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2002 Reunion at Peterson AFB Colorado Springs
23rd Flying Tiger Association What a wonderful reunion we had at Colorado Springs September 11-15 this year. Thanks go to Host L/Col Sam McCraw and to arrangements master-mind L/Col "Rudder" Smith with a big assist by TSgt. Lance Brown. What a team they made everything work! The weather in Colorado Springs was near perfect and we took full advantage of the fact at all functions that were at or near the Air Force Academy. There were approx. 90 members and guests plus at least that number of active military from Pope and Peterson AFBs in attendance. Our first activity Wednesday evening was a 'stroll' through the Flying W Ranch, located near our hotel and adjacent to the Garden of the Gods. The Flying W is a mock-up on an old Western Town that featured many oldtime country stores, working establishments where the needs of that day were manufactured or provided. There was an old-time movie theater that featured giant murals of Indian cultural scenes. There was even a furrier where a horse was being shod. The event of the evening was an all-you-can-eat Bar-BQ feast that was served to about 300 persons total that were in attendance that evening. The remarkable part was that they ran us all through the serving lines in less than 10 minutes! Seconds were available but we didn't see anyone going back. Following dinner, we were treated to a Western musical and comedy show. A great time was had by all.
General Bruce Holloway Memorial Bench Dedicated Bright and early Thursday morning, the reunion assembled at the U.S. Air Force Academy for the very formal occasion of Honoring General Bruce Holloway with the dedication of a Memorial Bench installed in the Honor Court. The ceremony was conducted in strictest military traditions; officiated over by Brig. Gen S. Taco Gilbert III, Commandant of Cadets.
General Gilbert welcomed the approximately
200 guests that attended the ceremony and provided a re-cap of General
Holloway's distinguished career. Brig Gen "Tex" Hill provided a few
remarks honoring General Holloway as a friend and fellow military
leader. Al Baker read a message from Frances Holloway, who was unable to
attend the dedication. See the text of her message below. "Tex" Hill and 23rd FTA President Col Wisniewski unveil General Holloway's memorial bench. The very moving ceremony on a beautiful sunshiny morning presented an unequalled photo opportunity which many groups took advantage of.
Frances Holloway's Message Though, unfortunately, I can not be with Bruce's friends at this dedication; I do want to share a few observations about him. I think that you will be assured that this special memorial will be most fitting as a testament to the things that he believed in. Bruce was a very good listener and, after making sure he had all the details correct, he stored the information for future use. His willingness to accept information from all sources made his fund of knowledge an awesome total. Combining this resource, plus his enormous amount of experience, made him a man of creative thinking. When a problem arose, or a situation needed solving, he did not immediately rush into words, but paused and thought the whole scenario through. This analysis of all the facets of any problem brought forth the full range of his ability to make solutions. For many, that pause before deciding is not often used. We, Bruce's family, are so happy that there is a place in this arena of learning where present and future generations will be able to sit and think about the things they are learning. In the future they will be able to call upon these early lessons learned to solve the problems of the day. And for many, just the inspiration of this magnificent view will bring to them the needed strength to do even greater things. Here they will be able to stop and absorb that benevolence. Thanks to all of you for providing such a wonderful legacy from Bruce to the guardians of our future. By: Frances Holloway
The Day at the Academy
Following lunch, we toured the campus, by bus, then going to the football practice field where we "Gripped and Grinned" with their Academy team; talking to individual members and to Falcons Head Couch Fisher DeBerry. They were an awesome group practicing for a WIN over a California team that following weekend.
USAFA football team interviewing George Bailey Our star player was George Bailey who was interviewed, on the spot, by John Van Winkle of the Academy Spirit Staff. A very nice article appeared in their Sept. 20th newspaper, complete with pictures. After this, we went to Falcon Air Field where we were to observe parachute jumping and glider flights. Unfortunately, the weather turned bad and the actual demonstrations were called off. However, we enjoyed a briefing by the Commanding Instructors of these activities. Social hour and dinner was held at the Academy O'Club. This was a time for reflection on a day of interesting activity at the Academy and for meeting members of the military from Pope and Peterson AFBs. A delightful meal was enjoyed and another photo opportunity was taken advantage of. This was a successful meeting, which is gratifying. I have enjoyed being your president for the past year and feel it an honor to have served my comrades and friends. By: Steve Bonner.
Congratulations to our Past President, Steve Bonner, the 23rd Fighter Group, and the 76th SPCS for making the Colorado Springs Reunion an outstanding affair. It was great seeing old friends and meeting new ones. The Memorial Ceremony honoring General Bruce Holloway was most impressive and this was followed by having lunch with 4,000 Cadets. Another highlight was Saturdayat the 76th, seeing what the Squadron does and later having our picture taken in front of John Stewart's plane, LYNN II. Those of you who attended know what a fine time we had. Next year we look forward to an even greater affair. Our reunion will be in May at Pope AFB, Fayetteville, North Carolina the same week Pope celebrates the Festival of Flight celebrating 100 years of flight since the Wright Brothers flew at Kitty Hawk. We hope you can be here to celebrate with us. By: Max Noftsger, President 76th FSA
The Grand Banquet The Grand Banquet Saturday night was presided over by Col. Wisniewski who yielded the floor to one of our grand ladies who wrote a very appropriate poem on her way to this reunion. It is only fitting that this poem is recorded here because it so aptly describes our heritage:
"The 23rd Fighter Group" September 11, 2002
The 23rd? We know those guys-- They went to fly the China skies. General Chennault taught them well: They did their job - gave the Japanese hell. The ground crews were the best around (Or nothing would have left the ground!) The pilots knew, when they pulled chocks, Their planes would run like well-tuned clocks. Mechanics, armorers-heroes all, They say those crews stood ten feet tall. Their tales of glory, oft untold, Declare that they were "solid gold". That group's fighting spirit defied belief, In tough P-40s with mean shark teeth, Eager with Chennault's know-how, Rolling up the score with each "jing bao". To the new 23rd that carries their name: We're counting on you to get Hussein! Take down Al-Qaeda, get Bin Laden; We'll pray for you, you're not forgotten. You've had crack training-you're sure not green, You're the 23rd-a fighting machine! You have our heritage and your story: We're proud to have you guard Old Glory. By: - Mazie Hill
Many thanks Maize for this lovely poem, it really tells the story of the 23rd throughout the years. A delightful dinner was served to approximately 200 persons that attended the Grand Banquet. Tex Hill treated us with few of his favorite jokes and Joe Mitchell presented a series of photos of Tex receiving the Distinguished Service Cross. Tex says: "Aw Shucks". Our main speaker was "Chuck" Tucker, 75th FS, who spoke about his career as a test pilot in the early days after WW II. It was interesting but a few of the ladies may not have been over-whelmed by it. The last activity on the program was officiated by Tex Hill in a swearing-in ceremony inducting an Airman from Pope AFB for another six year hitch. Very impressive. The next stop was the hospitality rooms for a much needed night cap. Squadron Dinner The 16th and 76th FS Squadron Dinner held Friday night included many members of the 76th SPCS and active duty personnel from Pope AFB. A very delightful dinner was enjoyed by all present. L/Col. Sam McCraw, our reunion host, welcomed all to Colorado Springs and discussed some of the interesting sights of this area. As is usual, photo opportunities presented themselves between each dinner course and we took full advantage. A special event was uncovered by Jim and Suzanne Eng - this just happens to be John Stewart's birthday! So, they brought forth a beautifully decorated cake to mark the occasion and all received a generous portion. And, of course, we all sang "Happy Birthday, Dear John". How nice of them! Burger Burn ala 76 SPCS Saturday mid-day, we boarded buses and drove out to Peterson AFB in the southern part of Colorado Springs for a picnic lunch in the Hanger 104 used by the 76th SPCS. What a nice setting for a picnic. Their recreation area was complete with a mock-up of the "Silver Grill" bar that was a favorite watering hole for the AVG's in Rangoon back in 1942. Many of our members had a refreshing drink but for two of them, Tex Hill and George Bailey, it was the second time around - after 60 years! The picnic foods provided by the 76th SPCS included several varieties of just about everything a picnic should have. Everyone enjoyed the food and afterwards, L/Col Sam McCraw provided us with a briefing on what their current mission consists. Actually we didn't learn much because they are operating in a secret atmosphere - but it does have something to do with computers and satellites. An A-10 WortHog from Pope AFB was setting just outside the hanger provided us an excellent photo opportunity which was taken full advantage of. The group assembled to the side of this monster with 74th FS markings and everyone clicked away. Departing Hanger 104, we were bused to Stewart Blvd. on the base, where a full size P-40 is mounted on a pedestal. This aircraft represents that used by our own John Stewart and is complete with his China-era marking plus the name Lynn II. Of course this was another photo op and we all assembled around the plane and there were more click clicks. (See earlier photo). This was a great way to cap off this event. Thanks to Sam McCraw and his staff for a delightful afternoon. 23rd FG Briefing Meeting The meeting was chaired by Col. Vincent Wisniewski, Commander of the 23rd FG, Pope AFB: 1. A slide show on the mission of the 23rd was presented explaining the progress being made. 2. An over-view of the USAF year was given. 3. Col Wiz presented Certificates of Appreciation to the various persons that were involved in the Holloway Memorial Bench project. 4. L/Col Clan Floyd, Pope 74th FS Commander reviewed Operation Anaconda in Afghanistan & Iraq. This was an outstanding undertaking. 5. Capt. "Soup" Campbell of 74th FS discussed in detail their operation in Afghanistan. A truly remarkable war story that just happened just a few weeks ago. 6. L/Col. Rick Turner, 75th FS Commander reviewed the "American Rain" support operations in Kuwait and Afghanistan. It was interesting to note that they did not lose any aircraft during this recent series of missions. 7. The 23 FG had on hand 2002 reunion caps and Flying Tigers pins that could be purchased. 8. Don Van Cleve, 75th FS, had available for sale a special 2003 Calendar featuring General Chennault and the Flying Tigers. A gotta-have item! Hospitality Suite The Hospitality Suites continue to a happy after-hours place to relax, meet old friends and new ones plus maybe have an after-dinner refreshment, and this is especial useful when operating at a high altitude such as Colorado Springs. This year there were three suites operated by the 74th, 75th and the 76th FS - all were welcome at any of them. The 76th was happy to have a steady stream of visitors to welcome. Most of our off-hours operations were conducted in the comfort of the H-S. We had for sale The Vanguard and 23rd FTA wind-shield stickers - we actually sold some of them! Jim End brought along a supply of soft-back books by Carl Molesworth entitled " Sharks Over China" and he sold quite a few of them. Jim and Suzanne presented most of the 76ers with "Americanism" Sweat-shirts and or Tee-shirts. (These are real fine people!) Other Events There were a number of other events available but not mentioned, so far, in this newsletter. These were optional and many people took advantage of them. It would be worth-while mentioning some of them: Garden of the Gods, Broadmoor's Golden B, Cripple Creek Casino, Ladies shopping tour to Old Colorado City, Pike's Peak Excursion. There was a lot to do at this reunion! This page reprinted with permission from the Fall Newsletter of the 76th FSA
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After
all the picture taking was satisfied, we proceeded to the Academy
Chapel. Words can't truly describe this beautiful structure, so we
won't. Following the Chapel tour, we moved on to the plaza in front of
Mitchell Hall, which was the Cadets for lunch in this dining hall that
reportedly is the largest facility of this kind in the USA. Cadet
officers divided us up into small groups
seated at various tables. The conversation was lively except for the
plebes who sat a rigid attention. They spoke only when asked a question
and the answer was always "Yes Sir" or "No Sir".
