REUNION No. 52 (2024)

The 52nd Reunion of the National WWII Glider Pilot’s Association took place in Dayton, Ohio, from May 3 to May 5, 2024. Mary Roemer and Michael Squillo did an outstanding job, and their efforts resulted in a highly successful reunion. Attendees visited two excellent venues: the WACO Museum and the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force. The reunion featured a total of six presentations: two on Thursday night, three on Friday night, and a keynote address by the guest speaker on Saturday night. Zachary G. Cromley received the U.S. World War II Glider Pilot Memorial Award for outstanding service to the National WWII Glider Pilots Association, Inc.

This year, two recipients were awarded the 2024 Leon B. Spencer Scholarship: Luke C. Bautz and Angela Henry.

During the General Assembly, elections were held for positions up for re-election. Joan Abrahamsen was elected Executive Chair, Zachary Cromley as Vice Chair, and Patricia Overman as National Wing Commander. Additionally, two new at-large positions were filled by members Rob Beahan and Bruce Overman. Michael Squillo was also announced as co-chair for future reunions, partnering with Mary Roemer.

James Dutcher won Susan Pinter's beautiful quilt. The quilt and the silent auction, expertly managed by Susan, raised over $2,000 for the association.

Congratulations to everyone on a fantastic reunion!
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REUNION No. 51 (2023)

The 51st Reunion of the National WWII Glider Pilot’s Association took place in Colorado Springs, Colorado, from October 11 to 13, 2023. The event was a resounding success, thanks to the leadership of Mary Roemer and Maddog Jeremy Lushnat. The DoubleTree Hotel Colorado Springs hosted the reunion, featuring a Thursday night dinner with opening presentations by Jeff McGovern and Monique Taylor.

Friday's activities included a visit to the U. S. Air Force Academy and the 94th Flying Training Squadron. The cadets warmly hosted us, showcasing their new facility and glider flight operations. We witnessed takeoffs and landings on the flightline, and presentations were given by four cadets, along with research team members Patricia Overman and Col. Mark Plug Vlahos, USAF Ret. The day concluded with a dinner in the glider hangar, where Commander Lt. Col. Chad Sloth Davies delivered the keynote speech.

Saturday began with the General Assembly, followed by a visit to the National Museum of WWII Aviation. An informative tour was provided, and the banquet took place in the hangar. Zack Cromley presented on Glider Pilot Roger Smith, and our French representative Jean Michel Soldi, along with Mike Schelley, delivered presentations. Jean Michel, the 2022 recipient of the U. S. Glider Pilot Memorial Award, presented the award to the 2023 recipient Rob Beahan. The winning raffle ticket for Susan Pinter's quilt went to Beth Stripling. Looking forward to seeing everyone in Dayton, Ohio, in October 2024.
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REUNION No. 50 (2022)

The NWWIIGPC held its 50th Reunion in Lubbock, Texas on October 6-8, 2022.Feedback received on location prior to departure was that the Reunion was an overwhelming success. Big Kudos go out to Mary Roemer and Gary Stripling, who led the overall team effort. Everyone was glad to attend and reconnect after three years of no reunions! The hotel utilized was the MCM Eleganté Hotel which included dinner on Thursday night with the opening presentations. Other major facilities utilized included both the Lubbock Women’s Club for dinner Friday night, and the Silent Wings Museum. Presentations were delivered at each location, with the Silent Wings Museum also serving as the main venue for tours, a United States Air Force Academy (USAAF) 94th Flying Training Squadron (94th FTS) glider static displays, a luncheon, and the Saturday closing ceremony and banquet. The closing ceremony included a special visit from the Air Attaché for the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Colonel Bertil van Geel, who flew in from Washington D.C. to induct Frank Brandon and Fred Lunde, two WWII glider pilots, into the order of the Orange Lanyard, meritorious unit award - the Military Order of William, the Netherland’s military honor. Colonel Bertil van Geel also inducted glider pilot Franklin Stickney into the order, presenting the award to his daughter Claudia Coggin. Having both Fred Lunde (100 years old) and Frank Brandon (102 years old) attend the reunion and receive an Orange Lanyard for flying combat missions in Holland was truly the highlight for all who attended. Finally, and without a doubt, the consensus of those assembled was that the decision to provide financial assistance for our WWII glider pilots and their families to attend the reunion was money well spent and highlights the purpose of this not-for-profit organization.
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REUNION No. 50 Virtual (2021)

COVID made us delay the 50th until 2022 however, we had a Virtual Syposium on October 8th 2021. We are looking forward to our in person reunion in October 2022.

REUNION No. 49 (2019)

49th Reunion What a great reunion! I know we say this year after year, but this one was a little different. First of all, it was the smallest reunion I have ever attended, but it lacked nothing in terms of the enthusiasm of those in attendance. The Thursday night presentations by the 94th Flying Training Squadron (FTS) cadets, Don Abbe, and Gary Stripling were an excellent set up for the events to follow and the presentations on Friday night by Alana Jolley, Maj Ben Rushing, and Lt Col (ret) Mark Vlahos built on one another in a way I have never seen before. Several new members added a little different dynamic to the weekend. Two of those members were retired USAF officers, a trend I expect to see continue. And, as always, the contingent of staff and cadets from the 94th FTS were engaged, perhaps more than ever before, with the other members and especially with our venue hosts, the 82nd Airborne Division (Let's Go!). Speaking of the 82nd, they pulled out all the stops. We dined at Iron Mike on Fort Bragg Thursday and Friday nights. During the day on Friday, we had a great tour of Fort Bragg including the 82nd Airborne Museum. Then, believe it or not, we received a training session on their virtual ranges. Those that wanted fired the M4 rifle, several types of pistols and even a Squad Automatic Weapon (light machine gun). At the Saturday night banquet, Sharon McCullar, Curator Silent Wings Museum, and Barbara Woods, Project Manager for locating families of un-awarded Bronze Star Medals (BSM), made a special presentation of the BSM to Catherine Manning, the daughter of glider pilot John Manning. Joan Abrahamson was the very deserving recipient of this year's WWII U.S. Glider Pilots Memorial Award (formerly the S. Tipton Randolph Award).

Our guest speaker was Lt. Colonel Stewart Lindsay, Commander of the 2nd Battalion, 325th Airborne Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade, 82nd Airborne Division. Col Lindsay gave an excellent overview of his unit's history, from its inception as an infantry regiment in WWI to becoming the 325th Glider Infantry Regiment in WWII to its present configuration as an Airborne unit. Col Lindsay knew his unit's history, knew its mission and knew first hand its capabilities. I, for one, was proud to just be in the same room with him.

I mentioned earlier that there was a special dynamic at this year's reunion. It was fascinating listening to the Air Force guys talking to the Army guys, the new members not being shy, even giving presentations, and the way the cadets seemed to be relaxed and comfortable interacting with everyone.

The unquestioned star of the show this year, however, was glider pilot Bill Cheolas. We didn't ask Bill to do any presentations this year, other than formally welcoming the 94th staff and cadets on Thursday night (which he handled like a pro). We didn't allow him to get tied up with outside interviews. We just let him relax and attend the reunion like everyone else. Well, almost everyone else. Every time I noticed him he had a crowd around him, was in high demand everywhere on Fort Bragg and was particularly engaged with the cadets. This is what we are all about.

REUNION No. 48 (2018)

The 48th Reunion was held at the Silent Wings Museum. We had two presentations Friday night. Capt. Bill Choleas (ret USAF) gave his experiences as a power glider pilot in the Varsity operation. All day Saturday you could wonder through the museum and attend mini presentations given throughout the day on WWII Troop Carrier. The 94th Flight Training Squadron brought their TC-16A glider for all to see. Three cadets gave a very informative talk about why they volunteered to become instructors, training other cadets to fly the TG-16A glider. Friday night we had live music by The Jordan Robert Kirk Band. We could not have asked for better ambience; dimed lighting provided a perfect atmosphere, the band playing, and just outside the floor to ceiling and wall to wall windows of the gallery was a weather light show. The CG-4A glider in the center of the gallery made it perfect. At our Saturday night banquet Otto introduced Lt. Col. Doug Witmer, Commander of the 94th Flying Training Squadron who gave the introduction of our guest speaker Capt. Karilyn Wise, from the 94th program manager. Gary Stripling received this year's S. Tipton Randolph Memorial Award for his work in the interest of the glider program and the Association. He has been very active in giving presentations, working diligently with families to help them discover their World War II relative's history and has helped to preserve the history with his research into the 1943-1945 historical files by adding that information to the WWII Glider Pilot's database. He even located a Glider Pilot whom we had lost contact.

Probably the most significant event at this reunion was the passing of the Association to the family and friends. At the end of the banquet, Otto Lyons opened the Commemorative Champagne bottle that was set aside in 1971, with the vow to open it when the Association had to dissolve, and each glider pilot was given a glass and Otto made the final toasts of the evening.

REUNION No. 47 (2017)

The 47th Reunion was held in Mount Pleasant, Texas, October 12-14 at Mid America Flight Museum. Following a very successful 2016 Reunion in Mt. Pleasant, Texas, Scott Glover, owner of the Mid America Flight Museum, offered to host the 47th Reunion in his new hanger facility. Scott and his expert crew offered two full flying days for our members and hosted vistitors. We were honored with the attendance of eight Association veterans. For the first time we had the pleasure of hosting four officers from the Air Force Academy, 94th Flying Training Squadron. Our research team was available to help members with research. On Saturday night Colonel Glen Whelen from the 94th was our guest speaker. New this year was a Silent Auction of items conated and fabricated by Dorene Avritt and Susan Pinter. The tope prize in the raffle was a quilt made by Susan. It was won by Al Bender. All raffle proceeds were turned over to the Silent Wings Museum Foundation. Mary Roemer, reunion chair, and Chuck Hobbs, our association treasurer, shared the S. Tipton randolph Memorial Award.

REUNION No. 46 (2016)

The 2016 Reunion was held in Mount Pleasant, Texas, October 13 to 15 at Mid America Flight Museum. Scott Glover and his staff provided two full days of flying for all. A total of 23 veterans were taken aloft in various warbirds and vintage airplanes. Veterans attending included 11 Glider Pilots, 2 Glider Mechanics, 4 Power Pilots, 2 Radio Operators, 1 Crew Chief, 1 CBI, 1 Paratrooper, and 1 Fighter Pilot. Also attending was International Director, Hans den Brok, and Christian Dijkhuizen, Netherlands; Neil Jones, England; and Michael Larkin, Finland. Friday evening, Neil Jones, RAF United Kingdom, presented his research of the crash of the Horsa glider flown by Richard Mercer. Hans and Christian presented on the Dutch Underground. Scott gave us two flying days in three bi-planes, two P-51, L-19, Corsair and T-6, C-47 and General Hap Arnold’s C-41; the only C-41 delivered to the Army Air Forces. Just being out on the airfield was a thrill to see so many warbirds. Keith Thoms, for his work in retaining and adding new members, was this year’s S. Tipton Randolph Memorial Award recipient. The Glenn Miller Orchestra provided music and the reunion ended on a high note when Scott Glover won the raffle for E. Susan Arnoult Pinter’s quilt. Susan is the grand-daughter of A. Francis Arcier who is the father of the CG-4A and other WACO military gliders.

REUNION No. 45 (2015)

The 2015 Reunion was held in Memphis, TN, October 1 to 3, at the East Marriott. Of the 102 who attended the banquet Saturday night, 13 were WW2 veterans; 8 glider pilots, 2 Troop Carrier power pilots, 1 Glider mechanic, 1 radio operator and 1 Navy nurse. It seems that age, health, financial situation and the old grim reaper have taken their toll. The attendance was a real disappointment - the lowest ever. Scott Glover flew his C-47 Sky King and 2 other aircraft, an AT 6 and a T-28 and gave free rides. In addition to our loyal foreign members, Philippe Esvelin from France, Hans den Brok and Christian Dijkhuizen from the Netherlands, we were joined by two new members, Neil Jones from the UK and Guillaume Lepeltier from France. We missed the Larkin brothers and the Ryan family who have been long time attendees. Scott Glover was awarded the Tipton Randolph Memorial Award. Susan Arnoult Pinter’s beautiful quilt won by Gary and Shirley Best was donated to the Silent Wings Museum.

REUNION No. 44 (2014)

The 2014 Reunion was held in Bloomington, MN, October 2 to 4, at the Crowne Plaza near the Mall of America. Of the 151 who attended the banquet, only 8 were glider pilots (the lowest number to date.) As usual, our loyal foreign members, Philippe Esvelin from France, Hans den Brok and Christian Dijkhuizen from The Netherlands and Michael Larkin from Finland were in attendance. Scott Glover flew in his Lockheed Lodestar and offered rides to our members. Cowden Ward flew in his P-51 (Pecos Bill) planning to offer free rides. However, a mechanical problem prevented this to his great disappointment. The highlight of the Friday bus trip was to visit the private collection of 40 or so vintage aircraft owned by Craig Schiller at the Anoka County Blaine Airport while waiting for the plane ride. Mike Skidmore, our talented photographer, received the Tip Randolph Memorial Award. Susan Arnoult Pinter outdid herself once again with a beautiful quilt donated for the Silent Wings Museum Foundation raffle that was just short of an all-time record. Jaymi Schumaker, a guest of Charles Theis, was the winner. October 2, 2014 was proclaimed by the Governor of Minnesota to be WWII Glider Pilots Association and Affiliated Troop Carrier Members Reunion Day.

REUNION No. 43 (2013)

The 2013 Reunion was held in Kansas City, MO, September 12 to 14, at the Embassy Suites KC International Airport. Of the 163 at the Banquet, 15 glider pilots and 6 power pilots attended plus three additional special guests, John Schumacher, 194th GIR glider rider and Willi Gänzler, German glider pilot, and his Grandson as his interpreter. Our loyal foreign members, Philippe Esvelin from France, Hans den Brok and Christian Dijkhuizen from The Netherlands and Michael Larkin from Finland were in attendance. As usual, it is the family members and the Troop Carrier affiliates who make this event a success. Without their support, a reunion could not be held. Scott Glover flew his Sky King C-47 and offered free rides once again. As an added attraction Scott’s friend flew his C-47 named Snoopy for a static display. To top off all this, another friend, Cowden Ward, flew in his P-51 with plans to offer eight free rides in the back seat to veterans. Actually, the list grew to twelve before the pilot became exhausted. Patricia Overman received the S. Tipton Randolph Memorial Award presented to her by last year’s recipient, Hans den Brok. At the end, the beautifully crafted quilt made and donated for the event raffle by Susan Arnoult Pinter (Francis Arcier’s grand-daughter) was won by William Waggoner from Mesa, AZ. The proceeds for this raffle set a record of $2,870.00 donated to the Silent Wings Museum Foundation.

REUNION No. 42 (2012)

The 2012 Reunion was held in San Antonio, TX on October 25 to 27, 2012 at the Holiday Inn Riverwalk. 15 glider pilots were present with families and friends. 211 attended the Saturday evening Banquet. Once again, the affiliate members and their families made it possible for a very successful reunion. Marc Sandall, President of the 315th Troop Carrier Group was appointed to the Executive Council. Five other 315th members recently joined adding to our Troop Carrier contingent. The highlight of the reunion was the ride in Scott Glover’s C-47 nicknamed &rlquo;Sky King.” Over 162 attendees took advantage of the free ride, many for the first time in a C-47 airplane. The S. Tipton Randolph Memorial Award was presented by last year’s recipient, Susan Pinter, to Hans den Brok, our loyal affiliate member from Holland. This was his third consecutive reunion. Scott Glover was presented the Honorary Member certificate in recognition of his contribution to the success of the association. From comments received, the river boat tour was enjoyed by all.

REUNION No. 41 (2011)

The 2011 Reunion was held in Oklahoma City, OK onS eptember 29 to October 1, 2011 at the Wyndham Garden Hotel. The primary focus was to welcome the WWII Troop Carrier Community affiliate members who have joined recently as the result of the dissolution of their association. Of the 73 Troop Carrier affiliates, 35 including family guests attended the Saturday night banquet. The grand total attendance at the banquet was 183 including one family of 12. However, only 25 glider pilots were present. A group photo was taken of those glider pilots after the banquet. That photo is posted in our web page: www.ww2gp.org. Our family members and the new Troop Carrier affiliates make it possible for us to have annual reunions. Friday was devoted to visiting two outstanding museums: The National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum and the Oklahoma City National Memorial and Museum. The S. Tipton Memorial Award was presented to E. Susan Arnoult Pinter by last year’s recipient Mark Earle. Several special awards were presented to those loyal attendees who have provided valuable service for many years.

REUNION No. 40 (2010)

The 2010 Reunion was held in Lubbock, TX on October 7 to 9, 2010 at the Holiday Inn Hotel and Towers. The primary focus was the tour of the Silent Wings Museum. 199 attended the Saturday Night Banquet. For the first time, the Bickett Ellington Award was not presented. A group photo of 36 glider pilots attending this reunion was taken after the banquet. The S. Tipton Randolph Memorial Award, was presented to Mark Earle by last year’s recipient, our French affiliate, Philippe Esvelin, author of D-Day Gliders and Forgotten Wings.

REUNION No. 39 (2009)

The 2009 Reunion was held in New Orleans, LA on October 8 to 10, 2009 at the Holiday Inn Downtown-Superdome. The primary focus was the tour of the National WWII Museum. The highlight was the dinner cruise on the Paddle wheeler Creole Queen on the Mississippi River despite the cloud burst that almost wrecked the evening. 151 attended the Saturday Night Banquet including one family of 15. A group photo of thirty glider pilots attending this reunion shows that our numbers are dwindling. Significant modifications to our Articles of Incorporation and By-Laws were approved. All current officer holders will continue in their present office until relieved or resign. Charles L. Day, our new National Secretary was presented the Bickett Ellington Award. A new award, the S. Tipton Randolph Memorial Award, was presented by Tip’s son, Tipton Randolph, to our French affiliate, Philippe Esvelin, author of D-Day Gliders and Forgotten Wings. This was his twelfth consecutive attendance.

REUNION No. 38 (2008)

The 2008 Reunion was held in Fairborn, OH on September 25 to 27, 2008 at the Holiday Inn, Dayton/Fairborn. Primary focus was the tour of the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force at Wright-Patterson AFB. 160 attended the Saturday Banquet held at Wright Patt O Club. A group photo was taken of 37 glider pilots who attended. Doug Flynn was elected National Chairman and Otto Lyons as Vice Chairman. Other officers were confirmed: Tip Randolph as National Secretary, George Theis as National Treasurer and Ray Welty as National Wing Commander. Also in attendance were Directors of the Executive Council Leonard Gumley, Tony Arch and Guy Snyder. The Bickett Ellington Award was presented to James Larkin for outstanding service.

REUNION No. 37 (2007)

The 2007 Reunion was held in Nashville, TN. Executive Council realignment was made necessary due to the untimely death of Mike Samek and the retirement of William Foster. Douglas Flynn was elected National Chairman and Otto Lyons as Vice Chairman. Leonard Gumley will return as a member of the Executive Council. Ray Welty, Tony Arch and Guy Snyder continue on as Council members do George Theis as Treasurer and Tip Randolph as Secretary. One Council position will remain unfilled. George Theis has voluntarily served as the Association Reunion Chairman the past two years. He has accepted appointment as permanent Reunion Chairman. Return to Dayton OH was suggested as a possible location for Reunion 38. The Bickett Ellington Award was awarded to glider pilot historian Leon B. Spencer.

REUNION No. 37 (2007)

The 2007 Reunion was held in Nashville, TN. Executive Council realignment was made necessary due to the untimely death of Mike Samek and the retirement of William Foster. Douglas Flynn was elected National Chairman and Otto Lyons as Vice Chairman. Leonard Gumley will return as a member of the Executive Council. Ray Welty, Tony Arch and Guy Snyder continue on as Council members do George Theis as Treasurer and Tip Randolph as Secretary. One Council position will remain unfilled. George Theis has voluntarily served as the Association Reunion Chairman the past two years. He has accepted appointment as permanent Reunion Chairman. Return to Dayton OH was suggested as a possible location for Reunion 38. The Bickett Ellington Award was awarded to glider pilot historian Leon B. Spencer.

REUNION No. 36 (2006)

The 2006 Reunion revisited Colorado Springs, CO Site of the 1985 reunion. Reunion Chairmen, George Theis arranged a lunch and a drive through the Garden of the Gods followed by an Academy highlight tour that included a visit to the Glider port. There we were met by several cadets and a display of their sail planes. The Executive Council determined that future reunions will be held in the middle third of the USA. The Bickett Ellington award was given to Fred Lunde.

REUNION No. 35 (2005)

The 2005 reunion was held in Washington, DC. 70 glider pilots were present with families and friends. Total attendance was 247. A tour of Washington points of interest included stops the War Memorials of WWII, Viet Nam, Iwo Jima, and Korea. The business meeting was held on Saturday morning. Results of the recent election of Association Officers was announced. Doug Flynn and William Foster retained their seats on the Executive Council. Tony Arch replaces Leonard Gumley on the Council. Michael Samek will continue as Council chairman and Doug Flynn will served as Vice Chairman. The Bickett Ellington Award given for outstanding service to the Association were Michael J. Samek and Leslie Bailey this year.

REUNION No. 34 (2004)

The 2004 Annual Reunion was a return to Lubbock, Tx. and the SilentWings A change in member status was approved at the business meeting as follows: All members except glider pilots (1026) will be affiliate association members and members of the Silent Wings Museum, effective January 2005. Michael Samek, Otto Lyons and Guy Snyder were elected to 3 year terms on the Executive Council. Michael Samek was elected Chairman of the Executive Council. Douglas Flynn will serve as Vice Chairman.

REUNION No. 33 (2003)

The 33rd National Reunion of the World War II Glider Pilots Association was held in Fayetteville, N.C. at the 4 Points Sheridan Hotel, October 2 to October 5, 2003. Mr. and Mrs. Douglas Wilmer were co-chairmen. We were welcomed by the Assistant Division Commander, Brigadier General Rowe and his wife. The evening ended with a rousing rendition of music and song by the 82nd Classical band. It was a treat to have these young troopers with us. Another highlight was a tour of the Special Forces Airbourne Museum. Michael Samek was re-elected Chairman of the Executive Council, Douglas Flynn will serve as Vice Chairman. Leonard Gumley and William Foster were elected to serve on the Executive Council. The recipient of the Bickett Ellington Award was Douglas Flynn.

REUNION No. 32 (2002)

Thursday, October 17, 2002 the glider pilots gathered in Lubbock, TX. Douglas Flynn and Otto Lyons were co-chairmen. The occasion was the opening of the new “Silent Wings Museum” at the former South Plains Army Base. There were approximately 750 glider pilots, friends and relatives present. On Friday, the museum was opened to the glider pilot group for a preview and a barbeque dinner was enjoyed. The official opening ceremony was held on Saturday morning with the glider pilot group in attendance. All agreed that the museum is one to be proud of and truly tells the story of the glider pilots. At the business meeting, Michael Samek was re-elected Chairman of the Executive Council. Douglas Flynn and Otto Lyons were elected to the Executive Council and Flynn will serve as Vice Chairman. Charles Anderson received the Bickett Ellington Award. Mark Earle, Director of Aviation, Lubbock International Airport was made an Honorary member of the Glider Pilot Association in recognition of his work and dedication to the museum. On Saturday evening the city of Lubbock hosted approximately 675 members of our group for a grand banquet and dancing to a big band. The reunion was truly a memorable occasion.

REUNION No. 31 (2001)

The 2001 Annual Reunion was held in Branson, MO October 8th to October 11, 2001. Ginny Randolph was Chairperson. There were 197 present in spite of the September 11th terrorist attack on the U.S.A. On Friday the group attended the show and had dinner at the Welk Theater then it was on to Silver Dollar City and a spectacular lighting display. Michael Samek was re-elected Chairman of the Executive Council. A.W. Jennings will serve as Vice Chairman. Guy Snyder was elected to serve on the Executive Council with Ed Shaw and Douglas Flynn re-elected. The recipient of the Ellington Award was Otto Lyons.

REUNION No. 30 (2000)

Our reunion was held September 28 to October 1, 2000 at the Embassy Suites, Ft. Lauderdale, FL with Guy Snyder as chairman and helped by his wife, Jean. Everyone had a suite and breakfast and “Happy Hour” were complimentary. Guy’s committee included Sam Fine and Ed Evans. The Saturday night banquet was attended by 252 people and many danced to the music of the big band that Al Tittel had located for us. Jo-ann Sampson and her volunteers did a great job in the hospitality room. Michael Samek was re-elected to the Executive Council and also as Chairman of same. A.W. Jennings and John DeLorenzi were elected to the Executive Council with A.W. Jennings elected as Vice Chairman. The recipient of the Ellington Award was Howard M. Thompson, MO.

REUNION No. 29 (1999)

Thursday, October 6 to Saturday October 9, 1999 we met again at the Henry VIIIth hotel in St. Louis, Mo. As many of you remember, we met in the same place for our 16th Reunion in 1986. Again Dave and Dixie Truman did a wonderful job as Chairpersons. Approximately 300 were present at the Saturday night banquet. A bus trip to Old St. Charles was on the agenda for Friday with musical entertainment each night following dinner. The Executive Council members are as follows: Michael Samek, National Chairman; George Theis, Treasurer; Tip Randolph, Secretary; Ed Shaw, Guy Snyder, Bernard Parks, Russ Houghton, Doug Flynn, Charlie Anderson. Chosen as recipient of the Ellington Award was Darlyle Watters. The Wing Commander Award went to Ray Welty of Texas and the State Commander Award to Al Jennings of Montana.

REUNION No. 28 (1998)

October 1 to 4, 1998, the Hilton Southern Hills, Tulsa, Okla. was the site of the 28th reunion with Robert Powell serving as Chairman. Doug & Mary Wilmer did their usual fine job in the video room. There were 311 in attendance. New members of the Council were introduced - Mike Samek of N.Y., Rus Houghton of Washington and Guy Snyder of Florida. Michael Samek was elected Chairman of the E/C. Charles A. Anderson is the National Wing Commander. The Ellington Award was presented to Gilbert Slaughter of Louisiana. The Outstanding Wing Commander was Roy Barbata of California. A W Jennings received the Outstanding State Commander Award.

REUNION No. 27 (1997)

Reunion Chairman, Otto Lyons, his Committee, the facilities of the Marriott Hotel in Memphis, Tennessee were perfect for this reunion held Sept. 11 to 14, 1997. 340 attendees enjoyed the Southern Hospitality and perfect weather. Chairman, David Truman announced the results of the mail ballot to elect 3 members to Council. Elected were Floyd Sweet, Douglas Flynn and Bernard Parks. Ray Welty will continue to serve as National Wing Commander, Charles Anderson will be Deputy Wing Commander. Otto Lyons was elected as E/C Chairman. The Bickett Ellington Award was presented to David Trexler. Outstanding Wing Commander was Charles Anderson of Washington. Bill Chatburn of Nevada was Outstanding State Commander.

REUNION No. 26 (1996)

The 1996 annual reunion was held in Portland, Oregon with Russ Houghton and Charles Anderson as Co-Chairman. The dates were October 2 -5, 1996. The Airport Holiday Inn was the headquarters hotel. There were 330 attendees. A cruise and salmon barbeque was enjoyed on Friday evening. Saturday featured a trip to Hubbard, Oregon to view the restoration of two CG4A fuselages and other restored W.W. II vehicles. Jack Lenhardt hosted a barbeque lunch. Dale Oliver was recipient of the Bickett Ellington Award. Jane Cook received the Special Co-Pilot Award. Ray Welty, Wing 4, was elected National Wing Commander, Russ Houghton will be Deputy Wing Commander. Outstanding Wing Commander Award went to Ray Welty, Outstanding State Commander was Jack Murphy. Ed Cook and Otto Lyons were re-elected of the E/C for two years and Jack Seawright was elected for a two year term.

REUNION No. 25 (1995)

The 25th Silver Anniversary was held in Atlanta, Georgia on September 7-10, 1995 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel with Doug Wilmer and his wife, Mary as hosts. The War Room was supplied by Silent Wings and the video and hospitality rooms were enjoyed by all attendees. Elected to two year terms on the E/C were Floyd Sweet, David Truman and T. V. Sampson. Other members are NWC Jack Seawright, T. Randolph, G. Theis, O. Lyons, E. Cook. David Truman will serve as National Chairman and Otto Lyons as Vice Chairman with Randolph and Theis as secretary and treasurer. The group enjoyed a trip to Warner Robins AFB Aviation Museum on Friday. Lt. General Ralph E. Eberhart, Deputy USAF Chief of Staff, represented General Ron R. Fogelman, AF Chief of Staff and announced that 285 Bronze Star medals and four Silver Star medals have been approved for glider pilots who participated in the Varsity mission at Wesel, Germany 24-25 March, 1945 as a part of the 435th Group Combat Team. Major Charles O. Gordon was wartime commander of the 435th Combat Team and was instrumental in having the Awards approved. Carl Leggett, Wing 7, was selected as Outstanding Wing Commander and Herbert Waldrop of Wing 4 as Outstanding State Commander. Doris Horn, wife of Bill Horn, was surprised with the Outstanding Co-pilot Award. Lewin Barringer, former head of the WWII glider program, was the recipient of the Michael Murphy Award. The Award was accepted by his son, Lewin Barringer, Jr. John Hancock was recipient of the Bickett Ellington Award.

REUNION No. 24 (1994)

Historic King of Prussia, Pennsylvania was the site of the 24th annual reunion held on September 29-October 1, 1994. Over 400 glider pilots, wives and guests gathered for this reunion. The Holiday Inn was the host hotel and Wing 12 Commander Dave Kaufman was Reunion Chairman. A group tour of the historic area of Philadelphia was a highlight of the reunion. One of the famed Philadelphia Mummers bands performed after dinner on Friday evening. There was also a reappearance of Horn’s War Room. The attending delegates approved resolutions adopted by the E/C effecting relations with the museum. Lyons, Cook and Trexler were elected to the E/C. Jack Seawright was chosen as National Wing Commander. Don Collins will serve as Deputy NWC. Gilbert Slaughter will serve again as National Chairman, Otto Lyons as Vice Chairman. Other members of the E/C will be Truman, Sweet, Randolph (secretary) and Theis (treasurer). Troy Shaw of Louisiana was named as Outstanding State Commander and John Smelcer of Wing 8 was Outstanding Wing Commander. Harry Loftis was selected for the Bickett Ellington Award. The Schweizer brothers, Paul, Ernest and William Schweizer Aircraft, Elmira, N.Y. were recipients of the Michael Murphy Award. Mr. Paul Schweizer accepted the Award. The Schweizers were pioneers in the development of the wartime glider program. Father Gerard Thuring of Holland was named an Honorary Member.

REUNION No. 23 (1993)

The 23rd reunion of the GP association was held in Louisville, Kentucky, September 29 to October 2, 1993 under the chairmanship of Paul and Else McCollum with Wes and Vivian Westfall assisting. The downtown Galt House Hotel was reunion headquarters. This reunion was a nostalgic return for many glider pilots who had served at nearby Bowman field during WWII. Attendance at this reunion was 450. A visit to Churchill Downs and a view of the Derby museum was enjoyed. A dinner- dance on the “Star of Louisville” cruising the Ohio River was a highlight on Friday evening. Floyd Sweet, David Truman and Gilbert Slaughter were elected by acclamation for an additional term on the Executive council. Slaughter was named as National Chairman and Theo Moore as Vice Chairman, Randolph and Theis will continue as Secretary and Treasurer respectively. The other five members of the council are Casaus, Sweet, Truman, Lyons and Hancock. Casaus was renamed as the National Wing Commander with Don Collins selected as Deputy. Collins was also named the Outstanding Wing Commander and Clyde Garrett of Wyoming the Outstanding Wing Commander. Jack W. Laister received the Michael Murphy for designing and developing the TG-4 trainer and the mammoth CG-10 cargo glider which was to be used in the invasion of Japan. George Theis received the Bickett Ellington Award. A Memorial Plaque was presented to the City of Louisville dedicated to the memory of the glider pilots who served at Bowman Field during WWII.

REUNION No. 22 (1992)

This reunion marked the 50th anniversary of the founding of the World War II combat glider program, an experiment by the U.S. Army Air Forces that got underway in Elmira, N.Y. in 1942. And for a third time the reunion was held in Dallas, Texas. Reunion dates were October 15-17, 1992 at the Sheraton Park Central Hotel in North Dallas area. Reunion hosts were Wing 4 Commander LeRoy Erwin and his wife Yvonne who, with their committees, did an outstanding job. John Hancock and Theo Moore were re-elected to the Executive Council along with newcomer Otto Lyons, Jr. Hancock was named as National Chairman and Theo Moore as Vice Chairman. Other council members include Randolph (secretary), Theis (treasurer) Floyd Sweet, Dave Truman, Gil Slaughter and Jose Casaus, newly elected as National Wing Commander. John Seawright was chosen as the Deputy National Wing commander. Special awards for service were presented to Patrician Brennan and to Arthur Kidwell Jr. The Michael Murphy Award was presented to Floyd Sweet and the Bickett Ellington Award to Ed Keys. Don Martine received the Outstanding Wing Commander Award. Bus transportation was provided for those wishing to visit the Silent Wings Museum in Terrell, Texas. Some 750 members and guests were in attendance.

REUNION No. 21 (1991)

A return to Tucson, Arizona was the feature of the twenty- first annual reunion, repeating a scene enacted in 1981. J. J. DiPietro and Charles Forman were co-Reunion Chairmen of this reunion which was held on September 25-28, 1991 with the Doubletree Hotel at Randolph Park being reunion headquarters. Gil Slaughter and Floyd Sweet were re-elected to the Executive Council and Dave Truman was elected as a new council member. John Hancock was named National Chairman and Theo Moore as Vice Chairman. Other Council members; Randolph, Theis, Flynn and Redfern. Redfern will become National Wing Commander with Jose F. Casaus as deputy. A special award was made to J. William Coffey for his outstanding service as Curator of the museum. General Frederick R. Dent was awarded the Michael Murphy Award for his long time service and dedication in serving the WWII glider procurement program during WWII. General Dent’s eldest son, Frederick R. Dent III, accepted the award for his father. Lee Hampson was selected as the recipient of the Bickett Ellington Award. Richard Redfern was awarded the Outstanding Wing Commander Award.

REUNION No. 20 (1990)

The twentieth annual reunion was held at the Airport Hilton Hotel in Wichita, Kansas, on September 9-22, 1990, with Robert McCall and Herbert Ballinger as Co-Reunion Chairmen. John Hancock, Theo Moore and Doug Flynn were elected to serve on the Executive Council, joining Dave Trexler, George Theis, Tip Randolph, Floyd Sweet, Gil Slaughter and Thomas McGrath. McGrath will serve as National Wing Commander with Dick Redfern as Deputy. The Bickett Ellington Award was presented to Douglas Wilmer. Lewis J. Stowe was the recipient of the Michael Murphy Award and David Kaufman of Wing 12 was awarded the Outstanding Wing Commander Award.

REUNION No. 19 (1989)

The Holiday Inn Central of Omaha, Nebraska, was the site of the nineteenth annual reunion and the date was September 20-23, 1989, with Tom McGrath and John Hancock serving as joint Reunion Chairmen. A tour of the nearby Offuitt AFB and the SAC Museum was a reunion highlight. The late Mel Brockman was named as the Bickett Ellington Award recipient and the award was accepted by his wife, Mariane Brockman. George C. Dade was the recipient of the Michael Murphy Award. Mr. Dade’s company designed the overseas crates used for shipping the CG4A during wartime and his organization also built CG4A wings for General Aircraft in a plant on Long Island, NY. The Outstanding Wing Commander Award was given to Richard J. Redfern. David Trexler and Gilbert Slaughter were elected to serve on the Executive Council. Trexler was elected Chairman and Jim Melle will serve as Vice Chairman. Thomas McGrath was named as National Wing Commander and Dick Redfern as Deputy.

REUNION No. 18 (1988)

Norfolk, Virginia was the site of the eighteenth annual reunion and the date was September 7-11, 1988, with John Pope as Reunion Chairman. The Omni Hotel was reunion headquarters. Over 530 GPs and guests enjoyed trips to the War Memorial Museum and Mariners Museum as well as a luncheon boat cruise on the Elizabeth River. Following elections, the makeup of the Executive Council consisted of Ed Cook as chairman, Ed Keys, Tip Randolph, George Theis, Floyd Sweet, Bill Sampson, Jim Melle, Charles Giallanza. Howard Thompson was elected National Wing Commander and would be the ninth member of the council. Thomas McGrath to serve as Deputy National Wing Commander. John Huska was the recipient of the Bickett Ellington Award and Richard “Dick” Flood was named as the Michael Murphy Award winner. The Outstanding Wing Commanders Award went to Bill McFadden on Wing 12.

REUNION No. 17 (1987)

The seventeenth annual reunion was held October 7-11, 1987, at the Stouffer Hotel in Dayton, Ohio, with Art Sinclair serving as Reunion Chairman. Over 600 were in attendance. An amendment was adopted which eliminated the past National Wing Commander from the Executive Council. Four council members were elected and these were George Theis, Ed Cook, Ed Keys and Floyd Sweet. Other council members: Randolph, Hampson, Riddle and Sampson. Dave Trexler was elected as National Wing Commander and will serve on the E/C. Trexler’s Deputy-Howard Thompson. Joe Menard was selected as the Bickett Ellington Award winner. Bill Knickerbocker of Wing 4 was named as Outstanding Wing Commander and Joe Boylen of Wing 13 was chosen as the Outstanding State Commander. The first Michael Murphy Award to honor pioneers in the glider program and aviation was presented to Paul H. Poberezny, president and founder of the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) who is a former glider pilot. The award was presented by Mrs. Michael Murphy to Jim Gorma, an EAA officer and friend of Mike Murphy who was not able to attend. A Memorial Tree and Plaque dedication was held at the Air Force Museum with General Alexander M. Haig, Jr. making the principal address.

REUNION No. 16 (1986)

The sixteenth annual reunion was held in St. Louis, Missouri, on September 17-20, 1986, with Dave Truman as Reunion Chairman. The Henry VIII Hotel was reunion headquarters. Ed Cook was elected Chairman and Jack Riddle Vice Chairman of the Executive Council. William T. Sampson was elected to the council and others re-elected included Lee Hampson, Jack Riddle and James Melle. The remaining members of the council: Randolph, Huska, and Wilmer. Mel Brockman was selected as the National Wing Commander and Dave Trexler to serve as Deputy. The Bickett Ellington Award was presented to Ed Cook. By unanimous vote of the members, a resolution was approved providing for the Executive Chairman to appoint each year, with E/C approval, four (4) members of the GP association to serve as members of the Board of Directors of the museum, the Bylaws committee was instructed to amend the Bylaws of both organizations to comply with this resolution. Roy Barbata was named the Outstanding Wing Commander.

REUNION No. 15 (1985)

The Clarion Hotel of Colorado Springs, Colorado, was the headquarters for the fifteenth annual reunion, held on September 19-22, 1985, hosted by Reunion Chairman George Theis. Attendance was reported at 739 with more than 100 attending their first ever glider pilot reunion. Highlights included a dedication of a bronze plaque as a memorial to glider pilots which was placed on the Memorial Wall at the Air Force Academy Cemetery. A resolution was approved by the members that the Executive Council and the Board of Directors study methods of combining the museum organization as a subsidiary of the GP association. Joe Cannella was the deserving recipient of the Bickett Ellington Award. Lee Hampson was named to serve again as National Chairman and Ed Cook, Dick Wade, and Jim Melle were elected to the council. Doug Wilmer was selected to serve another term as National Wing Commander.

REUNION No. 14 (1984)

It was completely across the nation for the site of the next reunion. The fourteenth annual reunion was held in Seattle, Washington on September 27-29, 1984, with the Seattle Sheraton Hotel as reunion headquarters. George Wolfe was the Reunion Chairman and attendance continued to be good. For the first time since its inception a winner was not announced for the Bickett Ellington Award. Dave Trexler of Wing 3 was named as the outstanding Wing Commander. Douglas Wilmer was selected as National Wing Commander with Richard Wade as Deputy. Mel Brockman and Lee Hampson were elected to the Executive Council and Jack Riddle re-elected for another term. Other council members were Randolph, Huska, Evans, Cook, Cannella and Wilmer. Lee Hampson was again named National Chairman. Visits were made to the Boeing Museum of Flight and the Tillicum Village Salmon Bake.

REUNION No. 13 (1983)

Orlando, Florida was the site of the thirteenth annual reunion held on September 1-4, 1983, at the Americana Dutch Resort Hotel, Lake Buena Vista. Ed Evans was the Reunion Chairman. Another outstanding group of over 600 attended. Connie Nanartonis was named as the recipient of the Bickett Ellington Award and John Pope of Wing 11 was selected as the Outstanding Wing Commander. Joe Cannella was picked to be the new National Wing Commander with Douglas Wilmer as Deputy. Ed Cook and Ed Evans were elected to serve two-year terms on the Executive Council. In addition to Cannella, Cook and Evans, other members of the council were Don Akin, Russ Houghton, Jack Riddle, Lee Hampson, Tip Randolph, and John Huska. Lee Hampson was named as National Chairman and Ed Cook as Vice Chairman. Members and guests enjoyed visits to Epcot Center and Disney World as well as the War Room.

REUNION No. 12 (1982)

The twelfth annual reunion was held September 9-11, 1982, in Reno, Nevada, at the MGM Grand Hotel with Bill Chatburn as Reunion Chairman. Attendance swelled to 630. Richard S. Kennedy and J. Garth Caldwell were named as joint recipients of the Bickett Ellington Award. Connie Nanartonis of Wing 13 was named as the Outstanding Wing Commander. Russ Houghton and Eugene Messmer were elected to serve a second year as National Wing Commander and Deputy. Huska was re-elected as National Chairman and Lee Hampson, Don Akin, and Jack Riddle were elected to the Executive Council. Other council members were Houghton, McDonald, Ryser, Soden, and Randolph. The highlight of the reunion was the presentation of the Order of William (Degree of the Knight) to all glider pilots who participated in the invasion of Holland. Colonel Herman Tummers of the Royal Netherlands Embassy, Washington, D.C., presented the Orange Lanyard to all those present who participated in Operation Market-Garden.

REUNION No. 11 (1981)

The eleventh annual reunion was held September 24-26, 1981, in Tucson, Arizona, with Reunion Chairman Dr. J. J. DiPietro in charge. The Marriott Hotel was reunion headquarters and a highlight was an address on Saturday night by the Honorable Barry M. Goldwater, U. S. Senator from Arizona. George Brennan was named the recipient of the Bickett Ellington Award and Mel Brockman selected as the Outstanding Wing Commander. John Huska and Bill McDonald were elected to the Executive Council and Huska was selected to his second term as National Chairman. Lee Hampson was elected Vice Chairman, replacing Joe Cannella who stepped down after serving some ten years on the E/C. Rowell Houghton was selected as National Wing Commander and Eugene Messmer as Deputy. The theme of the 1981 reunion was “Forty Years and Still Hanging On.” The War Room display as the largest ever held and featured a fully restored TG-2 and ten dioramas of World War II scenes built by Dallas, Texas historian Paul Swan and acquired for the proposed GP museum. A film crew from the “Real People” TV show filmed and interviewed many glider pilots and this footage was displayed on the network show on November 11, 1981. Attendance at this reunion exceeded 575.

REUNION No. 10 (1980)

A new decade was ushered in with the tenth annual reunion which was held in Atlanta, Georgia on October 9-11, 1980, at the Atlanta Biltmore Hotel, with Douglas Wilmer serving as Reunion Chairman. Over 530 glider pilots and guests were on hand. Nine British glider pilots attended along with the first time ever contingent of German glider pilots. The reunion was marred by the tragic death of Dorothy Menard due to an accidental fall in her hotel room. At the request of Joe Menard, the reunion activities were continued to a normal conclusion. Ed Cook and Joe Menard were re-elected to the Executive Council, and Lee Ryser was elected to fill the remaining vacancy. Lee Hampson was selected as National Wing Commander and Rowell Houghton as Deputy. Bill Horn was named as the recipient of the Bickett Ellington Award and Bill Foster received the Outstanding Wing Commander Award. John Huska was named Chairman of the Executive Council with Joe Cannella as Vice Chairman. The original oil painting “Combat Glider Pilot” by GP artist David Whitten of Kansas City was exhibited in the War Room for the first time. Also on display was Rex Shama’s magnificent one inch to one foot scale model of the CG4A glider. Other events highlighting 1980 were the formation of the Military Glider Pilots Association, organized for the purpose of establishing a national glider pilot museum and the beginning of a fund drive to support this institution. By the end the year, more than $50,000 had been pledged to this project and plans were underway to start construction on the first museum building in Terrell, Texas.

REUNION No. 9 (1979)

The ninth annual reunion of the association returned to Dallas, Texas and was held on September 21-23, 1979, at the Anatole Hotel with Frank Kehr as Reunion Chairman. An attendance record for reunions was set with some 844 on hand. Highlight of this reunion was the display of the fully restored CG4A glider in a hangar at a local area airport. The restoration had been completed by the CG4A Project Committee under the direction of Bill Horn with other members of the committee being George Brennan, Frank Kehr, and Joe Menard. The Executive Council was expanded to nine members and those selected were Caldwell, Randolph, Cook, Menard, Brockman, Huska, Cannella, Brennan, and Dick Wade. Huska was named National Wing Commander and Lee Hampson as Deputy. Chosen as recipients of the Bickett Ellington Award were Virginia and Tip Randolph.

REUNION No. 8 (1978)

Springfield, Massachusetts was the site of the eighth annual reunion with Connie Nanartonis as Reunion Chairman. The dates were October 5-7, 1978 and the Marriott Hotel was reunion headquarters. Another large attendance marked this delightful New England meeting. Mel Brockman was named the National Wing commander with John Huska as Deputy. Executive Council members elected included Menard, Horn, Cook, Randolph, Cannella and Caldwell. Caldwell was named Executive Chairman. The Bickett Ellington Award went to Frank Kehr. British glider pilots Richard Wade, Ron Rose, and Tom Smith presented a large scale model of the Horsa glider to the association.

REUNION No. 7 (1977)

The seventh annual reunion was held in Albuquerque, New Mexico, on September 22-24, 1977, with Jack Riddle serving as Reunion Chairman. Astronaut Donald “Deke” Slayton was a featured speaker and was named as an Honorary Member of the GP association. Attendance records for a reunion again fell when over 600 members turned out for this meeting. Connie Nanartonis was named as National Wing Commander and Mel Brockman was selected as the Deputy National Wing Commander. Dick Kennedy was named Chairman of the Executive Council, with Joe Menard as Vice Chairman. Other members of the council were Randolph, Horn, Cannella, Cook and Nanartonis. The first GP golf tournament was held at this reunion. Harry “Pappy” Engel was named as the first recipient of the newly established Bickett Ellington Award.

REUNION No. 6 (1976)

The Hyatt House in San Francisco, California was the site of the sixth annual reunion held on August 19-21, 1976. It was hosted by Dick Kennedy as Reunion Chairman. The War Room had an expanded display on hand which included the first showing of the newly restored CG4A cockpit which had been transported to San Francisco from Dallas, Texas. Reunion attendance continued to grow with over 500 on hand and membership nearing the 1,200 mark. Earlier in the year the dedication of a restored CG4A glider at the Air Force Museum in Dayton, Ohio had been attended by many of the members. At San Francisco, Joe Menard was named as National Wing Commander and Connie Nanartonis was selected as Deputy National Wing Commander. For the first time, a large delegation of British glider pilots visited an American glider pilot association reunion. These included Victor Wade, Jim Wells, Ron Rose, Tom Smith, H. N. Andrews, and Richard S. Wade. These members of the British Glider Pilot Regiment were made special associate members, along with Jim Davis, a current associate member now a resident of the U.S.

REUNION No. 5 (1975)

The association continued its rapid growth and expansion in this fifth annual reunion. Mel Brockman served as Reunion Chairman and the site was the Ramada Inn-Airport, Milwaukee, Wisconsin on September 25-27, 1975. Membership had grown to over 1,000 and reunion attendance was almost 500. The official flag of the association, secured through the efforts of George Brennan, was displayed for the first time. A large group of members attending this reunion followed it up by taking off for the first glider pilot tour of Europe. Joe Cannella was named as the National Wing Commander and Edward L. Cook was elected to the Executive Council, joining hold-over members Kehr, Randolph, Horn, Cannella, Kennedy and Caldwell. The War Room was officially recognized by the Executive Council and Bill Horn was named as War Room Curator. The CG4A Restoration Project also got underway.

REUNION No. 4 (1974)

The fourth annual reunion was held at the Don Ce Sar Hotel in St. Petersburg, Florida on October 24-26, 1974, chaired by “Bud” and Pete Caldwell. At that reunion the Articles of Association and By-laws were adopted. That reunion was further highlighted by bringing together for the first time since 1945 the survivors of the famed “Shangri- La” rescue that took place in a remote area of Dutch New Guinea in July of 1945. The three rescued survivors of a C-47 crash were Margaret Atkinson, John McCollom, and Kenneth Decker. They were able to meet once again with two of the three glider pilots who handed the glider snatch pickups out of the remote mountain valley where they crashed. The pilots were G. Reynolds Allen and Nick Kimler. The third glider pilot involved was Henry Palmer who was not able to attend the reunion. Over 300 members were on hand for this reunion, the largest attendance to date. The SILENT WINGS War Room went on display for the very first time. With the adoption of the new Articles of Association the old officer titles were abolished. The National Chairman of the newly formed Executive Council became the CEO of the association. The Executive Council was elected by the members for the first time. Those selected were Frank Kehr, S. Tipton Randolph, Bill Horn, J. Garth Caldwell, Richard Kennedy, Dick Cramer and Joe Cannella as Deputy.

REUNION No. 3 (1973)

The third annual reunion was held in Louisville, Kentucky on September 27-29, 1973 at the Holiday Inn East and this affair marked the beginning of the “Big Reunion” era. The meeting was superbly organized by Wes Westfall and his efforts lead to the establishment of the Reunion Chairman post for future reunions. The regional wings were reorganized and two additional Wing Commanders were selected. An emblem designed by Dale Oliver was adopted as the official emblem of the association. The first Executive Council was formed to replace the Steering Committee and seven members chosen for that council. They were Frank Kehr, S. Tipton Randolph, Frank Sherer, Dick Kennedy, Joe Cannella, Bickett Ellington, and Bill Horn. Frank Kehr was named chairman and Bill Horn secretary. National officers elected were S. Tipton Randolph, National Flight Commander; Frank Sherer, Senior Flight Commander; and Tom Post, Junior Flight Commander. John J. Wallace was named as Adjutant, Al Hudnall continued as Chaplain, Virginia Randolph as Executive Secretary. Jean Goldbrandsen volunteered to serve as Historian. J. Garth Caldwell was named as the first official Reunion Chairman for the next reunion which was to be held in St. Petersburg, Florida.

REUNION No. 2 (1972)

The second annual reunion of the National WWII Glider Pilot Association was held in Las Vegas, Nevada on November 2-5, 1972 at the Las Vegas Hilton Hotel. Sixty-three members were on hand and interest continued to grow. Expanded rules of procedure were adopted and Frank Kehr was elected National Flight Commander, and Frank Sherer Junior Flight Commander, Tom Post continued as Adjutant, Al Hudnall as Chaplain and Virginia Randolph was chosen as Executive Secretary. Ginny was also made an honorary member of the association. Regional wings were organized and the first Wing Commanders appointed. Ed Cogan was named the Historian; Elmer Bacorn, Photographer; and Wes Westfall, Liaison Officer, Bickett Ellington was appointed a permanent member of the Steering Committee.

REUNION No. 1 (1971)