From the Executive Director
by Tom Drugan

Fall, 2002

We have just returned from the latest reunion of the 390th Bomb Group Veterans Association. Once again the reunion committee and Armed Forces Reunions have put on an outstanding event which was attended by some 320 participants. For the first time, descendants who are members of the 390th Memorial Museum were specially invited to attend and quite a few did just that. What they heard and saw certainly solidified their passion for preserving the legacy of courage and sacrifice established by their fathers and grandfathers. Next year the reunion will be held in Erlanger, Kentucky which is near the Cincinnati airport. It will be in September 2003 and all descendants who are members of the Foundation will be invited again. I hope all who are eligible and able will attend this event.

Dorothy Moller’s matching program for Endowment Fund contributions is drawing to a close. Donations received after December 1 will not be matched. This program has been quite successful so far with some 119 individual contributions amounting to more than $150,000. With Dorothy’s match this brings our fund up to nearly half of the amount necessary to provide meaningful support to the museum. To all who participated, THANK YOU! Everyone else, you have only a few weeks left to take advantage of this generous offer.

Bob and Irene Arnold always fly their Grumman Tiger to the reunions. Bob flew about 30 missions with the 568th, primarily as a co-pilot. These folks are dedicated to the preservation of the museum and they have written us a letter regarding their feelings. Please take a look at what the Arnolds have to say on page 4.

We are always looking for stories and articles from Descendants. Feel free to submit anything of interest and we will consider it for publication.

Because of the uncertainties of travel these days and due to some economic concerns, the number of visitors to the museum has been somewhat lower this year. That translates into reduced income for the museum by way of the donation box and merchandise sales. Our annual membership renewals will be in the mail in a few weeks. Please use that opportunity to include an additional donation to help support the day-to-day needs of your Museum.