For
those that missed the 2005 Reunion in Arlington, VA -
it was quite a reunion. Its been said that everyone should
visit the nation's capital at least once in their life
time .. I was honored to be able to attend with the great
men of the 39th Bomb Group (VH) and their families.
One
of the highlights of the weekend was the Saturday evening
banquet. The veterans and their families were entertained
by the USAF Brass Quintet; The USAF Color Guard presented
the Colors .. Victor Durrance (tail gunner Crew 21) and
his wife Dorothy arranged a guest speak - Major Mark Resnake,
USAF - who served with the 960th AACS (AWACS) Squadron
- the 960th Squadron traces it's linage back to the 39th
Bomb Group - so the veterans were able to hear about the
squadron's accomplishments and know that a part of the
39th BG is still on guard today flying missions.. as it
was in 1945.
The
veterans were also honored with a presentation of a
letter from General Richard B. Myers, Chairman of the
Joint Chiefs of Staff. The letter was presented by Colonel
Michael R. Dickey, USAF, Special Assistant to the Chairman,
Joint Chiefs of Staff.
Colonel
Dickey and his sister, Jennifer Cotturone are tied to
the 39th Bomb Group (VH) by their grandfather, Sgt Howard
V. Dickey, who served 61st Bomb Squadron as a camera
technician.
Below
is the letter from General Myers:
Click letter to enlarge
If
you would like to download and print a copy of
this letter you can choose from one of the following
formats |
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