Invader vol 35 issue 2

Vol. 35 No. 2

Summer 2017

The Grim Reapers Mark 100 Years

Summer 2017

who just recently returned from Nellis AFB where he spent two weeks flying the B-2 in the Red Flag exercises. Welcome aboard Dave and Wolf. I am also very pleased to see that Bill Hamann has agreed to continue as our treasurer, doing a fine job the last couple of years. Also, Bob Parks will stay on as our 2nd vice-president. As you all know, we owe Bob and Myrtle Parks a great deal of gratitude for all the work they do getting our reunions up and running.

Thanks Bill, Bob and Myrtle for your tireless efforts.

I would also like to thank Charlie Breitzke for taking over the locator duties from Bob Parks.

Now, on to the 100th anniversary reunion, but, where to begin? This reunion was certainly one for the record books. So much to report on! First, many thanks are in order for Charley and Bob and Myrtle Parks and all those back at Whiteman who made it happen. First, Major General Paul W. Tibbets IV was instrumental in backing the effort 100% starting with our visit with him two years ago. Lt. Col. Matthew Newell, “Shin”, commander of the 13th, and his entire crew, especially Captain Nicholas Anderson, “Wolf”, our main point of contact, and instrumental in the flawless planning and execution of the 100th anniversary celebration really deserve our appreciation. Charley has expressed those thoughts in formal letters on behalf of all of us. I would also like to give credit to Captain Gaetano Falcone, “Spider”, my “personal” instructor pilot in the B-2 simulator, for doing a great job as the master of ceremonies at the anniversary banquet. And last, but certainly not least, we must recognize the squadron wives for their efforts in getting the club ready for red shirt night, and the very thoughtful gift baskets they prepared for all the association wives in attendance. Thanks to all!!!

Those of us who were able to arrive a day or two early were able to attend a wonderful open house and air show at Whiteman. There were many static displays and some serious flying demonstrations.

Monday, Roger and Pam Bauman worked with Bob and Myrtle to get the hospitality room all set up and sustained the refreshments all through the reunion.

Most of us then had dinner at the nearby Player’s restaurant. I think it is noteworthy that we had four couples and several others attending this 100th anniversary celebration who were also present at the squadron’s 50th anniversary dining out at Clark Air Base in 1967, with our wing commander Colonel Chuck Yeager. Tuesday morning, we started with the scheduled activities, which included a trip to the club where we split into three manageable size groups

Bob Koehne

President's Corner

Hi from Maple Valley, Washington, in the greater Seattle area, in the beautiful Pacific Northwest, our home for 31 years now, having previously experienced two Air Force assignments in Washington state. I don’t think the association could have chosen a new president more geographically distant from the past president, Charley Brown, back there in Fort Walton Beach, Florida, at least in the lower 48. Welcome to this issue of the Invader, which features the squadron’s 100th anniversary at Whiteman AFB, MO. It is an honor to have been chosen as your new president. I promise to do my best to continue the fine efforts of our past presidents, especially Charley, and Bob Butterfield, who have assured me of their continuing support. Also, I will be seeking counsel from Perry Nuhn, one of our earliest members of the association and president twice over. All of us must continue to encourage new membership in the association and encourage more members to attend reunions. Bob Parks has made progress in reducing reunion costs, and is itemizing the cost of reunion events for those who may not be able to attend the entire affair, a great effort.

The election of a new president always has a ripple effect on the makeup of the board. Ron Silvia has moved on to the first vice-president position, and Dave Clark is replacing Ron as the representative for the Viet Nam era folks. We also have a new GWOT representative, Captain Nicholas Anderson, “Wolf”, 2

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and proceeded to fly the B-2 simulator, tour a B-2 on the flight line, including climbing into the cockpit, and a weapons orientation on all the conventional weapons the B-2 can and does carry. A buffet lunch was served at the club as the groups came and went.

Red shirt night Tuesday evening was quite an event.

The active duty folks all wore red party suits. The club served another buffet for dinner. There were a number of good hearted antics by our active duty members, led by Wolf, and also a serious side as we paid honor to our fallen with the burning of a piano outside the club after Wolf gave a narrative on the history and significance behind the burning. Many of us had a chance to meet and talk with General Robin Rand, Commander of the Global Strike Command at Barksdale AFB. Wednesday, we were given a tour of a Minuteman II command facility, deep underground. Whiteman was the home of a 150 Minuteman missile wing until the mid-1990’s, when the last missile was removed from its silo as a result of the START treaty. In the afternoon, many of us traveled to a winery for lunch and wine tasting The main event of the entire reunion was the anniversary dining out Wednesday evening. It was held in a hanger, with a beautifully restored B-25 flown in for the event, and a stage set up for the Air Force orchestra from Scott AFB. Bob Butterfield and I had agreed at the San Diego reunion that we would wear our mess dress uniforms that night, but were caught by surprise when Shin asked if we had red ties? Not to worry, he graciously supplied us with two so we could fit in with the rest of the squadron.

Since all three General Officers in attendance were wearing red bow ties, it must have been OK. General Rand made a point of visiting each of the tables of our association members and chatting with all of us, a very personable gentleman.

There were readings and slides from each era of the squadron’s history, and our own members presented several of them, Ed Connor for WWII, Ron Jarrett for Korea, and John DeCillo read his very moving essay, “Names Unknown”, written when he was a weapons technician on B-57’s in Viet Nam. Our guest speaker, Major General Garrett Harencak, Commander of the Air Force Recruiting Service, gave a most rousing speech, and I got to talk to him later about recruiting some of his fellow B-1, 13th Squadron members into our association. He, Tracy Sharp and wife Laura were, I believe, our first B-1 members to attend one of our reunions, and they

assured me they would definitely put the word out.

Our reunion wrapped up with a golf tournament on Thursday morning, with Dave Clark and his team winning a four man scramble competition. Also, Ron Silvia, on behalf of the late Jim Pickles, a crew chief on the B-57G, and Jim’s widow, Jo Ann, presented Shin with Jim’s model of a B-57G for the squadron’s collection of memorabilia. Later, we all pitched in and got the hospitality room shut down, all of our own squadron collection packed in Bob and Myrtle’s SUV, and wished them well on their way back to San Antonio.

Because of the timing of the 100th anniversary, there will be a 16 month interim before our next reunion in Savannah, Georgia in late October 2018. Meanwhile, I look forward to working with the dedicated members of our association board and with Don Henderson, our Invader publisher, a most talented illustrator and a true asset to our organization.

Regards, Reaper Pride, Bob

The INVADER is the official newsletter of the 13th Bomb Squadron Association, a Non-profit organization. The INVADER is published three times yearly for the benefit of the Association members. Views expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the Association or of the Department of the Air Force. *Members of the 13th Bomb Squadron Association must maintain contact with the Association or “after two years of not communicating with the association, a member will no longer receive the INVADER or the Directory”.

Editor: Don Henderson 254 Freeport Road New Kensington, PA 15068-5421 Tel: (412) 417-6667 e-mail: Don@HendersonGDI.com Henderson Graphic Design & Illustration www.HendersonGDI.com The INVADER masthead displays the principal combat aircraft of the 13th Squadron since its initial activation in 1917. ©13th Bomb Squadron Association 2015

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Officers of the 13th Bomb Squadron Association Robert R. (Bob) Koehne 23332 SE 225th St. Maple Valley, WA 98038 csrrk@comcast.net

1st Vice President/

Ron Silvia 20 Green Lane Assonet, MA 02702-1410 finefiftynine@charter.net

2nd Vice President

James R. (Bob) Parks 3219 Tavern Oaks St. San Antonio, TX, 78247 bob-parks@satx.rr.com

Secretary

Edward T. (Tighe) Carvey 6980 Olympic View Ct. Silverdale, WA 98383 tcarvey@gmail.com

Treasurer

Bill Hamman 2950 SE Ocean Blvd.

Apt 124-2 Stuart, FL 34996-3512 LNME95@gmail.com

President

Member at Large WWII

Member at Large Vietnam

Locator Data Manager

Edward D. (Ed) Connor, Jr. 1217 Earnestine St. McLean, VA 22101-2646 ravenfive5@verizon.net

Dave Clark 19 Skona Lake Alpha, IL 61413-9137 davidclark@winco.net

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Charlie Breitzke 8 Hobkirk Drive Bella Vista, AR 72715-3404 charlin2@cox.net

Member at Large Korea

Ron Jarrett 10349 416th Avenue Britton, SD 57430-5005 rjarrett@brittonsd.com

Member at Large GWOT

Capt Nicholas Anderson, “Wolf �

13th Bomb Squadron, Whiteman AFB, MO andernic@gmail.com

Summer 2017

Letters & e-mails to the Editor

13TH BOMB SQUADRON

I want to thank you for the splendid job you did on the redesign of the Invader. The full-bleed photo on the cover, the new font for the title, the little row of aircraft silhouettes under the title (in scale with each other I believe) and of course the 100th anniversary logo design; all are really top notch.

The center-fold of the Curtiss R-2 is really wonderful and so perfect for this issue. I know from a few years ago, when I worked with you on the B-57 posters, how much time you must have spent getting the shading on the wings and struts just right.

Finally, I want to say, although I think of you as an artist, reading your comments in the Hot Seat section of this issue reminds me what a really good writer you are too.

Maybe it is because you care so much.

Thanks for a great issue, Bob Galbreath Editor's note: Thank you Bob for the kind words, I'm glad you are enjoying the INVADER! That means a lot to me.

ASSOCIATION DONATION FORM NAME:_______________________________________ ADDRESS:____________________________________ CITY:_________________STATE_____ZIP_________

DONATION AMOUNT ❏ $35.00 ❏ $50.00 ❏ $75.00❏ $100.00 ❏ Other If other, Please specify amount: $______ Please Make Check Payable to the 13th Bomb Squadron Association and mail to: Col (Ret) Bill Hamann, 2950 SE Ocean Blvd, Apt 124-2, Stuart, FL 34996-3551 To help with the cost of producing and mailing the Invader. Here is my most generous contribution to the 13th Bomb Squadron Association.

B-29 Super Fortress "The Great Artiste" at Whiteman AFB. In summer of 1945 "The Great Artiste" witnessed the massive destruction of two Japanese cities, Hiroshima and Nagasaki. "The Great Artiste" was with the 509th Composite Group, 393rd Bombardment Squadron (VH) and commanded by Major Charles W. Sweeney. The 509th Composite Group consisted fifteen modified B-29 bombers that were equipped for "special weapons" delivery. "The Great Artiste" was piloted by Maj. Sweeney. This plane had the distinction of having flown on both Atomic Bomb missions. On August 6, 1945, taking off from North Field on Tinian Island, a B-29 Super Fortress from the 509th Composite Group, named the "Enola Gay" and piloted by Group Commander Col Paul Tibbets, dropped the first atomic bomb on Hiroshima, Japan. The "Enola Gay" was accompanied on this mission by Major Sweeney and "The Great Artiste ". The Great Artist was equipped with special observation and recording devices. Three days later another B-29 named "Bock's Car" was piloted by Major Sweeney to drop a second Atomic Bomb on Nagasaki. Although "The Great Artiste" was originally slated to be the plane to drop the second Atomic Bomb, the transfer of the observation and recording equipment was deemed too much work so it was decided to transfer Major Sweeney and his crew to another plane for this second Atomic mission. "The Great Artiste" would again observe and record this second bombing mission, this time flown by Capt Frederick C. Bock.

Hiroshima and Nagasaki were devastated by the Atomic blasts and as a result, the following day, Japan announced its unconditional surrender.

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The Ancient One Goes West...

Agfa Camera, I’ve had one in my hand every since. After graduating from high school, in 1941, I enlisted in the Air Force with promise to attend the photography school in Denver. When I finished Basic,there were no openings at the School. So I was assigned to the Headquarters Squadron, 3rd Bomb Group, in Savannah, Ga., and scheduled to attend the School in Jan. ’42. Having some typing skills, I was put in Group Operations Officer as a clerk typist. December 7, 1941 blew the school plans out of the water. In January, I boarded the USS Ancon with the 3rd Group headed for Australia.

In Aug. ’42. I was transferred to the 13th Squadron Operations Office. They had a Speed Graphic Kit in the office. Nobody knew how to use it, or why they had it.

Squadron C.O. Maj. Evanoff was an ardent “Shutter Bug”. I let him know all I needed was some film and the wherewithal to process it and I could put that Camera to good use. He flew down to Brisbane and came back with

Jack Heyn, March 12, 1923 - June 22, 2017 It is with great sadness, but with a sense great joy and appreciation, that we celebrate the life of Jack Heyn.

Over the years, Jack was a frequent contributor to the INVADER and to many WWII websites. Most of his stories and photos can be seen on Gerry Kersey's 3rd Attack Group website at http://www.3rdattackgroup.org

every thing we needed for a dark room, and set myself and S/Sgt. Culbreth up in the 13th Squadron “Photo Shack” – very unauthorized and very unorthodox, but we were at his beck and call when he wanted some photographs taken. One of his first projects for us was in Oct. ’42, he lined all of the Squadron's 13 B-25's up on the runway, put the Combat Crew and Ground Crew in front, and we photographed them. Occasionally, there was an official job to be done, like photographing a defective part on a plane.

By now, Jack's photos and stories of his time with the 13th should be familiar to all of you, but a few of us had the pleasure of exchanging emails with Jack. I wanted to share one of the last emails I got from the "Ancient One".

Gd’morning Don;

A year later in Aug. ’43, the Photo Section that handled the Group's aerial work was transferred from the 35th Air Base Group into HQ Squadron, 3rd Bomb Group. I immediately asked for a transfer back to HQ Squadron and the Photo Section and got it. So the rest of my two years in the war, I was doing what I had enlisted to do. Processing our Aerial film under those tropical conditions was a real challenge. Recommended temperature for solution was

Good to hear from you! You are so right about Gerry Kersey bringing a lot to the table. He is so knowledgeable, and what he doesn’t know he has a way of learning it.

As far as photography is concerned it goes back a long way with me. When I was 14 years old, I went to work in my uncle's tire garage. The first thing I bought was a $5.00

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68º, it was never under 90º. So we had to run the aerial film through an alum bath before putting it in the developer to harden the emulsion. Otherwise, it would have flowed off the backing. The conditions were tough – but we got it done as evidenced by my collection of 525 photographs documenting my 4 years in WWII. They started the Rotation System in July of ’44 whereby those that had been over from the beginning were sent home. There always seemed to be a shortage of “Photo Lab Techs” so I waited six months before I made a list January 12, 1945. I was assigned to Page Field, Ft. Meyers, Fla. when I got back. One night going out to the field, I met a Radio Operator going out to pull the graveyard shift. We

hit it off real good from the word go, spent a lot of time enjoying balmy Fla. that summer. Her name was Evelyn Johnson, called Jonnie from the Johnson bit. She would end up being “My Jonnie” for 67 years and one day. She left me the day after our 67th Anniversary.

After the war, I attended a photography school in New York City and pursued a career in photography. I had a studio here in Des Moines for several years. I am now in Wesley Acres Assisted Living here in D.M. Still do some photography whenever Acres is needing some photographs taken – Strictly volunteer. Now I am just waiting for the Good Lord to let me join My Jonnie – whenever He is ready to take me, I am ready to go.

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Summer 2017

13th BOMB SQUADRON REUNION 2017

Beverly & Jack Baughan

Roger & Pam Bauman

Ann Marie & Charley Brown

Charlie & Linda Breitzke

Bob & MaryAnn Butterfield

Susan & Tighe Carvey 8

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13th BOMB SQUADRON REUNION 2017

Nancy & Dave Clark

Bud Compton & Natalie Lee

Ed & Sarah Connor

John M. DeCillo

PB & Lou Dover

Bill Fink & Deanne Fink Riestra 9

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13th BOMB SQUADRON REUNION 2017

Bill & Ellen Hamann

Ronald & Norma Jarrett

Howard & daughter Sheila Johnson

Betty & Don Kasson

Carole & Bob Koehne

Nancy & George Lyddane 10

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13th BOMB SQUADRON REUNION 2017

Russell & Carole McManus

Tom Miller

Dennis & Susan Nielsen

Ritamarie & Perry Nuhn

Norris & Jean Olson

Dan & Jo Ann Pipkins 11

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13th BOMB SQUADRON REUNION 2017

Myrtle & Bob Parks

Carl & Mary Renner

Tracy & Laura Sharp

Don Smatlak

Ron & Diane Silvia

Angelle & Paul Tibbets 14

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13th BOMB SQUADRON REUNION 2017

Charles Wodrig & Mary Gray

Gary Vigen

Four couples who attended the 50th Anniversary of the 13th Bomb Squadron at Clark Air Base, Philippines in 1967. Left to right: Dennis & Susan Nielsen, Norris & Jean Olson, and Carole & Bob Koehne. Lefty & Suedell Frazelle (not shown).

Thank you to everyone who attended this historic event.

Special thanks to the Brig. Gen. Paul Tibbets, the 8th Air Force, the 509th Bomb Wing, and the Grim Reapers of the 13th Bomb Squadron at Whiteman AFB for making this reunion so memorable!

Here's to the next 100 years!

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The Burning Piano

By Capt. Nicholas “Wolf � Anderson, 13th Bomb Squadron, Whiteman AFB, MO

A burning piano behind the Mission's End Club at Whiteman AFB. This was a somber moment during the Red Shirt Night festivities to salute those who were lost and those who have gone West. (Photo by Bob Koehne)

There's an Airmen's tradition I'd like to share. It dates back to World War II when we sent our boys to England to fly and fight the Germans. The losses were always hard, but they didn't have time to grieve, for they had to fly another mission the next day. The military does a great job of standardizing everyone from how you dress, to how you fly. Airmen have always had a unique flare though, to slip the surly bonds of earth's gravity you have to be different.

Every squadron seemed to have someone special, someone extra unique. They were the ones who brought everyone together. Many played the piano and sang songs to help the guys get through the tough times, some played the guitar, others wrote poems... but there always seemed to be an artistic center of the unit. They were the creative heart and soul of the Squadron. Nobody wanted it to come, but the day typically did, and this person didn't return home. Most members just got a farewell toast because anything more

hurt too much... but that's not what this special Airman got. The guys in the unit had to grieve, and couldn't let him go with just a toast. They would wheel his piano out into the middle of a field, fill the inside of it's wood case with charcoal and burn it. For if he was not there to play it, nobody should, and nobody could ever replace him. No one could ever replace what the unit lost on that mission.

The squadron would assemble around in a circle, quietly, and watch the flicker of the flames rise up around the keys.

This was the time to finally grieve. As the heat inside the chamber rises, the strings tighten until it snaps... It creates a beautiful note, the last note the key ever plays. Each key does this in turn, and the piano plays a song all by itself... as if the one they missed was back there playing it one last time for everyone. A piano burn is an Airmen's tradition, adopted from our brethren in the Royal Air Force. It continues today, as a way to say goodbye. To grieve.

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Names Unknown

By John M. DeCillo

Photo by John M. DeCillo

I saw them every day and night. I see them now.

They were inside those helmets, behind those crash visors.

They bore Grim Reaper and Soaring Eagle patches on their shoulders.

I never knew their names.

No crash trucks tonight. We breathe a sigh of relief.

They flew bombers, sleek machines, bellies glutted, with seven hundred and fifty pound messages of death for the enemy.

Straining wings, loaded with shining cylinders of napalm infernos.

Twin jet engined B-57's.

George “ The Weed”, Donnie, Kulpie, and the rest, we all took our turns. Just us, and the light cart. Search lights that pointed out to the enemy exactly where you stood, for miles around.

All the pilots could do was sit there helplessly and wait for us to do our jobs.

These knights of the air sat calmly in the cockpits as we charged the cannons and armed the bombs.

We were the ones who shouldered the responsibility.

Their lives depended on our work. They counted on us.

I never knew their names.

They were home from the fight and yet they were still potential targets.

The speed with which we dispatched the disarming, kept us from seeing their faces or noticing their fear or fatigue.

How crushing were the fears that they faced on every mission? They were going out to kill, or be killed.

When the wheels went up, they knew this flight could take them directly to God, or into the hands of the enemy.

What were they feeling?

Were they grieving the loss of comrades?

Were they sharing the thrill of a victory?

Were they elated at just making it back alive?

I never got to share those feelings.

I never knew their names.

What did they think of us?

Did they take pride in our awe and respect of them?

Did they draw strength from our simple chalkboard messages? “God speed” --- “ Kill the Cong”.

A snappy salute, thumbs up, throttles wide open.

Destiny awaited them. We, were left standing on the ground.

I never knew their names.

We sit in the dark waiting their return. ”Spooky” is working over some poor bastards in the nearby hills.

We can see his flares and tracer streams.

All ears are strained. We listen for that tell-tale engine whine.

Did they all make it back?

Are there any wounded?

Touch down, taxi in, ground lights on.

Frantic moments, that must have seemed like years.

Those troubled times are long since past, yet in my memory, they will always remain.

Those brave men Who fought the fight will forever abide in my mind's own “Twilight Zone”.

Some lived, some died, some, may even yet be prisoners.

I felt ten feet tall when I helped send them on their way.

I had no thoughts that some of them might never return.

I know some of their names now.

I’ve seen them, Etched into a black granite wall.

Dedicated to: The Air Crews of the 8th and 13th Tactical Bombardment Squadrons, U.S.A.F., Vietnam

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Minutes 13th Bomb Squadron Association, Board of Directors Meeting Warrensburg, Missouri 12 June 2017 contribution requests for three consecutive years.

Bob Parks noted that the total contributions received this year are approximately the same as last year despite the continuing decline in the number of responses received. Invaders and Contribution Requests returned by the Postal Service for address correction are a costly item.

It costs us more to have an item returned than it does to mail it in the first place ($3.50 for each Invader returned), but the returned mail provides us valuable information and helps us maintain our roster of active members. Finally, Bob Parks noted that he was ending his term as Locator and handing the duties to the incoming Locator, Charlie Breitzke. A motion was made to accept the Locator Report.

Members present: President Charley Brown; Past President Bob Butterfield; Secretary Tighe Carvey; Treasurer Bill Hamann; 1st VP Bob Koehne; Locator/2nd VP Bob Parks; Vietnam Rep. Ron Silvia; Korea Rep. Ron Jarrett. Absent: WWII II Rep. Ed Connor.

The meeting was called to order at 3:05 PM President Charley Brown determined that a Quorum was present.

1. Secretary’s Report: The minutes of the 2016 (San Diego) BOD meeting were presented for comments and approval. There were no comments.

A motion was made to accept the minutes as published in the Invader.

M: Tighe Carvey S: Ron Jarrett Passed unanimously

M: Bob Koehne S: Roger Bauman Passed unanimously

Old Business:

2. Treasurer’s Report: Treasurer Bill Hamann presented an interim reunion report covering the period from Jan 1 through Jun 11 2017. He noted that contributions are about $3000 behind 2016 full year results with 6 months yet to go. He said he is planning to make early payments to cover reunion expenses so as to avoid having the savings account reach an amount that would jeopardize our “charitable organization” tax status. Bill said that our overall finances are in good health.

Jim Pickles Memorabilia: Ron Silvia has maintained contact with Jim Pickles’ wife, Joanne, following Jim’s passing. She indicated that Jim had amassed a large collection of items relating to his service in SEA, and she thought that Jim would want the items to be passed on to an organization such as ours. Ron visited with Joanne and her son, Michael, in January 2017.

Ron reviewed the items with the family, and after identifying those items of personal importance to the family, he selected items that might be of interest to our association, or perhaps the B-57G association. Furthermore, he organized the items into three categories: Photographs; Posters & Banners; and Artifacts. After discussion, we decided that the current 13th Bomb Squadron would welcome the B-57 model as well as the aircraft decal of the “Oscar” patch. The service

3. Locators Report: Locator Bob Parks reported that he sent out 441 contribution requests this year and has received 232 replies. Additionally, he has received 70 replies from 2016 and 41 from 2015. There are now 100 members who have not replied to 18

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Minutes banner will be added to our collection for display at our reunions. The remainder will be made available to the Canberra organization. Item closed.

Reunion Committee: Bob Parks reported that he is finalizing plans for the 2018 reunion in Savannah, GA. He expects to announce that the reunion will be in Savannah, GA, at the Savannah Desoto Hotel, from October 28, 2018 to November 2 or 3, 2018. Final plans and schedule/costs will appear in the Invader.

The 2019 reunion should be held in the West and Roger Bauman has agreed to organize a reunion for Boise, ID. No other sites will be presented to the General Membership, but they may nominate other sites at the meeting.

Invader Costs/workload: We have stabilized the Invader at 24 pages per issue and three issues per year. In an effort to reduce the burden on Editor/Publisher Don Henderson, President Charlie Brown called for members who may have stories or story ideas to pass them on to Don. A motion was made to provide a $3000 stipend to Don to cover his expenses while he volunteers his work to publish the Invader.

Nomination Committee: Chairman Bob Butterfield reported that the nomination committee has candidates for the following positions: President – Bob Koehne 1st Vice President – Ron Silvia 2nd Vice President – Bob Parks Treasurer – Bill Hamann Korea Representative – Ron Jarrett WWII II Representative – Ed Connor, Jr. Vietnam Representative – Dave Clark GWOT Representative – Nicholas Anderson (Wolf)

New Business Don Kasson’s Gifts: Don Kasson has built an item to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the founding of the 13th Bomb Squadron.

It is a folded U.S. flag in a display case with a commemoration plaque attached. Don gave the flag to the 13th Bomb Squadron Association, but President Charley Brown suggested that it would be best if we pass it on to the current 13th Bomb Squadron for display with their other historical items. Following discussion, the board consensus was to present the item at tomorrow’s luncheon, or at the Red Shirt Night. Don Kasson also made two domed glass display cases with engraved pocket watches inside. Discussion included using them as door prizes or raffle items, but the board agreed to give them in gratitude to persons who helped make the reunion a success. Item Closed.

509th Interview and Video: An airman from the 509th contacted President Charley Brown with a request to make a member of the Association available for an interview the Wing was making. Based on availability and travel schedules, Charlie Breitzke and Bob Parks were contacted and agreed to submit to the interview. When Bob Parks traveled to Whiteman AFB, the airman was not available but Charlie Breitzke was able to meet with him. Item Closed.

Perry Nuhn’s Letter: Association Member, Perry Nuhn, wrote a letter to President Charley Brown suggesting that we support publishing an article in the Invader detailing activities surrounding the activation of the 13th Bomb Squadron at Whiteman AFB. Charlie Brown coordinated between Perry Nuhn and Don Henderson (Editor of the Invader) to facilitate that. Item Closed.

There being no further business, the Board of Directors Meeting was adjourned at 4:40 PM.

Advisory Committee: No issues were brought to the attention of the committee this year. Item Closed.

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13th Bomb Squadron Association, General Membership Meeting Warrensburg, Missouri, 12 June 2017 The meeting was called to order at 7:30 PM President Charley Brown determined that the requirements for a quorum have been met.

Secretary’s Report: Secretary, Tighe Carvey, noted that the minutes of the 2016 meeting (San Diego) have been published in the Winter 2016 edition of the Invader. He asked if there were any proposed changes or exceptions. Hearing none, a motion was made to accept the minutes.

M: Ron Jarrett S: Bob Butterfield Passed: Unanimous Treasurer’s Report: Treasurer Bill Hamann noted that, due to the early timing of this anniversary reunion, his report covers slightly less than 6 months. Contributions of $12,868 are about $3000 less than 2016 but we have six months remaining and Bill estimates that we will be in good shape by year’s end. We have received 258 contribution forms to date as compared with 306 received through all of last year. Perry Nuhn questioned what we are doing to maintain membership levels. President Brown said that several factors were causing the decline including the increased age of WWII and Korea members, as well as the lengthy period when the squadron was inactive following the Vietnam War. We are actively soliciting memberships from the active duty members of the 13th Bomb Squadron, but we have never had much success attracting memberships from the active duty sector. John DeCillo asked if donations could be made at any time, and gave a donation to treasurer Hamann on the spot. A motion was made to accept the treasurer’s report.

M: Bob Parks S: Tighe Carvey Passed: Unanimously Old Business: Reunion Cost Reduction: Bob Parks covered the challenges he has faced as reunion coordinator and noted that we have eliminated the professional planner and increased the use of volunteers. He said that certain factors are key to a successful reunion. You would risk the success if you don’t insist on quality hotels and meals/activities. We

already shift our reunion dates to take advantage lower hotel prices. Item Closed.

Invader Cost Reduction: President Brown observed that the editor of the Invader, Don Henderson, has not arrived yet.

President Brown recounted recent conversations with Don where they agreed that three issues each year should be the minimum, and 24 pages per issue should be the minimum number of pages, and that West Press is offering the best pricing we can find. Page counts must increase or decrease by 4 pages at a time. Perry Nunn questioned if there might be an advantage to publishing an electronic version of the Invader. President Brown said that Don Henderson was looking into producing an electronic version but he was not sure if he had made any progress. President Brown will discuss the subject with Don Henderson when he arrives.

Active duty members of the 13th have volunteered to email a PDF version of the Invader to squadron members when they are reassigned. Item Open.

Historian: Historian, Don Henderson has not arrived. Perry Nuhn questioned whether Don Henderson was collecting information about the activities of the currently active 13th Bomb Squadron. President Brown will discuss the topic with Don Henderson when he arrives. Item Open.

New Business: Election of Officers: President Brown reported that the Nomination Committee had produced a slate of officers who have agreed to serve. The officers presented for approval are:

President – Bob Koehne

1st Vice President – Ron Silvia

2nd Vice President – Bob Parks

Treasurer – Bill Hamann

Korea Representative – Ron Jarrett

WWII II Representative – Ed Connor, Jr

Vietnam – Dave Clark

GWOT Rep – Nicholas Anderson (Wolf) President Brown called for additional nominations from the floor. There were none. A motion was made to close the nominations.

M: Roger Bauman S: Ron Jarrett Passed: Unanimous

20

Summer 2017

At the request of President Brown, a motion was made to approve the full slate of officers as submitted by the Nomination Committee.

M: Tighe Carvey S: Bob Parks Passed: Unanimous Other new Business: Bob Parks is working on plans for the 2018 reunion to be held October 28, 2018 to November 2 or 3, 2018 at the Savannah Desoto Hotel in Savannah, GA. When plans are complete, they will be published in the Invader. Bob also noted that Roger and Pam Bauman have offered to put together the September 2019 reunion if it is in

Boise, ID. Not enough information is available to present Boise, ID for a vote at this meeting. Perry Nuhn asked if we might take a show of hands to see who would consider traveling to Boise in 2019. The show of hands revealed a majority of those present at this meeting would consider traveling to Boise. Item Open.

President Charley Brown thanked everyone for their support during his tenure as President and welcomed Bob Koehne to take his place.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:06 PM

Financial Report 11, June 2017

INCOME

Reunion Advances Contributions Interest Total Income

Jan - Dec 31,2016

Jan - Jun 11, 2017

$10,847.00 $15,909.13 $47.26 $26,803.39

$12,870.00 $12,868.04 $23.03 $25,761.07

EXPENSES

Bank Charges $ - Invader (West Press) $3,935.28 Web Site $691.75 President's Expenses $2,102.51 Ex President Travel $449.51 Locator $385.80 Postage Legal Fees Reunion Expenses $2,294.97 Bus Deposit Treasurer Expenses Tours, Dinners, Etc $10,847.00 Estimated

Total Out Flows $20,706.82

$- Transfer to Savings $6,000.00

$- Overall total $1,991.54

$- Account Balance as of 12/31/2015 $1,139.54

USAA Checking $1,139.54

Minus Reunion Est USAA Savings $28,381.70

Total Bank Accounts $29,521.24 21

$2,094.76 $412.50 $123.47 $250.00 $12,870.00 $15,750.73

$21,991.14 $9,121.14 $25,428.72 $34,549.86

Summer 2017

Deaths Not Previously Reported As of June 2017

Rest In Peace John F. Heyn June 22, 2017 1942-43 Donald J. Meek February 19, 2017 Gunner 1952 Charles R. Strain April 19, 2017 Pilot 1969-71 Carl O. Tinsley January 13, 2017 Turret Mech 1954-55

William Vanchek April 27, 2017 Navigator 1953-54 Ronald J. Rodda March 15, 2016 Pilot 1954-55 Darrell A. Van Citters April 29, 2017 Pilot 1969-71

William C. Boede January 10, 2017 Navigator 1953 Kermit W. Helmke July 22, 2016 Navigator 1951 Richard W. McLaughlin November 9, 2016 Navigator 1954-55 Kenneth D. McMillin October 1, 2015 Engineer 1952

To report the passing of 13th Bomb Squadron members, please contact: James R. (Bob) Parks, 3219 Tavern Oaks St., San Antonio, TX, 78247 or email bob-parks@satx.rr.com

I'll Fly Away

By Albert E. Brumley

Some bright morning when this life is over I'll fly away To that home on God's celestial shore I'll fly away I'll fly away, oh glory I'll fly away in the morning When I die hallelujah by and by I'll fly away

When the shadows of this life have gone I'll fly away Oh how glad and happy when we meet I'll fly away When I die hallelujah by and by I'll fly away I'll fly away oh glory I'll fly away in the morning When I die hallelujah by and by I'll fly away 22

Just a few more weary days and then I'll fly away To a land where joys will never end I'll fly away I'll fly away oh glory I'll fly away in the morning When I die hallelujah by and by I'll fly away I'll fly away

Summer 2017

The Hot SEAT Editor's Comments

A Sad Day From the first days of my education about the 13th Bomb Squadron when Charlie Hinton first approached me to do artwork for the Association, the name Jack Heyn kept popping up. A quick Google search of his name turns up hundreds and hundreds of photos from Jack's time as a photographer with the 13th, and not just that, but his in-depth stories brought the photos to life. His words were the brush strokes to the paintings that were his photos. Seeing his images was one thing, but reading his personal thoughts took the narrative to a much higher level. Jack was a master story teller and a brilliant photographer, both during and after the war. Not long after becoming involved with the 13th, I got added to the inner circle of people who would receive e-mails from the "Ancient One". Sometimes he would talk about the war, sometimes about his late wife Jonnie, sometimes about his photography, and sometimes about technology old and new. It was always interesting to hear his perspective on things. Most importantly, Jack would share photos.

His photos are his legacy. I just want to say what an honor it was to know you, Jack, and to be part of the circle of people you shared your photographs and memories with.

The 13th at 100 Having the honor to attend the 100th Anniversary of the 13th Bomb Squadron is something I will never forget. Both my son, Shane, and I want to thank the 13th Bomb Squadron Association for allowing us to be a part of this historic event. To be at Whiteman AFB at that significant moment in time to mark the 100th Anniversary of the formation of the Reapers was epic. Shane and I can't thank you enough for the privilege to be a part of this. You have all made us feel like family.

we first met, you were a B-2 pilot with the newly reactivated 13th. I could tell there was something special about you. From the 13th, you went on to command the 393rd, then on to your assignments in Europe, then coming back Don Henderson, Editor to Whiteman to command the 509th Bomb Wing, and now your promotion to Vice Commander, Air Force Global Strike Command, Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana. I feel very honored to know you and call you a friend.

Good luck and continue to make us all proud!

The Past Presidents I want to thank Charley Brown for his support and confidence in me as editor of the INVADER. Shane and I had the pleasure of meeting Charley for the first time at the Reno Reunion. We were on the same turbulent commuter flight into Reno and rode to the hotel on the same shuttle. Charley, I just want to say that I enjoyed working with you and I wish you nothing but the best! I appreciate your leadership and trust in me, but most importantly I appreciate your friendship. When Bob Butterfield first asked me to take on the responsibility of editing the INVADER, I was more than a little intimidated.

I had big shoes to fill when you look at the most recent editors of the INVADER. Both Charlie Hinton and Bud Compton helped set the stage and were more helpful than they will ever know.

Bob Butterfield helped make the transition smooth and his friendship, support and encouragement helped build my confidence, but that is what good leadership is all about.

The New President Congratulations to Bob Koehne, the newly elected President of the 13th Bomb Squadron Association!

I'm looking forward to working with you as we Nuke and the 13th Bomb Squadron at Whiteman continue to make the INVADER one of the premiere I want to wish the best to Brig. Gen. Paul Tibbets. military newsletters.

Following your career has been amazing. When 23

13th Bomb Squadron Association Bob Parks 3219 Tavern Oaks St. San Antonio, TX 78247-3080 ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

Marking 100 years, the Grim Reapers of 13th Bomb Squadron, Whiteman AFB, Missouri, 13 June 2017.

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