The official publication of the
7th Bomb Wing B-36 Association

XXVI NO. 2     JUNE 2005

Email address: b36asn7bw@aol.com Web site: www.7bwb-36assn.org

PREZ SEZ
(FRED WENDT)

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you for your confidence in my ability to serve as president of our Association. Someone asked why I would commute so far to be president of a dying organization. I have five good reasons to want to serve:

1. Our organization is not dying. We have a plan for orderly dissolution in 2010, after two more reunions. Our assets at that time will be transferred to an organization whose purpose shall include the restoration and preservation of historic military flight artifacts and mementos. We are not just going to fade away. We will be remembered.
2. It gives me the opportunity to associate with some truly remarkable men. Some began their service career before I entered high school….men of the Greatest Generation whose exploits began before the B-36 era. I hope to continue learning from them.
3. My commute is a pleasure because I do not travel the interstate highway. I enjoy the beautiful scenery in the Texas hill country and small towns between San Antonio and Fort Worth.
4. I am proud to represent my generation to make sure future reunions are every bit as enjoyable as those we have had in the past. We had many favorable comments about the 2005 reunion, and what few suggestions for improvement we received will be implemented. Additionally, we will seriously consider inviting B-36ers from other units to participate in our 2007 reunion without impairing our own camaraderie.
5. Thank you again for your confidence in me. If God is willing and the creeks don't rise between here and Fort Worth, I will not let you down.

REUNION 2005

    The next page has a list of all members and spouses who attended the reunion, (except for a few late cancellations and late arrivals). There were a bunch of guests also; kids, friends, in-laws, etc., and if I can find their names I will add them, too. But at my age who knows what will happen?  (NOTE: List omitted for website)

I CAN KEEP A SECRET BUT THOSE I TELL IT TOO CAN'T.

Our bank statement shows that we are still in good shape We still have 2 SCANNERs and a new Directory to put out in 2005 and more in following years but we can handle that and never a doubt that we will make it to 2010, at which time we hope to be broke because we spent all our bucks on REUNION 2007 and 2009.

WHO'S WHO

(BOARD, OFFICERS, AND APPOINTEES FOR 2005-2007)

BOARD OF DIRECTORS
2005 to 2007

BOARD OF OFFICERS
2005 to 2007

APPOINTED OFFICERS

I ASSUME FULL RESPONSIBILITY FOR MY ACTIONS
EXCEPT FOR THE ONES THAT ARE SOMEBODY ELSE'S FAULT

REUNIONS

    Reunions don't just happen. They are caused. Our last reunion, during which I saw more happy faces and friendly meetings than at any I remember, started off when our President, EARL PARKER, gave out a list of jobs. Needless to say, his selections, based on results, were outstanding.

    Attendance Records were developed and kept current by BEN WHITAKER. They were used by almost all planners and kept the show on the road.

    Registration Records were kept by DICK GEORGE and they were used by everybody. Without them there would have been mass confusion.

    Registration Desk Manning was selected by GLENN LOVEALL. In addition. He stuffed a lot of envelopes. You can tell he's good at stuffing things by just looking at him.

    Registration Honeys: What a welcoming committee!! GLENN'S selections, BETTY SAVAGE, DONNA KLIMENT, OLDA BOTHWELL, PAN HUNTER, MADIE PARKER, MYRA ZIMMERMAN, TRINKA NEAL, ANN GODDARD, MICHELE ARTHUR, RUTHIE STEGER, ALENE REDWINE, JEANNE KEISH, LILLIAN SCHAPPELL and BETTY SURRETT left nothing to be desired including good looks, friendly smiles and happy hellos.

    Late Registration was successfully accomplished by DOUG and SHIRLEY WOOD. Even late comers got a smile from them.

    Finance was kept under control by DOUG WOOD. What with late registrations, cancellations and body counts for all events he managed to keep the hotel happy and made a small profit on the event. And he didn't even look tired or excited and took it all in stride.

    Banquet Seating and Reservations was under the control of WARREN ARTHUR. And what a great job he did! There wasn't one complaint or misplaced seating in the whole crowd. Either he's getting real good at his job or you attendees are paying attention.

    Ladies Lunch went off like a charm and MADIE PARKER is the one who pulled it off. Not only was it fun, so I've been told, but the food was great.

    Men's Lunch also went off without a hitch. The movies provided by DON PYEATT were a big hit and it was a new film for almost all in the room. The food was good here, too (It was the same menu as the Ladies).

    Memorial Service once again gave reverent respect to our fallen friends and we thank BILL MINELLI for making it happen.

    Memory Room was a big hit, thanks to FRANK KLEINWECHTER, DON PYEATT and SCOTT DEAVER. I would be remiss if I didn't mention that the free coffee and donuts were the result of efforts by DICK GEORGE.

    Last but not least, our Master of Ceremonies, FRED WENDT, kept all programs going at full speed and didn't take too long to tell us what had to be said. Not only that but he was on top of all events to see that all was well and stayed that way.

MOVERS AND SHAKERS:

(They made things work! GLENN LOVEALL's picture isn't here. He took the pictures. Also missing is BEN WHITAKER who was busy on the computer.)

IF YOU CAN SMILE WHEN THINGS GO WRONG
YOU HAVE SOMEONE IN MIND TO BLAME

SEC SEZ
(DICK GEORGE)

Each time I write this blurb for the Scanner I get more depressed by the lack of response to a call to members for dues payment. Those who attend the biennial reunions are well aware of the need for money necessary to conduct them. Several years ago we took the approach that cutting out some of the freebies and meal subsidies we could still put on a fine conclave and even cut the dues in half. Most of you spend more on tips than our $5 dues bill. Yet, the remitters continue to drop.

    There are 1212 names in the current computer file. Some have never joined but Article II, para 2 of our bylaws require a name be carried on our registry if there is (or was) a known address. I am sure there are some listed for whom the address is incorrect. Yet, unless each of you serves as proofreaders and text correctors, I have no idea what is wrong. Please help me out with the corrections to individual data if you see or know of and error. Some should probably be listed in the Last Fight section.

    To give you an example of how our numbers are depleting, there are 1212 names on file that end up in the Directory. Of these, 540 last paid (or never paid) dues before 2004, 90 who last paid in 2004 and 584 are presently paid up members of whom 347 are Life Members. This is a sad commentary on the valiant guys and gals who originally joined in the spirit of camaraderie twenty-five years ago when our association was started. It only costs $5 to keep up and lend your strength to a great organization. I humbly request if there is a 2004 in the upper left corner of your address label, please send five or ten dollars and get reinstated. Remember, we intend to phase out in 2010 according to our bylaws and we need to keep 'um flying until then.

SAVING B-36J 52-2827
(The Beat Goes On)

    The National Museum of the USAF is about to pull the rug from under the efforts of the B-36 Peacemaker Museum, Inc (BPM) to settle the questions of where and how to find a home for B-36 52-2827. After "studying" a BPM proposal to locate the airplane adjacent to the terminal building at Meacham International Airport, the NMUSAF came to several conclusions. They declared the BPM was not eligible to receive items on loan from the NMUSAF because BPM does "not have a demonstrated record of professional performance, institutional viability and resources sufficient to insure the security and conservation of federal historic property." Director MGen. Charles Metcalf of the NMUSAF, has indicated the aircraft will be removed from Fort Worth and assigned to the Pima Air and Space Museum, Tucson, AZ. The suggested date is the first week of July.

BGen William Guy, President of BPM pointed out the dedication of the organization and its members is evident to anyone and notes their care and preservation of City of Ft. Worth attests to their love for both the airplane and the city by insuring future generations might see one of the greatest bombers ever built.

    Those of you who attended the 2003 Reunion may recall that Mike Moncrief was vying with another party for the office of Mayor and he proceeded to give us a speech in which he stated he would see to it that the B-36 remained in Fort Worth. Since his election he has given little other than lip service to constructing a museum. When the potential move was announced, Mayor Moncrief whimpered, "It is probably best for the airplane that it goes to Tucson."

    Numerous letters, faxes and e-mails have been sent to the Mayor and other council members trying to get them to seek a withdrawal of the movement order. Mr. Jay Miller, former Director of Paul Allen's Vulcan Warbirds, American Airlines C. R.Smith Museum, UT History of Aviation Collection, etal, stated to Mayor Moncrief, "To have capitulated so irresponsibly and thoughtlessly to the whim of one man, Maj. Gen. Charles Metcalf, is an insult not just to our present city government, but to all who live within the confines of Fort Worth's city limits."

    MGen Metcalf has placed such exaggerated requirements on BPM for retention of the airplane that without strong support from the City of Fort Worth it will be impossible to hold the airplane from the Tucson group. Nonetheless, the fight will continue until the plane rolls down the road.

I CAN REMEMBER WHEN IT ONLY TOOK 2 GRUNTS TO GET OFF THE COUCH

FROM YOUR CHAPLAIN'S DESK
(BILL MINELLI)

    It was so nice to see the response to the memorial service. At our age we should always attend as many functions as our health allows. This will keep us young at heart.

    GOD has been good to us all and we pray that he will give us health so we can attend our next reunion.

    Let us thank GOD for keeping us safe from terrorist attacks and I feel that the job our service men and women are doing in Iraq has helped to deter them doing anything for fear of consequences.

    May GOD bless you and your families and keep you safe and healthy. I will pray for each of you daily for your well being.

    GOD bless. CHAPLAIN BILL

COL EDWARD C BARRETT

MGN ROY C CROMPTON

CMS VICTOR D LAMPY

COL WILLIAM H MARKOS

MAJ ARTHUR W MERRITT

MAJ LELAND H NEVILLE

SMS WILLIAM E NOEL

TSG EUGENE PARSONS

LTC PAUL R PASKVAN JR

LTC THOMAS J TAYLOR

BETTY widow of MSG HOWARD (MAX) BLAIR

LELA, wife of SMS AUSTIN McININCH

MARJORIG widow of SMS WILLIAM E NOEL

MARY wife of TSG EUGENE PARSONS

JO widow of GEN JOHN D RYAN

VEDA widow of LTC PAUL "BUGS" WARNER

EDY widow of COL CLAUDE McCUTCHEON

REUNION: A GATHERING WHERE YOU NOTE THAT
MOST PEOPLE YOUR AGE ARE OLDER THAN YOU ARE