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Post by pat perry on Aug 8, 2015 9:01:33 GMT 9
All F106 Troops,
Bruce Gordon passed along the information about the 71st being reactivated. See his note below and also the attachment. Thanks Bruce!Bobski
From: brugor@mac.com
To: Bobski9933@aol.com, kwigton@comcast.net
Sent: 8/6/2015 4:56:02 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time
Subj: 71st Squadron being reactivated!
The 71st fighter squadron, which has flown F-106, F-4s, and F-15s, is being reactivated at Langley. This flyer tells the rest. I think the invitation is open to all 71st, 94th, and 27th Squadron personnel (the First Fighter Wing).
Bruce Gordon
Begin forwarded message:
From: 1st Fighter Association 1stfighter@comcast.net
Subject: Ironmen Rising
Date: August 6, 2015 at 4:12:08 PM EDT
To: brugor@mac.com
Reply-To: 1stfighter@comcast.net
71st Fighter Squadron to Reactivate at Langley 20th & 21st * August * 2015
Langley AFB, VA
You are invited to join the 71st Ironmen for their Reactivation Celebration, August 20-21, 2015. During the Ceremony, the 71st FS will be re-designated as the 71st Fighter Training Squadron. The 71st FTS mission is to provide realistic adversary air for 1st Fighter Wing F-22 training missions to keep Langley's F-22 pilots fully mission ready. Langley's T-38 fleet, which has been operating as part of the 27th FS since 2011, has grown to 17 aircraft and amasses more than 3,000 adversary support sorties a year.
Originally formed in December 1940 as the 71st Pursuit Squadron, the 71st FS has flown a variety of combat aircraft including the P-38 Lighting, P-80 Shooting Star, F-86 Sabre, F-106 Delta Dart, and F-4 Phantom. In 1975, the 71st Tactical Fighter Squadron moved to Langley AFB and was equipped with the F-15 Eagle, which it flew for more than 30 years until the squadron was deactivated in September 2010.
Over the course of its history, the 71st FS has garnered numerous accolades, including three Presidential Unit Citations, eleven Air Force Outstanding Unit Awards, and five Hughes Achievement Trophies. The 71st FS also saw combat in numerous conflicts including World War II, Operations Northern Watch, Southern Watch, and Iraqi Freedom, and was credited with the first air-to-air victory in Desert Storm.
Bring out your Iron and join guest speaker Mac McAllister, 71st Pursuit Squadron (WWII), and former 71st Fighter Squadron Commanders and members for the Reactivation Events.
RSVP NLT Thursday, August 13th, for each event to:
1Lt Andrew Gutowski at Andrew.gutowski.2@us.af.mil
Reactivation Events:
BBQ Dinner in T-38 Hanger, Bldg. 753, August 20, 2015 (Casual)
5:30PM - Cocktails (pay as you go)
6:30PM - Dinner ($15 per person)
Golf Tournament, Kiln Creek Golf Club, August 21st (Collared Shirt)7:00AM ROE Brief - 4 Person Team Scramble, $33 plus $5 buy-in for prizes
Reactivation Ceremony, Weapons Standardization Hanger,
Langley AFB, Bldg. 751, August 21st (Business Casual)
2:30PM - Reactivation Ceremony
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Post by pat perry on Aug 31, 2015 8:17:20 GMT 9
Hi all. I am about 3 weeks behind on forwarding emails about the reunion from Bobski. The good news is you may have already receive this from his reunion attendees distribution list.
Hello Troops,
I just wanted to thank all of you that signed up and have paid for your meals and tours. Many of you however did not select your sandwich for the garden of the Gods lunch (Ham, Beef or Turkey) nor your meal for the farewell banquet, Beef, Chicken or Fish (salmon). I need this info and if someone makes no selection we cannot guarantee which meal they will receive. Contact me with your selections. kwigton@comcast.net You can also look at the tour tracking list that Bob has attached and verify your info. The red indicates a meal selection not made.
Here is how we ended up with the bus tours. Our tour guide extended the deadline for some tours as the busses were not 100% filled. The busses are ordered.
Thursday Oct 8, Garden of the Gods tour with lunch then a visit to Manitou Springs. 46 people signed up, 7 seats left.
Friday Oct. 9, morning, the Air Force Academy 68 signed up, with room for about 38 more attendees.
Friday Oct. 9 afternoon tour to Broadmoor and Zoo areas then Seven Falls. 46 attending with 7 seats left. Seven Falls has been bought by the Broadmoor Hotel and they have invested a lot of money to improve it. They will re-open Thursday (13 Aug) and right now are somewhat confused about how they will do transportation. In the past Natallia was limited to 1-53 passenger bus. If those are filled I will keep a standby list as it's now possible that we will get more seats but not guaranteed. The time has changed as the new owners are closing earlier. If we have 1 bus it will leave at 2:30PM and the 48th troops can take this tour and still make their Friday evening meal. If we get to 2 busses the second would leave at 3:30PM.
Sat. Oct. 10 Peterson AFB museum and the WW II Museum. 70 attending and we can add 22.
Sunday Oct. 11 Cog Railway and Royal Gorge Train. Here we have a problem. The Cog Railway has 16 people signed up and the Train 34 people. The Cog Railway trip needs either 14 people to fill a van or 30 people to fill a bus. We need either 2 people to switch to the Royal Gorge Train and we will pay the $5 difference or we need 14 more to sign up. We can take 19 more on the train.
In summary, we have been given a second chance to add some people for the tours, and the drop dead date for selecting tours is August 21st. I must hear from you before that date. If you have not registered with the F-106 All Troops Reunion you must do so to select venues. You may also send me selections for any meal or tour when you send me your registration money. If you have any confusion about our reunion with the 48th joining with us please call me at 248-887-6834. I do not collect any 48th dues, fees or raffle ticket money.
We have a raffle at our Farewell Banquet for some magnificent hand-made F-106 clocks and a few other items. We sell our raffle tickets at the hotel events.
Respectfully submitted,
Ken Wigton Co-Chair (with Bobski)
Any questions contact either of us.
TourTracking8-13-2015_email.xls (44.5 KB)
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Post by pat perry on Aug 31, 2015 8:24:11 GMT 9
From Bobski - Pat P
You can now start registering for the 2015 F-106 All Troops Reunion, Oct. 7-11, which is at the Elegante Hotel in Colorado Springs, Colorado. You can call the Elegante Hotel (719-576-5900 x 1777) to reserve your room (reference F106 All Troops 2015 Reunion); or use the special website for our reunion: www.reseze.net/cassets/mkt/mcmelegante/landing_pages/MCM_Colorado_F106_All_Troops_Reunion_Group.html
We have negotiated a price of $79 per night including breakfast. They are offering this rate for 3 days prior to and 3 days after the reunion. You can view the Hotel website at www.hotelelegante.com
You must register with us by sending $15 for the veteran or interested party and $10 for each guest that veteran or interested person brings. Send to: Ken Wigton, 3411 Capitol Way Highland, Mi. 48356. You can make out the check to KEN WIGTON - F106 REUNION. The first registered person at $15 gets a special reunion patch. We would like to collect all monies up front. When you register please indicate the venues you plan to attend. You may also make installment payments by paying for each event individually.
We will have the Hospitality Suites/Hall open 24/7 every day. Bring your own snacks, beverages (alcohol ok), and stories; there will be a military merchandise store available from David Gray (Former Sixer & POW). (Extra reunion patches & shirts)
(ALL TOURS WILL BE ON LUXURY TOUR COACHES, EQUIPPED WITH BATHROOMS)
Day 1, Oct 7, 2015 Wednesday, Meet and Greet Dinner: $30 P/P
Elegante Hotel: Check-in 2-5 pm; Social Hour 5 pm; Buffet Dinner 6 pm; Program & Fun following!
Day 2, Oct 8, 2015, Thursday, 9 am - 3:30 pm: $68 P/P
Garden of the Gods with lunch included & tour in Manitou Springs. (Price includes lunch (choose your sandwich: Ham, turkey or beef by 10/1) with taxes and gratuity)
Day 3, Oct 9, 2015, Friday:
(1) US Air Force Academy (guided) 9 am-Noon: $44 P/P
(2) Evening Tour: through Broadmoor and Cheyenne Mountain Zoo area with an after dark visit to Seven Falls: $48 P/P Limited to the first 50 persons who sign up. www.broadmoor.com/experience/?nck=ppc_general_branded&gclid=CPGdlraLyMECFbPm7AodYi0A8g
Day 4, Oct 10, 2015, Saturday,
Peterson AFB Museum (free admission), & WW II Aviation Museum (pay admission at door) 9 am - 4 pm: $40 P/P.
We will have lunch at Peterson for a nice buffet that includes lunch, tax and gratuity.
Farewell Banquet: $40 P/P (elegant style table served, business casual dress)
Social Hour 6pm, Dinner 7pm, after dinner (choose chicken, fish or beef by 9/15): Special program, Air Force Band, raffles…
Day 5, Oct 11, 2015 Sunday;
Choice 1: 8 am - 1:15 pm: Cog Railway up to the summit of Pike's Peak, $80 P/P
Choice 2: 10:30 am - 3:30 pm: Royal Gorge Train. $85 P/P, Add $25 for optional Dome Car .
So veterans, friends and anyone else interested, please start registering and let us know your selection of each event/tour, even if you haven’t paid yet. We know this is a long time in advance and we have already been planning for about 9 months. If you have to cancel Ken will send you a full refund if you notify Ken by Oct 1, 2015. We highly recommend that if you want to take the tours to take the bus with us! It is much more relaxing, more fun to be with everyone on the luxury coaches, no worries about traffic or directions!
Regards,
Ken Wigton Bob Kwiecinski (Bobski)
HM PH: 248-887-6834 HM PH: 772-571-6056
3411 Capitol Way Highland, Mi. 48356 256 Barbossa Dr.
Sebastian, FL 32958
F106 website: forum.f-106deltadart.com/thread/3748/2013-106-reunion?page=9
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Post by pat perry on Aug 31, 2015 8:26:51 GMT 9
From Bobski - Pat P.
All F106 Troops,
Here's a couple minor updates:
1. There are only two (2) openings left for the evening tour at Seven Falls. If you have not signed up yet and wish to go I recommend you let us know ASAP. First come first served!
2. The banquet meat selections are actually London Broil (beef), Chicken Marsala (chicken), and Baked Salmon (fish). When we scouted out hotels in the Colorado Springs area last year we were told the meals served at the Elegante were very good, so Ken and I did have a banquet meal there and it was excellent!. The Saturday dinner banquet dress will be business casual.
Getting closer! Please continue to pass on the info to all your buddies!
Aim High!
Bobski
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Post by pat perry on Sept 10, 2015 8:43:35 GMT 9
Message from Bobski - Pat P.
Hi Guys,
Almost time for the reunion. I gave our tour guide numbers for the various tours today and she is going to invoice me for the balance on them. She did say that if we got any late signees she would take them until the end of September. This is for whatever room is left on the busses for each tour. The Cog Railway is full and the Evening Tour has 2 seats left. The other tours have a tad more room left. If you are coming and are interested I need to hear from you now. I have to pay up front and need your money before I leave for CS Oct. 3rd.
There are still 2 people that have made their selections but have not yet paid. Please do so right away as I have to send a check later this week. I will pay for you but it will come out of my pocket if you do not send me the money. Yikes! The Meet and Greet meals have no limit as to the number of people but need to be paid for right away too. The same 2 people plus 1 other person owe for the 2 meals that they selected.
There are also still 24 folks that have not selected an entrée for the farewell banquet or a sandwich for the Garden of the Gods lunch. Please look at the file Bob has attached with this email and respond to me ASAP. Otherwise we will have to make your selection for you. We want happy campers and do not want to select for you. In summary, please call or email me with your selections or questions. Also note that the WW II Museum is an aviation museum.
Cheers guys and see you in a month.
Ken Wigton
TourTracking_9-6-2015_email.pdf (384.04 KB)
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Post by pat perry on Sept 15, 2015 3:24:21 GMT 9
Message from Bobski and Ken Wigton:
All F106 2015 Reunion Attendees (including guests),
We need volunteers to help us out during our reunion week. Ken and I would appreciate some help in the following areas/events listed below. Veterans and their spouses/guests are also welcome to help.
1. Meet and Greet (registration sign-in), Oct. 7, Wednesday, 2-6PM (may be in shifts). Happy Hour starts at 5PM.
This is a desk job. It's actually a fun job getting to meet attendees! We need 6 people to assist with signing in attendees, handing out packets, answering questions, directions, etc...
2. Final Banquet, Oct 10, Saturday, 5-7PM. Happy Hour starts at 6PM.
This is a desk job. We need 4 people to assist with taking door tickets, ...
3. We could use a dedicated person (s) to take photographs and videos during the week. They must have their own cameras, tripod, etc. and able to record and store the images onto a memory stick or DVD. We have a source, Bill Chesnut, who can make copies available for sale after the reunion. BTW, we did check into hiring a professional company to handle this, but we felt it would be a major investment and expensive.
4. We may need occasional help each day for SOMEONE WITH GOOD PRINTING SKILLS in writing Easel Pad notes/schedules, hospitality rooms, busses, etc..
5. I could use an IT assistant to assist me with setups for the dinners and hospitality rooms. I am proficient with most IT equipment. We have access to a DVD/CD player, my laptop, laptop projector, PA system, WIFI, etc.
6. We need someone to assist Dick Stultz and some military memorabilia sales during the week. [Pat P. volunteered for this]
Please let us know ASAP if you can volunteer to help out (email reply).
See you in a few weeks!
Bobski bobski9933@aol.com & Ken kwigton@comcast.net
Co-Chairs
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Post by pat perry on Sept 18, 2015 8:12:02 GMT 9
Message from Ken Wigton - Pat P
This is an update for the troops.
The Broadmoor/Seven Falls tour is full. We have room for the Garden of the Gods/ Manitou Springs tour, the AF Academy, Peterson AFB/WW II Museum, the Royal Gorge train, both meals and 1 seat on the Cog railway.
The charge for the WW II museum is now $6 per person. I will pay that by check at the door and we will collect that $6 at sign in from the folks going. They had quoted me $8 PP because it was a tour and that's the tour rate. I pointed out that we were all vets and/or seniors and she agreed to drop the price. We will have a number of docents to guide us through the museum.
Natalia is asking me for numbers by Friday which is tomorrow So if anyone is still wanting to do a tour please contact me now.
Cheers,
Ken Wigton 248-887-6834 kwigton@comcast.net
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Post by pat perry on Sept 22, 2015 5:21:26 GMT 9
FINAL CALL FOR F-106 REUNION REGISTRATION
This is it folks. Last call for Happy Hour at Colorado Springs! Be there or be square!
This is the final call for signups for the reunion. Most of the tours are filled. We still have openings for the AF Academy Tour.
Thanks and looking forward to seeing you!
Bobski See you on October 7-11 at Colorado Springs, CO.
Itinerary itinerary F106 2015 Reunion_revised_8_16_15.pdf (452.75 KB)
Registration Form Registration_F106_2015_Reunion.pdf (179.21 KB)
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Post by Jim on Sept 25, 2015 10:29:55 GMT 9
48th FIS is having their reunion same time... Couple of clocks for them 
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Jim Scanlon (deceased)
Senior Staff 
FORUM CHAPLAIN
Commander South Texas outpost of the County Sligo Squadron
Currently: Offline
Posts: 5,075 
Location:
Joined: July 2007
Retired: USAF
NBA: Spurs
NFL: Niners
MLB: Giants
NHL: Penguins
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Post by Jim Scanlon (deceased) on Sept 25, 2015 11:16:07 GMT 9
Beautiful, Jim.
Is that still some of the wood you got from Bear?
Jim Too |
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Post by Jim on Sept 25, 2015 13:18:56 GMT 9
Beautiful, Jim.
Is that still some of the wood you got from Bear?
Jim Too |
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Post by pat perry on Sept 26, 2015 23:03:14 GMT 9
All F106 Troops,
Well here's the latest list of attendees PDF file attached. 175. Yes we still can accept anybody wanting to attend. So call up your buddy who has procrastinated to the last minute and tell him this is his last chance! Please call Ken Wigton at 248-887-6834 or email reply if you want to sign up.
I have also attached the updated schedule of events file in PDF format.
See you guys in just over a week!
Bobski
Attachments:
F106 2015 Reunion Schedule handout.pdf (508.88 KB)
F106_2015_reunion_attendees.pdf (371.06 KB)
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Post by pat perry on Sept 30, 2015 21:47:14 GMT 9
TWO REUNION ANNOUCEMENTS
FYI SEE BELOW - Also the Elegante provides free shuttle service to anywhere in downtown Colorado Springs!
Bobski
Good Morning! Yes, the Elegante Hotel provides complimentary shuttle service from and to the airport.
When folks go the baggage claim area there is a courtesy phone they can contact the hotel directly to request a shuttle. Also, the shuttle does go to the airport every hour starting at 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM.
RICK RHODY
Director of Conference Services
719-302-9879
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Two seats available on the Friday October 9th "Evening Tour" of Broadmoor and Cheyenne Mountain Zoo area with an after dark visit to Seven Falls
Please let the troops know that a couple have dropped out of the "Evening Tour" (2:30PM) and we now have 2 seats available.
Thanks,
Ken
From: kwigton@comcast.net
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Post by pat perry on Sept 30, 2015 21:52:45 GMT 9
REUNION MESSAGE
Just some last minute notes to send out to the troops.
1 - In addition to airport pick-ups, the shuttle will take and pick up folks to locations within 3-4 miles of the hotel based on availability due to airport runs.
2 - The WW II Aviation Museum charge is $6 per person. We will collect that at sign-in from the folks attending that event so that I can make 1 payment at the door and it will speed up the process.
3 - We are asking everyone that takes any bus tour to individually tip the drivers and/or tour guide at your discretion. We are suggesting $1 or $2 PP.
4 - There is no need to tip at any meal, that is included.
5 - We have printed tickets for EVERY event. When you get your visitors' package at sign in check to make sure that your name tags are correct and that you have the tickets for the event(s) that you have selected. You must present your tickets at all events. Your farewell banquet ticket will have your meal selection printed on it so leave it on your table to help the waiters/waitresses get the right meals to the right places.
Thanks,
Ken Wigton
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Post by pat perry on Oct 6, 2015 2:34:28 GMT 9
Weather forecast for Colorado Springs, CO Oct 5-12
It's looking really nice for the reunion. See you there. Pat P.
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bobski9933
F-106 Qualified
F-106 All Troops Reunions Co-Chair
Currently: Offline
Posts: 11
Location:
Joined: January 2012
Retired: USAF
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Post by bobski9933 on Oct 9, 2015 2:58:24 GMT 9
For all you guys who weren't able to attend the 2015 F106 All Troops Reunion in Colorado Springs: We wish you were here! We are having a great time. Yesterday, the first day went very smooth. Unfortunately, a couple guys had to cancel out at the last minute: Emil Kratochvil was in an ATV accident, fracturing his arm; Lester Cox came down with Bronchitis; and two more canceled due to health issues. The Meet & Greet was a lot of fun. The regular Air Force Honor Guard stayed over after Posting the Colors to watch our opening DVD. We told them we used to look like them 40-50 years ago! They will be back again for our Farewell Banquet. The food was good with 2 types of lasagna and all the trimmings. Pat Perry talked about the F106 website, hopefully there will be more guys signing up. Jim Gier donated 13 beautiful F106 wooden clocks, we even had an MA-1 Tacan 429 box donated by Dell Potter, there are many prizes up for raffle this Saturday. We will be posting lots of photos on this website and Facebook. Stay tuned!
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Post by pat perry on Oct 10, 2015 1:54:17 GMT 9
10-8-2015 F-106 Reunion Colorado Springs
Bruce Gordon gives a presentation on his experiences as an F-106 Pilot. Some tense moments in the cockpit during night flights and the role of the Delta Dart in Korea and the role of the Six in training F-4 pilots in dog fights with Mig 21s over Vietnam.
Bobski gave a very informative talk on Vets VA disability benefits regarding Agent Orange exposure.
PS: The 48th FIS Association has a separate Reunion going on with over 20 members of the currently active duty members joined by many of the F-106 retired veterans of the 48th FIS.
Pat P.
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Post by pat perry on Oct 10, 2015 2:13:06 GMT 9
F-106 Reunion Colorado Springs
L to R: The Old Sarge and Ross Shulmister listen to Dick Stultz as he tells one of his thousands of "war stories". Dick brought many of his now famous pieces of artwork that he has captured on memorabilia. He also has a slide show with hundreds of pictures of his work that still adorns buildings, walls and aircraft. A story goes with each one!
456th FIS Crew Chief Mike Woloszyn "feeds the Eagle" in front of the Elegante Hotel.
The 2017 F-106 Reunion location is already being discussed. Initial suggestions include Branson, MO and Cocoa Beach, FL and Michigan.
Pat P.
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Post by pat perry on Oct 13, 2015 8:59:46 GMT 9
This is a tribute to Bob Justus [RIP] who created the 456th FIS website that now resides in the F-106 website thanks to Patrick McGee. And to Erv Smalley [RIP] who lived in Colorado Springs and whose website is also now part of the F-106 website. This is also a tribute to Russ Greenberg, 456th pilot, who attended the 2015 Reunion at Colorado Springs and who helped the 456th FIS fly 106 sorties on Aug 11, 1967.
www.456fis.org
This story starts with this article on George Welch and Kenneth Taylor who together shot down 6 Japanese invaders at Pearl Harbor.
www.thisdayinaviation.com/12-october-1954/
Bob Justus traced the former Commanding Officers of the 456th Fighter Squadron back to WWII with the help of Stan Wood who was in that 456th Fighter Squadron.
www.456fis.org/HISTORY_OF_THE_SQUADRON.htm
This page described the history of the 414th Fighter Group
www.7thfighter.com/414thfg/index.htm
This is the Bio on Kenneth Taylor the first CO of the 456th Fighter Squadron in 414th Fighter Group assigned to Iwo Jima in July 1945. It follows Ken’s career from Pearl Harbor to his last assignment in Alaska as a Brig Gen and includes his son’s bio, Brig Gen Kenneth Taylor, Jr.
www.456fis.org/BIO_GENERAL_KEN_TAYLOR.htm
I tracked down Kenneth Taylor after he retired and was still living in Alaska. I wanted to invite him to a 456th Reunion but I lost track of him and later found out he was living in AZ. Several years later I tracked down his son Jr. and I was considering having a 456th Reunion in Tucson just so his Dad could attend. Jr was also retired as a Brig gen and was glad to receive the call. He said his Dad never understood why so many people looked upon him as a hero of WWII and said Dad had moved from Alaska and was in a nursing home in AZ where Jr lived. Several weeks later his Dad died.
While we never got to meet Kenneth Taylor I find it ironic that the first CO of the 456th and the last CO, John C. Marcotte, were both fighter pilots and heroes in WWII.
www.456fis.org/BIO._JOHN_MARCOTTE.htm
This past week in Colorado Springs was a real memory maker. We had a great turnout and will have a lot of pictures to share in the next few weeks. Bobski and Ken Wigton did a great job as co-chairs of the Reunion Committee and had a lot of help from a lot of volunteers to host this reunion.
More Later,
Pat P.
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MOW
Administrator 
Owner/Operator
Currently: Offline
Posts: 5,822
Location:
Joined: September 2003
Retired: USAF, Civil Service
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Post by MOW on Oct 13, 2015 10:13:09 GMT 9
Email me as many photos as you can Pat
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