82nd Fighter Group

Association Newsletter
Issue 89 June 2014
In Tis Issue: News of your fellow 82nd FGA members, plus:
Highlights of October 2013 New Orleans Reunion
Details and Registration Form for Tulsa Reunion - October 15-18
Update on WWII Museum Commemorative Brick Program
Right: Te Tulsa Skyline;
Above: Hanger One at the Tulsa Air and Space
Museum, part of Tursdays Tour of Air
National Guard 138th Fighter Wing.
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Te
Presidents
Page
W
hat a great time we had in New Orleans! It seems a long
time ago, but Mary and I are ready to go back. But it would
not be the same without the P-38 members. What a crew.
I cannot think of a time I have been associated with a more
admirable group of people. Noble, dignifed, and gregarious are words that
come to mind. Like a family of leaders. No bad blood, just the truth and
obvious gratitude for having lived through the challenges and danger you
faced. And the stories! Tey get longer and louder every year. Being in
Aerospace myself, I come home from these reunions and entertain my
staf for hours with just the fragments of the stories I remember.
I cannot express the honor I feel in being voted the President of the
Association of such a great group. It is a privilege just to be a member,
and to be put in a leadership position is very fattering. I only wish I had
started attending these reunions earlier. How you guys manage to stay up
talking and partying until 11:00pm, then beat me to breakfast every
morning for fve days straight is beyond me. Speaks again to your hearty
nature and dignifed way you live your lives.
I also extend my thanks to Leo and Lute for their excellent work they
have done leading the 82nd Association over the past two years!
I hope youve been having a good year, and I look forward to seeing
you again next fall.
Stay well,
Marc (The Sharc)
Marc Buonaguidi
PRESIDENT
Marc Buonaguidi
VICE PRESIDENT
Steve Powell
TREASURER
John Netzer Parliman
SECRETARY
Nancy Medley Manduano
PRESIDENT EMERITUS
Harley C. Vaughn
PAST PRESIDENTS
W.S. Will Hattendorf
George C. Marvin
John C. Hendrix
R.M. Monty Powers, Jr.
Donald T. Foley
John J. Kane
Leo Fisher
UNIT REPRESENTATIVES
HEADQUARTERS
William T. Mason
95TH SQUADRON
Olen L. Medley
96TH SQUADRON
Richard Ostronik
97TH SQUADRON
R.E. Dick Gadbury (Emeritus)
G.L. Jerry Powell
NEWSLETTER/ROSTER
Bill Hattendorf
WEBMASTER
Judy Netzer Parliman
Te 82nd Fighter Group Association
1270 W 75th Street website: www.82ndFighterGroup.org
Marathon, FL 33050 email: admin@82ndFighterGroup.org
352-341-0890
Te 82nd Fighter Group Association is a non-proft, 501(c)(19) Organization
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Te Crescent City of New Orleans proved a wonderful location for the 82nd
Fighter Group Association to gather to honor our WW II veterans and to celebrate
the special friendships we renew each year. John and Judy Parliman hosted a
terrifc reunion for us, and most attendees were able to stay Wednesday through
Sunday. To remember it, we present a photo travelog for your enjoyment.
New Orleans Reunion
82nd Fighter Group
Tat Great October 2013 Reunion
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Te meeting was called to order at 9:10 A.M. by Presi-
dent Leo Fisher. Present, in addition to approximately 30
members, were the following members of the Executive
Committee: Leo Fisher, Dick Ostronik, Olen Medley,
Nancy Medley Manduano, Don Foley, John Netzer Parli-
man, John Kane, Jerry Powell.
Secretarys Report: A motion was made by Judy Parli-
man and seconded by Leonard Coleman to accept minutes
of the 2012 annual meeting without reading, as they had
been published in the newsletter. Motion carried unani-
mously.
Treasurers Report: John Netzer Parliman reviewed the
written 2012-13 treasurers report. (See Attachment 1- 2012
Annual Financial Statement). As of 9/30/13 the balance was
$24,470.11. Most of that is fow through funds for the re-
union. Carving out dedicated moneys for the Legal Fund
($1,000), Memorial Fund ($4,704 ), the Brick Fund
($2,500 ) and an estimated $12,000 for the reunion leaves
an operating fund of about $4,266.11 which is around
where weve been for the last 3 years. Will Hattendorf made
a motion to accept the treasurers report and John Kane sec-
onded. Tere was a unanimous vote to accept as detailed.
Nominating Committee for 2013 Ofcers: Hank
Phillips, Dick and Sylvia Ostronik, and Judy Parliman. Judy
Parliman presented the ofcers slate for Hank Phillips who
could not attend the annual meeting.
Te following members were nominated for ofcers Presi-
dent Elect: Marc Buonaguidi, Vice President Elect: Steve
Powell, Secretary Elect: Nancy Manduano (Nancy Mandu-
ano was interim Secretary 2012),
Treasurer Elect: John Netzer Parliman, Headquarters Repre-
sentative: Bill Mason, and Unit Representatives Olen
Medley, 95th; Dick Ostronik, 96th; Jerry Powell, 97th.
Dick Ostronik moved to close nominations and Judy Parli-
man made a motion to vote to accept all nominated ofcers
and was unanimous approval.
New Business:
2014 Reunion: Nancy Medley Manduano and Olen
Medley are hosting the 2014 Reunion in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
Tulsa highlights were presented to encourage attendance at
2014 Reunion: Broadway performing arts theatre, Gilcrease
Museum Second largest Western Art Collection, Home of
Five Civilized Tribes, Cowboys, Arabian Horses, Rodeos,
Oil Capital of the World Title until 1985, and Spartan
Aeronatics had frst pilot training for allied forces WWII.
Te dates are the 15th through 19th of October 2014. Te
famous Mayo Hotel has been secured for the lodging.
2015 Reunion: Steve Powell presented plans for the
2015 Reunion proposed to be held in Salt lake City, Utah,
the home of Hill AFB and hosted by Steve and Peggy Pow-
ell. Mary Buonaguidi asked to discuss dates for 2015 Re-
union. Date options were discussed and John Parliman
made a motion to schedule the 2015 Reunion in September
for warmer weather for travel. Motion was voted and ap-
proved unanimously for Salt Lake City in September.
Sylvia Ostronik is sending missing you notes to 82nd
members that are absent from the reunion. Please see table
at banquet to sign cards and send wishes. Tank you to
John and Judy Parliman for hosting this fabulous Reunion
in New Orleans. Tank you to Steve and Peggy Powell for
organizing and manning the hospitality room. Tank you to
Mary and Mark Buonaguidi for assisting the hospitality
room.
Tank you to Sylvia Ostronik for sending cards and
scheduling tours in New Orleans. Tank you to Dave Han-
ley for picking up several members at the
airport on their arrival to Boston. Dave funded several cab
rides from the airport when he didnt have room in his car.
Miscellaneous:
Bill Hattendorf is newsletter editor and requests
members to submit photos and stories for the two
newsletters per year.
Nancy Manduano thanked members for their WWII
stories. Continue to share your stories for everyone to hear.
Leonard Coleman suggested all stories be written down or
recorded and the Library Congress would be interested in
helping preserve the stories.
Leo Fisher suggests we invite other 95th, 96th, and
97th squadrons to the 82nd Fighter Group to keep the or-
ganization going.
Olen Medley thanked Judy and John Parliman for all
the hard work for hosting the 2013 Reunion in New Or-
leans.
Te meeting concluded at 10:35 after the motion to ad-
journ was made by Dick Ostronik and seconded by Olen
Medley.
Respectfully Submitted,
Nancy
82nd Fighter Group Association
Annual Meeting Minutes
New Orleans, Louisana
5 October 2013
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Treasurers Report
Annual Report: Te fnancial report of the year 1 July 2012 30 June 2013 is included on next page.
Dues Reminder: Check the upper right corner of your mailing label for your dues status. If there is a C, it
means you are current. If there is a D, it means you owe. Te amount following the D is the amount owed.
Original life members have no dues obligation. However, the membership voted years ago to request life mem-
bers to voluntarily continue paying annual dues to support the 82nd. Original/Family dues are $25. All others
are $20. Send your dues to Nancy Medley Manduano, Secretary, 1015 E. 19th, Tulsa, OK 74120.
New Ofcial Address of the 82nd: Judy and I have moved. Te new legal address of the 82nd FGA per the by-
laws, is 1270 W 75th St., Marathon, FL 33050.
New Orleans Reunion: Judy and I enjoyed hosting the reunion and appreciate all the assistance we got from so
many wonderful members. Dave Hanley volunteered to pick up attendees at the airport, Steve and Peggie Powell
did a great job on the hospitality room assisted by Nan Conver and Marc and Mary Buonaguidi. Sylvia Ostronik
coordinated the historic bus tour on Friday. She also coordinated the Missing You cards for those who couldnt
attend. Te staf at the National WWII Museum and the Canteen lunch and stage show were great. Te Victory
Belles brought tears and joyful memories of the music and spirit of WWII. Tough a storm threatened, 33
hearty souls took a river bayou boat tour prior to the banquet. Tanks to Nancy Medley Manduano for not
only coordinating that trip, but also for assuring the storm did not materialize and returning my truck in one
piece. Te impressive color guard at the banquet was from Vanderbilt Air Force ROTC. Len Coleman, 95th FS
Heritage member, led attendees in the pledge of Allegiance. Bill Hattendorf gave a thoughtful invocation. Dee
Fine reminded banquet attendees of the origin of Ben Masons long stem rose tradition and second generation
men at each table presented the roses to women attendees. And of course the New Orleans cuisine sampled
throughout the reunion was indescribably good. Again, thanks to all who helped make it a success. On the f-
nancial side of the reunion, we ran into an unexpected bill which turned what would have been a very modest
proft in line with the last few years into a $285.45 defcit. Essentially we broke even. As discussed in the annual
meeting, reunions are for having a good time and renewing our friendships and not for making a proft.
New Ofcers: For the frst time, all ofcers are second generation family members. Talking among us, I know
we are proud to honor our parents by keeping the 82nd FGA going.
Brick Program: We had 30 bricks purchased by 26 members.Te cutof date for the program was April 31,
2014. Te package with check was sent to the National WWII Museum on May 21st. All the bricks will be laid
together on a walk-way at the Museum. Leo Fisher donated bricks for the headers and footers that will border
those of our members. All those who donated will be sent a notifcation when the bricks are laid and the loca-
tion. I will try to get a photo for one of our next newsletters.
82nd Webmaster Needed: We need a member to immediately step forward to maintain and update the website.
Matt OToole, an Associate Member who designed the new site, will bring anyone interested up to speed and be
available as a resource. If you have (or know a member who has) software, web or blog skills, please contact me
asap. Tis is very important to the continuance of the 82nd and the preservation of its history. Please give this
very serious thought.
Respectfully Submitted,
John
John Netzer Parliman
95F Treasurer
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Financial Statement
1 July 2012 30 June 2013
Beginning Balance (all accounts): $ 13,761.58
Receipts:
Donations
Internet $ 369.00
Regular 769.00
Total 1,138.00
Dues Associate
Honorary/Heritage
Family
Sustaining
Reunions Proft 2012 $ 412.11
Receipts 2012 2,672.63
Total 3,084.74
Total Receipts $ 5,522.74
Payments:
Supplies $ 133.13
Postage 77.89
Newsletter 402.00
Bank Charges 17.00
Total Payments 630.02
Ending Fund Balance (all accounts above)): $11,088.95
Dedicated Fund Balances (as of 31 December 2013)
Memorial $ 4,999.00
Legal 1,000.00
Brick 2,500.00
82nd Fighter Group Association
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Te Mayo Hotel, Tulsa, Oklahoma 15 - 18 October 2014
Name_____________________________ Email _____________________________
Street _____________________________ City ______________________________
State ____________ Zip _____________ Phone _____________________________
Guests (#________) Names & Relationship ___________________________________
Staying at the Mayo? Yes/# (_____) No/# ( _____) Wheelchair needed? Yes ( )
Wednesday Registration Fee #_______@ $60
Will your party be there for supper on Weds. Yes/# ( )
Tursday: Air National Guard 138th Fighter Wing tour,
Tulsa Air and Space Museum tour, catered
Italian lunch on base and tour bus. #_______@ $43
Note: Personal vehicles NOT an option. Bus
must be taken to get on the base. You will
need a driver's License of other equivalent ID.
Friday: Oklahoma-themed Dinner Party #_______@ $25
Saturday: Banquet #_______@ $45
#Roasted Chicken (_____) #Beef Tenderloin (_____)
Dues: WWII and Family Members #_______@ $25
Heritage, Honorary and Associate Members #_______@ $20
Total Due/Paid: $____________
Mail form and check made out to the '82nd FGA REUNION' by 1 September to:
Mary Buonaguidi, Event Coordinator, 3405 Circulo Adorno, Carlsbad, CA 92009
82nd Fighter Group Association
2014 Reunion Registration Form
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Come to Tulsa for the Reunion
Stay for So Much Else To Do!
N
ancy Medley is rolling out the red carpet for
our members in Tulsa. Te Mayo is a beautiful
historic hotel in the heart of the city. Tey have
a shuttle that will take you any-
where within two miles of the
hotel. Tere is a trolley serving
major areas of the city that runs
Tursday and Friday that is
mentioned below in the
overview of optional activities.
Te Mayo puts on a tradi-
tional served breakfast at reason-
able prices and, for variety, there
are also many other breakfast
nooks within walking distance of
the hotel. Te Friday night
Oklahoma-themed bufet will
include pulled pork sliders, BBQ
chicken legs, brisket, blackened
shrimp and grits and cole slaw.
Te choices for the Saturday
night banquet are either roasted
chicken or beef tenderloin served
with caeser salad, chocolate lava
cake and beverage. Te tour of the 138th Air Wing will
include panel discussions on Afghanistan by the Air
Wing and on WWII experiences by some 82nd mem-
bers. It will include an on-base
catered Italian lunch. On the
way back to the hotel, we will
stop for about an hour at the
Tulsa Air and Space Museum.
Tis is a small, but well-planned
museum with a very nice WWII
section. We will gather in the
hotel lobby at 7:30 A.M. and be
back at the Mayo by 2:00 P.M.
Te Executive Committee
Meeting will be held after
breakfast Friday morning in a
yet-to-be-determined location.
Current and past ofcers and
unit representatives are re-
quested to attend.
Te Annual Meeting will be
held at 9:00 A.M. on Saturday.
Te Mayo Hotel in Tulsa.
W
e invite you to visit Tulsa, a town enriched
by its oil history. Tulsa boasts internationally
renowned cultural attractions such as Gil-
crease and Philbrook Museums and magnifcent art
deco treasures as seen in many downtown buildings
and Frank Lloyd Wright structures. Te leg-
endary Route 66 Hwy passes through Tulsa.
Tulsa is home to the concert and sporting
event giant, BOK Center designed by the fa-
mous Argentine architect, Cesar Pelli. Cains
Whats Happening?
Come to Tulsa for the Reunion
Stay for So Much Else To Do!
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Horseshow October 17-25 Tis U.S. national
Horseshow is held annually at
Tulsas Expo Square and is the
most prestigious horseshow in
North America. Multiple rid-
ing events, vendors and elabo-
rate barn decorations and view
animals up close.
4. Te Joint at Hard Rock Casino Tulsa is just
minutes from downtown Tulsa. 18 hole public golf
course and includes 9 dining estab-
lishments. Te Joint Venue ofers
top notch entertainments such as
Diana Ross, Ringo Star, Bill Cosby
and Merle Haggard to name a few.
For current schedule see: hardrockcasinoTulsa.com.
5. Tulsa Art Deco Museum Philcade Building
Lobby 5th and S. Boston Ave
Mon-Fri 8:00 A.M.- 6:00 P.M.
and Sat. 11:00-6:00 P.M. Te
museum is housed in the breath
taking lobby of the Philcade
Building in the heart of down-
town Tulsas Deco District.
6. Tulsa Oktoberfest 16-19 October Located
at 21st and Jackson Avenue. Visitors will enjoy:
German, Czech and
Austrian food and
culture, live music
straight from Germany,
and imported German beer. Other festivities include
polka dancing and rows of booths flled with arts and
crafts, authentic markets to fnd Bavarian treasures,
rock-n-roll bands, dance troupes and country artists
preform in various tents.
7. Guthrie Green 111 E. Brady Street A down-
town open air park
and entertainment
venue. Concerts,
ftness classes, Yoga
and Zumba, food
truck Wednesdays,
movies in the park on 16 Oct,
8:30 P.M. Stand By Me, full
bar and Luckys Restaurant on
the green guthriegreen.com
8. Woody Guthrie
Center across the street
from Guthrie Green at
Ballroom is a historic concert venue known as the
home of western swing and Bob Wills and his Texas
Playboys. Both venues are in the top 10 ticket sales in
the nation. Te city is a cultural gem for its size ofer-
ing Tulsa Ballet, Tulsa Opera, Tulsa Symphony Orches-
tra, and many other Teatre going opportunities.
Tulsa has many unique districts within downtown
hosting nightlife, upscale dining, and live entertain-
ment. Also, many galleries, theaters, antique shops,
bars and dance clubs which have invigorated the down-
town scene. Te
Downtown Trolley
cruises through these
districts Friday and
Saturday nights from
5:30 P.M. till 1:30
A.M. at no charge. It
will arrive at the
Mayo Hotel twice an
hour and maps of the areas with listings of restaurants
and bars are available. Tursday afternoon and all day
Friday is reserved for our guests to explore on their
own some of the Tulsa highlights that are listed below:
1. Gilcrease Museum 1400 North Gilcrease
Museum Road. Minutes
from downtown is home
to one of the nations
largest and most compre-
hensive collections of fne
art and artifacts of the
American West and Native
American Art, historical
manuscripts, maps and documents of the Americas.
Te Western collection includes one of the largest col-
lections of Frederic Remington. Hours 105 Tues-Sun.
Seniors $6.00. Lunch 112 Daily. Sunday Brunch
Tursday night Jazz Concert
2. Philbrook Museum of Art 2727 S. Rock-
ford Road Philbrook hosts nine collections of rare art
from all over the
world from 18th cen-
tury. Te gardens are
inspired by gardens at
Villa Lante in North-
ern Italy. Restaurant
on site with Lunch
and Sunday Brunch.
Tues-Sun 10:00-5:00p.m. Seniors $7.00
3. Arabian Half-Arabian Championship
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102 E. Brady Street Tis center gives insight into the
life of one of Americas greatest Folk singers born in
Ok. Photos, movies and documentaries highlight
Guthries views on human rights and democracy. Short
movies a must see. Currently Bruce Springsteen photo
exhibit. 10:00-6:00 Tues-Sat Seniors $6.00
9. Philbrook Downtown 116 E. Brady St. A
satellite location of Philbrook Museum of Art but lo-
cated in a historic
brick warehouse.
Exhibits include
Native American
art and some con-
temporary along
with Georgia
OKeefe. Hours 12-7:00 P.M. Wed-Sat. Seniors $5.00
10. Jenks Historic
Downtown is named
the Antique Capital of
Oklahoma. Located on
Main Street with build-
ings retaining old origi-
nal charm built in early
1900s. Many antique shops, boutiques & restaurants.
11. Oklahoma Aquarium 300 Aquarium Drive,
Jenks, OK. Located only blocks from Jenks Historic
Downtown.
Open year
around.
10:00 A.M. -
6:00 P.M.
Seniors
$13.95
18 October. Special Behind the Scenes Tour Available.
12. Utica Square Shopping SE corner of Utica
and 21 Street With more than 60 stores in elegant
outdoor village setting provides specialty shops and
restaurants such as Polo Grill ofering a great atmos-
phere and food. Queenies for casual homemade lunch.
13. Lyons Indian Store
111 S. Detroit Located down-
town for 90 years featuring
silver and turquoise jewelry,
Pendleton blankets, crafts and
gifts along with Native
American Art. Monday -
Friday 10:00-5:30, and
Saturday 10:00-4:30.
Schedule of Events
Tulsa Reunion
Wednesday 15 October 3-11 P.M.
Registration*, hospitality and memorabilia
in the hospitality room.
Free time in Tulsa.
Suggested optional activities at left.
Tursday 16 October 7:30 A.M. - Noon*
Tour of Air National Guard 138th Fighter
Wing with a catered Italian lunch on base.*
Free time in Tulsa.
Suggested optional activities at left.
Friday 17 October 6:00 - 9:00 P.M.*
Executive Committee Meeting at 10AM.
Free time in Tulsa.
Suggested optional activities at left.
Reception with an Oklahoma-themed bufet.*
Saturday 18 October 6:00 - 11:00 P.M.*
Annual Meeting 9:00 - 10:30 P.M.
Free time in Tulsa.
Suggested optional activities at left.
Reception in the Penthouse followed by
the banquet.*
Sunday 19 October 9:00 A.M. - Noon*
*Hospitality room open
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82
nd
Fighter Group Reunion
Tulsa, Oklahoma
October 15 - 19, 2014

Host Hotel: The Mayo Hotel
115 West 5th Street, Tulsa, OK 74103

To make reservations call: 918-582-6296
Be sure to ask for the 82
nd
Fighter discounted group rate of $129.00. This discounted
rate is available (3) days before and after (based upon hotel availability).
Deadline for making reservations is September 24, 2014. Please make reservations
before this date to ensure the discounted rate and availability.

Parking:
Self parking is available at nearby lots: rates vary
Overnight Valet: $20.00 per night

Transportation:
Airport: Complimentary Hotel Shuttle; call 918-582-6296 for pickup
Local (up to 2 mile radius): Complimentary Hotel Shuttle

Information about the Hotel

The Mayo Hotel in Tulsa, Oklahoma, is conveniently located in the heart of downtown
and surrounded by Tulsas best in shopping, dining, concert Venues and entertainment
districts.
The Mayo Hotel opened in 1925 and instantly became the social hub of high society.
The Mayo played host to notable guests throughout the 20th century, including
President John F. Kennedy, Bob Hope, Charles Lindbergh, Babe Ruth and Charlie
Chaplin. Tulsa is known as the cultural and arts capital of Oklahoma, and boasts art
renowned galleries and museums, ballet and opera and features one of the nations
largest collections of Art Deco Architecture. The Mayo is within walking distance of
the Tulsa Performing Arts Center, Cains Ballroom, The Brady Arts District, Cox
Business Center and more.
The Mayo Hotel is just nine miles from Tulsa International Airport, making it a
convenient location for every type of traveler.



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We received thank you notes for
the National WWII Museum Com-
memorative Brick Program from
Luella Demers, Linda Ellison, Joan
Farnham, Nona Isaacson, Katie
Kroeger, Fern Morgan, JoAnn Norris,
Debbie Rudy, Mike and Lisa Tinker.
It was so nice to hear from you all.
Susan Tompson, daughter of Paul
Van Oordt, 96th, wrote, 'Tere is
nothing in the world that would please
me more, along with the rest of my
family, to honor him in this way.'
In a phone conversation about the
commemorative bricks, Lisa Tinker,
daughter of Edward E Tinker 97th,
told John Prliman that their family is
Native American (Osage) from North-
ern Oklahoma near Tulsa and that Tin-
ker AFB was named after her great
uncle. What a nice note of heritage and
connection leading into our Tulsa re-
union.
Bill Mason related that his son safely
returned from a tour in Afghanistan.
We are happy for Bill and his family.
Fran and John Kane sent a smoke
signal that they had made it through
Keeping in Touch Notes from Our Members
that awful New Hampshire winter
and that they are now enjoying spring.
Bill Hattendorf facebooked that he
and Dee Fine visited their dad, Will
Hattendorf, for a combo 98th birth-
day and Kentucky Derby party in May.
Hank Phillips tells us he has gotten
into Geocaching. Marlene has put a
tracking device on him to assure he re-
turns. Tey both blame the new tech
addiction on son, Dennis.
Te Parlimans spent a great, but all
too few, days the end of May with
Todd and Lorraine Felton in Del Rio.
Ex-president Leo Fisher says he and
Edie are enjoying themselves in Tucson
and visiting family in California.
What's New?
To 97th Members and their families:
Major Adam Barrett, historian for the
97th Fighter Training Squadron at
Shepard AFB, would very much like to
have 97th memorabilia for their her-
itage room/ready room. Tey already
duplicated some photos from their a
copy of Adorimini and want more
items to enrich their heritage plan.
Major Barrett assures me anything they
receive will be given a place of honor.
Major Barrett can be reached by phone
at 803-381-6776 or through his email
at barrettusaf@hotmail.com. Adam
would also like us to know that we are
welcome to attend the 97th Fighter
Group Reunion in Wichita Falls, TX
October 23-24. We have invited the
97th to attend ours also. Looks like the
timing is too close for much cross-fer-
tilization this year, but the ofer is out
there. I know the 95th always in-
cluded family in their reunions. Te
97th may also. So if you are a 97th
family member and are interested
in attending their reunion, give
Adam a call.
Items needed for the auction at the re-
union. Since around 2010 we have
been doing auctions to raise money for
the memorial fund. It started with a P-
38 charm donated by Kathy Rockey
and members have been donating
items ever since. Tis has become Judy
Parliman's project and she is looking
for donations for this year's reunion
auction. We found last year, with a
poster donated by Hank Phillips, that
items from past reunions are also a hit.
So please consider bringing an item to
the reunion for this year's auction.
Te 2016 Reunion in ?????: Peggie and
Steve Powell have chosen the hotel for
the 2015 reunion they are hosting in
Salt Lake City and will have more to
report at the annual meeting. But what
about 2016? We have a great support
team in place from those who have
done past reunions to assist you. So
please give this some thought and con-
sider volunteering to host the 2016 re-
union at the annual meeting in Tulsa.
Pictures of Nose Art 'Hell's Angels'
from Frank Hurlbut's P-38 have been
requested by Dale DeBry of the P-38
National Assn. If you have any, please
contact Dale at 661-886-1946 or dde-
bry@p38assn.org.
Folded Wings / Fly-By of Honor
Beatrice 'Bee' Tinker, 97 Spouse February 2012
Frank Hurlbut, 96 11 November 2013
Bob Craig Wright, 97 March 2013
Paul Van Oordt, 96 January 2014
Phyllis Hendrix, 95 Spouse February 2014
Don Foley 97 June 30, 2014
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B
efore Typhoon Yolanda laid waste to Leyte,
Samar and other Visayan islands in the Philip-
pine archipelago, Dave Hanley and Charley
Pinson paid a visit there. For those who did
not hear of Dave's grand plans, here is a summary:
Te original idea was to frst do Dave's bucket tour
of Vietnam then swing through the Philippines on the
way home. Reason for the Philippine visit was to stop
in Leyte and pay our respects at Leyte Landing. Tis
marks the anniversary of MacArthur's return to the PI.
Ceremonies actually start on Signal Day, 18 October
(we missed that one) and continue through 20 Octo-
ber, the day Douglas M waded ashore.
Many people opposed a return tho the Philippines,
insisting it could be bypassed. Fortunately, MacArthur
carried the day or the history we would have gotten
would be a lot worse than the history we have had.
I digress. A really grand tour was planned but the
best laid plans of mice, men and Descending Genera-
tions gang aft agley. Expense of course was one reason.
Another was that things would have had to start two
days after New Orleans. Relectantly Vietnam was can-
celed and the Philippines was about to be postponed
for a year. Ten a name popped up on facebook and
sure enough it was a Filipina Dave had met in Vietnam
and who Dave and Cora had not seen in 36 years.
With Ching there, it was Hi Ho, of to PI we go.
Upon arrival in Manila, Cora went to visit with
family and on the 19th Dave and Charley boarded a
plane to Tacloban making an IFR approach into a
provincial airport. Staf at the hotel assured us that
things would start at 0430 morning of the 20th.
Wakeup call came at 0400.
We then got lucky and encountered gentlemen
of the Filipino Veterans Legion on their way to Red
Beach. Tey had two vacant seats in their vehicles
so we got a ride to the exact spot for the Sunrise
Ceremony.
Sunrise Ceremony takes place in downtown Palo
around the monument to the Filipino Unknowns.
Tere is the honor Guard, laying of the Wreaths, Taps
(Filipino version), speeches and prayers. If you have
ever read MacArthurs speech as an American after the
war, you rpobably thought it corny as can be. Hear it
under a tropical rain, in the dark, where it was actually
made and you will know for sure that it was inspired!
When things ended, we had come to the attention
of the FVL's Sons and Daughters association. Head
Host and Hostess insisted on our joining them for
photo ops. Ten the Sons, being fne soldiers and
Christian gentlemen, remembered various errands and
made themselves scarce. Tis meant the Daughtrers
had custody of the two of us and were a constant
source of TLC for the rest of the day and night.
Tere was a light breakfast at the Ministry of Edu-
cation meeting hall and ample time to get to know
many of our new friends. A short walk got us to the
MacArthur Memorial Park where there was a very
lengthy wait for the main ceremony. Tere was a mass
and recorded music to help pass the time. Since Todd
Felton was not there I made it a point to stand for the
Marines Hymn the frst time. Not the next 16 or so.
Finally all the Ambassadors, Attaches, Dignitaries
and politicos made their arrivals. Te fags were
hoisted, volleys fred (heavy artillery this time) and of
course more speeches.
Ten came the Governor's luncheon at a nearby
hotel. We took tricycles to get there. Tose are small
motorbikes with an undersized sidecar. Mine seemed
to move more slowly than the others. Don't guess they
were built with 275 lbs in mind.
Luncheon was followed by a dance troupe that
Charley said had world class talent. And no those girls
are NOT twerking. Tey are imitating little ducks
and the hands behind the hips represent the duck's tail.
Our ranking Sons and Daughters Institute (SADI)
lady had both Governor and Vice-Governor come over
to our table and somehow or other Charley got buddy-
buddy with the Australian Ambassador. We then
borrowed a SUV and got a tour of Tacloban plus
crossed the San Juanico straits and bridge for a look at
Samar. Since the water is so placid, Charley made the
not-uncommon mistake of thinking it a lake instead
of the ocean that it is.
Our drive through town took quite a while, since
every high school band, etc., that had not made the
main ceremony was parading through the streets.
Te Churches and Shrines were jam-packed and a g
eneral atmosphere of joyful thanksgiving prevailed.
Tis illustrates how much the promised return
still means to the people there.
Tere was then snacking and socializing. I got to be
From Dave Hanley about a trip he and Charlie Pinson took to the Phillipines:
Te 82nd On Leyte
- 17 -
the center of attention among
diferent groups of women who
quizzed me about various and
sundry topics including the US
political situation. And I was in-
troduced to all their children and
their children's friends as well. When
the kids asked of me Is Dave the Son of a
Vet? they were told that He is the Son of Two
Vets and a Vet himself. Gave me street creds. During
this time Charley was making post-landing plans for
meeting with various and sundry ofcials in Manila.
It was then time for the Sunset Ceremony which
was held back at the Memorial. Both active duty and
reserve Filipino ofcers addressed the crowd about up-
coming challenges both foreign and dometic and then
Charley was called upon for a speech. He stumbled
through a (fortunately) short presentation. But he did
manage to make the comparison between the way Fil-
ipinos had to cope with unexpected and murderous
circumstances and how wet-behing-the-ears Americans
had to learn such arcane subjects as what to do with
P38s. (not bad Charley. I was on tap as a backup
speaker in case one person did not make it but was not
called upon. Darn it! I had a slick presentation fgured
out and it went for naught!
While the Sunrise Ceremony had concluded with
laying white roses on that monument, the Sunset
Ceremony ended with our lighting candles on mina-
ture rafts and setting those rafts afoat in the pool that
contains the oversized statutes of MacArthur and Staf
wading ashore.
Finally some freworks and then the SADI had a
fellowship back in the same Ministry of Education
Hall. Bufet dinner, band, songtress, dancing of various
sorts and so forth and so on. End of the evening found
us back at our hotel with two families for a midnight
snack. Having risen at 0400 on 20 October, we fnally
retired at 0200 on 21October.
Next day we held a planning session with two of
the ladies. Seems that Charley was to meet with that
Aussie Ambassador, along with one retired General and
other ofcials and the gals were to come up to Manila
next day to start the introductions come Wednesday.
We few back on the 21st, tour guides road bus up
on 22. Cora and I went along on Wednesday when all
the people we were supposed to meet went unavailable
for one reason or the other. Ten dental appointments
and family gatherings and reunions with old friends
including Ching took over and
we barely met with each other
until Saturday before their return
to Leyte by boat on Sunday.
Charley and I went sightseeing
for a few days and Charley went to
Cora's big family dinner with us
charmed everybody there and then
Charley departed 31 October while Cora and I
stayed for just one more week.
(Forgot to mention one detail. Not being wealthy
in fact far from it the girls decided to save some
money by paying the extra person fee for Charley's
tw0bedded hotel room. Cora went sort of crazy about
such arrangements. Said she was worried for Charley.
To allay her fears I gallantly volunteer3d to take his
place with our two friends. Said ofer was rather sum-
marily rejected.)
Headed home I was of the frm opinion that this
visit was a case of 48 of, 48 to target and 48 down.
It had been that good.
Ten came news of that typhoon. Every town we
had been in, Tacloban, Palo, Tunauan, looked like
Hiroshima without the radiation. Overland route im-
passable, port inoperable and the Tacloban Airport had
no terminal, no tower, no radio, no radar, no light.
Nothing but the asphalt on the runway. And that
runway was littered. Finally USMC got in with a pair
of C130s and opened things up a bit. (C130? Tank
you Kelly Johnson.) Once civilian jets could land, Is-
rael rushed in a feld hospital. Tings were parlous for
days with the most critical need being safe drinking
water. Public water supply was down and all wells
contaminated. But the resilency of the Filipinos kept
them holding on until the George Washington and
escort vessels got there. Now the rebuild has started.
As to our friends, I have confrmed that three are
alive and uninjured along with their children and
grandchildren. Tey are semi-homeless as houses
damaged and/or fooded but they are pulling through.
Under said circumstances, how many of you think
the 82nd should be represented at the 2014 Leyte
Landing? Well C. Pinson and D. Hanley are planning
to be there (Vietnam has to wait longer.) Any other
volunteers will be most welcome. Hope some of you
do make it. See me for details.
By the way . Considering how everything went
down, both Adorimini and Divine Guidance seem
appropriate terms, do they not!
Some sort of
logo or image
here
- 18 -
During 82nd Reunion, Visit the Golden Driller
82nd Fighter Group Association
Bill Hattendorf, Newsletter Editor
7 Houghton Point South
North Swanzey, New Hampshire 03431
O
nce heavily dependent on the oil industry and dubbed the Oil
Capital of the World, Tulsa is now home to world-renowned art
museums, full-time professional opera and ballet companies, and
one of the nation's largest concentrations of art deco architecture. Tulsas
Philbrook Museum is one of the top 50 fne art museums in the United
States. With remnants and artifacts of the Holocaust, the Sherwin Miller
Museum of Jewish Art preserves the largest collection of Judaica.
Te Golden Driller commemorates the citys standing as the oil capital
of the world. At 76-feet tall and weighing 22 tons, he is the third tallest
free-standing statue in the United States. (Te Golden Driller is surpassed
only by the Statue of Liberty and Our Lady of the Rockies. Hes taller than
Tribute to Courage, the statue of Sam Houston in Huntsville, Texas.)
Originally built in 1953 by the Mid-Continent Supply Company for
the Intl Petroleum Exposition and then erected again for the 1959 expo,
the statue was so popular that the company ultimately donated it to Tulsa.
It was permanently installed at the Tulsa Expo Center in 1966. In 1979, it
was named the state monument by the Oklahoma Legislature.
Te sturdy iron and concrete man rests his hand on a real oil derrick
that was moved from a depleted oil feld in Seminole, Oklahoma; and an
inscription at the base of the statue reads: "Te Golden Driller, a symbol
of the International Petroleum Exposition. Dedicated to the men of the
petroleum industry who by their vision and daring have created from
God's abundance a better life for mankind."