President's Message
by
Mary Pennebaker Truitt

The 390th Veteran’s Association held their annual reunion in Tucson in September with the overall focus on POW’s. On Thursday, September 9th, the POW Committee consisting of Hank Plume, Bill Pace and Dick Sawyer made the presentation of the POW exhibit to the Museum. The POWs attending the reunion were recognized and given a special POW patch. Following the presentation the veterans, spouses, descendants and veterans guests enjoyed the rest of the afternoon seeing the different displays in the museum. I always enjoy assisting veterans who have never had the honor to sign the “J” wall. During this reunion we had 3 more veterans add their signatures to the wall.

The Museum Foundation general meeting was held Friday, September 10th at the Double Tree. For the meeting Tom Drugan flew Ray McFalone in from California to give a presentation on recording personal histories. Ray is working on the Library of Congress History Project and has taped many veterans. He personally has taped two veterans at the museum. Ray gave some wonderful tips on recording histories. The Museum is interested in acquiring tapes made of our veterans for our historical database. We will be setting up taping sessions during the Museum reunion in March 2005 and also during the Veterans Association reunion in Washington DC in 2005.

Speaking of the Museum Foundation reunion, the dates for the 4th Annual reunion are set for Thursday, March 10th through Sunday, March 13th. I had several inquiries about the 2005 Museum reunion so let me tell you what the reunion committee is arranging.

Thursday – Arrival and check-in at the Embassy Suites (located next to the airport)

Friday – Days activities’ selection include golf, Kartchner Caverns, the 3 Mission tours or a trip to a Casino in the area.

Saturday – Devoted to the 390th Museum and Pima Air Museum.

Saturday Night – Museum Reunion Dinner highlighting the Museum Volunteers at the Embassy Suites

Sunday – Departure

We will be sending out packets very early in January 2005 and look forward to another wonderful reunion.