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For Your Information
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20 June 2008 |
John Parker’s Thoughts
About Galveston Reunion (News Column)
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12 June 2008 |
Ralph Carboneau
Please post the loss of Ralph W. Carboneau age 76, who
passed away in Kansas City June 7, 2008. Ralph was born Oct 30, 1931 in
Newton Mass. He has resided in Kansas city since 1969 when he retired
from active duty after 20 years in the Air Force. He later worked as
the safety officer at the Kansas City international airport for 17
years. Online condolences may be sent to the family via www.parklawnfunerals.com Thanks, Ken Outland
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29 May 2008 |
Ray Ekenstam
From: Sharon Harlan
<sharonharlan@verizon.net> Former
Firebird CCT member Garland Ray Ekenstam passed away on May 6, 2008 from
peritoneal mesothelioma. |
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24 May 2008 |
To: nolanwb@aol.com
The weather was great, the beer
cold, and the food hot. What more could you ask for, life is
good............Emmet Heidemann |
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07 May 2008 |
Commendation for Firebird Reunion See letter from La Quinta Inn and Suites General Manager,
Willis Ghandhi, to Firebird Association President. http://www.firebirds.org/menu5/laquinta_ltr.htm |
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17 Apr 2008 |
1964 Outstanding Unit Award Posted Fourteen pages describing the “17th TCS Firebirds Receive
First USAF Outstanding Unit Award of 1964” have been posted under
“Commendations.” It covers the
history of the 17th TCS Firebirds from 1 July 1962 through 15 June 1964. This document is courtesy of former
Firebird pilot Jack Roth, and was received at the Galveston reunion. |
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10 Apr 2008 |
Galveston Reunion The “Galveston Gathering” is now history. The frozen margarita machine was a hit,
and everyone enjoyed himself or herself even without imbibing. If you weren’t in attendance, you were
definitely missed by someone. |
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10 Apr 2008 |
Entertainment at Firebird Reunion Bruce and Betty, Just a note to thank you for having me Tuesday
night for the Firebird Association. I really appreciated your kindness
and courtesy. It is always an honor to perform for people who have
given so much to make this country great, as you have done. Best
Wishes, Mack Hayes ------------------------------------------ Webmaster’s Note:
When the music began, I looked around to find the DJ playing the
CD’s. Lo and behold, it wasn’t a CD
playing, it was Mack. He’s that good. |
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01 Apr 2008 |
Information on the Firebird Site. There is no intention to fill this site with stories,
photos, and history from a particular time frame. The historian can only post what he can “mooch,” or “solicit”
from former squadron members. In
fact, the historian often feels like a “lady of the evening” trying to do
“solicitation.” So, if you want your
era of the Birds to be “spotlighted,” just forward the appropriate stories,
photos, and documents at your earliest convenience. If requested, all loaned items will be “returned to sender,” as
soon as they have been duplicated. |
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01 Apr 2008 |
Project Cool Rope Added Project Officer
Ray Reeves’ story about the recovery of an Alaska Air National Guard C-123
from Lake Nuyakuk in Alaska – during 1967.
It is posted under “Mission.” |
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27 Mar 2008 |
Recovery of 57-490 and 57-492 from Greenland Ice Cap
Stories Earl Huddleston’s description of how these C-130 “D”
models were recovered from the Greenland Ice Cap under trying conditions have
been posted under “Mission.” Photos to be added later. Check back…. |
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11 Mar 2008 |
Firebird Paul R. Chenvert My father, Paul Chenvert, passed away on March 09,
2008. One of the things he asked was
that you and your organization, the Firebirds, be informed. He will be missed and he was always proud
to be a member of the Firebirds. Jim
Chenvert - jlchenv@hotmail.com |
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22 Feb 2008 |
New Pages Posted Under Green Hornets Menu Am beginning with photo album of Bill Nichols – 61st
TCS, Greenland and the South Pole, 1959-60 era. |
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21 Feb 2008 |
New Pages on Firebird Site – Sondrestrom Menu ARA approaches,
Navigator’s Briefing, Emergency Airfields, Sondrestrom SID, etc. Info courtesy of Brigadier General Gene
Ramsay (Pages from era when he was a lieutenant—1974-75) |
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29 Jan 2008 |
Harold Sacane, Firebird Navigator, Succumbs With
a great deal of remorse I must announce that the obituary of Hal has been
posted at http://www.firebirds.org/taps/sacaneobit.htm |
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17 Jan 2008 |
Priscilla Nichols Dear Friends,
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15 Jan 2008 |
Firebird
Flyer Posted Online The
January 15, 2008, edition of the Firebird Flyer has been posted online
under “Newsletters.” |
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08 Jan 2008 |
Billy Hales Under the Wx
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01 Jan 2008 |
Harold
Sacane in Nursing Home Nancy Sacane
says that Harold is suffering from a degenerative spine, and was
hospitalized twice in November. On November 29th, he had a fall
that left him unable to walk. Hal was then moved to a nursing
home with a therapist in an effort to secure a physical therapy program for
him. Nancy says that he is trying really hard to get better but
has some long/low days. Thanks, Betty
Huff |
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15 Dec 2007 |
Joyce Littleton One of our Firebird
members, O.C. Littleton, lost his wife this day to a severe stroke. Her name
was Joyce Littleton. You may wish to post something on the web
pages. Joyce was 74 years of age and she will be interred with her father, in a family grave site, in
Denision, TX. There is to be no memorial service at this time and O. C.
asks that she be remembered. Thanks, |
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08 Nov 2007 |
Firebird Flyer Posted The November 5, 2007, issue of the Flyer has been posted on
this Board under the button entitled Newsletters. |
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04 Oct 2007 |
Condition of Dick Semple (Former Firebird Pilot) Bruce Huff just called and gave a report on Dick. Dick has had two or three strokes since
last August, and has had to do lots of therapy. Cathy, his wife, says that Dick gets around on a walker and is
doing better. However, she said that
Dick is very despondent since his Spokane friends dropped him after his
strokes. And, she says that the
Firebirds that have called recently have really cheered him up. So, if you remember Dick, why not give him
a call and reminisce for a while? His
number is 509-466-9825. |
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30 Sep 2007 |
Condition of Sam Arnold (Former Firebird FE) Talked to Sam yesterday and he is at home and doing well. He still goes in three days a week for
more therapy. Tom
Sommerville |
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25 Sep 2007 |
The 2008 Firebird Association Reunion The next reunion for the Firebirds will be held on
Galveston Island in April of
2008. For exact dates, and
more information, please visit the “Reunion” page. The goal of the 2008 reunion committee is to rent all 120
rooms of the hotel. There are 56 Association members living in Texas, 44 live
in Florida, 25 live in Tennessee, and 36 live in “Razorback Country.” This is a total of 161 Firebirds. All we need is for you to be there…to
help make this the best Firebird reunion ever. Now, if we can talk the 517th Airlift Squadron
and the 109th Airlift Wing, NYANG, into having static displays at
Scholes International (GLS), all things will be copasetic. |
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15 Sep 2007 |
Condition of Firebird Sam Arnold Tom
Sommerville talked to Sam last Tuesday, 11 Sep 2007, and he seems to be doing
fine. Sam said the woman in charge of
rehab said there was no reason for him to be taking rehabilitation therapy.
But, the nursing home won't release Sam because they told him if they don't
keep him to a certain date they would have to refund a bunch of money to
Medicare. |
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14 Sep 2007 |
News from the 517th.
New commander has joined the Firebird Association. Date: Thu, 13 Sep 2007
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15 Jul 2007 |
Historical Question: Can anyone elaborate on this incident, taken from
the Sondrestrom Log Books? 23 February 1967 --
Sondrestrom Daily Log At approximately 1845L,
23 Feb 67, Sgt. Chelf, Chief Clerk, called to advise of a ground incident
involving 70-494. The crew chief hooked
up to a prop stand containing a prop just removed from 494. He pulled it underneath the right wing,
cutting through the skin from leading edge to, and including, the
aileron. Approximately 4.500 pounds
of fuel was spilled onto the ramp while fire equipment stood by, and hosed
down the area. All other aircraft in
vicinity were moved away (towed) immediately. |
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21 May 2007 |
Firebird Tradition
Continues I am currently
going through C-17 requal and will be arriving at the 517th AS in
August. Having helped reactivate the 10th Airlift Squadron while I was
at McChord I know the importance of maintaining the historical record of our
squadrons. It looks like the 17th/517th has a very robust historical
record, which is great.
Sorry, you didn't get the records you were promised; quite a bit of turbulence is associated with transitioning the squadron, so who knows what happened. If the items are still there (haven't been boxed and sent to Maxwell or something), I will see if I can get the situation remedied. In the mean time I'll shoot an e-mail to some contacts I have up there and have them hold any historical stuff. Even though the squadron is transitioning to the C-17 the history of the Firebirds from C-47s through the C-130 is an important part of the squadron heritage. I really enjoyed your website, it is very well done and like I said has some great historical items.
Hope this eases your mind a bit, Paul Greenlee ------------- Paul Will the C-17 squadron be
called the 517th? Will they be the Firebirds? Just
wondering...hope to keep the tradition going.... Nolan, |
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08 May 2007 |
Randall Lattin: Son
of Gary and Carol Lattin A First-rate Scout
He soared as Highland troop member Debbie Pfeiffer Trunnell, Staff Writer Article Launched: 04/29/2007 12:00:00 AM PDT HIGHLAND, CA - More than 30
years ago on a cold morning on the banks of the Colorado River, Boy Scout
Randall Lattin got up early to prepare pancakes on the grill for his fellow
Scouts. Making breakfast in winter in the middle of nowhere came naturally to the young man who climbed the ranks to Eagle Scout and was most at home in the wilderness. "About 1 percent of the boys registered in Boy Scouts of America become Eagle Scouts," said Paul Chandler, Lattin's former scoutmaster from Highland. "He was in that small percent because he saw what needed to be done and did it." The man who was once a successful Scout died April 17 after battling
esophageal cancer. He was 48. Lattin was born Nov. 21, 1958, in Okinawa, Japan, to Gary Lattin, a
U.S. Air Force pilot, and Carol Lattin, a homemaker. The military family moved frequently, to Air Force bases in New York and Texas as well as Anchorage, Alaska. Randall and his brother were accepting of life on the move. Every couple of years, their mother said, they would tell her, "We have been here long enough. It's time to move." Lattin still found time for typical boyhood pastimes, including football and baseball and taking things apart. The Vietnam War intruded on the Lattins' family life in the late 1960s. When the boys' father received orders and went to that war-torn land, his boys missed him deeply, recalled their mother. "Gary was a real hands-on dad who taught his kids how to shoot and ski, so he was missed," she said. When his tour of duty ended, Gary Lattin returned to the U.S. and was sent to Norton Air Force Base. The family settled in Highland, and soon became active in the Boy Scouts. Chandler met him when the boy came by one Friday evening and said he wanted to join Troop 211, sponsored by Highland Methodist Church. Once in the troop, he climbed from the rank of Tenderfoot to Second Class, then First Class. Lattin and a number of other boys in the troop were sent to junior leader training. When they returned, some formed a patrol named the Eskimo Paratroopers. The boys came up with the name because many had fathers in the Air Force, said Chandler. "Norton (air base) was a big contributor of boys who formed our troops at the time," he said. With his patrol, earned several tough-to-come-by merit badges, eventually working up to the rank of Eagle Scout. He graduated from San Gorgonio High School in 1978 and went on to earn an associate degree in journalism from San Bernardino Valley College. He was also an accomplished member of the archery team at the college. "They came in first place for the first time while he was on the team," recalled his mother. After college he worked for a few years in New York before returning to work for Associated Sales Decorative Plumbing. Last December, he began having problems swallowing and was diagnosed with esophageal cancer. The disease made him so tired he couldn't move, but he stayed strong for his mother, she said. "He had the same attitude toward cancer that helped him through Scouting," she said. Lattin is also survived by his brother, Mark Lattin of Highland. Memorial services were Thursday at Bobbitt Memorial Chapel in San Bernardino. Lattin requested that any remembrances be in the form of donations to the
Yucaipa Animal Placement Society, 11937 13th St. |
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24 Apr 2007 |
Firebird Historical
Photographs at EDF A while back, one of the
517th AS officers told me that there was a box full of old
Firebird photographs and news releases there in the squadron. And, he told me that if I would do some
favor for him that he would scan and send them to me. I did the favor, but the Major never got
around to sending the historical data.
Too bad! Now that there will be a
new and improved 517th, that will be a C-17 squadron, I’m wondering if they
will keep the Firebird insignia, campaign streamers, older photos, and news
releases—all important parts of the squadron history. Here’s a “most excellent”
mission for our Firebirds in Alaska.
Please do a little snooping around and find out if the “historical
mementos” will become “surplus property.”
If so, please consider completing a “sortie” to save them for the
Firebird Association historian. Gene
Ramsay is already working on this for me, but I’ll bet that he could use a
whole “crew” to help. Thanks for listening, Nolan |
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18 Apr 2007 |
Don Thompson, Firebird Navigator, Succumbs I just received this from a friend of a friend about mid to late 1970s former Firebird Navigator Lt Col (ret) Don Thompson. The friend and friend of a friend both have cabins in the same area as Don up on the Alaska Railroad north of Talkeetna. The last Christmas Card I received from the Thompsons was a year or two ago and their long-time address was still 77 Ft Sullivan Circle, Dalzell, SC 29040 Gene Gene Ramsay The Message: ". . . . . howdy....talked with jean thompson this morning and I'm sad to say that Don lost his battle with cancer on Feb.11...he was buried in Arlington National Cemetery, with full military honors . . . . ." |
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16 Apr 2007 |
Sam
Arnold Improves Just wanted to let you know that I just spoke with Vera Arnold. She said Sam had a really good day yesterday. (Sun. the 15th). He was talking up a storm and you could understand him. She said he is still in I. C. U. and still cannot eat. They are going to put a feeding tube in. I asked her if the Dr. thought he would ever be able to
swallow again. She said she didn't know. She went on to say that she
thought they had accidentally jabbed him in the throat while cleaning out
mucus or something. And, she thinks
by putting in this feeding tube it will allow Sam’s throat to heal. I
guess only time will tell on that one. She said boys were still coming and
spending time when they could and that was a help. I asked her how she was
holding up. She said okay, but some nights she would go back to the base and
have a good cry and then she would be okay again. I just told her |
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01 Apr 2007 |
Firebird John Wright Succumbs I hate to
be the bearer of bad news. But, I have to inform you all that John Wright
passed away this morning (March 31, 2007) from pulmonary fibrosis. |
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29 Mar 2007 |
Firebird John Wright in Serious Condition Will Salazar and I are currently visiting John Wright here in Texas. It is with utmost sadness that we must report that John is currently in the hospital and probably has only a short time left because of his lungs being affected with pulmonary fibrosis. He is due to come home today under hospice care. John is alert and has all his faculties. He just cannot breathe. He is on 100% oxygen and his lung capacity is down to less than one lung. John would love to hear from his friends. He can talk on his cell phone and would love to hear from his friends. His cell number is: 817-675-7329 Home address: 1517 Clover Hill Rd. Sorry to say but soon we will have another fallen FIREBIRD. Tomorrow would probably be the better time to call, as he won't be released from the hospital until late tonight. Chuck Lavoie |
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14 Mar 2007 |
Sam Arnold in Serious Condition According to Tom
Sommerville, “Mr. Firebird” Sam Arnold is in critical condition after having
a heart valve replacement at the University Medical Center in Little Rock,
Arkansas, on 12 March 2007. Following surgery Sam’s heart did not beat
properly and a pacemaker was implanted to regulate the rhythm. However,
the pacemaker failed to correct the problem. After trying the pacemaker
to no avail, the doctor’s decided that it must be an allergic reaction to
some medication. Sam was removed from all medication, but this failed
to correct the situation. At present Sam ins uncommunicative and being
fed through IV.
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07 Mar 2007 |
Letter of appreciation from Sid Marcus. Please forgive the belated posting of this message. Bruce Huff kept on sending me copies and I kept on “misplacing” them. 17 October 17,2006 The Firebird Association Dear Bruce; First let me congratulate you on your selection as President of the Firebird Association. It is an honor well deserved. I know that you will do the association proud. Secondly, I received a check today for $1500.00 from the association. Bernie Warren explained to me that the association voted these monies to assist Joyce and I due to our loss in Hurricane Katrina. We both thank the Firebirds for this generous support and I can assure you it will be used wisely. This past year has been a very traumatic time for us and this gift at this time is especially meaningful. Please tell the association how very thankful we are. Sincerely, Sid 6970 Hedgestone Way
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01 Mar 2007 |
517th
Airlift Squadron Final Flight Ceremonies
Note: We will not be in the office 2 March 2007 -
Call 907-551-1718/3064 and pay with credit
card/club card (with - Note: You will not be charged until the week of the dinner -
Mail a check to (please email/call us to let
us know to look for it): 517th
Airlift Squadron - Contact Capt Clancy or
1Lt Lee for other arrangements (i.e. you live in England and we're not sure
how the check situation works)
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26 Nov 2006
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C-130 Model for
Sale
At the Branson reunion, someone asked about the C-130 models that were for sale at the Biloxi reunion. Of course everything on the Gulf Coast was blown away, so who knows At the Tulsa Gun Show last month, a vendor was selling wooden model airplanes. I bought two C-130s: one for me, and one for anyone else who wants one. They have an 18-inch wingspan, are stained and varnished, on a stand, with the wheels down as if on take-off. Sorry, no skis. They're easily assembled, and my spare is still in its box. They cost me $39 each on sale. (Retail was $99 according to the sales girl.) So, I'll sell the other one for $39 plus the shipping cost. Please advise whoever is interested to call me (918) 489-2583, as my e-mail is so loaded up with junk that we seldom notice a friendly message. I can send photos, but it's involved. Roger Wenman
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16 Nov 2006
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Farewell to the C-130 Ceremony at Elmendorf AFB The Firebirds are planning a “Farewell to the C-130” Ceremony and get-together early next spring at Elmendorf AFB. The 517th will be converting to C-17s. The schedule is to have a dinner and a video on the 22nd of March and a 3-ship formation flight on the 23rd. Following the engine shutdown at 1517L, everyone will adjourn to the Firebird watering hole, called the Hardstand, for drinks, food, a last hurrah, and more drinks. All current and former Firebirds are invited. Capt Joe Clancy is the project officer and he is currently putting together a video of the legacy of the Herk in the Firebird history. He is looking for video/film from the 60s or 70s as well as unique still photographs. He can be reached at 907-551-1718/3352 or joe.clancy@elmendorf.af.mil Hopefully you can come up with some visuals for him as well as attend the event! They are also trying to track down all surviving former 17th/517th Commanders so they can send formal invitations to them. I gave them all I have on Jim Waldman, as well as Bill Gibbons, who was commander for a short period. Anyone know the whereabouts of Don Gould? Please pass this news on! THANKS. Gene Gene Ramsay 907-345-6647
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22 Oct 2006
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Firebird Bernard "Lucky" CoyneFrom: "marilyn.wass" marilyn.wass@ntlworld.com Date: Sun, 22 Oct 2006 Hi, To all you lovely people who have taken time and effort to try and help with information in my search for Lucky Coyne and his children. My
search has nearly come to to an end, thanks to you all. So here is the story
so far. And, if any of you can still provide any more info I would greatly
appreciate it, after you have read this it may jog more memories for some of
you.
An
ex retired G.I. who resides in the UK in Suffolk and has an English wife as
was my Aunt Sylvia, has been in touch his name is Jack Sile for those who may
know or remember him, apparently he was a great friend of Lucky and Sylvia,
it was through them he met his wife and Lucky was best man at their wedding.
The
story goes, after Sylvia's death in 1970 Lucky and the children, Buddie,
Terri, Katie, Peter and John all returned to Woodbridge. Lucky met and
married again to a lady called Molly in January 1974, and then when he
retired in 1981 they continued to live on Norwich Road, Ipswich. Molly still
lives in Ipswich.
Lucky
had a tax franchise on Woodbridge Road (thank you Walt for that) and also he
was importing american cars over here, and he used to ride around in a blue
and white volkswagon camper. I was also told that Peter the eldest child went
to Bristol University and studied art.
Lucky
remained here until he got ill in 1998 with liver problems and they think it
was attributed to 'Agent Orange' (I'm sure you all know about this)
Lucky
returned to the States for treatment as his children were all living there in
Florida, sadly he died 12th May 1999, I found this out through searching on
the internet and Jack confirmed it. As I said his 2nd wife Molly still lives
in Ipswich and Jack has spoken to her and provided me with her telephone
number and is willing to speak to me, due to some family issues after Luckys
death she no longer has contact with his children but has given me Terri's
address in Jacksonville, FL.
Thank
you Elizabeth you were right Terri did marry Dean Muncer in 1999, and there
was another child John Francis who we didn't know about apparently he is
still living in Texas somewhere?
For
some reason unknown to Jack he heard that Buddie was in the penitentiary and
unable to attend Luckys funeral in 1999, sadly Buddie has since died not sure
if it was drugs related or the exact date.
To
think all this while I have been looking in the wrong place, Lucky was still
here in the UK whilst my dad was still alive, I know my dad would loved to
have met up with him as he often spoke of him and Sylvia which first set me
on my quest.
But
once again due to family issues on my side the wife of my dads only brother
(he died 1959, and she in 1991) she was the one that told my dad when Sylvia
had died, so it was obvious she was in touch with Lucky but when my dad asked
she denied all knowledge and would n't give him any information, and their
children say they couldn't remember anything either.
After
I have written to Terri and sent copies of the photos I have, if anyone is
interested I will let you all know.
Please
any of you feel free to keep in touch, you never know I may be able to help
some of you sometime and just for the record I live in Mansfield,
Nottinghamshire, Robin Hood country, so if anyone is visiting the UK and gets
this way please give me a ring 0I1623 472750.
PS:
My dad was actually born in Parry Sound, Ontario and it was through searching
for that side of the family with my maiden name Helmkay that I eventually met
some Canadian cousins in 2004, with whom I keep in touch and others in
Michigan and Hawaii, but thats another story.
Once
again a BIG THANK YOU to everyone who has provided me with info, please keep
in touch
Marilyn
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28 Mar 2006
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Wanda TinneyMrs. Tinney passed away today at 8:10 AM. Further information is pending.
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26 Mar 2006
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Wanda TinneyWanda Tinney, widow of Col. Robert Tinney is in hospice. She has cancer of the esophagus and the doctors have given her two to three days to live. Hospice of Wichita Falls, P.O. Box 4804 Wichita Falls, TX 76308 Phone 940-691-0982. Courtesy of Richard and Kaye Tinney, and Tom Sommerville
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04 Feb 2006
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Firebird Lee Walker Succumbs It is with a heavy heart that I post this news…Nolan ”Our friend Lee
arrived back in Anchorage 2 a.m. Wed.& he was able to stay home for a few
hours. Renada had to admit him to hospital about 10 a.m. He passed away 10:45
a.m. Thur. His memorial service is planned for 14th but Renada said she may
change that to 17th. Renada is going to request that in-leu of flowers
people donate to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. You may do so on line
at http://www.leukemia.org/hm_lls
. Should anyone wish to speak to Renada, her phone # is: (907)
333-8248”. ==================================================== If anyone would like Renada Walker's "snail mail" address please contact the webmaster at nolanwb@cp-tel.net Nolan
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17 Oct 2005
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Lee Walker News 20 June 2005: Message received from Lee I got some pretty bad news ten days ago, and finally decided to relate it to you all now. I'm going to be off the air for a while. I've been medically diagnosed as having a form of cancer called Myelodysplastic Syndrome. Yeah, it's a mouth full. It's somewhat similar to leukemia, but worse. In this disease, the bone marrow, which continually manufactures red blood cells, red blood platelets and hemoglobin, either lays down on the job or greatly decreases the production of these three entities. The red blood cells transport oxygen throughout the body, including the brain, pumped around by the heart. When the body senses that it's oxygen supply is low, the heart quickens it's pace to try to pump blood faster to remedy the shortage. This places ever-increasing pressure on the heart, which eventually cannot meet the O2 demand. Before I was diagnosed, I was near-fainting anytime I exerted just a little bit. Energy just drains away...making any productive activity all but impossible. Additionally, this disease makes the patient a "bleeder", for the blood has insufficient plateletts to clot. I've received six blood transfusions thus far, and am due another on Thursday. They are all that's keeping me on my feet at present. I need a bone marrow transplant (replacement)...the facilities for which don't exist in Alaska. So I'm being shipped off to the Oregon Health and Science Research Center in Portland....renound to be one of the finest cancer treatment hospitals in the nation. They specialize in my ailment. I'm told I'll be there for 90-120 days. The first visit will be an evaluation phase If I'm accepted as a patient (I may be too old) after they've run their tests, then I'm in for the course. Wish me luck! I really want to make the cut! In addition, their tests have revealed that I have non-Hodgson's cancer in my neck. So, if one of these bastards doesn't get me, the other one will. The bone marrow disease is not inherited, and no breakthru has occurred to indicate a cause. I've never smoked. And there has never been a case of cancer in my family four generations back! Figure that out! That's where I'm at. I'm not trying to cry on anyone's shoulder...just relating that I won't be on the air for awhile, and the reasons. You might imagine the turmoil such a thing can cause in a guy's family. I've surely learned that past procrastination in items I should have taken care of months and years ago....all of the sudden become front & center and urgent.
------------------------------------- Wed, 5 Oct 2005 Hey, everybody,
THE OHSU TRANSPLANT TEAM HAS FOUND A BONA-FIDE BONE MARROW DONOR FOR ME !!
The guy is 26, and lives somewhere in Europe. The Transplant team is targeting the first week in November for my transplant. Afterward, Renada and I will have to remain here in Portland/Vancouver for 100 days....into February, and be immediately ready to rush to the hospital if complications arise. We've been here since 26 June! We have a big meeting tomorrow to set up dates and the regimen for me to get prep'ed for the transplant. This is really a BIG DEAL, folks! I get only one shot at it...do or die. No second transplants in the event the donor's BM material rejects my body, as it would mix material from two donors...a sure-fire prescription for failure.
So Send me your High-5's and wish me well. We're excited, anxious, grateful, and scared to death...all at the same time! More later! Lee -------------- Here's praying that Lee will do well and be with us for many, many, more Firebird reunions. nb |
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09 Oct
2005
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Hurricane Katrina News
Sid
Marcus: 31 Aug 2005: Joyce and I were lucky enough to evacuate to Florida and are in Ocala with our son and family. I feel like a destitute prostitute as we lost our house and everything except the car we drove off in and one small suitcase and our dog. Please let me know if you hear anything from Bernie Warren as I am very concerned about him and Sylvia. As for insurance, Homeowners DOES NOT cover flood and that’s what this is being called so we have NO insurance. Sid 08 Oct 2005: We finished up 3 weeks in CA last week and have been back here in Ocala this week. Our kids bought us a patio home in Mobile AL and we are leaving here tomorrow for Mobile. We close on it next Friday and move in on Monday, 17 Oct. Then Joyce and I will be starting a whole new life. So far, our insurance company will not pay damages because of the tidal surge, so we may wind up in litigation. You can't do anything with FEMA until you resolve the commercial policy. Thank God we still have our health and our doggy. We will build a second empire. Sid Bernie Warren: Survived with little damage to home.
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07 May 2005
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Photo album by Jack Cayton added in Photo section. Best viewed with a screen resolution of 1024 x 768 and a broadband connection. |
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18 Jan 2005
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Frank E. Brammer, Firebird NavigatorMy Father, Frank Brammer passed away earlier today, January 17, 2005, in Chapala, Mexico.
God Bless you all, Frank BrammerSee "Taps" menu for additional information. |
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Frank Brammer in the lounge of the Arctic Hotel at
Sondrestrom AB, Greenland, around 1965. |
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August 30, 2004
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Bonnie L. Surber Bonnie L. Surber, 66, died July 18, 2004, in Cańon City, Colorado. She was born August 10, 1937, in Fort Sumner, N.M., to Obie A. Atkinson and Verna L. Jenkins Atkinson. She married James A. Surber Jr. on Aug. 14, 1955. Bonnie was a Registered Nurse and moved to Cańon City from Oregon in 1991. She enjoyed cooking, entertaining, gardening, antiquing, and spending time with friends and family and her dog, Fluffy. She is survived by her daughter, Lorena K. (Jeff) Miller, Sleepy Hollow, Ill.; three grandsons, Jayme, Ryan and Zach; brothers, Ken (Bitsy) Atkinson, Winter Haven, Fla., Jerry Atkinson, Grand Junction, and Bob (Mary) Atkinson, Deltona, Fla., and a sister-in-law, Helen Atkinson, Cańon City. Bonnie was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Jim Surber, Jr.; and brothers Don Atkinson and Burl Atkinson. A visitation will be from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., Wednesday, July 21, 2004, at Holt Family Funeral Home Chapel of the Garden. Funeral services will follow at 2 p.m., at Holt Family Funeral Home Chapel of the Garden with Pastor Dale Dieter officiating. Interment will follow at Mountain Vale Memorial Gardens. Arrangements were handled through Holt Family Funeral Home. |
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May 30, 2004
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David L. 'Buck' Buchanan April 13, 1933 - May 27, 2004 Vacaville resident Col. David L. "Buck" Buchanan passed away May 27, 2004. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 10 a.m. June 5, at Community Presbyterian Church, 425 Hemlock St. in Vacaville. Pastor Jim Jensen will officiate. Col. Buchanan was born in Breckenridge, Texas on April 13, 1933. He grew up in the small Texas community where he married the former Kay Hallmark, also from Breckenridge. Col. Buchanan achieved his wings and his Air Force commission in May 1955 after attending Texas A&M University and completing the aviation cadet program. His decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal and the Combat Ready Crew Medal. His retirement in 1985 culminated a 30-year military career. Buck was very active in his church, serving on several committees. He was a member of the Vacaville-Elmira Cemetery Board as well as a volunteer for the FISH program. He was lovingly called "our number one volunteer" by the Festival of Trees Board for his long-term commitment to helping raise funds each year for the Opportunity House, Vacaville's homeless shelter. His loving family and many friends will miss his love, humor and wonderful smile. He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Kay; his sons and daughter-in-law, David and Karen of Houston, Texas, and Michael and Clare of Ripon; grandchildren, Shanna and Matt of Houston, Texas; brother, John Buchanan of Albuquerque N.M., and sisters, Sue Green of Bayfield, Colo. and Margaret Gregory of Abilene, Texas. Memorial gifts may be made to the Festival of Trees, 425 Hemlock St., Vacaville, 95688, or The Memorial Fund, Community Presbyterian Church, at the same address. Arrangements have been made by the Vaca Hills Chapel Funeral Home. The Reporter, Vacaville, California |
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