From the Executive Director
by
Tom Drugan

In 1979 the 390th Bomb Group Veterans Association held their very first reunion. We just returned from the latest iteration, the 27th! These reunions are bittersweet affairs. Many old friends are missing, but others return and memories are revived.

Some 300 people attended the reunion in Washington, D.C. This included veterans, spouses, descendants and guests. It is very important that the museum staff attend these reunions because veterans remain the largest single category of the foundation membership. This museum is about them and their heroism. Their warm response to having us present is gratifying.

Over the years, the veterans and their association have been very generous with the museum. Recently they financed the much needed repair of the museum roof and have now provided funds for flooring renovation.

Each of these reunions brings home forcefully the obvious fact that we won’t always have these veterans available to sustain us. It is crucial therefore, that all of those who are interested in carrying on the legacy of courage and sacrifice established by these men of the “greatest generation” continue to support our mission. Our 2006 billing will be in the mail shortly.

Our new nose art project is about 75% complete with colorful images adorning the south wall of the museum. We have 30 new posters which are attracting a great deal of interest in our visitors. All of these have been financed by individuals who believe this is a very worthwhile project or simply wanted to see their airplane depicted. We still have room for about 12 more posters, and have most of them ready to send for reproduction. If anyone would like to help us finish this project, the posters cost $275 to print and your donation of that amount will get your favorite nose art on the wall. Contact us by phone, mail or e-mail to arrange for a poster.

Please take a moment to check the expiration date of your foundation membership. This is the third quarter J-Bulletin and if your expiration date is 2004 or prior, this is the last bulletin you will get. I know you won’t want to miss any issues, so please make sure you update that membership during the upcoming billing period.

Our Holiday Specials accompany this bulletin. There are some nice gifts available at reduced prices. Take a look at the offerings on the merchandise page and take advantage of these once a year specials.

I wish you all a wonderful holiday season and a prosperous new year.