PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

(Continued from Page 5)

• We had TWELVE families and/or extended family members who attended the reunion for the first time: Anderson (717th POW), Byfield (718th EVD), Carrico (718th EVD), Chandler (718th KIA), Gann (718th POW) Hoglund (716th), Koslosky (716th) Mecham (717th) Petzinger (717th) Schwartz (717th) Sterner (718th KIA), Warren (716th). The new families traveled from across the United States: MA, AZ, NV, TN, WA, KS, FL, CO, NJ, TX, PA, FL. In total, 26 states were represented.

• 3rd Generation set a new record with 21 in attendance (approximately 25 – 55 years of age) and sprinkled with several 4th generation. Younger generations Preserving the Legacy of the 449th BG.

• The Group owes Denise Reigel (718th Board/Archives) a great deal of gratitude for her vision and efforts to contact and bring in the quest speaker for our squadron dinner.

• Museum & Memorbilia: If you have ever seen a magician reach into his hat and keep pulling out oversized items that would describe the Livingtons (718th, POW & Board/449th Museum). They can always be counted on to provide displays that inform, educate, and personalize the Groups efforts in Italy. Always uniquely different each reunion!

Alan Davis (716th) provided an extensive tribute to the 449th BG connections with historical Yankee Air Museum, Will Run (Ford B-24 plant), Ypsilanti, Michigan and Maj. William Nosker, Ohio State Football legend, 718th BS CO, Pilot, DFC, KIA. Alan also generously contributed to the auction with his etched 449th BG decanters and glasses. Much sought after items!

PX & Auction: Last but not least, the unsung heroes Gary Smith & Debbie Utz (717th Board/PX) who have taken on the task of the PX sales and silent auction. Very seldom seeing the light of day, they spend 100% reunion time in the PX. A huge about of time is spent behind the scenes; packing up the PX items, loading them for travel from Florida, unpacking at the reunion, setup and then packing up again. It’s a major move from one reunion to another! Undaunted by their task, before the doors are set to open, the PX is ready to go. Of tremendous importance to financial stability of the Bomb Group, is the amount of proceeds that are generated each year by the sales from the PX. Through their dedicated efforts, Gary & Debbie continue to stimulate sales and promote a lucrative innovative silent auction. Thank you both for your hard work, commitment and for a job well done.

• Dancing with the Stars award goes to Mrs. Patricia Latta (Widow, 718th) who was the first one out on the dance floor for line dancing at the Wildhorse Saloon and the last to leave. Her daughters tried to keep up! (Side note: Mrs. Latta has attended all 26 reunions)

• Can’t forget the shutter bugs! Thank you, Jay Hoglund, (716th) & Bill Petersen (716th) for capturing the great moments we had in Nashville.

In summary, I guess we could call our 26th 449th Reunion, the “Reunion of the Pandemic.” After four false starts! Calling and trying to reschedule the hotel, rescheduling tours, CabaRay, busing contacts, month after month — phone calls and emails not returned. In hindsight it was absolute madness. If only we had a “449th BGA Metal of Honor,” it would be awarded to Mary Crowley (449th BS Secretary) for courage under fire and bringing off a great reunion under the most difficult circumstances.

I sincerely hope that we can all take a few minutes each day to pray for the Ukrainian people. We in the 449th BGA can feel the pain and sacrifice these people are encountering. Our fathers, uncles, grandfathers fought and died against the same type of ruthless dictator, as the Ukrainians face today. God Bless Them! In the words of many of our veterans, “Freedom is not free.”

See Y’all in Wichita!