VMB-613's biennial reunion was held in October 2006 at Chattanooga, Tennessee with 41 squadron and family members in attendance.  The reunion's organizer and host, Bill Kehr, was missed by all as he had passed away a few months prior to the event.  Time was well spent in socializing and talking about the activities that occurred during the war and at past reunions.  Sightseeing activities included trips into the wilderness areas surrounding Chattanooga, and a boat trip up and down the Tennessee River.  Members also visited the Veterans Cemetery, which is the largest in the United States.  Members also honored Robert Yanacek, their webmaster and historian, with the official title as an honorary member of VMB-613.  As the reunion closed, members departed with anticipation of getting together once again in 2008 for another reunion.

Photograph: Courtesy of Robert Klinke

Photograph: Courtesy of Robert Klinke

Photograph: Courtesy of Robert Klinke

Photograph: Courtesy of Robert Klinke

Photograph: Courtesy of Robert Klinke

Photograph: Courtesy of Robert Klinke

Photograph: Courtesy of Robert Klinke

Photograph: Courtesy of Robert Klinke

Photograph: Courtesy of Robert Klinke

Photograph: Courtesy of Robert Klinke

Photograph: Courtesy of Robert Klinke

Photograph: Courtesy of Allen R. Protheroe

Photograph: Courtesy of Allen R. Protheroe

Photograph: Courtesy of Allen R. Protheroe

Photograph: Courtesy of Allen R. Protheroe

Photograph: Courtesy of Allen R. Protheroe

Photograph: Courtesy of Allen R. Protheroe

Photograph: Courtesy of Allen R. Protheroe

Photograph: Courtesy of Allen R. Protheroe

Photograph: Courtesy of Allen R. Protheroe

Photograph: Courtesy of Allen R. Protheroe

Photograph: Courtesy of Allen R. Protheroe

YOUNGEST VMB-613 MEMBER: It has been many years since November 21, 1945 when Marine Bombing Squadron Six-Thirteen was decommissioned at Miramar.  That being the case all of our members are now over eighty years of age—that is until recently.  In 2006 at our Reunion in Chattanooga, the members of our squadron voted to declare Robert Yanacek an "honorary" member of VMB-613.  This title was bestowed to him in recognition for his service in the Marine Corps and for his service to VMB-613 in preserving our story as our squadron's webmaster and historian.  Accompanying his declaration as an "honorary" member was a check, drawn in the amount of $613.  Having never served in the Marine Air Wing, Robert remarked that his title as an official "honorary" member of VMB-613 meant more to him than all the personal awards he received while on active duty in the Marine Corps.  "Just being included in the ranks of VMB-613 with my Dad and his Marine comrades is a greater honor than I could have ever expected," he added.  To our newest member, we extend our congratulations and best wishes for continued success!

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