Comments From Comrades Received With The 200S Renewal Payment

Laughlin, Ralph K. - #822 - Marianna - Pt Richey, FL 34654 - ralph.laughlin3@Verizon.net Sixty years ago today
I was stationed in Khartoum. A month earlier I was given the assignment to deliver a 'war weary' C47 to Uncle Sugar.
I had a five-day leave in the States, so immediately after turning the C-47 over to the Homestead Air Base, Fl.,
I hitched a ride on a B-17 to Atlanta. My fiancee was employed at Bell Aircraft in Marietta, GA building B-29s.
To make a long story short, we had a quickie marriage by a JP and 3 days later I was heading back to Khartoum.
Our vows stuck. Lomie and I celebrated our 60th anniversary December 5, 2004. We are both in fairly good health.

Coakley, John - #361 - Foster - Cincinnati, OH 45233 - Your short story about moving to Dulag told me that you
and I were in the same area at about the same time. At that time I was on Biak Island with the 69th TCSq. We moved
to Tacloban in Leyte. I arrived in Brisbane in October 1943 and was assigned to the 69th TCS in Pt Moresby.
I stayed with the squadron as it moved to Nadzab, Biak, Leyte, Clark Field, Iwo Jima and I came home from Tokyo
in November 1945. I refer to 2 books, "Back Load" and "Moresby to Manila via Troop Carrier" to refresh my memory
about that journey. They remind me of many things that I had forgotten. I'll be 87 years old in May and I have no
major ailments (except that my hearing is bad and I tend to forget) [true of most of us] I wish class 43-D a very
happy New Year.

Murray, Don - #493 - Luke - e-mail deltakid@peoplepc.com

Avery, Baldwin - #747 - Seymour - Ft Myers, FL 33908 - Sixty years ago today [31 December 2004] I was stationed at
Stalag Luft m, Germany as rulers of "The Axis of Evil" were beginning to feel the fury and power of the tiger whose
tail they blithely tweaked.

Spaulding, Charles F m - #253 - Moore - San Diego, CA 92119 - Dick and Frank, you both are an inspiration.
Your tireless efforts on our behalf are greatly appreciated. Have a good 2005.

McCabe, Allen G. #170 - Moore - Richmond, VA 23225 - Thank you for your message in the Dec DE.

Vahey, John P. #1039 - training - Cape Coral, FL 33914 - I now believe it was God's will that I be "washed out"
for what was described as 'mechanical flying,' not the seat of my pants. God may have other plans. My oldest daughter
is an MD, the youngest a commissioned lay pastor, Stevens Ministry, Methodist Church. I have been rewarded with other
"silver wings."

Mack, Philip G. - #154 - Blytheville - Renton, W A 98058 - Happy New Year. Thanks for all you and Frank do.

Grimm, Thomas T. #839 - training - Gambrills, MD 21054 - I am Lutheran and your story put me to tears.
My wife Norma Jane died 25 February 04, Ash Wednesday.

Sampson, George _ #227 - Moody - Clearwater Beach, FL 33767 - You and Frank keep up the good work.
~en and were is our next get-together?

O1oate, Paul T. #866 _ Pampa - Columbus, NC 28722 - 89th birthday last month! So far no sign of what may do me in.

Kieser, August J. #652 - Ellington - Pelham Manor, NY 10803 - I am enclosing $20 in case you find someone short of
take it as a tip for all the work you and Frank have done in the past.
P.S. Will be 84 on 11 February with a little luck. P.S.#2 My co-pilot died on 19 October 2003. I sure miss her.

Jeffrey, Robert W. #494 - Columbus - Indian Rocks Beach, FL 33785 - Sorry to hear about Rockwell's death. Bye, Rocky.

Daniels, Courtney R. #1117 - Yuma - Salt Lake City, UT 84109 - You and Frank do good work!

Martini, Gildo J. #927 - Moody - Pitts burg, P A 15237 - I hope the association can keep thriving.
Thank you to both you and Frank

Schneider, Charles P. #1107 - Blackland - Red Wing, MN 55066 - I remember Al Schaefer from cadet days.
I was at a reunion last summer for my bomb squadron - 75th Medium. The ranks are thinning. [Schaefer
lives in Riverside, CA -last phone 909-697-2801]

Johnson, Earl E. #355 - Ellington - Brown Mills, NJ 08015 - We are holding our own. 2004 was not kind
to us but this New Year holds promise. God willing at this time in 2006 I will be sending in dues for
that year. God bless everyone.

Tatsak, John #888 - Douglas - Bedford, TX 76022 - Happy New Year and thanks for your messages.

Robinson, Oaremont L #639 - Moody - Parkville, MO 64152 - Really appreciated your "Destination _ Unknown."
Testimony well done.

Middlekauff, Darwin C. #643 - Columbus - Melbourne, FL 32940 - With God's grace we survived 3 hurricanes
with minimum damage. H 200S is a repeat I am moving somewhere with an easier climate.(Colorado?!)

Rice, Roger #218 - Moore - Ft Myers, FL 33912 - Happy New Year!!

Rea, James L #860 - Columbus - Deepwater, MO 64740 - Sure enjoyed the last Delta Eagle that Frank Dutko
published with your insert, "Destination - Unknown." How true.

McOoud, Kenneth 1. #399 - Williams - Fullerton, CA 92633 - Thanks for the last Delta Eagle and
"Destination - Unknown." I think I will frame mine!!

Johnson, Verner # 477 - George - Newberry, MI 49868 - See you at the Florida Reunion, I hope. I have made
3 trips to Florida this past 3 months because of my brother's deaths and I made a 4th trip to attend
a Finland Callin trip in April.

Speer, Arthur #252 - Foster - Swanton, VT 05488 - Thanks for your card and letter. We didn't send out any cards
this year as Bea always does that but hands are not in good shape. She has duprogen contractions, the muscles
contract making her fingers retract and holding anything for some time is very difficult She also has a bad knee
which will probably keep her from going to Pensacola. I'm about the same. My eyes are not any worse than they have been.
I guess August 15th is a good day to be married. We did the same only in 1944. Sixty years ago we spent our first
Xmas together in our rented house in Phoenix when I was stationed at Luke Field. We had a small tree, no lights
(couldn't buy any) a few decorations which my mother sent to us and a few we bought. When our children were growing
up we would all go out in the woods and cut our own as a family. We are back to a small tree again (artificial
with lights attached.) I have trouble seeing the branches so I don't have to put them on. Just a few decorations,
but we have each other. If everything goes OK we plan on going to Pensacola in April. My daughter is planning on
being our guide. Wishing you and Lynn a healthy, happy and prosperous New Year, in that order.
Sandlin, Tom Dean #824 - Moody - Alamo, TX 78516 - We are still in fairly good health and active at 85 years.

Packard, Russell E. #1123 - Brooks - Helena, MT 59601 - Any members that took primary at Sikeston, MO?
[Give him a call if you did - 406-449-2276. I went to Cimarron Field, Reno, OK)

Crumpler, George B. #057 - Pampa - Swansboro, NC 28584 - Hello Delta Eagles! Annette and I send our best wishes
to all. I'm doing fine & can really 'wheel' around in my motorized chair. Got a van last year equipped with a
ramp and tie-down for me. Our CAN drives it so it's no sweat for either of us. Will not be able to make the reunion.

Crider, Buell H. #1067 - George - Jonesboro, AR 72401 - Frank and Dick - keep up the good work!

Maas, Fred T. Sr. #480 - Yuma - Irvine, CA 92620 - Enjoying each day, health basically good. Celebrated 62
years together last November 2004

Super, Leonard V. #1114 - La Junta - Pharr, TX 78677 - My wife and I also enjoy reasonably good health here
in the Texas Rio Grande valley. We hope and pray that all our classmates will remain in God's favor.

Peterson, Harold A. #200 - Marfa - Salt Lake City, UT 84106 - Hello to all our dear friends in this great
organization. We have missed the fun times we have shared in the past with all of you - memories that mean
so much to us. Pete can't see because of his macular degeneration so I do all the driving. Thank goodness
I am in good health. Hope to get together again soon. Love Virginia

McDonald, Donald J. #174 - Ellington - Holly Hill, FL 32117 - Have included $20 for 2 years

Bowerman, Donald J. #929 - Moody - Lexington, KY 40509 - I've found a 43D' er who didn't know about our
association. I'm sending him a copy of my letter in the hopes he will join. He is "Col James R. Wesley."
I hope you get a dues slip from him. We were at Moody Field together.

Hoeler, Walter #473 - Lubbock - Fort Collins, CO 80524 - We are still hanging on. Seems like more than
our share of medical problems. Still undecided on FL reunion.

Wesley, Jim #1144 - Moody - Seminole, FL 33772 - My classmate in 43D at Moody AB, Valdosta, GA was
Don Bowerman who forwarded the application to me. I was not aware of the group and have lost track of
my classmates. After graduation I was trained by Pennsylvania Airlines in the C-47 then went to Reno
to check out in the C-46. Flew one to Cairo, Egypt - then some months later to the CBI. Flew 76 round
trips over the Hump. Returned home in December' 45. Joined Air Rescue in 1947, flew the Airlift in C-54'
since 1949 and returned to ARS. Spent 27 years in ARS in Orlando, Panama, McChord, Alaska, Azores and Vietnam.
Had squadrons of B17's with droppable life boats, SA-16 (Grumman Albatross) and C130's. Was Project Air to
Air Refueling of the helicopter. Returned to States in1968, was Deputy Base Commander at McCoy AFB, Orlando
and retired November 1970. Did flight instructing in Orlando until 1997 when I moved to this retirement home
at this address. [1951 Johnson Blvd, H-409 727-319-9526] Still have a current flight physical and fly a
little for fun. Hope there are some members of Moody in 43-D.

Obzansky, John J. #378 - Aloe - Somerville, NJ 08876 - Best regard to the foursome, Frank, Phyl, Dick, Lynn

Keck, Vernon V. #430 - Roswell- St Louis, MO 63129 - I enjoyed good physical condition until Super Bowl
Sunday 2004. I took a nasty spill on the ice and my health has been downhill ever since. I was beginning
to regain some strength when I suffered a stroke in October. While in the hospital I went into pneumonia
from which I am still battling complications. However, at 87 I am far over the 3 score and 10. While not
an optimistic as I was 14 months ago I am still shooting for 100. I have 7 great grandchildren that brighten my life.

++++++++++++++++++++

1 August 2004 Fellow members of 43-D: I sent letters to 314 of our members early in July, asking each to respond with a brief note explaining their present situation. Thanks to your interest our mailbox has been filled day after day with white envelopes containing gems of information. What follows are exact copies of what I received (a few are excerpts of a longer letter.) In each case you will find the individuals name, graduation base, city, state, zip, friends remembered and the note that followed. There may be too many for this issue - if that happens they will be found in the next. In the meantime you can also e-mail comments to me at: colocorky@msn.com. Dick Korthals P.S. To all who asked about dues - you. will receive a personal letter from me wben you get behind. A WD ~ Lawson, George, Kaysville, UT 84037 - Dick & Lynn, Buddy & EmmyLou, Vem Johnson, Pete & Ginny - I am very healthy and happy. I travel to see my children in 4 states. I like to hike in the summer, snowshoe in the winter. I am involved in ministry at my church and at home. Donald Murray, Luke, Lewiston, MT 59457 - Luke guys - We moved from CA to MT in April. I updated my physical and checked out a Cessna 172 but it was no fun flying in CA - too many restrictions and smog. Our RV is in the Motor hospital so we won't make it to the reunion this time. It's the only way we can travel and take our animals with us. Edward and Rose Dvorak, Luke, Lakewood, CO 80226 - It has been a quiet year for us. Ed's vision in one eye is not good so I'm the designated driver now. Enjoying the grandchildren & great grandchildren. We do miss the 43-D people in the Springs. A WD JQx Segura, Craig, New Iberia, LA 70560 - all of our 43-D friends - Greetings from Cajun Country. All is well on this end - good health -lots of family & seven grandchildren keep me busy. Wish you all well. Enjoy reading 43-D news. Baldwin Avery, Seymour, Pocono Lake, P A 18348 - Enjoying good health. Fell from ladder 8/20/03 while painting my camp - had a hip replacement - but I can still walk which is more than I can say for many of my buddies. Still spend 8 months in Ft Meyers, FL & 4 months up here in the Poconos. Expect to start playing golf again soon. Russ Bulechek, Aloe, Lake Charles, LA 70605 - I have the beginning of Alzheimer's but otherwise my health is good. I lost my wife of 60 years, Annelle Henderson Bulechek (WASP 44-2) on Jan 4, 2004 to lung cancer. I am enjoying my daughter and grandchildren. Charles Spaulding, Moore, San Diego, CA 92119 - Frank Rolla, Roger Rice, Ted Pappas, Pat Patland, Ed Slazienski - I still like my chandelles but spin recovery is a little sloppy. I think about all you /I intrepids" very often and pray you are well. Buell Crider, Geo~, Jonesboro, AR 72401 - All of my 43-D classmates and also any of my cadets from July 1943'til Sept 1944 that I was their instructor. Please write - I had open heart surgery 316-04. Feeling good now. Hazel and I will celebrate our 63rd wedding anniversary 12-25-04. If you recognize my name please write. Do not have e-mail. Keith "Red" Bratton, Stockton, Bakersfield, CA 93312 - Latest Drs. Report! Good for another 35 missions! Been a widower for over 2 years. I miss her! But life must go on. Am pursuing a widow my age. Might see everyone next reunion. Nedry Burris, Williams, Salem, OR 97302 - D. Dessert, W. D. Anderson, K Bratton - Still trying to play golf. Will travel to France and Germany in Sept. Will do the October Fest. I deliver Meals on Wheels. Both Ginny and I have fairly good health for old duffers. 1 E. "Sam" Bass, Roswell, Merritt Island, FL 32953 - the whole bunch - Mary has recovered from her broken hip & God has continued to bless us both with good health. Will celebrate our 62nd anniversary on 24 Dec 04. My philosophy: "Get I em young and raise them right." H. H. "Tex" Williams, Luke, Huntington Beach, CA 92647 - Jack and Mrs. Patton - Sorry I never sent you Bo-Low you wanted by I have had a couple of setbacks. I had to have my left hip replaced and had a devil of a time because of a bad drug. Dr. that has me just now being able to walk. George Bogart, Douglas, Colorado Springs, CO 80903 - My wife and I just returned from a trip to Casper (our former home of 33 years) WY where we attended an anniversary celebration; 62 years ours, 41 years for our son and 10 yrs our son's daughter. Met a couple from California - we have been friends for 60 years. O. V. Lancaster, Douglas, Normal, IL 61761- We wish the best to all our 43-D friends. We have 1 son, 1 daughter, 4 grandchildren & 1 great granddaughter living nearby. Our health is good but ---we no-longer travel. lhave-bro;- ge,b~78, half-.br~6;-3 bro. deceased. I retired '83. Lawrence M. House, Eagle Pass, Potsdam, NY 13676 - Any Eagle Pass Survivors - We no longer travel and have slowed down considerably. In pretty good health. At Eagle Pass for fighter training, only 30 went to fighter command and over 170 to bombers or instructors. I was a B-17 pilot and POW for 14+ months in Germany. David C. Burton, Roswell, Dublin, CA 94568 - Bob Mellinger - In relative good health, with wife, 3 children, 2 grandchildren. Started 5 new companies politics, vice-mayor, Rotary Oub 35 years, president twice. Tom Sandlin, Moody, Alamo, TX 78516 - We are both fairly healthy and active, still have our teeth and sanity, probably because of good doctors, medicine and hospitals. We are both 84 years old and have been married 65 years. I generally do the outside work, mowing, garden and Judy does the meals and housework. We have been to most of the inhabited places on earth, but now confine ourselves to flying locally in the USA. All of our Air Corps friends are dead or their mind is in a different world, so we do not have anyone to say hello to. Chalmer Rist, Roswell, Colorado Springs, CO 80915 - Doing well. After graduating I and about 25 other pilots were assigned to the Bombardier Training Squadron. We flew a modified version of 2 twin Beechcraft aircraft. As a result I spent the entire WWII in the training command. I did fly the B-17 and B-29later. Arthur Speer, Foster, Swanton, VT 05488 - to all of you whom we met over the past 20 years we wish you all the best and miss you - We're still here and plugging away day for day. When I get up in the morning and find I'm still here I chalk up another day. I still have my garden, cut my grass pull the weeds, shovel snow and keep going. Hope all of you can keep moving and I realize it's hard to get around some of the obstacles. We are planning on AIkansas and hope to see some of you there. George Tripp, Luke, Springwater, NY 14560 - We look forward to meeting all our old friends - We are fortunately in good health but moving slower . We are both active in the Historical Aircraft group in Genesco and just participated in the Air Show. Have enjoyed reading the book of the 370th Fighter Group. George & Nona Alvin Schaefer, Blackland, Riverside, CA 92518 - All Delta Eagles - We think of you often and wish that we could join you. Bud has diabetes and now on oxygen around the clock. Traveling by air is not easy so we don't do it. We are happy here at Air Force West. Bud is able to go to the dining room for meals but was in the Village Skilled Nursing Facility for 2 1/2 months. Tim McCoy and Nancy + Bob Scudder's are still here. We try to keep up with the news thru Margaret Bush. We miss the reunions but can't come because of oxygen restrictions. Lera Barbara Kimsey, Marianna, Fairfield, CA 94533 - Thank you for sending me the Delta Eagle. My husband is deceased and I really don't know anyone left in class 43-D. Please cancel me off. Thank you. Donald Albright, Aloe, Cape Coral, FL 33990 - Larry and Allene Anderson, AIden Wetzler and Charles? - Visiting family and friends in Niagara Falls, NY this year so will not be attending reunion. Still able to travel Donald Dessert, Williams, Longwood, FL 32750 - All members and especially Williams grads Our lives are on "hold" we do much the same. Very active gardening, exercise classes, weekends at our beach condo. All 6 children & spouses - Calif to New York and here in Florida are well and employed. We do miss traveling and if prayers are answered we'd love to see all at reunion. Don & Francis Earl Tohnson, Ellington, Brown Mills, NJ 08015 - The year 2004 has not been kind to this crew. A daughter-in-law was very ill in January-February, my dear wife underwent and operation and I will soon begin radiation treatments. Speed bumps on the road of life. Joseph Nosky, Napier, San Antonio, TX 78250 - Wyllis Nord, Jack 0 Rourke, Neah ?? - Joe retired from the USAF in 1963, the last 7 years were spent flying helicopters in Air Rescue. After 35 years in Rio Grande Valley raising fruit trees, 4 children and fishing, he is taking it easy in S.A. (actually, Joe is ill with dementia & Parkinson's but enjoys each day he says) Marie, wife Hessel Holland, 43-D, Covington, GA 30016 - (excerpts) Wife Sarah in nursing home. Suffers from AJzheimer's and long-term osteoporosis. I am in fair shape except for depression and asthma which I am determined to shake. I have stopped traveling because of the rate race at airports. Belong to American Legion, VFW, 2nd B.G. 459th B.G., Silver Wings, OX-5 VP and Treasurer, gth AF Assoc and hunt club. These support me and keep me pointed in the right direction. I am an inveterate realistic optimist. Tohn Farrell, Altus, Columbus, OH 43231 - Lynn Korthals, Flaherty's - Being on the high side of octogenarians we do less and less yearly - plant tomatoes & cukes & contact our grandchildren when they come to Columbus. We do miss the armual43-D kicks & your messages, Dick. John and Gladys A WD Mm Frances Pullium. Napier, Atlanta, GA 30324 - Genevieve Pratt, Catherine and Don Marshall, others from Napier that knew Frank well- Health is good. Do some yard work, volunteer. I'm treasurer of my Sunday School Oass, 100+ members. I do not travel much but had a great opportunity to go to Hawaii (Oahu) for a week, rented car & we toured Hickman AFB where Frank was stationed 1945-48 - very few changes. What memories!! Oyde McOelland. Seymour, Greenville, P A 16125 - Milo Walter, Woody Williams - 83 years old & still working. Raised 6 children, best of health, living happily with 2nd wife after first deceased on Mother's Day 1999. Roger Smith. Mather, Punta Gorda, FL 33950 - Roger has an interesting story regarding the B-29 "Suella J" that he flew on secret "ferret flight" missions over Russia in November 1946. He was stationed in Yokota, Japan at the time, with the mission to get radar images of potential Russian targets. Frank may publish a synopsis of his fascinating story in a future D.E. A WD Mrs. Ronald Bereman. Marianna, Kenneth Oty, FL 33709 - As you probably know, my father, Ronald Bereman, passes away January 9, 2003. My mother, Frances Bereman, followed him home on August 26, 2003. They are deeply missed and always loved. Pamela (Bereman) Norris. A WD Shirley Reed. Brooks, BJaine, W A 98230 - I, as the widow of Lt Col Peter C. Reed, would like to II speak" to members. I have never met any of you - I was married to Peter for the last 20 -years of his life. Boved listening to his stories:-=We neverrecorded them. Those of you who have personal stories, record them NOW!! When you are gone, those who are left future members of your family will never know your experiences - good, bad, funny or sad. What are you waiting for? I mean now!! A WD Helen Stapleton. Moore, Virginia Beach, VA 23453 - the Garks, Hartmans, Jensens, Holmans, Montagues, Mastersons, Rol1as, Timmers and Betty Schmidt. - I will be 80 in September and my four children will give me a sma1llocal party. I still miss Jim (Snake) who died 7 years ago. My memory is failing me so I live in assisted living and no longer drive. I will miss you all at the Traverse Oty reunion in September. Love Helen (by Linda Stapleton Whitt) A WD Amelia D. Lawley. Altus, Montgomery, AL 36109 - My husband, Wm. R. Lawley, Jr. (Bill) died on Memorial Day 1999. He was the last living Medal of Honor recipient from the 8th Air Force. I still live in Montgomery, stay as active as possible at my advanced age, but life is good. Bill's personal things - his medal, original citation signed by President Roosevelt, dog tags, etc. are on display at the Heritage Museum in Savannah. Also his winter flying jacket. It is a great tribute and anyone living near or traveling to Savannah should visit this wonderful museum. Edward Paynter. 43-D, Londonderry, NH, 03053 - This is to let you know that Ed passed away on 3/7/04. He always enjoyed receiving the "Delta Eagle". Anne Paynter Douglas Clark. Pampa, Glendale, CA 91206 - any Pampa grads - Ended successful 48 year run in real estate finance in '93. Prior to that, in 1985, purchased a pristine AT-6-D - flew it till Aug 2001 (pretty good for an old goat!) Really enjoyed 15 years of single engine, about 80 hrs/yr -lots of flyins etc. But all good things come to an end. I made the decision to return comm'l ticket to FAA. Spent my military career after commission as B-25 instructor, Frederick AFB, OK, then C-46 school, Lawrenceville, IN until VJ day. Same wife for 63 years and counting! Vincent Anderson, Williams, San Antonio, TX 78259 - Vincent made his Last Flight April 1, 2004. He had a heart attack March 7, 2004. Out last reunion in Colorado Springs was very special. We both has such a good time. Robert Duffield, Craig, Waverly, OH 45690 - Age 84 - still flying and still single engine, thanks to Air Force training and plenty days of golf. Tohn Hafley, Eagle Pass, Perry, GA 31069 - all Delta Eagles - my wife Chris of 4 1/2 years and I are happy at home. Some effects of aging are showing up so travel is limited. Sorry we missed the last couple reunions. Dale Emens, Luke, Bakersfield, CA 93306 - Haven't seen one name that I knew in 43-D and still not able to travel to reunions. Neva just went through an angiogram (doing OK now.) Sorry, couldn't make it to reunion. William Macken, Pampa, Waynesboro, GA 30830 - to all still with us - I am still in good health weigh the same as I did as a cadet. Play golf at least 3 times weekly. Lost my co-pilot January 04. My best to all. God bless our servicemen and women!! Claude Fox, Jr., Aloe, Charleston, MS 38921- Ball from Texas, John Ford, Bob Gass, ZigglegruberI put about 50 cadets through BT-13 single engine basic. After that I went through B-26 Martin & A-26 N.A. I flew A-26 acros~ Atlantic ~d back, got discharged and ran a grOCELry store for 50 years. I am 89 and health is fair. I still fly a Piper 180. I was in Belgium when Hitler gave up. Made no missions. David Owens, Pampa, Jacksonville, FL 32224 - Wife sent funeral memorial folder. Last flight April 6, 2004. Time and place of service, 1:00 PM, Saturday, April 10, 2004. Prattville Memorial Gardens, Graveside services. Fred Gardner, Eagle Pass, Entiat, W A 98822 - Bill Goolsby, Sid Futch, Charles Gregg, Oiff Gamble - I am 86 and in good health. I live on the bank of the Columbia River. Have no complaints. Fly a glider a few times a year. Drive a Caddie Seville. Am. happy as lark here in IISangri La" (Fred included picture taken of him and Jack Swigert (Apollo 13) in AT-6 at Malder AFB, MO 1954) A WD La Donna Conner, 43-D, Albuquerque, NM 87111- to many to mention, especially the Ostrich Patrol. Hello and God bless to everyone - Don and I enjoyed being a part of 43-D, meeting new people and finding friendships. After Don passed away (1997) I continued to be on the mailing list and was able to attend the reunions in St Louis, Dallas, and Colorado Springs. A WD Mrs. Tack Payne, Craig, Satellite Beach, FL 32937 - the Korthals, Charlie Brown and wife, Donnie Conner, the Dutkos - I missed the last reunion (sadly) and think I'll have to miss the upcoming one due to previous plans. A cruise to Alaska is claiming my heart! I belong to 3 different bridge clubs and still have my golf clubs. Even with all that I miss Jack Payne being with me talldng about his 43-D buddies. Carolyn Isadore "Larguier, George, Baton Rouge, LA 70806 - The wonderful members of 43-D Assoc are special! - Our lives became more exciting when Buddy and I became members of the Pilot Class 43-D Association in or around 1987 and will always be extremely interested in the great Delta Eagle. Fantastic memories. Isadore (Buddy), my husband, will celebrate his 89th birthday on September 19 at the LA War Vet home in 4739 Hiway 10, Jackson, LA 70748 Emmy Lou. Courtney "Dan" Danie1s, Yuma, Salt Lake City, UT 84109 - Cyril and Janie Williams - I have a wonderful family and life is great. Donald Peters, Gulf Coast, Oceanside, CA 92056 - Hanger #9, Uvalde, TX - My fondest post-war memory was the purchase of a PT-26 Fairchild - the Canadian version of the PT-19 - fully equipped for instrument training, souped-up Ranger engine with canopy. Gas consumption affordable. Ralph Laughlin, Marianna, New Port Richey, FL 34654 - I quit playing golf several years ago but I go for a 2-mile walk every morning. I consider myself in excellent health. I could even be a candidate for being the last surviving member of Pilot Oass 43-D. Then again I may konk out tomorrow, but I like my odds. My inspirations for living are my 2 adopted granddaughters, Adrian and Kate. I made both trips (1998 & 2000) with my daughter Kristina for the adoptions. My co-pilot Lonnie is not well enough to travel so she has missed out on a lot. Not seriously ill but on the feeble side of life. I feel I know many of you from the Association Newsletter. Lou Siegrist. Foster, Las Vegas, NV 89121 - After developing claudication in my left leg I have quit traveling. Born on Oct 31,1915 I am one of the oldest to complete aviation cadet training. After receivinE!1\Y$9ld_bars I chose Wgo tqMi~d fly aviation cadets in bombardier training. Spent WWII there and accumulated 2000 hours in the AT-11. Met a sweet young girl there who agreed to marry me and will celebrate #60 in November. Retired from AF on 1 Jan 66 and then drove school buses in Ohio and Nevada for 20 years. Great life for an 88-year-old. Walter flInn, Craig, East Greenbush, NY 12061 - all surviving members (Wiltz Segura was classmate) - I flew 51 missions in P-39s with 1st Fighter Group in MTO and separated in Oct 45. Retired from military in 1980, having served 23 years in NY Army NG, last duty instrument instructor in helicopters. A1s0 had full time civilian occupation as a research lab tech for BASF Corp. Last flew in 93 when I gave up instructing in civilian aircraft. Spouse of 60 years passed away suddenly on Dec 28, 2002. Have great family, 2 sons, 2 daughters and 8 grandchildren. A WD Ruth (Bill) Cely, Yuma, Tucson, AZ 85710 - I still travel and am good health-wise. Changing reunion dates from May to October sadly prevents my attending. People still contact me for information about Bill & crew of B-17 Frenesi, so much time spent e-mailing, phoning, researching, I.D.ing photos, etc. Glenn Cummings of Beaumont, TX contacted me in regard to a museum of IITexas Heroes." He wrote a full page article, featuring Bill and his 11 January 1944 missIon to Brunswick, Germany, which the Beaumont Enterprise ran on Memorial day this year. Same Glenn traveling in France met a man who as a boy picked up a 2-page USAF propaganda flier dropped by a B-17. On front page was an article featuring Bill. Richard Gedeon, Craig, Middleburg HH 44130 - 30 43-D pilots graduated from Craig. Those I knew personally were Graves, Breder, Chapman, Cook, Duffieldm Dunstan, EJkes, Erickson, Erneston, Gaskins, Harding, Segura and Smathers. Have lost track of all but Erickson. Can only hope and pray that those still able to communicate will pass along what is happening in their lives. Anne and I are married 61 years. My health is good. Anne has Crohn s disease, is housebound and cannot travel so I stay close to home. Our FL home is for sale. We are proud of our daughter Shirley Gerecke who is training director for Middleburg Hospice. Francis Kirby, Foster, Framingham, MA 01701 - Speers, Reinor??, everyone else. - A few aches and pains -lower back, feet and legs (limited walking.) Still can dance, somewhat. Volunteering at Carmel Terrace (assisted living) once a week and in 2 schools 2 more days. Very active in church. Would like a Colorado Springs pin for my hat. Will pay. William Cumiskey, Roswell, South Orleans, MA 02662 - to all the staff - Best wishes and regards. $' s for this and that. Qmx Oskamp, Aloe, Victorville, CA 92395 - I'm 89 years young, stay active, golf, hiking, etc. Tell John Harvey that I was at the last reunion and am an Aloe grad. I see that Richard Monzingo lives here in Victorville. Perhaps we playa round of golf together. Darwin Middlekauff, Columbus, Melbourne, FL 32940 - The Gilmores - Florence and I have moved into a military-oriented retirement community, Indian River Colony Oub, near Melboume, FL. We are loving it. Last November we took a cruise through the Panama Canal. Very nice, but 14 days on board is too much for old AF types. William Thompson, Aloe, San Antonio, TX 78245 - Marty and I are enjoying life at AFV n retirement community. Marty enjoys not having to keep house and does not cook every meal. I miss my garage. Weare enjoying reasonable good health for 85-year olds. Traveling does not hold the interest and enthusiasm it once did, therefore we do very little. Walter Hoerler, Lubbock, Ft Collins, CO 80524 - Unfortunately old age is catching up on us. We still enjoy traveling in our motor home, but don't really know how much longel':'fre will be able to travel. One doctor's appointment after another for both of us. A WD Virginia Dickert, Douglas, Salina, UT 84654 - Really missed the reunion this year. I do keep in touch with Warren Jones and Mabel Behrens. Life is going along very well, keeping busy. Robert Jeffrey, Columbus, Indian Rocks Beach, FL 33785 - "Rocky" Rockwell, Bill Kinchloe, John Walker, Frank Dutko - I've attended many, many reunions since 1989 but didn't attend the one in Colorado Springs. However, I was ready to be at the Savannah reunion. Without consulting the members not in attendance, a few in Colo Springs decided for the rest of us to cancel Savannah. A real no-brainer. A WD Mrs. Jean Neag, Columbus, Middleton, CT 06457 - I am Jean Neag, wife of deceased (Feb 2,2001) Lt Col Traian Neag. I still live at our home in Meddletown. I have a daughter Nancy, her husband Bob and 2 grandsons 6 and 18 years old Phillip "Gene" Ever~ Turner, St Petersburg, FL 33709 - those whom I do not correspond with at Xmas on a personal basis - My health and age (87) keep me at home - so can't attend meetings these days. My wife, Moongeen, is my caregiver at home. Married 61 years - 3 children, 3 grandchildren, 3 great grandchildren. (Last Flight 2 August 2004) Nate Patland, Moore, Peoria, AZ 85380 - friends ftom Moore Field - I am in reasonably good health considering I am over 50 years old. I exercise and try to keep busy. I also complain about things, that makes me feel better. Mike Doroski, Luke, Ventura, CA 93003 - members of the Ostrich Patrol- We miss Liberty Heights (COS, CO) living and lifestyle but are glad we live in this halfway house and have nursing care. We were both in the hospital in May. Mike nearly went out losing 6 pints of blood ftom bleeding ulcer.
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