At the Friday afternoon business meeting, Col (ret) Wolfgang Samuel talked about his life in wartime Germany, subsequent immigration to the United States, and career in the Air Force. Ltc (ret) Ken Kelly gave a talk on the deactivation of the 67 RTS in 1970-1971 and the integration of the people and mission into the 548 RTG. Jeff Seehase briefed on current unclassified imagery satellites. Following the briefings, the members present held an election for officers, it was unanimously decided to keep the present officers, Denver Cook, President, Maureen DeNunzio, Vice-President, Bill Forsyth, Secretary/Treasurer, and Jim Spencer, Historian.
Bill Forsyth provided a brief financial statement, initial indications were that we would break even on the reunion cost. In 2018 we collected $520 in dues, compared to $680 in 2017, dues are strictly voluntary, but very much appreciated. After all the bills were in we actually came out $248 in the black thanks to a generous donation from Larry Benson for the memorial bench. As of the end of the reunion we have $4,747.79 in the association bank account, this includes $575 in funds from the former 67 RTS Association provided by Pete Durnell (past treasurer of the 67th RTS)..
Next we voted if those present should decide the site of our next reunion in 2020, the group voted to make the decision at this reunion. Two locations were nominated, New Orleans and Cocoa Beach Florida, several members provided input on the pros and cons of the two locations, with Cape Kennedy, cruises afterward, support from Patrick AFB, and close by Disney World and other attractions being pros for Cocoa Beach, and the World War Two Museum and activities in New Orleans being it’s high points there. A vote the was taken, with New Orleans wining. This led to further discussion about the dates, it was decided Spring or Fall would be best season for driving conditions for travel. Then the possible increased cost of New Orleans hotels was then raised as an issue and it was decided to leave open the possibility of Cocoa Beach. Ken Kelly suggested Embassy Suites in New Orleans, just a few blocks from the World War II Museum and other New Orleans attractions as the venue there. Do we have anyone out there who is familiar with reunion friendly hotels in Cocoa Beach or other New Orleans hotels that we can compare prices on? If you have any suggestion, please send the information in an email to me @ [email protected]. Also, if you are in either of these areas and would be willing to help set up the reunion, email me, we need boots on the ground.
(Photo courtesy of Bill Germer)