First off, I would like to say that we could not have been treated any better anywhere. I have heard nothing but positive comments on the hotel accomodations and service. The Atrium with all the greenery and spaces including the patio type dining area and bar were absolutely beautiful. A very big Thank You to Beverly Sanchez and her staff at the Academy Hotel.

Despite an error on my part, when I failed to notify the hotel catering staff that our dinner would be earlier than originally scheduled, it did go off smoother than it should. The staff really heated up the kitchen getting our meal out earlier than anticipated even though it did set off the fire alarm. For you folks that were not there, it did set off the alarm and no one paniced, guess we have all heard our share of alarms/sirens before.

I am sorry Mr. Perot had to cancel but one of our own, Mr. Ed Bendinelli did a wonderful job in that capacity. Thank's again Ed.

The Power Point presentation at the business meeting by Mr. Keith Struckman on the design and testing of the equipment we used and how it has progressed into what is being used today, very nice, very interesting.

Mr. Thomas Hutchings, another of our group came all the way from Siagon where he is living, teaching, writing and doing some very nice photography work. Thomas had a very nice slide presentation on how the country, Vietnam is doing today, some 30 to 40 years after our time with the EC-47 Mission.

And I think everyone really enjoyed hearing from 1st Lt. Dang Yen Pham, former Navigator on the EC-47's with the 718th, VNAF. He seemed especially pleased to reunite with Joe Martin of the 6994th Security Squadron and John Griffith the last Squadron Commander of the 360th TEWS at Ton Son Nhut.

And we must not forget Colonel Blackwell in his presentation of the two Distinguished Flying Crosses that took place Saturday evening. Tom Hutchings and Francis Maybury each received formal presentation of the Distinguished Flying Cross some thirty some years late. Photos on the Photos page.

Bill Francis, another great job as the MC of the affair. Rick Yeh, thanks for handling the business meeting and serving as Photographer. And while maybe you could not see him, thanks to Al Budington for operating the sound system from the back room. Thanks to Jim Trozzo our Treasurer who also filled in as Recording Secretary during the business meeting.

Danny Russell and Leroy Gray, what can I say but thanks. I know I ran your legs off in preparation for this reunion, but hey, Someone has to do the dirty work. This is to let all know that you were both very instrumental in the work to get this reunion as organized as it was (despite my error) and I think we all owe you a lot.

For the very nice items that were raffled off at the business meeting, Thanks to Mr. Brad Shafer, Western Reginal Vice-President, NAPA Auto Parts. NAPA also gets credit for supplying us with the nice wine glasses we had for the dinner toast. Also to Mr. Ron McKee for three of the very nice Corgi Models of the EC-47. I know I am forgetting two people here who each sent or brought to me, another of the EC-47 models. If you were one of these, Please let me know, I really want to give you proper recognition too.

For those of you who could not make the reunion in Colorado Springs, the next reunion will be held in San Antonio, Texas most likely the last weekend of September, 2008. Planning for this one will begin soon.

If I have overlooked someone, Please let me know and it will be corrected.

Already looking forward to seeing you all again in San Antonio. J.C. Wheeler