The annual 17th Firebird Association reunion met June 9th through 11th of 1983. A dinner and get together was held at the Royal Inn the first night. Saturday morning (June 10, 1983), a business meeting was held at the VFW where officers and committee chairmen were elected. Walt Ott, our president, called the meeting to order.

New Business:

It was decided that all people who flew the C-130D (Ski Birds) would be allowed to join the Firebird Association. All other 17th TAS personnel would be associate members. John Wright felt we have three different groups of people. One is the people who started out at Dyess, AFB, Texas in 1961 and moving with the unit to Alaska. The second group joined the squadron in Alaska and flew the C-130Ds until they were sent to the New York Air National Guard. The last group being the present group flying the C-130Es. It was agreed by all that once a Firebird, always a Firebird.

New Officers:

Dick Henry - President
John Wright - Vice President
Sam Arnold - Secretary
Walt Ott - Treasurer

Committee Chairmen:

Tom Sommerville - Membership
Dick Dickow - Historian

On Saturday night, an old fashioned Bar-B-Cue and western dance was held at the VFW. It really turned out to be a "bang-up" time with all the friendships renewed at the "get together," and with everyone trying to do the two step and tipping a few "long necks." Speaking as your secretary, it was a blast.

Sunday morning, we had an outstanding farewell breakfast at the Briarstone Manor. Besides a great meal, it was time to bring the three days to an end. Talking to most people, it was felt that all had a good time and were looking forward to doing it again.

Sam Arnold, Secretary