GUNNER GUEST LOG

Guest Log is still here, but a change in the way to post a log to prevent all the spammers from getting paid. If you want to make a post, email me here.

REF #:  1902      DATE POSTED:  2010-9-03   NAME:  Dennis Larson
URL(WEB SITE, IF APPLICABLE):       EMAIL (IF APPLICABLE): delarson1@comcast.net

MESSAGE: Hi all, first time on the site. Seeing the names of many of the guys I was stationed with & reading SB sure brings back a lot of memories. I was G gunner from 75 to 86 when I was medically grounded. Stationed at Barksdale, Loring, Wurtsmith, and finished out my AF career at Grissom as NCOIC of Flight Records. I would love to hear from anyone I was stationed with. Would also like information on Mike Stailey, Tim Sawyers, Jim Toomer, Dave Gaudet, Chuck Dean, and Ken Koval. Regards, Dennis Larson, SMSgt, Retired Peru, Indiana

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REF #:  1901      DATE POSTED:  2010-9-01   NAME:  Harry Epperly
URL(WEB SITE, IF APPLICABLE):       EMAIL (IF APPLICABLE):

MESSAGE: Hi, My name is Dean Epperly, my father is Harry Epperly USAF Ret. SMSGT. I'm not sure how many of you use the social network site Facebook, but I have set up a page honoring my father. He is once again battling cancer and I would like folks to let him know he is loved and that he has made an impact in so many of our lives. Here is the link to the site  http://www.facebook.com/pages/Harry-R-Epperly/151025648241755   Thanks Dean Epperly.

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REF #:  1900      DATE POSTED:  2010-8-08   NAME:  Donald Lepori
URL(WEB SITE, IF APPLICABLE):       EMAIL (IF APPLICABLE):  dllepori@pacbell.net

MESSAGE: I signed up for the reunion and hope to see some of you gunners there. I will be there on the 27th of Aug and leave the 3rd of Sept. Ex mother-in-law just passed away in Tucson and will be attending her memorial service on the 28th Aug; perfect timing!! Walker, you will have a cold one, waiting when you arrive! Hope to see a lot of gunners this time! "Be safe, carry an extra six pack at all times!!" Lepori

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REF #:  1899      DATE POSTED:  2010-7-31   NAME:  Bob Matherly
URL(WEB SITE, IF APPLICABLE):       EMAIL (IF APPLICABLE):  bmatherly@wildblue.net

MESSAGE: I am looking for a Westover AFB crew roster from 1970 (I flew with the Westover crews during  Arc Light in 1970).  Hopefully one of our members has a crew roster they can make a copy of for me.  Thanks....Bob Matherly

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REF #:  1898      DATE POSTED:  2010-7-22   NAME:  Dennis Hogan
URL(WEB SITE, IF APPLICABLE):       EMAIL (IF APPLICABLE):  dhogan01@comcast.net

MESSAGE: It's good to see a lot of old names and friends listed.  I didn't think the gunners still had an organization but thought there may be a BDB still around to look up people.  That's how I ended up here.  I was a gunner from 1971 - 1993 at Beale, Barksdale, Castle, and Minot to include a bunch of Arclight tours.  Since deactivation of the gunners (could probably reword that a bit better) I've only seen/met one other gunner--Bill Johnson circa 1995. Anyway, until I can get my membership straightened around, I would appreciate it if you could post this. Thank you. Dennis C. Hogan   P.S.  Got any beans?

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REF #:  1897      DATE POSTED:  2010-5-06   NAME:  Bob Matherly
URL(WEB SITE, IF APPLICABLE):       EMAIL (IF APPLICABLE):  bmatherly@wildblue.net  

MESSAGE: I am looking for a copy of a crew roster of the 454th Bomb Wing's  736th Bomb Squadron, Columbus, MS from 1967 era - can anyone provide me with the names of the gunners who were assigned there in this time frame if no crew rosters exist anymore.  Also need a picture - or even better - a patch from the 736th Bomb Squadron.  Send email if  you can help.  Bob

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REF #:  1896      DATE POSTED:  2010-5-02   NAME:  Harry Tolmich
URL(WEB SITE, IF APPLICABLE):       EMAIL (IF APPLICABLE):  B-52@cox.net 

MESSAGE: "Harry- Great to hear from you!  one of the best memories of Branson 06 was the great group of Guns who attended--they added class and real spirit to a fun time together. Being a mustang with prior Army enlisted and aviation cadet time, the full crew attendance has always been a high priority of mine. I'm really pleased that several of the gunners have indicated they are coming to Tucson 2010, and I thank you for your support.  We may have to work a little on Iggy Cruz, but I was particularly glad to hear that Cease Walker and a few rowdy friends intend to be there.  Maybe we can double the gunner attendance we had at Branson.

Now to your questions about events and times:  I visited Tucson and the El Conquistador staff to work out the overall schedule and support.  I made sure we could "deconflict" all our activities to encourage max participation.  Stan Zeitz is our local on-scene coordinator and he is working out the final detailed schedule of events.  That will be on the website shortly showing specific times and sequence. However, to give you an idea of how the events will unfold, Sunday arrival will feature a poolside reception with free margaritas, taco bar and mariachi band.

Early Monday morning, we'll to have a shorter (9 hole), fun golf tourney at the course that winds around the Resort grounds, so the players can then participate in the Tucson Tour including Lunch at Old Town and the Cathedral.  Other tour options like the Biosphere will be available for non-golfers and  those not interested in the Tucson Tour.  Monday evening, a reunion highlight will be the Chuckwagon Barbecue, Reunion Ceremony and entertainment at the Western Village right on the resort grounds.

Tuesday, we are encouraging everyone to do the Tucson Air Force Day with the Tour of the Missile Museum, the Boneyard and Lunch at Davis Monthan Mirage Club, with command briefings about the Air Force missions in the area.  Bus transportation will be provided for this and all of the other recommended tours. The business meeting will be that afternoon back at the ranch.

Wednesday is pretty much an optional Tour day for Tubac, Tohono Chul Park (both with lunch), optional Jeep Tours; and, for the real sticks, 18 holes of golf on the El Conquistador Championship Course (past home of the Tucson Open).  Based on our recon, Tubac is for ardent historical buffs and/or shoppers, Tohono Chul Park is a great laid back botanical garden with nature/art walks and a great little luncheon area overlooking the hummingbird garden--a favorite of ours for an easy day and plenty of shade.  Jeep tours can be arranged for individually right at the main Resort Lounge and the Biosphere should be of great interest to the scientifically and environmentally curious. After a day of fun in the sun,  Wednesday evening will feature the Reunion Banquet.

It will be kinda like the show options at Branson, where folks have activity choices and we are not trying to get everyone to go to the same places.  As I mentioned on the website, one of the best options is to just R & R at the beautiful El Conquistador facility, with its three cascading pools, a water park and poolside bar and cafe.  Feel free to share this advanced info, and stay tuned to the www.arclight-youngtiger.org.

Pls let me know if I can make any calls or help encourage any of the guys to join us in Tucson.  Cheers to you and all the Guns!  Paul Maye"

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REF #:  1895      DATE POSTED:  2010-4-21   NAME:  Bob Matherly
URL(WEB SITE, IF APPLICABLE):       EMAIL (IF APPLICABLE):  bmatherly@wildblue.net 

MESSAGE: The Spokane Memory Books are FINALLY hitting the mailboxes for those who ordered them.  AFGA Treasurer Ralph Stearns has quite a few copies of them that are available for those who did not initially order them or for others who would like to have a copy.  The cost is $24 per memory book plus $2 mailing.  Send check (make check out to AFGA)  to Ralph at: PO Box 231. Medical Lake, WA 99022 for your copy. He will get it in the mail to you.   Bob

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REF #:  1894      DATE POSTED:  2010-4-20   NAME:  Lisa Knight
URL(WEB SITE, IF APPLICABLE):       EMAIL (IF APPLICABLE):  lisarobyknight@msn.com

MESSAGE: I was surfing your web site and noticed some names of gunners Luke Shelton knew. He passed away and left behind a wife and son.  
Luke was a gunner on D and H models for the 9th Bomb Squadron at Carswell from 80 til 85. I have fond memories of listening to the Buff's take off and land. I remember not being able to fall asleep at night until I heard them coming in over Ridgmar mall. MITO take offs were something to see.  
I would appreciate it, if you would post something about him passing away. You can include my email address.  
Any stories that his friends and crew members could share would be appreciated by our son. Thank you, Lisa A. Knight

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REF #:  1893      DATE POSTED:  2010-4-11   NAME:  Doug Hershey
URL(WEB SITE, IF APPLICABLE):       EMAIL (IF APPLICABLE):  Kevin.Hershey@js.pentagon.mil

MESSAGE: Doug Hershey, 9BMS, Carswell AFB, TX, B-52D Gunner, 79-83. Great to read the post an see some familiar names. Great site!

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REF #:  1892      DATE POSTED:  2010-4-01   NAME:  Bob Matherly
URL(WEB SITE, IF APPLICABLE):       EMAIL (IF APPLICABLE):  bmatherly@wildblue.net 

MESSAGE: Talked with Paul Maye on the telephone today and he issued a personal invitation to all us gunners to come and enoy the ArcLight - Young Tiger Reunion down in Tucson this year.  Harry and Cease has provided most of the information below but here are the dates and contacts one more time for those of you who can make it:  Contact Russ Stephenson, 410-740-8024 or visit the website at www.arclight-youngtiger.org for all of the information you need to sign up and attend.  As stated by Cease and Harry, it runs 29 August thru the 3rd of September so make your plans and make your reservations - fly in the contrails one more time and enjoy the flight with many friends.  Bob

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REF #:  1891      DATE POSTED:  2010-3-30   NAME:  Bob Matherly
URL(WEB SITE, IF APPLICABLE):       EMAIL (IF APPLICABLE):  bmatherly@wildblue.net 

MESSAGE: For those who are reading the April 2010 SB on line, you can download and save it to your computer once you have accessed it (use "Save A Copy" under the File toolbar tab) so that you don't have to access it on the web each and every time you wish to read it.  I save the copy to my desktop so it is readily accessible the next time I need to access it - and easy to find.  The first time you access it off the web it might take up to 4 -5 minutes before it appears on your computer screen.  This would be the time to save it if you so desire.  Know most of those who are using the computer know how to do this but several didn't so just passing along a helpful hint.  Enjoy...and yes, we will have some extra copies for those who wish a hard copy for this April edition as mentioned on the Gunners.net home page note.   Bob

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REF #:  1890      DATE POSTED:  2010-3-25   NAME:  Cease Walker
URL(WEB SITE, IF APPLICABLE):       EMAIL (IF APPLICABLE):  buftailgun@aol.com

MESSAGE: JUST WANTED TO LET HARRY KNOW HOW MUCH I ENJOYED HIS LECTURE ON REUNIONS... IT KIND OF WARMS THE HEART AND WALLET TO LOOK FORWARD TO THESE FIASCOS AND TO SEE OLD, AND I DO MEAN OLD, FRIENDS... WE HAVE MADE THE RESERVATIONS AT THE HILTON EL CONQUISTADOR AND WE WILL STILL HAVE ENOUGH MONEY LEFT TO HAVE A FEW BEERS IF WE HOLD THE MEALS DOWN TO MAYBE ONE A DAY... STILL 2 PORK CHOPS IN EVERY BEER??? I STARTED SAVING FOR THIS ONE THE DAY WE LEFT SPOKANE AND I WILL BEGIN PRACTICING STAYING UP AFTER 2100 HOURS AND THE OTHER ACTIVITIES FOR WHICH I ONLY RECEIVED A CQ (CONDITIONAL QUALIFIED) GRADE AT THE BRANSON BLAST...
HOPE TO SEE A GREAT GUNNER TURNOUT IN TUCSON... CEASE

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REF #:  1889      DATE POSTED:  2010-3-19   NAME:  Harry Tolmich
URL(WEB SITE, IF APPLICABLE):       EMAIL (IF APPLICABLE):  B-52@cox.net

MESSAGE: To All Gunners and former B-52/KC135 crew members.   I visit the Gunners web site often and read a lot of the postings. A continuous theme is "what  a great time it was as a gunner,", or "It would be great to connect with old gunners", etc.  However, when it comes down to cut bait....very few of 1500 members show at a gunners reunion. Of course health could enter into the reason guys don't show....but financial burden excuse doesn't cut it...with a two year window to prepare for a reunion... with proper financial planning folks could attend. Well now , it is again time to see who really wants to reunite with old crewmembers....  The ARC LIGHT/YOUNG TIGER reunion will be held Tucson, Arizona August 29-Sept 3rd 2010. My radiation for prostate cancer will be finished on 12 May....and I am going...ain't getting any younger. The last ARC LIGHT/YOUNG TIGER reunion was held at Branson Missouri. Six tail gunners out of 1500 showed up.  The 500 B-52 crew members , pilots, RN , etc gave us ,the six gunners a standing ovation.....it was great time. Well hell maybe guys don't want to go...and this hooey of wanting to see old friends and crew member is just hot air. I will be there and my very good friend (since 1955) CC Walker will meet me there.  For anyone who would like to attend...FYI.......go to  www.arclight-youngtiger.org .......or you can contact 

Russ Stephenson, 4625 Broken Lute Way, Ellicott, MD....21042-5959

This is  Apache Jack   B-52@cox.net     listening out.....wish all  good health.......Harry Tolmich

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REF #:  1888      DATE POSTED:  2010-3-06   NAME:  Wayne Smith
URL(WEB SITE, IF APPLICABLE):       EMAIL (IF APPLICABLE):  helway@hotmail.com

MESSAGE:  I am trying to find a gunner I used to fly with back in the early 60's from Castle AFB in B52s.  I was the EWO and Fred Myers (Meyers?) and our pilot used to go fishing after pulling alert up in the mountains of California.  We had to walk in to the lake since there was no roads into it and we had to camp out for several days.  Caught native trout on this beautiful lake. The pilot, Curtis Eaton, was bored so he volunteered to be a fighter pilot and got his wish with F-105 "Thuds" and got shot down and is now on the "Wall".  I also got shot down in an EB-66 but survived.  I would love to connect with Fred if he is still alive and maybe go fishing together.
 Wayne H. Smith, Maj USAF (RET) Please email me at the above listed link.

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On Guest Log Ref.# 1887  on  2010-2-11, I requested info as to where I could locate a "leather aerial gunners patch".  It was posted in your guest log: Thanks so much for all your efforts and service, since I was fortunate to locate it through one of the Guest Log members. Kindly delete or remove my request from the Guest Log. Thanks, John P. Rumancik
WWII Tail Gunner....B-24..8th Air Force PS...I just signed up as life time member with the AFGA.

REF #:  1887      DATE POSTED:  2010-2-11   NAME:  John Rumancik
URL(WEB SITE, IF APPLICABLE):       EMAIL (IF APPLICABLE):  lorjpr@webtv.net

MESSAGE:  My name is John P. Rumancik ....I was a Tail Gunner in a B-24 in the 8th AF...392nd bomb group...576 sqd. during WWII.
I am looking for an "Aerial Gunners Wings Leather Patch".  This is to be sewn on my Leather Flight Jacket.  It is about 3 1/4 inches long and 1 3/4 inches wide......the gunners wings are etched on the leather strip. I would appreciate if anyone could help me in obtaining one. I have looked at many places and have had no success.....hopefully someone out there can locate one for me. Thanks, John P. Rumancik

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REF #:  1886      DATE POSTED:  2010-2-1   NAME:  Bob Matherly
URL(WEB SITE, IF APPLICABLE):       EMAIL (IF APPLICABLE):  bmatherly@wildblue.net

MESSAGE:  "The April 2010 AFGA SHORT BURSTS  will be mailed out in 60 days or so. I am starting work on it now. IF you have not subscribed to it and wish to received the Short Bursts delivered at your home address, please fill out the subscription envelope in the December 09 issue and mail it in to Jim Hoke before March 1st, 2010. The December 09 Short Bursts issue explained the reasons behind this change -and subscription program - in our Association Publication/Newsletter. The April Short Bursts will only be mailed to those who have subscribed to the publication by sending in the subscription to Jim Hoke and whose name appears on our April 10 Mailing List.  Get yours in now if you - don't wait until the last minute.  We will need to know all the  names and addresses no later than the first week of March, 2010.  This is just a reminder to those who have not yet signed up for the new program.  Bob Matherly, SB Editor

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REF #:  1885      DATE POSTED:  2010-1-30   NAME:  Jim Fogle
URL(WEB SITE, IF APPLICABLE):       EMAIL (IF APPLICABLE):  jimdene@artelco.com

MESSAGE:  Just a moment to check in and wish all a happy new year and best of health.  Still trying to get info or email addresses for Dell Stevens ,Gerry Olsen, Jim Collis and a bunch of others but those will help. Thanks to anyone who has any info. Gunner out    JIM FOGLE

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REF #:  1884      DATE POSTED:  2010-1-5   NAME:  Skip Withey
URL(WEB SITE, IF APPLICABLE):       EMAIL (IF APPLICABLE):  skipnbev@bresnan.net

MESSAGE:  I am trying to find a gunner named Adrian Drolet who at one time was stationed at Seymour Johnson. His old co-pilot is trying to contact him. If you or anyone knows his whereabouts could you let me me know? Thanks Skip Withey.