Reunion eligiblity

Howard,
 
Do I need to be a member of the 452nd bombardment Group association for a length of time to attend this reunion? My grandfather was in the 452nd and I would like to meet with and share stories with the people of the association.
 
Please advise.
 
Thanks,
 
Jim

Normally they just put a mirror under your nose and if you are breathing you qualify.
 
I believe if you can get there you will be very glad you went, I have talked with men who served with my father and a couple he trained.  I learned things about him I never would have known.
 
When a person is fighting daily, trying to stay alive and help his friends to remain alive it can bring out some real strengths and qualities you might never have seen in a person otherwise.
 
I have no doubt you find your grandfather was a real hero, loved and respected by those he fought and flew with. 
 
My son was able to interview his Grandfather for a History project. Later the three of us spent 2 days together at Wright Patterson I know I will always treasure that trip and my son knew he Grandfather in ways he would have missed.
 
I wish you the very best, keep notes, get names and addresses and take photos it is a chance of a life time GO FOR IT AND GOD BLESS YOUR FIRST REUNION.
 

Jim,
All are welcome to the reunion.  Do you have the last news letter.  If not, I will email you the details of what is going on each day and when the hospitality room will be open. 
Hope to see you in Jacksonville.
Thank you, Howard

Jim
 
I read Howard's reply and if you go you find a whole Unit of such fine Honorable Individuals as Howard.
 
Our fathers and grandfathers may pass on but grandsons' like you will keep their faithfulness, loyaity, service and dedication to GOD AND COUNTRY A LIVE as they should be and must be!!
 
I am 63 I volunteered at our local elementary school for a year when I lost my job. On 12/7/2008 I mentioned the Attack on 12/7/1941. Most of these teachers could have been my own sons' age, they had never thought of the Attack, some did not know about it and now they are teaching our grandchildren etc nothing about it.
 
This is the time I first had some one, a teacher ,  ask me "WHAT OR WHO IS HICKAM?"
 
Jim, your father and grandfather will be proud of you as you are of them. You enjoy yourself and maybe even keep a diary. Some of the men my father fought and flew with and I talked to are gone. It took me months to find one in a nursing home in NY. His body is wearing out but NOT HIS MIND OR VOICE. Once I establshed he was a live I surprised Warren with a copy of "Finish Forty and Home: The Untold World War II Story of B-24s in the Pacific (Mayborn Literary Nonfiction Series) and the author PHIL SCEARCE signed it to Warren Coats and another I sent to Ken Crothers. Phil signed the one I sent to Ken Crothers as well.  Louis Zamperini was in their SQ and Warren had flown with him on several missions.
 
Both men and the other who died were in the books Unit very Unit and SQ and had no idea it was published.
 
Jim I know you will learn things you will learn no where else from the men who were there. I am excited for you and let us know what a GREAT TIME I KNOW YOU WILL HAVE.
 
Thank you Howard for your SERVICE AND DEDICATION TO AMERICA AND FOR KEEPING US ALL SAFE during your watch!
 
Howard, my father was in the Pacific from 1937 to 1945. The 11 TH BGH and its SQs were in the Battles of Midway, Guadalcanal, Espirto Santos, the Solomons and more.  He was at Henderson, they were being bombed daily and repairing and flying out each day.
 
When I was of age to enlist I asked my father his thoughts on which branch I should enlist in.
 
He said they never had a hot meal in 1942-1943, if they had water it was bad water, rats as big as small dogs ate everything leather and canvas, everything rotted, they never had enough men, ammunition, fuel, medical supplies, trained crews, the bedding was damp or wet, disease and sickness was the only thing they had in abundance,
 
He said unless they sink the ship you should have decent hot food on occasion, a dry bed, and good water, no dog sized rats, rot and good medical care and medicines. So I enlisted in the Navy.

Jim,
Reunion is at the Crowne Plaza, 1201 River place Blvd, Jacksonville, FL  32207.  Ohone number is 904.398.8800.
7 Sep: 
Registration in Hotel Lobby.  Hospitality Room 1300-1800;  Silent Auction Display;  Dinner on our own.
 
8 Sept: 
Breakfast 0730-0930 in Osceola Room.  Registration packets +452 Merchandise.
0915:  Ponte Vedra Tour.
1300-1800:  Hospitality Room.
Dinner on your own.
 
9 Sep:  Military Uniform Day. 
Wear your military uniform.
1300 - 1645 Hospitality Room.
1700:  Executive Board Meeting in Osceola Room
Dinner on your own.
 
10 Sep: 0730-0930L  Breakfact
1000:  General Board Meeting.  All 452nd Guests are welcome.
1300-1630:  Hospitality Room
1530:  Silent Auction Ends
1700-1830:  Cocktails
1830-1900:  Raffle Winners
1900-2130:  Banquet and Band Entertainment.
 
11 Sep:
0730-0930:  Breakfast
 
If you want to attend any of the tours, you can pay on Wednesday.  I arrive early afternoon on Wednesday.
 
Look forward to meeting you and introducing you to the 'Group'. 
 
PMl me with any questions. 
 
Thank you, Howard