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38. jim halliwell - 2010-02-18 22:15:20 |
| my father is col. george r halliwell. he was squadren commander of the 497th fis in torrejon 1960-1963 and again in thailand 1966-1967. i have several 497th pictures and i will send them if anyone is interested. jim halliwell |
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37. jim stainbrook - 2009-12-29 12:04:56 |
| jim and barb stainbrook |
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36. jim stainbrook - 2009-12-29 12:04:19 |
| another thank you to wanda. you’ve done a great job with a great thing. sorry about your computer. glad you and newt are up and running yourselves. |
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35. Ed Bowman - 2009-12-26 20:56:35 |
Newt and Wanda--great job of seeking us out after all of these years. This web page is a great idea, too.
I surely would like to hear from any of my team mates in the COMM/NAV Radio shop. I see several who are on the deceased list. What a shame.
I was in Geiger for only six months so do not have many memories of there, but Torrejon was terrific and oh so many great memories.
regards, Ed Bowman |
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34. Wanda Newton - 2009-11-29 10:07:19 |
Greetings to the 497th Family!
I now have a new computer after a major crash right after the reunion in Spokane. I did lose much of my 497th materials but was able to retreive the list of names and their information.
I would like to thank all of you who have been so kind to inquire about Newt’s recent back surgery, send cards, and pray for a speedy recovery. He has four more weeks to be in his brace but we will make it one day at a time.
Also, I want to thank Louise Hickerson for the fantastic job she is doing as our "Card Angel." Her little creations are prettier than any at the stores. Thank you Louise, you are a blessing for all of us.
Very soon I hope to work with the lady who takes care of our website and get many of the reunion photos put in an album or a slide show. It has been difficult to deal without a computer.
Also, very soon I will be working with hotels in Charleston SC for our reunion next year. By the first part of 2010, I hope to have worked out an arrangement with one so we can begin planning it. The dates will possibly be September 30th through October 2nd.
Thanks to all you once again who contributed to the unique gift that was presented to Newt and myself at the reunion.
Looking forward to seeing everyone once again.
Wanda Newton
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33. Newt & Wanda - 2009-10-05 16:07:20 |
WOW!!! What a fantastic gathering in Spokane. From all reports, everyone really had a great time, loved the hotel and food, great activities. Felts Field tour was a real highlight for many of the guys and gals as well. Thanks to Dan Barry. Our Decorations were awesome, thanks to Ed and Peggy Adamich and helpers Minnie James, Bev Coleman and Barb Stainbrook. The live entertainment will be a hard act to follow. Charlie Raeder, our own singer and Instrumentalist was a big hit, Nell Avery at the piano set the atmosphere for our Friday and Saturday dinners. Our actors/actress’ for the 50’s Skit,"Standing On The Corner Watching All The Girls Go By" and Patsy Cline alias Jim Moore as he performed to "She’s Got You." I feel certain we be seeing more of their talent.
Some the things we are looking to possibly begin is; A newsletter online, Jim Moore will be handling all money such as the yearly membership fees (which is due by the end of each January and remains at $25, any other money made from cap sales, silent auction, Bio book sales, etc will be handed by him. The reunion dinner costs will continue to be sent to Newt as it is a "wash." Jim’s contact information is; Moore, James Moore, 104 Casa Grande Dr., Red Bluff, CA 96080- PH; 530-527-5836, jmoore9771@sbcglobal. There was a proposal handed out to those who attended the reunion. I will post it online next week and will need to hear your choice of location for the next reunion and/in addition to the traditional reunion; if you would be interested in a relaxed cruise with no planning, work, effort, etc. but a time to gather and visit and relax and whatever we choose to do. It would more than likely be sometime in 2010;either Alaska or Eastern Caribbean (to include St. Thomas) The two reunion choices is Charleston SC and Fort Myers, FL. We need to know your choice asap. For any of those who contributed to the beautiful lighted plaque of appreciation that was presented to us at the close of Saturday’s program; Newt and I want to say we were truly speechless and very touched by such an honor. The 497th FIS is a great family of friends. It has been my pleasure to be a part of the effort to locate all members, organize the reunions, and work with various hotel staff members. Lastly, we are trying to find someone who would be willing and committed to take on an important ministry. Since we have so many members who are ill, some terminal, numerous deaths, we need to send out cards to those who are hurting throughout the year. This is the least we can do for our "family" as they face hurting moments in their life. Please let me hear from any of you who would be willing to take on this ministry.
Blessings To Each of Our Dear Friends
Newt and Wanda |
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32. Marion & Wanda Newton - 2009-09-13 04:57:42 |
I would like to thank those of you who have taken the time to sign our guestbook. There are many who have stopped in but went away without letting us know a little about you. On your next visit please let us hear what drew you to this particular site.
Our second reunion will be coming up in just a few days. We currently have ninety people who plan to attend. It is going to be an exciting time as we focus on memories of the fifty’s and sixties at Geiger Field and Torrejon Air Base. Thursday evening will be a fifties theme with all the food and fun of the greatest era known to man. The evening will end with a "sock hop" if any of us are still able to "hop." It is certain that some will at least give it a try.
Our final evening will be a special tribute to the numerous members who are deceased. Several widows and siblings will attend to represent their loved one.
Our desire is that all members who have been located within the past three years would have made plans to join us. We do realize that many members have medical problems and are not able to attend but will be there with us in spirit.
We hope to begin a newsletter in the near future. At this time we are not certain if it will be monthly, bi-monthy or quarterly. We are still working out details and we may even put it on the website.
I want to thank the members who helped support our efforts by sending their yearly membership dues. Without your contribution we would not be holding this upcoming reunion nor go forward with the 497th FIS Project.
Those who served with the 497th Fighter Inteceptor Squadron are truly a great bunch of guys. It has been my honor to be a part of the 497th Project and get to know so many of the men and their wives.
We have located approximately 320 members within the past 3 years. Sadly, over 100 are deceased. Our search will continue for the many others who have not yet been located. If anyone should know of others we do not have on the list; please let me know.
Wanda Newton
Victoria, TX
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31. Robert H. Wamble - 2009-07-18 20:51:07 |
Newt, Wanda and Derek
Thanks for a great Web-site and all of the hard work you guys have done. All of my love to the three of you. Wee Willy Wamble |
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30. Gale Anstine - 2009-06-06 20:01:12 |
| <!--847222-->Thanks for a great job in researching 497th history and member information. Hope we have a good turnout at the Spokane reunion. |
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29. Frank Mendes - 2009-04-30 21:57:40 |
I was with the 497th from 62-64 on the flight line. Came across this website today and couldn’t believe it. great job.
Frank Mendes - |
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Sign guestbook