April Newsletter

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BRIEFINGS
April, 2007	The Newsletter of the Yellow Rose Squadron	Vol. 10-04
	Briefings e-mail address: B25YR@msn.com

Dick Cole (second from left) shown with Bexar County Judge and Commissioners, as well as representatives from Any Baby Can and the Yellow Rose, as he receives the Hidalgo Award and the proclamation of APRIL 15-21, 2007 as “THE DOOLITTLE TOKYO RAIDERS 65^TH ANNIVERSARY WEEK”.

Photo by Doc Gibbons

MY DOOLITTLE STORY

By Melinda Keller, Outside the Box Event Planner

My name is Melinda Keller; I was born in Norwich Connecticut in 1966. I really did not have much military influence in my life. My father was in the Navy, but was out before I was ever born. We would visit historically important places on the East Coast all the time like Mystic Seaport, Boston Harbor and learned about very early history. In school I thought I learned about all the historically important events from the wars. I remember most learning about WWI because we had to read The Diary of Ann Frank and let’s just say that is a story not easily forgotten.

When it comes to WWII, I remember Pearl Harbor and the bomb that was dropped on Hiroshima. I know in school they can’t teach you everything, just the highlights, but in my mind there was a very important historical event that I was not taught and that was the Doolittle Tokyo Raid. I did not learn about this till much later in life. Actually not till late last year.

I was asked to help do some public relations for the Doolittle Tokyo Raider Reunion. At my first meeting with the organizing committee, I just sat there trying to figure out who this group was and why was their reunion so important. I knew I had to do some research. That weekend I was having dinner with my father and told him what I was doing. I asked him if he could tell me about the Doolittle Raid. He could not believe I had never heard of it. I spent Sunday on my computer researching the raid and quickly

understanding its importance and wanting to learn everything I could about it. Now several months later, it is hard for me to imagine someone not knowing about this very important group of men and what their mission meant to our country.

So when I got to meet Richard Cole, Co-pilot to Jimmy Doolittle, plane #1 of the Doolittle Tokyo Raid, it was like meeting a celebrity. I felt so honored to shake his hand and get to sit down and speak with him. It was an experience I won’t soon forget.

So as I continue to work on the PR for the upcoming reunion in San Antonio, I enjoy the opportunity to tell others what I now know about this amazing group of men. My hope is that their reunions will continue for many years to come because they inspire my generation to learn more and most importantly to not forget.

LEADER'S WORDS

By Ron Dietes, Squadron Leader

This has been a busy month. The Brownsville air show is over and we just got back into town from Tyndall AFB. Tyndall is located in Panama City Florida. That’s in the panhandle of Florida, along the coast, just southeast of Pensacola. It was a good trip and we even made a little money. Although we did not do any revenue rides, we did pass out flyers, so maybe we’ll do better next year. Part of the problem, is we cannot do rides from a military base. But now that the prospective riders know that, they were talking about next year. I don’t remember the exact numbers, but cockpit tours were over $500 and the PX was really good too. We are now going to get the Rose ready for Jasper and then it’s time for the Burnet show. There is never a dull moment in the Yellow Rose tent. The Rose ran really well, but we did experience a few small issues that we needed to fix once we were on the ground in Tyndall. We discovered a broken exhaust stack on the right engine and the voltage regulator on the right side was dangling from broken mounts. Jim Liles and Bubba Renfro fixed the exhaust stack and Ed Wertke made temporary repairs to the regulator.

Doolittle continues to roll on and is steadily gaining momentum. On Tuesday March 27^th we have a morning meeting with Any Baby Can and a squadron Doolittle meeting at 6pm in the break room at the hangar. Letty has printed tickets for the media event on Tuesday and also for the Goblet ceremony on Wednesday. Hopefully, those tickets will help us keep track of the actual number of people requesting attendance at each of those events. The Goblet ceremony is definitely going to pose a challenge, as we have been flooded with requests and frankly, as of right now, I do not know how we will be able to accommodate all the requests. You are probably thinking, well, just get a bigger room. Not so simple, as the hotel has a finite amount of space and most of the space is being used by us. Bubba promised me that he would visit the hotel again in an effort to solve this problem. The number of B-25’s has dwindled from nine to six. So that means that we will probably not have any B-25’s at San Antonio International. But with the security issues there, that may not be such a bad thing. The scholarship requests continue to come in and the Scholarship committee is working on evaluating them so the candidates can be narrowed to a smaller selection list. Jim Liles has the Austin area posters printed and is busy distributing them. We were turned down by the Air Force Band of the West, but Harold Woods is looking into why and maybe it can be remedied so that they can be part of the kick-off at the VIP/Media Reception. Ticket sales continue and hopefully we will be able to sell out both the lunches and the dinner dance. So please try to sell tickets to the lunches and the dinner dance. Since our list of sponsors is very small, we need the ticket sales revenue to cover the expenses of the reunion.

I don’t know if I have actually thanked those members that have volunteered to be on any Doolittle Reunion committee’s. So, to those folks and also to the folks that are not actually on a specific committee, but have none the less been spending many hours of their time and have been expending their own funds on making this the best reunion the Raiders have ever had, a big Yellow Rose – THANK YOU.

The engines are still at Lone Star in Galveston and I talked to Larry Gregory just last week and he indicated we should not concern ourselves with them right now. Just get past the reunion and then we can pick them up for delivery to an over hauler. I am still in the process of contacting prospective companies that can go thru the engines for us. One thing I learned is it that is going to be a little more expensive to re-certify the engines than I originally thought. But, we’ll work it all out and hopefully have the engines ready to be installed on the Rose when they are needed.

Fund raising continues to be a real challenge, but Jerry Taylor and his committee is still out there shaking the trees. Remember, fund raising is really the entire squadron not just one person or a small group.

REUNION OPERATIONS UPDATE

By Grant Lannon

We are down to five B-25s attending the reunion and not all of them will be there all the time. We have an AT-6 and a Stearman (PT-17) for Randolph. The BT-13 cancelled at the last minute and I am trying to find a replacement. Even with a lot of effort, I have not confirmed an AT-11. Thanks to the members of the Operations Committee for contacting the original list of thirty two B-25s that we had as potential attendees. Times have changed, money is tight, and with no major sponsor for fuel, the list dwindled rapidly. We appreciate the work of Ray Janss with Allied Sales (Aeroshell) and Gene Jensen at Check Six Aviation at Stinson Airport. They have helped with getting fuel and oil at the best rate we could get. It is important to remember that the B-25s and the aircraft the Raiders were trained in are peripheral to the reunion. The aircraft were for the fans and history buffs who appreciate the importance of the raid. The important thing is for us to make sure the Raiders enjoy the reunion. It looks like we will have a four-ship for the cemetery and Basic Military Training fly-over. We will have four aircraft giving rides out of Stinson and it looks like four of the five aircraft can give rides to the disabled veterans from Brooke Army Medical Center. The CAF marshallers are also sending support. We can use any help the membership can provide at San Marcos, and Stinson. The Operations Committee is at the ready for their activities and Greg Young is hot on providing security around the aircraft while they are at the civilian sites. See you at the next meeting.

OPERATIONS REPORT

By Dave Howard, Squadron Operations Officer

March has been a very busy kick-off month. As I write this, Brownsville and Tyndall have already happened. Jasper is this next weekend. This time of year weather is always a problem, so we have to be flexible and consider these trips “adventures” in the truest sense of B25 tradition! At least we aren’t operating in the jungles of the South Pacific, although Brownsville comes close.

Upcoming Appearances

As promised last month, the following is a list of all the appearances presently marked on our calendar, all prospects included. Please don’t consider this a notice to put in early requests, but do mark them on your calendars and send in requests one month in advance. As usual, I will send out notices by e-mail as well.

April                                                                                                            August

13-14             Burnet                                    Scheduled                             3-5           Southern WI Air Fest.                         Possible

15-21             Raider’s Reunion                 Oh Yeah!                               10-12       Bay City MI                                          Possible

                                                                                                                      24-26       Wichita Flight Fest.                             Possible

May

4-6                 Temple                                   Scheduled                             September

25-26             Alpine                                    Doubtful                                21-23       Midland                                                 Scheduled

30                  Killeen Flyover                     Scheduled

                                                                                                                      October

June                                                                                                             5-7           Houston                                                                Doubtful

1-3                 SWRFI (Hondo)                   Maybe                                   16-18       New Braunfels Rides                           Scheduled

8-10               Tinker                                     Doubtful                                19-20       Sheppard AFB                                      Scheduled

29-30             Wright-Patterson                 Doubtful                                26-28       Holloman AFB                                      Possible

July                                                                                                              November

5-9                 Ypsilanti, MI                         Probable                                                3-4           Randolph AFB                                     Probable

13-14             Fredericksburg                     Scheduled

20-23             Selfridge AFB, MI                Possible                                 December

23-29             Oskosh, WI                           Possible                                 7-9           YR Party!

             As you can see, there are a number of appearances that could or must be associated with a “tour” because they involve a long flight and it’s difficult to get enough fuel or fee from one appearance to cover our costs. The tour concept also allows us to sell rides between events. So far I have received no responses indicating interest in participating in Oshkosh or any other similar tour appearances. Your officers need your feedback to decide if and how to pursue some of these opportunities.   To register your opinion, please contact me and copy Ron by e-mail.

PX REPORT

By Greg Young, PX Officer

The 2007 Airshow season is upon us and the first show, the Brownsville Air Fiesta turned out to be a huge success for the PX and cockpit tours. The PX took in $1436 and the cockpit tours netted $210. The PX was located in the tradeshow building through which all attendees had to pass so there was good traffic flow and no time restrictions as far as closures due to the ramp being sterilized for flight operations. Sunday in particular at closing time was a hectic sales time. As Curtis Hall and Jack Reeves can attest, the crowd around the PX table was like one you would see at some department store sale. Would that all airshow crowds be so purchase oriented. With several airshows and of course the Doolittle reunion within the next month, it will be a busy time for all of us. Having several suppliers in San Antonio helps with both no shipping costs and fast pickup times. I am coordinating with Steve Gladwin on items for the Reunion, I have ordered B25 mugs (Doolittle raider airplane on it) and Tshirts with the Doolittle Raider theme, these items should be able to sell even at airshows should we have leftovers from the reunion. Well that's about all the PX news for now, as always, Happy landings until the next time.

MINUTES of the March 13th, 2007 MEETING of the YELLOW ROSE SQUADRON

By Pat Moore, Squadron Adjutant

Meeting convened at 1807 hrs

Chuck Clayton made a motion to accept the minutes as shown in the newsletter; Jim Liles seconded motion-motion carried.

REPORTS

SQUADRON LEADER—Ron informed membership of the events coming up in Las Vegas. Ron brought info on Vegas if any of the membership was interested. Ron reminded the Squadron to sign the “Hold Harmless” forms. Although Ron is still investigating, the engines will be a little more expensive than anticipated. Ron told membership that the ashes of Richard Garcia will be dropped during the Burnet Airshow.

EXECUTIVE OFFICER—No report

ADJUTANT—No report

OPERATIONS—The plane is full for Tyndall but there are seats open for Jasper. The Burnet Airshow is April 13/14. It is time to start sign-ups for Burnet. Temple Airshow is the first weekend in May. Dyess has been cancelled (11-13 May);it’s the same weekend as “Twin Tails” in Midland. Alpine is trying to resurrect an airshow they used to have so we’re trying for that show as well.(May 24-25). So far for Memorial Day, we have a fly-over in Killeen.

FINANCE—Judy is keeping the Yellow Rose and Doolittle Reunion stuff separate. Midland has approved our budget so will supply insurance. Jim Liles made a motion to approve the budget report-Chuck Clayton seconded-motion approved.

MAINTENANCE—The hydraulic problem is on going so this coming weekend they’ll probably do another retract on the Rose-help is always welcome. Jim Liles presented membership with a new sign stand for our “Ride for Hire” sign. Jim also has Doolittle Reunion posters for distribution .

PX—Greg says we did well at Brownsville for PX and cockpit tours. He’s preparing the PX for Tyndall.

SAFETY—No report

NEWSLETTER—Membership was reminded to get their items in on time that need to go into the newsletter.

ADOPT-AN-AIRPORT—No report

PUBLIC RELATIONS—Bexar County Commissioners issued a proclamation naming the week during the Reunion as “Doolittle Tokyo Raiders 65^th Anniversary Week”.

MEL SODERBURG—Talked to the squadron about fund raising options for the Doolittle Reunion .

NEW BUSINESS

No report.

GONE WEST/SICK CALL

Tim Black had a setback after his surgery but is now doing well.

GOOD OF THE SQUADRON

No report

Jim Liles made a motion to adjourn, Steve Gladwin seconded-motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 1833 hrs.

ROSE TRAVELS AND EVENTS

Tyndall AFB, March 23-25

By Greg Young

On Friday, March 23rd the Yellow Rose and her crew set off on a long flight east to participate in the Gulf Coast Salute to Heroes held at Tyndall AFB in Panama City, Florida. The crew consisted of Ron Dietes, Grant Lannon, Jim Liles, Curtis Hall, Ed Wertke, Jack Reeves, Bubba Renfro, and Greg Young. It was a four hour flight that took the Rose to Florida passing North of Houston and then passing over cities like Lake Charles, Lafayette, Baton Rouge, Gulfport/Biloxi, Mobile, Pensacola, and finally, Panama City. We left the clouds behind in Texas which seems to be overcast almost every day lately. One location that we passed by has great significance to us now as it is the abandoned airstrip that the Doolittle Raiders used to practice take offs from there in Florida prior to the Tokyo Raid. Upon arrival at Tyndall, we secured the Rose for the night and she would be able to rest for a day as we were a static display only. We attended the airshow party at the Tyndall officers' club which is in a scenic location right on the Gulf of Mexico. It is always fun to participate in those parties and meet the various participants from around the country. After an early Saturday breakfast, our gallant crew set up the PX and the Rose for cockpit tours. Even though we were not able to show the Rose off in flight, we made up for it in PX sales and cockpit tours as we were never shut down by a sanitized flight line. Cockpit tours netted $541 and the PX $958 which are great totals for a one day show. The airshow itself was well put on with very little down time between acts. The Blue Angels were the highlight of the show although my personal favorite performance was the Heritage Flight of a F86, F4, F16, and F22. After a rewarding day in nice weather, we packed up the Rose and headed for one of the Fighter Squadrons ready room for another get together. One individual we talked to was Capt. David Ballmer a F22 pilot from Langley AFB. He is really interested in old planes and proved it by being about the first person that Saturday morning for a Rose cockpit tour. Jack and I extended an invitation for him to visit San Marcos as he has relatives in Comfort, Texas. It is always neat to see younger guys interested in our old birds even though they fly the latest in technology. Sunday morning saw the Rose and her crew headed back west. Three and one-half hours later we were back home, a very successful Yellow Rose mission had been completed.

TYNDALL AFB VIGNETTES

By Grant Lannon

Tyndall AFB has a great Friday night reception at the O-club on the gulf with flying demonstrations off the patio. The hors d’oeuvres are great and we stayed within walking distance of the club. I met one of the QF-4 pilots and his wife at the bar and we talked for a long time. His boss (the Colonel), when he found out that I was the Reliability Engineer on the QF-4, said something like, "Thanks a lot!" He later bought me a wine and I said, "I forgive you." He said, "I forgive you!" Actually, I found out the reliability problems are with the legacy equipment, not the modifications. It is deja vu to see all the red tailed QF-4s parked across the ramp where I did maintainability testing on the prototype. I also always think about sitting on top of that big van while the guys at the computer controls (very similar to Flight Simulator) brought the unmanned QF-4 in for touch and gos on the runway which was just feet away from us. I remember saying, "Why do we have to be so close?" They said, "Think about it. Does it matter where we are if something goes wrong?" Also, the MQM 167A (known as the Skeeter) was on display but was mislabeled with the sign out front as an MQM-107, another drone I worked on for BAE Systems. I worked on the proposal for the Skeeter that won the award for Composite Engineering Inc and an award that surprised all the well-known drone companies. Later, they decided that I was too expensive and not available enough to work the project. I did not see anyone from CEi around but did hear the Skeeter was finally performing well. Two years ago, one of the Skeeter guys that I used to work with took the Rose crew out to a gulf restaurant for dinner. He was a consummate public relations guy and had special accommodations arranged for us at the restaurant including yellow roses.

We were static, which worked out great because we could run more people through the aircraft and not have to take down the PX. It was a perfect day for an airshow with light breezes and temperatures in the low 70s. Everybody worked hard and we did well on the PX and cockpit tours. After the gates closed, we went over to one of the F-15 squadrons for an after airshow party. One of the fighter pilots was asking old timers for war stories. I told him an "engineering story" about how once the French gave Tracor (the company I worked for in Austin) information on the ground to air missiles they had sold the Iraqis, we worked 24 hours a day to reprogram the ALE-45 expendable countermeasure dispensers on the F-15s to defeat the missiles before the first Iraq war. We all agreed that was probably the last time the French did anything for the U.S. He said that story was good enough to pass on to the other Eagle drivers. Later, we saw a privately owned French jet trainer down the ramp from us and we decided that what looked like auxiliary fuel tanks on the wings were really white flag dispensers.

2007 Yellow Rose B-25
Squadron Staff Officers

Squadron Leader - Ron Dietes

t6cpilot@netzero.net

Executive Officer - Tim Black

tangblack@austin.rr.com

Finance Officer - Judy McMillan

heyjude@texas.net

Adjutant - Pat Moore

patrickmoore99@mail.ev1.net

Operations Officer - Dave Howard

dave.howard@alumni.utexas.net

Maintenance Officer - Jim Liles

james.liles@tstr.net

Safety Officer - Jerry Taylor

james_j_taylor@msn.com

PX Officer - Greg Young

tbolt52@hotmail.com

Publicity Officer - Bob Gardner

bob@rhga.com

VISIT THE YELLOW ROSE SQUADRON 65th DOOLITTLE TOKYO RAIDERS REUNION WEB SITE AT http://www.b-25yellowrose.com/reunion

VISIT THE YELLOW ROSE SQUADRON 65th DOOLITTLE TOKYO RAIDERS REUNION WEB SITE AT
http://www.b-25yellowrose.com/reunion