Memo To:  All Super Patriots

Members have been letting me know that they have received the initial release of information relative to the Year 2006 Reunion which will be held in Chattanooga, TN at the Choo-Choo Holiday Inn Complex from Wednesday, October 18, 2006 through Saturday October 21, 2006 with Check Out on October 22, 2006.

For those members who have access to the Internet, the Reunion information is also available on our website.

This information will be updated periodically as required.

All family members in addition to the squadron members are welcome to attend the reunion.

A number of members have indicated in e-mail messages that they will be in attendance at the reunion.

We have already received Squadron Registration affirmation from Calvin and Joyce Russell.

NOTES FROM MEMBERS

Frank Noland sent us a message and said that he was the "Rembrandt" who painted the names on those B-25's.  He sent along a picture of one of his masterpieces.

While going through some old papers he found the picture of the Squadron Baseball Team.  On the back of the picture all the players were listed with their positions.  He also sent the picture of the team to me and both of which will be appearing on the website in the very near future.

The baseball team flew by C-47 to Majuro and defeated a Navy Seabee team.  It was some sort of island baseball playoffs.  After that win, they were disbanded due to the non availability of any teams to play.  Several of the players then started playing first pitch softball.

Frank sends his best wishes to all.

We received a telephone call from the daughter of J. Clifford Scott, M.D. who was our squadron Medical Officer, who said that her Dad passed away on March 26.  She also said that he was very enthused over 613 and had her bring up the Squadron website several times so that he could review all the material contained therein. 

With his failing eyesight she had to scan our newsletter for him to read everything in it.  He stayed alert and thinking despite his isolation she added.  She also added that all of us were very important to her Dad.  His time with 613 was every important to him, and he spoke of it so many, many times through the years.

Foster Cummings sends his regards to all.  They are waiting for the weather to make up its mind as to whether they will have a spring season or just jump over it into summer.  A lot of rain has been falling which he considers a little better than snow, no snow blower activity this way.

Bob Polakowski says "hi" To all.  He and Helen returned home from their southern trip and are endeavoring to get back into the swing of things.  Although it looks beautiful outside there is still a cold wind that limits any outside endeavors.

A friend of the family had to adjust a trip itinerary and was able to invite Helen to go on a trip to Holland with her.  We will have to wait for the European update after she returns.

Bob has been in touch with DC Clay and said that all is well with him.  He has to watch how fast he walks etc but it doesn’t stop him from getting out on the golf course.  He endeavors to get in at least nine holes when he does get out there on his weekly exercise routine.

Bob also sent along a travel write up on Chattanooga which is very interesting.  It gives a great description of the area which included a before and after clean up routine of the environment and the effect of the clean up on the immediate area. 

This article also described the many fascinating sites for all to see and enjoy, such as the Tennessee Aquarium, Coolidge Park which contains a lot of river park with its carousel and the world’s longest pedestrian bridge and the hopscotch courts designed by a famous Chattanooga sculpture.  Also many museum are there for those folks who are interested in seeing history.

I received a telephone call from RL Marx who was visiting in Ruidosa, N.M..  He was really impressed with the extra warm temperature and the scenery and said that he would like to stay there for a longer period but could not do so at this time.  His schedule called for him to return to Arizona and than fly home.  He said hello and regards to all.                

Jim and Mary Jane Lewis recently home after their annual sojourn to Texas.  They got back with mixed emotions with the grey, gloomy skies and snow on the ground.  According to their newspapers MN had the fantastic winter weather until they got home. 

The one good thing about being back home is witnessing the animals coming out of hibernation including the trumpeter swans, geese and golden-eye ducks.  Even the bugs are starting to come back to life. 

On their way south to TX they got rear ended and the insurance company allowed them to wait until they got home for the repairs, hence they are now using a “temp” car which doesn’t have the luxuries they are used to.

The Lewis’s visited the Marine Military Museum and Iwo Jima Monument located near the Marine Military Academy in Harlingen several times over the years and they recently saw a news item in the Valley Morning Star newspaper in Texas which is disconcerting.  The building in which the museum exists is in danger of becoming a thing of the past.  It is beyond repair and needs to be replaced.  Volunteers are endeavoring to educate people about their past efforts and hope that they can get a fund raising effort going to erect a new building on site.

Our Artist in Residence in Montana, Joseph Yakawich, is again going to be honored this year for his artistic talent.  He will be the Featured Artist of the State Fair (2006).  He will be the First ever, featured artist for the Billings State Fair in August 2006.

He has been given 2 peg boards, 4'x 8', and also an Enclosed Glass Case with Key of 4' x 4', with shelves for miscellaneous art to display items that he has made.

Since this will probably be the only big showing that Joe will ever have all his children are accumulating his selected art works for the showing.

All 613'ers say Congratulations Joe.

Carmine Nasta says hello and regards to all.  He has been busy performing tasks as an expert plumber, with the assistance of another expert plumber.  They are of the opinion that the problem has been resolved.

I told him that we had heard from Debbie Kane the daughter of Henry Shaneyfelt and that information on her contact with us will be in this Newsletter.  He mentioned that he had been in touch with him and knew that he had joined the U.S. Army and had served in Korea but then their correspondence dropped off.  He was glad to get an update on him.

He continues to maintain contact with various 613'ers from the Engineering organization.