From the Executive Director
by
Tom Drugan

We have just returned from the 2006 edition of the 390th Bomb Group Veterans Association reunion held in Louisville, Kentucky. Some 250 people attended including about 125 veterans. As always it was an uplifting experience. Our veterans maintain a positive, patriotic, energetic outlook. The time is never sufficient to greet and talk to everyone there and we always leave thinking of so many people that we did not get to visit with. But all the ‘goodbyes’ were accompanied by ‘see you next year’ as everyone plans to make their way to Salt Lake City in 2007. As a reminder, all you descendants who would like to attend that reunion must notify the museum of your desires by the end of May 2007. If you are not planning to attend as a guest of a veteran, you must register with us to get a reunion packet.

Our endowment fund just surpassed the $1.5 million mark! This fund was established to provide for the future of the museum and our goal is to establish a principle of at least $2 million. Since its inception, none of the deposits or income has been removed for any purpose. This fund deserves your consideration for annual gifting as it will be our salvation in the years to come. Please refer to page 10 for a more definitive description of our endowment fund.

Our attendance at the museum has been a little disappointing this year. We have had to endure the problem of reduced travel and tourism resulting from high gas prices and concern over terrorism. Many people are simply electing to stay close to home for their vacations. But attendance will pick up as our weather cools. That seems to bring out the locals who have been hibernating over the summer months and we always get large numbers of “snow-birds” who move to Tucson for the entire winter. Things will be looking up soon!

Our 2007 Foundation reunion is scheduled for March 22-24, 2007. We had about 100 members attend the reunion this year and it was a great experience for all. Information packets will be sent to everyone right after the first of the year, but please set aside this time on your calendar now.*

On page 12 you will find a few holiday specials that your favorite 390th Bomb Group fan will appreciate. This could simplify your holiday shopping by providing some good prices on popular merchandise. Of course all the items in our BX would make fine gifts!

Another year is drawing to a close, and during the next month membership renewals will be in the mail. This unique museum is the repository for all that happened to the 390th Bomb Group in World War II, and preserves for posterity the acts of courage and sacrifice performed by our service men. Everyone who served, or has relatives and friends who served, or simply honors those who served will want to maintain their membership in the foundation. This is where we document their legacy of courage. Please continue your support of this most worthwhile organization.