497th FIS Annoucements

497TH FIS NEWSLETTER

There are plans to begin a newsletter in the near future. Jim Moore has offered to be in charge of this project. The newsletters will be sent via email to those with computers and possibly put it on the website. Without the help from the members this will not be possible as Jim will need news from each of you. This would include a variety of things. A few to mention would be illness, surgeries, deaths, happy events and anything you feel is worthy of sharing. Jim's email address is: jmoore9771@sbcglobal.net

497TH SUNSHINE GIRL

We have been in need of an individual who would be willing to send cards to members during times of illness, death, or other things we may face in our lives. We are a family and our needs should be important to one another. We must be committed to getting word to Louise Hickerson, who has graciously agreed to be our "497th Sunshine Girl." Without our help in this area she will not know when there is a need. Her phone numver is 713-660-9288 and email is: blhickerson@att.net

FELTS FIELD TOUR

Members of the 497th Fighter Interceptor Squadron reminisce while viewing vintage airplanes at Felts Field Saturday, Sept. 26. The 497th was stationed at Geiger Field from 1955 until 1958, when they were moved to Spain. Wanda Newton’s husband was a member of the squadron, and she said that when he started to wonder about his old buddies, she started contacting them. The 497th had their first reunion in Kansas City last summer, where they voted to “come home” to Geiger, Newton said, “even though they know there’s nothing lleft of the old base.” The group of 91 fighters and their families were in the area for their reunion two weeks ago. “It’s been a great time,” Newton said. “There’s a lot of history.”

On September 24 - 26, 2009, members of the 497th Fighter Inteceptor Squadron gathered in Spokane, WA for a remarkable three day reunion. It was a trip back in time for many of the eighty-five attendees as they recalled fond memories of their days spent at Geiger Field more than fifty years ago. In 1958 the squadron was sent to Torrejon Air Base in Madrid, Spain. Our thanks to the Holiday Inn for being so gracious and warm to our group. The music and live entertainment from our men and women was great. It will be a difficult act to follow.

The 497th FIS Reunions will be an annual event with the next one to be held in Charleston, SC.

                                     497th Fighter Interceptor Squadron Reunion

                                                N. Charleston, SC

                                       September 28, 29, & 30, 2010

Members of the 497th Fighter Interceptor Squadron will hold the annual reunion in Charleston, SC, Sept. 28, 29, & 30, 2010 at the Sheraton Hotel. Anyone wishing to attend can make room reservations by calling 800-325-3535 or 843-747-1900. The group room rate is $99 which will include a full breakfast buffet up to two guests per room. The reservation “cut-off date” is August 29, 2010; 5:00 P.M. EST. Total dinner cost for three evenings is $95 per person.   Send your dinner reservation with name of each attendee to: Wanda Newton, 233 Spur DR., Victoria, TX 77904. Reservations MUST be received by September 1, 2010.

We anticipate a large group in Charleston since the response in Kansas City, MO and Spokane, WA were so well attended. It is our desires that each 497th FIS Member who is physically able would attend at least one of the reunions.   It would truly be a great experience. This year we will have a Spain Theme, possibly another Fifty's Theme and the last evening will be our Patriotic Theme. We try to make our evenings together fun and light. You never know what "talent" may be revealed!

The official invitation for the reunion will be mailed to all members the first part of February. If you have any questions please contact Marion & Wanda Newton at 361-578-5452 or by email at wmnewton@suddenlink.net

An Urgent Notice to All Members

I strongly feel most of the men were thrilled when they received a call asking if they had been a member of the 497th FIS. The first year there was no operating funds although two or three donated to the cause to help financially with the cost. At the Kansas City reunion a vote was taken asking members to participate by donating a small fee each year. Without this; all efforts will fall by the wayside. No organization nor group can stay alive without operating funds. The fee was set by the attendees at a very minimal amount of $25 each year, due by the end of January. Last year we had approximately one-fourth of the membership participate. With the selling of caps and the proceeds from the Silent Auction in Spokane we have managed to keep the ship afloat. Thus far, less forty members have contributed which is frightening. For those of you who have been a faithful part in helping in this area; thank you so much for caring and giving.

ATTENDEES, MANAGE YOUR RESERVATIONS!!

A personalized Web site for 497th Fighter Interceptor Squadron Reunion occurring (September 28, 2010 - October 01, 2010) has been created.

Attendees can access this site to learn more about the event and to book, modify, or cancel room reservation from January 31, 2010 to October 03, 2010.

Below you will find the appropriate link(s):
497TH RESERVATIONS

This picture was taken at Christmastime in the Madrid apartment of TSgt. Summers. The year was probably 1959. Some of the names I remember are below the photo but would love for someone to help me fill in the gaps If any of you can help; email me at ebowman@everestkc.net

Starting at the far back, in red—Sandy (Irwin) Sandin and to his left is Sgt. Summers with the tie on. At Sandy’s right front is Sgt. George Bethman and left front is Kal Oldenburg. Left of Kal is George Plemons. Front left of George is TSgt. Richard Fulkerson, in front of Fulkerson is Dale Peck and to his right in coat and tie is Roy Greenwood (I think this name is right). Coming right front of Bethman is TSgt. Harvey Bethel and in the grey sweater vest I believe is Gerald Rittenhouse. I am in the red sweater vest (Ed Bowman) and I can not remember the names of the two fellows with glasses. On my left I believe is Donald Raffel and to his left is TSgt. Wilfred (Bill) Higley.