guests platform.....  John Finn, the country’s oldest surviving Medal of Honor recipient.  Congratulation to all!  (See Information about your friends for further news)          

A young man once said to Ken Thoman: “Without your generation winning that war, we would all be saluting the Emperor instead of the Stars and Stripes........... Thank you.”

Time’s Marching On.... Like the relentless drill Sergeant, it keeps on moving, like it or not.  Your reunion in Peoria is just ahead!  Be sure to let Bob Kirk know what your plans are.  He has had a busy, time consuming 2 years, planning and executing your reunion.  He deserves all of our cooperation and applause for his great efforts.  Thanks again Bob! 

See you in Peoria!!!!
           
For those of you and, perhaps, your families who are interested in knowing more about individual military histories, there is a website available to all:   members.aol.com/dadswar

The Kaneohe Klippers will be having their reunion in San Diego Sept. 22-26.  If you have not heard the details and are interested, contact: John Sachs at 5649 Lake Park Way, Unit 304, La Mesa, CA  91942-1935  Tel (619) 466-7339

Information about your friends: 

John Finn (VP-14) While preparing for the WWII dedication ceremonies, John fell.  He was taken to Walter Reed for x-rays.  He insisted on going to the dedication  so was taken there, even though he was experiencing pain.  On the stage with all the dignitaries, the temperature and humidity were very high.  John fainted.  Pres. Clinton helped him up.  John was returned to Walter Reed where they diagnosed a broken hip and pelvis.  He has returned  to CA, where he is in rehab at the California Veteran’s Home, 718 E Maples Court, Chula Vista, CA 91911 for the time being..... but is still determined to return to his ranch.

Bob Davis (VPB Stillman) sends word that Aurelia is doing well.  There is not much improvement in her mobility, but, they are able to get her out for short visits. (See new add.)

Neil Elliott (VB/VPB Cr 9) and Roy Phillips (VPB) each send word that health precludes reunion attendance.  (See new add.)

Bill Alcorn (VPB Cr2) sends word that they will not be able to attend Peoria because wife Pat will have a double knee replacement and will be immobile for a period of time.  We’ll miss them....as we will all those who can not be with us.

As of the writing of this note, Hal Warnimont (VPB-Cr9) is still hoping to join us.  Son Gary will be with him.  

Gus Martin (VPB Cr1) is determined, accompanied by family to help him. We are so proud of our members and their families who fight all odds to keep on doing.

Dick Halvorsen suffered a fall in December, badly injuring his left arm.  After extended therapy, surgery is contemplated.  This, along with other health problems, will prevent he and Dot from attending Peoria, but, they are looking forward to 2006! (See new add.)

New addresses plus email changes:

Bill Andrews (VPB Cr 8)
605 NW 12th Loop, Oak Harbor, WA  98277

Neal Elliott (VB/VPB Cr 9)
2347 SW Mariposa Loop, Redmond, OR  97756

Edwin R Smith (VPB Cr 7)
302 W Benton, Winterset, IA 50273

Bob Davis:
4908 Old Faison Rd, Knightdale, NC 27545

Dick Halvorsen (VPB Cr9)
288 NE 899 Street, Old Town, FL 32680

Leslie James Cole (VPB Repl Stewart)
915 Elm Avenue, Menomonie, WI 54751

R.D.Carroll (VPB Repl Cr1)
lazyrdc@watervalley.net  He and Betty plan to dance at Peoria!   

Those on the sick or treatment list:

Vern Schmidt: Due to chemotherapy and other illnesses, won’t be able to attend our Peoria reunion.  He sends his regrets and best wishes to all. 

Filmore (Bud) Clough (VPB Cr 17): has lost his eyesight and is suffering Chronic Obstruction Pulmonary Disease. 

Phil Knights (VP/VB/VPB Cr 14): is suffering from extensive loss of memory but writes “I hope I keep all of you in mind to remember”

Those we’ve lost: 

Frank Burton (VP/VB/VPB Burton): Dorothy writes that Frank died 2/21/2004. 

Norm Wiltsey (VPB Cr 11):  Norm died 4/21/2004. 

Lyle Jackson (VP-14):  Lyle died 4/12/2004 

Richard (Dick) Lockard (VPB Cr 7):  Dick succumbed to lung cancer on 4/17/2004.

Robert Nadeau (VP/VPB Nadeau): Bob died 1/ 23/04.  He was buried in Miami next to Irene who died in ‘97. 

AA (Bruce) Pall (VPB Repl Cr 6) succumbed to cancer June 11, 2004. Our deepest sympathies go to all the loved-ones of those lost.  

Each one is a loss to all of us too.  Lifelong friendships are as special as family.   

Our Auxiliary: 

Vi McCord, wife of Dick, passed away 3/18/2004 after a long battle with cancer. 

Martha Washburn, will not be able to attend Peoria. She has Alzeimers and is now living in a facility for special care. 

We will miss this great lady’s smile and all the others who can no longer attend for one reason or another.   

It is very important that we continue to hear from you or your family even if it is not a reunion year.  Your friends ask about you, our records need to be kept timely, and we just plain want to hear about you.  

Please continue to keep us informed:
Bob Kirk, 4371 Logrono Dr., San Diego, CA 92115
Louise Thoman, 86 Driftwood Lane, Trumbull, CT 06611

Lifelong friendships - what would life be without them.........
Louise Thoman, Editor
 



Any comments may be sent to the Association Coordinator




Squadron History | Association History | Alumni Directory | Killed In Action
Association Newsletter | Reunion 2002  Information | Membership Application
Taps | Killed In Line Of Duty | Gathering Of Eagles | Wounded In Action
VPB-102 Photo Album | VB-102 Photo Album | VP-14 Photo Album
Medals & Citations | Home

Copyright © 1998 Navy Bombing Squadrons 102/14 Association
All Rights Reserved
Designed & Maintained by Website Factory