“Special Delivery’ and “Miss Mitchell” fly formation with the “Yellow Rose” during Doolittle Reunion.  Photo taken from the “Yellow Rose”.

Photo by Ken Murray

 

Texas Governor Rick Perry visits with Doolittle Raider Davy Jones at the Reunion on April 18.

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MINUTES OF THE YELLOW ROSE SQUADRON MEETING, APRIL 10, 2007

By Pat Moore, Squadron Adjutant

     Meeting convened at 1803 hours, with the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by a prayer.

REPORTS

 

OPERATIONS: Dave Howard reminded members that the Burnet Airshow was coming up Saturday, April 14.  On May 5 and 6 is the Temple Airshow.  Dave is now taking the names of the people who want to fly the Rose to Temple.  Alpine turned out to be a no go, but an alternate show may be Monroe, Louisiana on the same dates.  There was no response to the expanded tour to Oshkosh, however, there is a big show on July 7 in Ypsilanti, Michigan, with a possible stop in Dayton for a celebration there.  See Dave for details.

 

FINANCE: Judy McMillan gave a regular finance report for the Squadron, plus a separate report of the Doolittle Reunion.  Reports were passed around with the current balances.  Jim Liles made a motion to accept the finance report as read.  Bret Renfro seconded and the motion passed.

MAINTENANCE:  A fuel cell was leaking on the airplane and was replaced.  The bomb-bay fuel transfer was leaking and should be repaired by April 11.  Will have to wait until the until the repairs have been finished to load the PX on the plane.

 

The motion to adjourn was made by Jim Liles, seconded by Steve Gladwin and the meeting was adjourned at 1814 hours.

 

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OPERATIONS REPORT

 

By Dave Howard, Squadron Operations Officer

 

Operations Activity

 

April was a month dominated by the Doolittle Raiders’ Reunion, although there were two other air shows scheduled.  Jasper was supposed to be held on the first weekend, but weather forced a cancellation.  Burnet came two weeks later, and again weather caused problems.  The Rose was again a star, flying when many smaller aircraft were grounded by the high crosswinds.  The next day we held open cockpit day at San Marcos as kickoff event to Raiders Week.  Attendees were treated to rides for hire, a large antique car show, and an unexpected P51 visit by Pistolero from San Antonio.  The Rose survived a close call when an intake manifold tube came off during a ride for hire.  Fortunately she was close to the airport and the crew was able to land her quickly and extinguish the small fire that resulted without injuries to anyone or damage to the aircraft.  The incident has been reported to HQ as required by regulations.  Sunday was spent reinstalling the tube and cleaning up before conducting a successful maintenance flight.  Maintenance procedures will be developed to detect similar intake system faults between flights in the future, and reduce their risk of occurrence.

 

Upcoming Appearances

 

As introduced last month, the list below is all of the appearances presently marked on our calendar, all prospects included.  It has been updated as of April 26th.  As usual, I will send out a notice by e-mail about a month before each event.

 

A new venue came to light during Raiders’ week, the air show at Fairhope, Alabama.  Apparently this show was another that had been booked by Jim Terry, and is being handed off to Ron.  I have not been the Rose POC for this one, so I don’t know the business details.  Fairhope is on the east side of Mobile Bay, not far west of Pensacola.

OPERATIONS CALENDAR

   DATE          LOCATION          STATUS

May
4-6	Temple	Scheduled
19-20	Fairhope, AL	Probable
25-26	Alpine	Doubtful
30	Killeen Flyover	Scheduled
Jun
1-3	SWRFI (Hondo)	Maybe
8-10	Tinker	Doubtful
29-30	Wright-Patterson	No
Jul
5-9	Ypsilanti, MI	Scheduled
13-14	Fredericksburg	Scheduled
20-23	Selfridge AFB, MI	Possible
23-29	Oskosh, WI	Possible
Aug
3-5	Southern WI Air Fest	Possible
10-12	Bay City , MI	Possible
	Wichita Flight Fest	Possible
Sep
21-23	Midland	Scheduled
Oct
5-7	Houston	Doubtful
16-18	New Braunfels Rides	Scheduled
19-20	Sheppard AFB	Scheduled
26-28	Holloman AFB	Possible
Nov
3-4	Randolph AFB	Probable
Dec
7-9	YR Party

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PX REPORT

By Greg Young, PX Officer

As we enter May 2007 A.D. (After Doolittle), one can reflect with pride on all that the Yellow Rose Squadron did last week to honor the brave Doolittle Tokyo Raiders who are truly role models of a high standard.  Many of them do not consider themselves heroes but nevertheless their standard of courage and patriotism is a lofty one to achieve.  PX wise, the week appears to be a huge success.  First, I want to commend and thank Steve Gladwin for all the effort and time he put into being the master of the Doolittle Reunion store.  His selection of shirts, hats, coins, posters, and patches was right on the money.  Even the items I ordered for the reunion (B25 Tshirts and mugs) sold out as well as many of the items in our normal PX.  All the venues of sales did well (the hotel, San Marcos, and Stinson field).  The event prior to the Doolittle reunion was the Burnet Highland Lakes airshow.  Again I do not have the money figures (see note below-editor) but considering the cold and windy weather, the PX seemed to do as well as can be expected.  We sold most of the Doolittle items that had been brought  as a “warm up” to the actual event.  As usual I want to thank all the people who helped out with sales.  With the Temple airshow around the corner, I am already replenishing our depleted PX and we should have most of the normal range of items to offer for sale. 

Note: Burnet financial report:

Cockpit Tours $155; PX $905

From Judy McMillan

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ROSE TRAVELS AND EVENTS

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Burnet Airshow

By Greg Young

On Friday the 13th of April, the Yellow Rose and her crew of seven set out to participate in the Highland Lakes Burnet airshow.  The crew consisted of Ron Dietes, Ken Udcoff, Jack Reeves, Greg Young, Curtis Hall, Will Walsh, and Bill Walsh.  After a hop and a skip over to Burnet, we did a Yellow Rose pass down the runway to announce our arrival.  The weather in the surrounding areas kept the number of arrivals down for Friday.  Grant Lannon and Steve Gladwin arrived in the rocket-bearing Triple Nickel T6 and Calvin Allen arrived in his red tail T6 so of course, the Yellow Rose and Centex members proved their can do attitudes.  After securing the Rose, our intrepid crew set out in the Highland Lakes van to Marble Falls where we had a “leisurely” Italian meal.  It started to storm as we left to head for our quarters at the Horseshoe Bay Marriott.  The next morning found it to be cold and windy with mostly cloudy conditions prevailing.  After a group breakfast at the Bluebonnet Café in Marble Falls, it was off to Burnet to prepare for the show.  Numerous cancellations kept the number of airshow performers down but the Yellow Rose was there.  There was never a line for cockpit tours but usually somebody was paying a visit so it was steady.  The PX seemed to do well.  The Yellow Rose and the Devil Dog did their airshow routine.  The other highlight for me was watching “Uncle Ho’s Nightmare” the A-1 Skyraider perform.  I also have to commend Mr. Western Airlines, Chuck Tully, of the Highland Lakes Squadron on his choice of ground transportation.  Once the show was over, the Rose had the honor of doing an ash drop in respect of one of our members who had gone West, Richard Garcia.  I know Richard would have been a big part of the Doolittle Reunion effort.  Once the memorial flight was over, we loaded up and a short hop and skip found the Rose landing at San Marcos at the end of another successful mission.  I heard that the Highland Lakes Squadron was satisfied with the show despite the weather, way to go, Cliff Walker and crew. 

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MY DOOLITTLE REUNION IMPRESSIONS

By Judy McMillan,, Squadron Finance Officer

      When asked for a few of paragraphs of my impressions/experiences at the Doolittle Tokyo Raiders Reunion, I thought it would be hard to summarize the experience.  After completing a 40-hour week this past week counting income, entering credit card charges and trying to reconcile everything, I think I can put it this way:  Getting up by 6:30 a.m, working non-stop until you hit the pillow the next morning by 1 a.m. – fatiguing; working with the Yellow Rose team that was there – rewarding; meeting the public and selling items in the PX – fun; meeting the Raiders and their families and spending time with them – exhilarating; the overall experience – priceless.

     We were completely understaffed for the work that needed to be done--a pox on all of you who live in this area and didn’t participate—but we got it done.  My appreciation goes to all who were there.  It was a great team, when something came up, no one hesitated to do what was needed and we worked together to give the Raiders and their families what they have told us was the best reunion they’ve had.  There were more extended family members there than at any other Reunion event. 

     These experiences are hard to share but are my reward:  conversations with Wm. Bower and son, Tom Griffin, David Thatcher and children/grand-children of Richard Cole, James Doolittle and others; sitting at dinner tables with David Jones, Robert Hite and Mrs. Hite, and Tex Hill and Mrs. Hill and listening to their stories.  There were smiles and laughter and good stories all week.  I’m honored to have been a part of the event. 

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DOOLITTLE HOSPITALITY

By Letty Dietes, Hospitality Chairman

     I want to thank all that volunteered their time at the hotel and showed up on time for their assigned time slot at the Doolittle Reunion.  Though we could have used many more volunteers both at Stinson and at the hotel, it was comforting to know that when someone said they would volunteer, they were there and ready to work.  We were told that this 65th Reunion went down in history as having the most family members in attendance. 

     I was one of many Squadron members who were at the hotel 24-7.  That being the case, I was one of the main points of contact for questions from Raiders and family members.  Another main point of contact was Alison Ender.  Alison was the contact for ticket purchases among other things.  All of the Raiders and family members seemed to know Alison thru phone conversations that took place prior to the Reunion but never met her in person.  Several times each day the Reunion attendees came up to me and asked “Where is Alison?   I want to meet her in person.”   Or    “How can I get in touch with Alison to purchase more tickets?”   My cell phone was their lifeline to Alison Ender.  I simply punched in Alison’s phone number on my cell and handed my phone to the person wanting to talk with Alison.   When Alison arrived at the hotel each day she was always surrounded by her new found friends, the Doolittle Tokyo Raiders and their families.  I cannot thank Alison enough for her patience and dedication before, during and after the Reunion.  She represented the Yellow Rose Squadron with such pride and honor.

     As hospitality hostess, each morning at 6:30a.m. I went downstairs to the hospitality suite to start a pot of coffee and put out a continental breakfast for the Raiders.  And each morning promptly at 7:00a.m. C.V. Glines, Doolittle Historian, and Bob Hite, Crew # 16, came in for their coffee and lemon pound cake.  I could set my clock by their prompt arrival each morning.  I got to know the Raiders as they came in for their breakfast each day.  They were so kind to me as I prepared their morning coffee and they were very appreciative of the Yellow Rose Squadron.  My favorite part of each day was those quiet mornings with the Raiders in the hospitality suite.

      Thanks to Any Baby Can for taking care of table decorations, backdrops, and many other extras which were coordinated with the Air Force at the luncheons and dinner dance. 

     This Reunion was a challenge for all of us.  There have been many bumps in the road but a good group of people can get past those bumps, make new friends, and bring about a great event.  The Yellow Rose Squadron did just that.  Let’s be proud of our accomplishment and let’s not forget it.

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WAYS AND MEANS

by Steve Gladwin, Ways and Means Committee Chairman

     The Doolittle 2007 Reunion provided a unique opportunity to  meet a truly remarkable group of men. These men have a common theme in their WW2 mission was conducted in the B-25 Mitchell, the very same aircraft type that our B-25 Yellow Rose Squadron supports. Also remarkable is that they have chosen to put their subsequent connection with the public to good use in raising money for a chosen charitable cause. In addition to the ability to again meet with their comrades-in-arms, they were very focused on several successful functions that supported Any Baby Can of San Antonio and our Yellow Rose Squadron as well as several signing events enabling the public to have a very personalized memento. The sales events sold hundreds of Doolittle themed books, posters and artwork available for signing by the Raiders and the book authors in addition to Shirts, Caps, collectable coins  and other items themed around the Yellow Rose and the 65th Doolittle Reunion.
     While the final numbers are still being tallied, I was very pleased with the overall response from the Yellow Rose Squadron members and the support of the public of San Antonio.

     Personally, I had a privileged glimpse at very special moment in history, a time I will never forget. And insight to just a few members of the Greatest Generation. They were truly remarkable.  Lest we forget.

 

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TRANSPORTATION’S VIEWPOINT

Julie Pulcipher- Chair, Transportation Committee

     I like others were privileged to have been given the opportunity to take part in such a memorable event. It truly was a once in a life time opportunity to meet such incredible people. As transportation chair I was given the distinct privilege of meeting the distinguished visitors upon their arrival to San Antonio. I felt honored to stand at the arrival gate holding a sign “65 Doolittle Raiders Reunion” with Maj.General David Jones, Lt. Col. Robert L. Hite, Col. William M. Bower, MSgt. Edwin W. Horton, Thomas C. Griffin,  and David Thatcher to name a few. My greeting list also included numerous other DV’s (i.e. Wives, widows as well as honorary raiders). It was interesting to look at other airport passengers reading the sign upon their arrival.     We were fortunate that the military was able to supply the reunion with 15 minivans. This simplified transportation as it provided us with ample means of getting our guests to and from the scheduled events. In addition either military escorts or Yellow Rose volunteers drove the vans to and from each event. Numerous vans allowed our DV’s more individualized transportation opportunities, of which I think they enjoyed.

     I feel our guests especially enjoyed our outing to Karam’s for lunch on Saturday. It was piece of history repeating itself, as the raiders had previously been invited there back in 1971 during their last San Antonio reunion. One wall of the restaurant was dedicated to the raiders. Our hostess was outstanding and went out of her way to honor her guests. She was emotionally engaged in entertaining her visitors and it was much appreciated by all. It was especially enjoyable to see the reunion of the raider’s serve as family gathering. I was informed that this reunion had one of the highest family member attendances of any reunion.

     At the conclusion of the week’s events it was time to assist departing guest back to the airport. Unlike arrivals where I felt distanced from our arriving guest, departures consisted of Thank You’s and Hugs. Since the event has ended I have taken the opportunity to read several of the books that I purchased and had autographed. It is much more engaging to read a historical book and have actually met the individual’s referenced or pictured. It is enjoyable to reminisce on individual conversations that further added some embellishment to the historical events. It was truly a remarkable experience…

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YR COMMITTEE SELECTS 2007 DOOLITTLE SCHOLARSHIP  WINNERS

 by Julian Serda, Scholarship Committee Chairman

     A committee of five members from the Yellow Rose B-25 Squadron volunteered to plan, coordinate and select high school and college applicants for the 2007 Doolittle Tokyo Raiders scholarship. The committee started working on the details of the scholarship guidelines and application forms as early as last May. The Doolittle Tokyo Raiders provide an annual $5,000 scholarship. Tom Casey, the Doolittle Raiders' events manager, provided the basic guidelines and suggestions on how the scholarship could be distributed.

     The YR committee decided to issue one high school scholarship of $1,000 and two college scholarships of $2,000 each. The committee met several times on weekends and after the monthly Tuesday evening meetings to work on the project details. A cover letter and application form was created for each scholarship category. Pat Jopling used her Air Force resources to gather the names and addresses of high schools, colleges and universities in Central Texas. Since the acceptance criteria required students to have an interest in aviation and/or aerospace science, only colleges and universities having such programs were only considered.

      Letters and application forms were mailed to 150 high schools and 30 combined colleges and universities within Central Texas. Only 13 high school applications and 3 college applications were received. Although, the quantity of returned applications were disappointing, the quality of the applicants were very impressive. This year's winners of the DTR scholarship received their checks and recognition during the dinner/dance at the 65th reunion in San Antonio. The high school award went to Lucas Xavier de la Garza of Churchill HS in San Antonio. The college awards went to Bret M. Evans Jr. and Steven LeMaire, both AFROTC cadets enrolled at Angelo State University in San Angelo. The selection committee, included Pat Jopling, Charlene Moore, Pat Moore and Julian Serda, with advice and support provided by Bob Gardner and Jo Ann Holstrom.

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FLYOVER THANKS

From Grant Lannon

Grant

I and the entire school administration and student body wish to thank you guys for the great flyover on Friday, April 20th. When the one airplane broke formation and flew over the school proper, the students started yelling and clapping in appreciation. This meant a lot to all of us and something these students will never forget. You taught the students a lot of history today. Please forward this email to all of the crews of the airplanes involved.
Job Well Done.

Thanks

Jim Hudson

History Teacher

Robert G. Cole High School

Fort Sam Houston, Texas

 

Editors Note:  The above flyover was done in conjunction with the flyover for the wreath laying ceremony at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery by the Doolittle Tokyo Raiders.

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FROM THE FUNDRAISING COMMITTEE

By Jerry Taylor, Fundraising Chairman

With statistics furnished by Judy McMillan

     First of all, let me express my sincere appreciation to those members of the Squadron who took the fundraising issues for the Doolittle Reunion as their personal challenge.  There are not words that can express the gratitude that I, as well as the rest of the Squadron, can use to express our thanks.  It is hard for me to write this article without allowing it to take a negative or bitter slant because of the stone walls and apathy we all encountered in our fund raising attempts.  It is sad to say that these people have not been forgotten, just never brought to the attention of some of the current younger generations.  Sadly to say, these remaining survivors will soon be gone and, unless those of us who hold them as heroes continue to honor them, they will pass into obscurity.

     On a more positive note, the Reunion itself was excellent.  I was able to attend the Goblet Ceremony and Noon Luncheon on April 18, and what a pleasure to see a full house at both.  It was obvious that all of the hard work that went into the planning of this Reunion paid dividends.  I was privileged to renew acquaintances with many of the people in attendance, not the least of which were “Tex” and Mazie Hill, some of the Raiders that I had previously met, but also many old friends who came out to lend their support to these valiant men.

     I would be remiss if I ended this report without thanking those people and businesses who did give us support, either financially or in kind.  We do not know the results of the financial outcome, but whatever it is, we could not have done it without the support of these people.  Financial donations were received from the following:

Rush Enterprises, New Braunfels
Guadalupe-Blanco River Authority, Seguin, TX
Allied Sales Company, Austin, TX
Joe Harris, Brazoria, TX (Texas Enterprises)       

Rancho  Del Lago, Inc., Canyon Lake, TX
John Moore, Whitefish, MT
Joseph Ramsey, Austin, TX (Texas Enterprises)

J Cliff Eason, San Antonio, TX
HEB, San Antonio, TX
USAA, San Antonio, TX

James Doolittle, III, Palmdale, CA
Republic of Texas Restaurant, San Antonio, TX
Steve Campbell, Houston, TX

Sponsorships Purchased:
                Texas Enterprises, Inc., Austin, TX
               Ernst & Young, San Antonio, TX
               McCombs Foundation, San Antonio, TX (given in honor of Tex Hill)

                The United States Air Force

In-kind contributions were received from:
              Texas Wines & Spirit, Bulverde, TX
              Chili's, Austin, TX

                Whole Foods, Inc., San Antonio, TX

     I also want to add my thanks to all those Squadron members who worked so hard to make this the best Doolittle Tokyo Raiders Reunion ever, plus thank the representatives of Any Baby Can of San Antonio and Outside The Box Event Planners, without whom we would not have had the success we were able to achieve.