Warbird Information Exchange

Dear WIXers,

It is with some mixed level of excitement and sadness that Historic Wendover Airfield will be hosting the final reunion of the 509th Composite Group.

The date is September 25-26 in Wendover, Utah - arguably the "home" of the 509th CG.

We are anticipating a number of veterans will be in attendence, althought that number will very small, and there will be several events that weekend which will be open to the public. One of them will be that the airfield and several of the more than 80 original buildings will be open for tours - and I am anticipating that the Arizona Ground Crew will be on hand with a spectacular set up in the original enlisted barracks. We are working on a few special aircraft to be in attendence but nothing is solid at the moment and I will post more as it becomes available.

If you are interested or have any questions post here or shoot me a PM and I am happy to let you know what is going on to honor these great veterans for the last time as a group. The museum webpage is http://www.wendoverairbase.com and you can find us on facebook as well.

Thanks,

Tom P.
Historic Wendover Airfield

We wouldn't miss this event for ANYTHING! We would and are honored to participate, thanks for having us.


Scott

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Scott Dunkirk
AZGCLHU Inc.

http://arizonagroundcrew.org/

1940's Army Air Force ground crew living history
(A 501 C 3 organization)
(IYAMYAS)

"Yes sir, it's suppose to look like that"

What he said

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Lest Hero-worship raise it's head and cloud our vision, remember that World War II was fought and won by the same sort of twenty-something punks we wouldn't let our daughters date.

It's sad that we're seeing so many "last" reunions, but the fact that we still have a fair amount of active individuals 70 plus years down the road is an absolute treasure that we should cherish.

There was a tribute to the mixed Canadian / American "Devils Brigade" at the World War II memorial. Out of the brigade strength of 1800 men, only 50 individuals are still with us, less than 3%. I imagine those kinds of numbers are consistent across various other units.

It is sad, I remember talking to HUNDREDS of vets at an event and now you are lucky to get 200.

Scott

_________________
Scott Dunkirk
AZGCLHU Inc.

http://arizonagroundcrew.org/

1940's Army Air Force ground crew living history
(A 501 C 3 organization)
(IYAMYAS)

"Yes sir, it's suppose to look like that"

Its true - the last reunion the 509Th held here in Wendover (2001) We had "Didi" Moorman, Dora Dourgthy, 'Dutch' Van kirk, Don Albury, George Marquardt (names I remember) plus a large group from the 393rd BS, 390th Air Service Squadron, 216th Base Unit, and the MP squadron! Now there are very few - God Bless everyone of them -

BUT - this will a be a good farewell!

Tom P.

The 17th Airborne Dvision had their final reunion last year, I think.
I'm a life member of the 91st BG association and expect to hear of their final reunion soon, sadly.

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Life member, 91st BG Memorial Association
Owner, 1944 Willys MB #366014
Former REMF (US Army, O3)

Triangle P - we are excited to be able to display the window!

As for the 509th reunion, I have been able to confirm retired 4 Star General Bruce Carlson as a speaker, he was in command of the 8th AF and Global Strike Command, and will have the Utah CAF wing bringing their planes out for the event! I plan on adding a few more soon to the list.

Thanks,

Tom P.

Good afternoon and welcome to June.

We have been able to confirm the Utah CAF will be attending with their Stearman and T-6. Also will have two P-51Ds on the ramp. I am hoping to add a few more before to long.

Scott - do you want to add any photos of your group set up in the barracks here? <big grin>

Tom P.

Like this ?

_________________
Scott Dunkirk
AZGCLHU Inc.

http://arizonagroundcrew.org/

1940's Army Air Force ground crew living history
(A 501 C 3 organization)
(IYAMYAS)

"Yes sir, it's suppose to look like that"

Awesome Scott!

Tom