Hello to all
DUSTOFFers and family members. As I sit here writing this letter, the TV is
giving me the latest on the War with Iraq. There is no more pressing matter
than for all of us, as former and present DUSTOFFers, to pause periodically
and remember those who are carrying on the traditions. Let’s not forget that
those in Iraq, Kuwait, and Afghanistan are not the only ones deployed in
harm’s way. We have many crews on call and pulling duty daily in many
foreign lands and within CONUS. Our thoughts and prayers should be with them
daily, along with those brave men and women who are prosecuting this war.
The 2003 DUSTOFF
Reunion was a huge success. Our thanks to a few key folks who, as always,
pull the load: Ken Crook, Dan Gower, Scott Putzier, Karen Hill, Jeff Mankoff
and Greg Griffin; and, of course, the Executive Committee for all the
planning and bringing back the hospitality suites. I look forward to working
with the new members of the DUSTOFF leadership team: Ernie Sylvester (VP),
Rob Howe (Sec) and Garry Atkins (Member at Large).
Though the official
golf tourney got rained, out a few diehard duffers hit the links for a few
holes of soggy golf. The Friday night buffet and the Saturday dinner were
well received, if you judge it by all the food that was consumed. A special
thanks goes to Bob Baird of “In the Shadow of the Blade” for his keynote
presentation during the dinner.
The highlight of this
year’s Reunion was the presentation of the H-13 to the AMEDD Museum, the
dedication of the Memorial Pavers and the induction of the 2003 Hall of Fame
members. Congratulations to Jerome Foust, Ernie Sylvester and Paul
Bloomquist for years of patriotic service and dedication to the traditions
of DUSTOFF.
In closing, I would
like to extend my personal thanks to Ken Crook for his exceptional
leadership as the past president. Also, we all owe Dan Gower a great WHOOOAH
for his unselfish and tireless service to the association and “making things
happen.”
I look forward to
this year and the many challenges of the nation and our association. Again,
keep all our deployed forces in your thoughts and prayers.
DUSTOFF!
Art Hapner