— 47^th A&E Squadron —

•••→Announcements and Miscellaneous Information←•••

~Reunion Stuff~
It's Fort Walton Beach, Florida on the Columbus Day Weekend, October 9 thru 12, 2014. Check out the Lodging and Registration page by clicking the button above.
To access our supplier for A&E shirts. Click on the "A&E Shirts" button above.

~Other Tidbits~
Darlene Thompson – has informed us of Billy Thompson's passing. Billy was diagnosed in April, 2013 with acute leukemia. He received many, many treatments of chemo. Up to the time he got sick, Billy was still working a full 40 week job in the Emergency Department where he had worked for 31 years. The illness forced him to retire in August at the age of 74. Billy passed away on November 3, 2013. He had full military honors in his army military uniform. He was so proud to serve his country. He served 8 years in the Air Force and 18 years in the Army Reserve.     If anyone who knows Billy would wish to contact Darlene, they can reach her via her e-mail address: Darlene Thompson .
Jerry Yates – We have been informed by Carol Yates that Jerry has CLL Chronic Lymphatic cancer caused by agent orange. He is very tired and we are doing a bucket list trying to have good days. They say they can't do anything for it. It's eats at your immune system. He'll be getting more blood work in October. Jerry says Hello to all and that he will not be able to make reunion.     Their new email address is: Carol and Jerry Yates and their phone number remains the same.
Marvin Walther – Last June I reported that Marvin was diagnosed with bone cancer and was beginning a routine of chemotherapy. I decided to follow up and was pleased to find that he finished his 10th round of chemo. He's also waiting for a heart (aortic) valve replacement which will be administered through his femoral artery in the groin. He's doing well but feeling weak which is normal during recovery. He can be contacted at 979-542-1344 or on cell phone, 979-716-8535.
Wayne Elkin –I’m sad to report that Lt. Col. Wayne Elkin passed away peacefully in Santa Barbara. CA on May 26, 2013.        He was born February 12, 1924 in Hot Springs, AR. Wayne was raised at various Army posts, settling in Santa Barbara in 1940 when his father was assigned to Hoff Army General Hospital. Shortly after graduating from Santa Barbara High School in 1942 he joined the Army Air Corps and served as a B-17 crew member with the 8th Air Force in England participating in the massive bombing raids over Germany. On his 10th mission he was shot down, captured, and remained a POW in Gernany for the latter part of the war.        Many of us knew Wayne as the A&E Weapons Officer. He attended our last Las Vegas reunion. Contributions may be made in his memory to St. Raphael Church or to the Santa Barbara Nurse/Hospice Association.
Veterans's Salute – A new law allows veterans' salute during the anthem. Veterans and active duty military not in uniform can now render the military-style hand salute during the playing of the national anthem, thanks to changes in federal law that took place in early December.      "The military salute is a unique gesture of respect that marks those who have served in our nation's armed forces," said Dr. James B. Parks, secretary of Veteran's Affairs. "This provision allows the application of that honor in all events involving our nation's flag."
John "Bo" Bocchino is working as a consultant for Lockheed Martin modifying F-16 aircraft outside of Ankara, Turkey.
RANDOLPH AFB, Texas (AFRNS) - The Air Force has a new web site just for its retiree community that is full of news and information, plus it is easy to access and navigate.       This public web site offers the retirees family community in-depth information on the Survivor Benefit Plan, plus a list of Air Force Retiree Activities Offices worldwide and various other resources. There are also sections dedicated to the Afterburner and Air Force Retiree News Service. www.retirees.af.mil
The quickest way to end a war is to lose it.
Are you aware that Cold War Veterans are eligible to receive a Cold War Certificate in recognition of their service during the years 1945 to 1991? Your webmaster has one signed by Rummy himself. Other members of our group have also received theirs. → Click Here for information. Then click on the "Apply For The Certificate" link to obtain an application.
Old Photos — Do you have old photos that you took while stationed at RAF Sculthorpe? We are compiling a scrapbook and a web page with photos depicting our antics and experiences. Now’s your chance to dig up those old photos and share them with your fellow inmates. Don’t worry about the condition of the photo. We can clean them up very nicely with PhotoShop. Submit them to Alex Sallustio, Bob Childrez or Jerry West by e-mail or snail mail. We’ll copy them and return the originals to you. For our snail mail addresses, check your membership list.
Interested in reading a brief history of the B-66? → Click Here.

→New Members←

2013

Leo Berger is another find by Larry Bown. Leo does not have a computer yet but possibly will soon. For his address, contact me. Welcome Leo!

Jimmie L. Harris is another discovery by Larry Bown. Jimmie joined our squadron when he came up from Alconbury in 1959. He says, "I was an armament tech in the lowly grade of A/3c. In fact, I had 33 months time in grade before I ever made A/2c." He remained in the USAF till 1969 when he transferred to the Army as a Warrant Officer and retired in 1979 as a CW3. Welcome Jimmie!

Walter J. Wiertel was found by Larry Bown. Walter was with the 47th from 1958 to 1960 and worked in Supply. He hopes to make the Niagara Falls reunion this September and is looking forward to renewing old friendships. Welcome Walter!

2012

Dan MacDonald has been found by Larry Bown and later connected with Richard Frank. Dan was with the 47th from 1960 to 1962 and is looking forward to re-igniting old friendships later this year at the Branson reunion. Welcome Dan!

Note

Note: - It is our policy not to put addresses, phone numbers and e-mail addresses on this website. You can obtain them by contacting Alex Sallustio for an updated membership list.

→Security←

If you think American Security has gone to the dogs, check out British Security. Click Here!

47^th A&E Products

We have a supplier for shirts and hats made with the 47^thA&E patch and an optional B-66 miniature logo. Click Here for more information.

47^th A&E Patches

Many of us have either lost or never obtained a 47^thA&E Patch. We have a few regular sized patches left and a good supply of slightly smaller versions which fit well on the pocket of a shirt. Contact Alex Sallustio

B-66 Destroyer Association

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