The second Firebird reunion was held on June 10-12, 1983, in Abilene, Texas. All local members attended, but so did "ol' icecappers" from as far away as the United Kingdom, and the states of Washington and California. Like the first reunion, the 1983 gathering of Firebirds was a success limited only because some people were unable to attend. If anything, in '83 the snow was deeper, the takeoff runs longer, and the weather was even worse than in the stories told at the first meeting. New officers were elected (see Sam Arnold's report) and it was decided there would be a reunion in Abilene in 1984.

The efforts of many of you over a two-year period has helped compile an address list, but there are still some people who's location are unknown. Accordingly, we need your help to run a "pyramid alert." Please call anyone you know who is not on the enclosed list. In turn, they should call anyone they are still in touch with. The message to all is: We're getting together again in Abilene in June, 1984. They can contact Walter Ott (3837 Concord, Abilene, TX 79603, phone 677-1593) for an application, or you can make a copy of yours for them. As a last resort, tell them to provide by letter to us the information called for in the application. You and anyone else must have the application and fees back to us not later than June 1, 1984.

This is a key meeting. The by-laws have been drafted and will be considered for adoption. The future of the organization will be decided in terms of where and how often it will meet.

Editor's Note: This letter was received from Walt Ott following the 1983 reunion. A reunion was held in 1984, and anyone who did not attend missed the opportunity of a lifetime. Since that reunion, I am sad to report that Walt has earned a new set of "wings" in Heaven. He will be missed by all that knew him. We are still trying to get addresses for all personnel who ever served in the 17th Troop Carrier Squadron, were a Firebird, or who crewed or maintained the C-130 "D" model.

(Posted on April 16, 1996.)