Election to Board of Directors

SummerSpring 2002 2004 Members gather in Florida for 11th annual meeting Nearly 100 members, spouses, family members and friends gathered in the Florida Panhandle to renew old acquaintances, get “re-blued” and just have a good time at the Air Force Public Affairs Alumni Association’s 11th annual meeting Apr. 29 through May 2. Activities began Thursday night with the no-host icebreaker in the lobby bar. Attendees had an opportunity to catch up with old friends, and then enjoy the many shops and restaurants at the nearby Village of Baytowne Wharf in Sandestin. Mem- bers were spotted at a number of establishments, sharing beverage and stories till the wee morning hours. Early the next morning, a day of “re-bluing” started with trips to nearby Eglin AFB and Hurlburt Capt. Dayan Araujo, 332th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs, gives Brig. Field. Gen. Fred Roggero a tour of the Balad AB, Iraq, tent city — dubbed “Tuskegee Col. Fran Hendricks, 96th Town” by Airmen deployed there. Read the story on Page 3 to find out more about the general’s visit with the combat PAs. (Courtesy photo) Continued on Page 7 Election to Board of Directors Three new people assume leadership positions within Air Force Public Affairs Alumni Association Three new people joined the Air to fill vacancies on the Board by majority Force Public Affairs Alumni Association vote. Board of Directors when they began their Mike Gannon became chairman of two-year terms of office July 1. the board under the rules of succession. Tom Halbert and Pete Peterson He replaced David Smith, who joined were elected to the Board earlier this Mike McRaney, Jim Hart, John Gura, spring. They replace Larry Greer and Joe and Joe Purka as an Ex Officio board Purka, who completed their terms of of- members. fice. Charlie Powers is president, and Former Secretary of the Air Force Tom The Board of Directors voted to Linda Arnold is vice president. Tom Reed autographs a copy of his book Into appoint Ron Rand to fill John Gulick’s Halbert was elected secretary by the the Abyss following his remarks to members of the Air Force Public Affairs recently elected two-year term left vacant Board and joined the line of succession. Alumni Association during their annual by his untimely death. Other board members include Al meeting in Florida. Secretary Reed According to the Association’s by- Eakle, Jim Hart, C.B. Kelly, and Jim donated $275 from book sales to the laws, the Board of Directors has author- McGuire. AFPAAA Endowment Fund. (Photo by Al Eakle) ity to appoint members in good standing 2 Air Force Public Affairs Alumni Association PA Snoopings…...... By The Snoop the Strategic Communication Advisor to Activities planned the Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Editor’s Note: This column made it’s de- in Washington for Force at the Pentagon. but in the Spring edition of the Association’s CMSgt. Steve Dry, Resource Man- newsletter. The idea came from a discussion I had AFPAAA members ager at HQ ACC/PA, Langley AFB, will with a member who wanted to write a column also retire later this year. His replacement Details are still being planned about the people who make up the AFPAAA. will be CMSgt. Tina Sims, who moves for several activities which Air Force The author wasn’t looking for any recog- from HQ PACAF/PA at Hickam AFB. Public Affairs Alumni Association nition, but merely to recognize the great things CMSgt. Deb Healey, Resource members are invited to in the Wash- AFPAAA members are doing in either their Manager at HQ AFMC/PA, Wright- ington D.C. area in September. military or second careers. He took information Patterson AFB, is also retiring. Chief Members should get their four- I provided him, along with his own “snooping” Healey’s replacement hasn’t been named. somes together for the 27th annual and wrote the column. CMSgt. Marley Costa has arrived SAF/PA best ball golf tournament The individual behind the idea and first at HQ PACAF/PA to become the Re- Sept. 16 at Andrews AFB. The tour- author was John Gulick. source Manager. Chief Costa moved ney will start at 2 p.m. with a shotgun The AFPAAA membership can help from AFNEWS, where he was Chief of start on the south course. keep this column alive by providing inputs to me. Operations for Air Force Broadcasting Tourney winners will receive the If you’ve got old photographs you’d like to share, Service. send them along too, preferably electronically. I’ll newly named John Gulick Memorial Trophy. run them as space permits. Speaking of Chief Warman, I’d Names of those in a foursome like to publicly thank him for being my should be either emailed to: The Association welcomes new “Pentagon correspondent” since I took James.Varhegyi@ pentagon.af.mil. members Jon K. Anderson, Elizabeth over editing the newsletter several years A dinner will follow the tournament. Aptekar, Michael Braibish, James ago. Dale has come through when I asked The annual SAF/PA luncheon DeFrank, John Mark Donlon, Chuck for a story, or photos, or both, numerous is scheduled for Sept. 17 from 11 a.m. Fowler, Joan C. Fudala, Robert P. times, often on short notice. Thanks Dale!! Glymph, Ken Hair, Betty Anne to 1 p.m. in the Pentagon Dining Room Lounges Two and Three. The Mauger, Debra Millett, Kevin L. A number of AFPAAA members menu has not been set yet, but it’s ex- Reinert and Oscar P. Seara. were recently selected for promotion. pected to be about $20 (it was $19.50 Congratulations to: last year). For those who haven’t heard, Mr. Ms. Sherry Medders, the new RSVPs will be due Sept.10. Bill Bodie, Director of Communications, Chief of Resources and Readiness at People who don’t have a Com- Headquarters U.S. Air Force, has moved SAF/PA who was also promoted to GS- mon Access Card (the new ID card) into the private sector. Secretary of the 15. Sherry has served in the PA career or a Pentagon badge will need to be Air Force James Roche asked Brig. Gen. field for 21years, working at the wing-level escorted from the Pentagon Metro Fred Roggero to serve as both SAF/PA as a deputy and chief, and the entrance. and the acting Director of Communica- headquarters as an action officer, division SAF/PAR is the contact for this tion for the time being. deputy and acting division chief. year’s event and can be reached at As such, General Roggero reports Carl P. Grusnick, 314th Airlift (703) 697-6701 or DSN 227-6701. his office time is split between the E-Ring Wing Public Affairs Office, Little Rock and the SAF/PA office. AFB, Ark., who was selected for He’s asked Col. Chris Geisel to join sity at Maxwell AFB, Ala. promotion to major in the Air Force the front office team as the Assistant Replacing Bob at AETC will be Col. Reserve. Deputy Director to better support Col. Alvina Mitchell, who is currently the Kenneth E. Fidler, Headquarters, Jay DeFrank, the deputy director. Chris Chief of Media Operations here at SAF/ U.S. Air Forces in Europe Public Affairs, will still lead the efforts of the Integrated PA. Ramstein AB, Germany, who was selected Marketing Division. Col.-select Dewey Ford will leave for promotion to senior master sergeant. his position as the Deputy Director of the Orville F. Desjarlais, Several senior PA leadership moves AF Executive Issues Team to take over as Headquarters, Air Force News Agency, will be taking place soon. the Chief of Media Operations. Mona K. Ferrell, Hq USAFE/PA, and Col. Bob Potter, Director of PA CMSgt. Dale Warman, Air Force Anthony B. Hill, 47th Flying Training at Air Education and Training Command, Career Field Manager at SAF/PA, will will become the Director of the Public Af- retire later this year. His replacement is fairs Center of Excellence at Air Univer- CMSgt.-select Darla Ernst, currently Continued on Page 4 Summer 2004 3 PAOs deployed U.S. Central Command Air Forces brought together some of the 50-plus deployed PAs for a conference at Al-Udeid AB, Qatar. Front row,from left: Brig. Gen. Fred Roggero, SAF/ PA; Capt. Richard Johnson, USCENTAF/PA; MSgt. Jeff Szczechowski, 455 EOG/PA; 1st Lt. Suzanne Ovel, USCENTAF-FWD/PA; Capt. Dave May, 40 AEG/PA; Capt. Tom Knowles, 386 AEW/PA; MSgt. Jon Hanson, 332 AEW/PA, Maj. Claudia Foss, CPA; and Col. Dave Thurston, USCENTAF-FWD/PA. Second row, from left: SSgt. Monte Volk, USCENTAF-FWD/PA; Capt. Mike Johnson, 376 AEW/PA; Capt. Angela Smith, 380 AEW/ PA; Capt. Kim Layne, 379 AEW/PA; MSgt. Sean Cobb, 447 AEG/PA; CMSgt. Dale Warman, SAF/PA; Mr. Rich Galen, CPA; and Maj. Dave Honchul,USCENTAF-FWD/PA. Tours Europe, Middle East Director gets look at combat PA in action By Brig. Gen. Fred Roggero ghanistan and the war on terror. FWD provides daily sortie data and sta- Director of Air Force Public Affairs After great visits with PAs, Bands- tistics, so briefers including Brig. Gen. men and Broadcasters at Ramstein and Mark Kimmitt can help direct media cov- Greetings to the men and women Spangdahlem, we headed off to Qatar and erage to the air effort. of the great Air Force Public Affairs the U.S. Central Command Air Forces The U.S. Air Force and our coali- Alumni Association! (USCENTAF) area of operations. tion partners fly hundreds of missions a If you attended the annual meeting AFPAAA member Col. Dave day into and over Iraq and Afghanistan in Florida, you no doubt noticed Col. Jay Thurston, deployed to USCENTAF-For- — and this is an important story that must DeFrank standing in for me at Saturday’s ward, brought in a group of deployed PAs be told. director’s lunch. from bases throughout the region, as well Support from the highest levels is As much as I hated to miss this im- as representatives from the Coalition Pro- also very evident in the theater. portant event, I do have an alibi as I was visional Authority (CPA) in Baghdad. USCENTAF approved our trip into on an important trip to Europe and South- The Air Force PA career field still Iraq, where we spent time with our PA west Asia — the subject of my report to has more than 50 people deployed around warriors at Balad AB. you in this issue. the world, and I got to hear from many Bases in Iraq are on the front lines CMSgt. Dale Warman and I had of them and find out where they need and represent the first time since the Viet- planned this trip for several months, to help. nam war that Airmen operate an air base see our deployed PA warriors in action What I learned is we have an out- that is the target of daily enemy mortar while not interfering with troop rotations, standing team doing great things under and rocket attacks. Air and Space Expeditionary Force (AEF) difficult conditions. But the mission is worth it, and I deployment schedules, and current opera- There are still media access issues saw some very exciting 21st-century Air tions. in several countries in the region, but our Force capabilities, including combat search As it worked out, we grouped the talented PAs are working around that by and rescue and the Predator. trip with a stop at Ramstein AB, Germany, reaching back with “virtual” access to After this look at combat PA, I’m where Col. Ed Worley, an Association stateside media, arranging telephone in- happy to report our deployed PA warriors member, and his team were hosting their terviews and finding other ways to tell this are doing a great job telling the story of U.S. Air Forces in Europe PA conference. important story to the world. our brave Airmen in action and how the Rest assured Ed is doing a superb job in Another area of concern was a lack Air Force plays an integral role in these what is still one of the busiest places for of coordination with media on the ground joint and coalition operations. our Air Force. in Iraq, who of course can hear our air- Joint organizations are hungry for USAFE people are heavily engaged craft flying overhead during battles but the support provided by our Air Force with a range of issues, including NATO weren’t telling the story of our brave Air- communication warriors, and this trip expansion and exercises with new mem- men in this war. showed me how we can work even harder bers, the return of Rhein-Main AB to the The first fix was to establish a rela- to prepare our Airmen for these missions. host nation and its impact on other tionship and ensure press briefers in Thank you, as always, for your con- USAFE bases, and a high tempo support- Baghdad were receiving coalition air tinued support! ing operations in the Balkans, Iraq, Af- forces’ contributions. Now, USCENTAF- 4 Air Force Public Affairs Alumni Association PA Snoopings…......

Continued from Page 2 A man of great humor, character, cour- tegic Defense Initiative. Wing, Laughlin AFB, Tex., who were age, and compassion, he died in January Earlier David was assigned to the selected for promotion to master of complications from lung cancer. SAF/PA New York office and the Air sergeant. “At the annual meeting in Washing- Force press desk in the Pentagon. Michael T. Edwards, 318th ton, D.C., Nick pledged $5,000 to the He and his wife, Sandie, live in USAF Recruiting Squadron, New AFPAAA endowment fund. He had paid Clifton, Va. Cumberland, Pa., and Jill M. Lavoie, $3,000 toward that pledge at the time of 339th USAF Recruiting Squadron, his death. Alice Price reports the Clinton Township, Mi., who were selected “To honor his memory, several Association’s new zip code is 22038-0540. for promotion to technical sergeant. members made contributions in Nick’s People addressing mail to the Association name — to go toward fulfilling his pledge should begin using the new zip code. Congratulations to John S. — during the closing banquet at this year’s Haynes, 35th Fighter Wing Public Af- annual meeting. AFPAAA member Lew Lambert fairs Office, Misawa AB, Japan, and John “In addition, others have contrib- has written a historical novel titled S. Hutcheson, SAF/PAR, Pentagon, uted in Nick’s name since the meeting, Michael’s Messengers. both major selects who were selected to so that a total of $2600 has been pledged His fictional character Jack attend intermediate developmental edu- toward fulfilling his original commitment. Meadows commands the 1st Polish Air cation — formerly known as intermedi- This brings to $5600 the amount of money Force Wing, and symbolizes the countless ate service school, in residence. that will go the endowment fund against unrecognized but deserving lads who Bob Nicholson’s original pledge. dueled in aerial combat on both sides of The Association Board of Direc- “Many thanks to Charley Powers, the English Channel. tors recently approved a $500 donation Don Brownlee, Mike McRaney, Dave According to an article about the to the Air Force detachment at DINFOS Schillerstrom, CB Kelly, Rick Fuller, author, Lew’s interest in 20th century for their morale fund. Mike Gallagher, Virginia Pribyla, and military history piqued early in life when Capt. Rebecca McKee, the de- John Gura for helping to honor the he became enthralled with British-made tachment commander, recently sent a let- memory, service and friendship of Bob war movies circa 1939-1955. ter of appreciation to the Association. Nicholson in such a powerful way.” One of his history professors Dr. It said, “The Airmen and staff as- Gordon W. Prange, the author of Tora, signed to the detachment join me in ex- David Rigby, chief of Public Af- Tora, Tora, Miracle at Midway and At Dawn pressing a heartfelt thank you and our fairs for the Defense Threat Reduction We Slept, motivated him to pursue his deep appreciation for your generous do- Agency (DTRA) at Fort Belvoir, Va., re- interest in the Second World War. nation. This act is indicative of the val- cently returned from the four-week Lead- Lew is a retired public affairs ues and sense of community we at the ership for a Democratic Society course at officer who has been involved in some detachment convey to students daily and the Federal Executive Institute at of the more interesting events during the is a strong reinforcement of the Air Force Charlottesville, Va. past 45 years. His experience spans the family concept we try to instill in our Air- FEI is the federal government’s de- cold war era to Vietnam where he served men. velopment center for senior executives. during 1968 TET offensive. The funds received were used to David was the PA chief of the On- Years later, when Lew was purchase athletic jerseys for the detach- Site Inspection Agency when, in 1998, the stationed in Hawaii, he observed the ment basketball team and a television for arms control agency was merged with filming of Tora, Tora, Tora and our workout room. other Defense elements to form a new reconnected with Dr. Prange’s legacy. The jerseys were a big hit with the super-agency. As a media relations consultant he team and they are pround to wear them. Prior to entering federal civil service, was involved with the embedded media The television provides a quality of David was a public relations manager with program during Operation Iraqi Freedom. life enhancement for the airmen and is a Reston, Va.-based professional services According to the article, Lew didn’t greatly appreciated by all who frequent company supporting Air Force strategic live the history of his novel like his the fitness center.” missile modernization and President professor had, he transferred himself Ronald Reagan’s Strategic Defense Ini- through research and imagination to the Board member Ron Rand recently tiative program. time when heroes like Jack Meadows wrote: “Retired Lt. Col. Bob Nicholson He retired from active duty in 1987 fought and died. was an AF PA colleague, a mentor, and as the PA special assistant to Lt. Gen. The book is available at especially a dear friend to so many of us. “Abe” Abrahamson, director of the Stra- www.authorhouse.com. Summer 2004 5 AF Public Affairs Best of the Best Dover public affairs officer named top person in the field for 2003 by SrA. Deanna McClay 436th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

The 436th Airlift Wing Public Affairs Officer is the recipient of the Secretary of the Air Force’s Public Affairs “Best of the Best” Award for 2003. Lt. Col. Jon Anderson, public affairs chief, competed against entrants from bases Air Force wide and was honored as the top person in the field. “I feel (winning this award is) a combination of energy, creativity and certainly being on the right team in the right place, at the right time,” said Colonel Anderson. “There are lots of very smart and dedicated people in PA, Lt Col Jon Anderson, public affairs officer for the 436th Airlift Wing at Dover AFB, Del., his wife Karen, Ernie Stepp and Hank Hufnagle swap stories during a break at the but I happened to be one per- annual meeting. Colonel Anderson is the Air Force Public Affairs Best of the Best son who worked very hard, but winner for 2003 and received his award Saturday night. (Photo by David Smith) was very blessed to not only be working with an outstand- to think outside the box and didn’t think were as important share our experience in a re- ing PA team, but to also have then put your money where as they turned out to be. Ev- spectful and patient manner. It absolutely superb command- your mouth is,” he said. “I’ve eryone I’ve worked with over also requires those of us need- ers.” never been so challenged as the past year here in Dover, ing more experience to be re- Although proud to have I’ve been in public affairs, nor Saudi Arabia and Iraq have all spectful and patient in seeking been selected, the colonel ad- have I had the opportunity to stretched me and challenged and receiving help from our mits he was a bit taken back make such an impact for the me and made me sharper for more experienced fellow Air when he learned of is win. wing, Air Force and even the the experience. They’re the Force members, in or out of “Big events need to sink nation.” best!” uniform.” in, because I’m usually focused While the award was In addition to the impor- “I’m not surprised to on the task, event or issue at given to Colonel Anderson tance of the team, Colonel hear that Colonel Anderson hand,” said the colonel. “Once alone, he understands the im- Anderson stresses the impor- was recognized as ‘Best of the I was able to catch my breath portance of the great team tance of passing on informa- Best,’” said Lt. Col. Khanh and clear my head, it was a very backing him up both at home tion and experiences to the jun- Tran, 436th AW director of sweet feeling. I’ve never had and at work. ior enlisted so that they too can staff. “He’s learned to put his anything like this happen to “My family unfortu- grow as an Air Force member. God-given talents to best use, me.” nately puts up with a lot,” said “A great deal of our Air while constantly striving to Although Colonel Colonel Anderson. “I tend to Force consists of enthusiastic improve. Not only is he the Anderson continues to main- bring things home and work a but junior people who often best at the job and gives 100 tain the work ethic that gar- lot off duty. I also talk things haven’t yet gained the experi- percent every day, but he lays nered him the Air Force level over with my wife, Karen, and ence that allows them to exer- the foundation for future suc- award in the first place, he says she’s a superb advisor. She’s cise mature and responsible cesses, as evident by the rec- his efforts, and career field, is funny, wise and perceptive, and judgment,” he said. “That re- ognition given to his office and not without reward. often hits on aspects of a chal- quires every one of us who his staff. He’s the model war- “I like jobs that don’t lenge I either didn’t see or have already ‘been there’ to rior leader!” constrain, but instead force you 6 Air Force Public Affairs Alumni Association DOD begins Tricare Retail Pharmacy Beneficiaries traveling outside region no longer required to pay full price or file a claim to get reimbursed when they use retail network apothecary

WASHINGTON Place of Service Generic Drugs Brand Name Drugs (AFPN) — Department of Military Treatment Facility $0 $0 Defense officials announced TRICARE Mail Order Pharmacy (up to a 90-day supply) $3 $9 that on June 1 the new Tricare TRICARE Retail Networks (up to a 30-day supply) $3 $9 Non-Network Pharmacies $9 or 20% of total cost (whichever is greater). Retail Pharmacy contract takes TRICARE deductibles apply ($150 per person/$300 per family) effect for Tricare beneficiaries located in the 50 United States, beneficiaries no longer have to 2003 will receive, by mail, a www.express-scripts.com/ the District of Columbia, mail claims to multiple sites for pharmacy identification card, a TRICARE, or they may call Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin processing or call various tele- Tricare Retail Pharmacy ben- (866) 363-8779. Islands and Guam. phone numbers to get assis- efit guide and a letter listing the For eligible beneficiaries The contract has about tance filling a prescription 12 network pharmacies closest with other health insurance, 53,000 civilian pharmacies in when using the retail network. to their home. Tricare pays after all other in- the nationwide network. In the Patient safety has also The benefit is now por- surance plans have paid. To use past, the Tricare regional con- been enhanced by the phar- table. Tricare as the secondary payer tractors provided retail pharmacy data transaction service Beneficiaries traveling or to obtain reimbursement for macy services. that processes all claims, in- outside of their designated their out-of-pocket pharmacy Most beneficiaries cluding paper claims. Tricare region who need to fill expenses, beneficiaries will should not notice the change For a single copayment a prescription are no longer re- need to submit a Tricare claim in services with the new con- of $3 for a generic or $9 for a quired to pay the full prescrip- Defense Department Form tract, officials said. brand-name prescription, eli- tion price or file a Tricare claim 2642 and a receipt for their To use the new retail gible beneficiaries may con- to get reimbursed for their out- prescription medication. pharmacy program, as with all tinue to receive a 30-day sup- of-pocket expenses when they Express Scripts can mail other DOD health programs, ply of their prescription medi- use a Tricare retail network prescription medications to any beneficiaries must be eligible cation from the new network pharmacy. Pharmacy co-pay- U.S. postal address or to an and enrolled in the defense en- of retail pharmacies. ments are the same in every lo- APO/FPO address. However, rollment eligibility reporting To use this benefit, a cation where the retail phar- it cannot send prescriptions to system. written pharmacy prescription macy is available. a private, foreign address. Pre- The program has many and a uniformed services iden- To locate a network scriptions must be prescribed new enhancements. tification card are required. pharmacy, beneficiaries may by providers who are licensed Pharmacy claims pro- Tricare beneficiaries use the Tricare pharmacy lo- to practice in the United States. cessing is now centralized, and who used a retail pharmacy in cator service available online at Long term care insurance AF retirees, qualified family members can apply for federal program Air Force retirees and need long-term care insurance “When you need long- Enrollment is not tied to qualified family members can because they have health insur- term care services, securing the an open season and people may still apply for Federal Long ance, Medicare or Medicaid. best type and quality of care enroll at any time under one Term Care Insurance Program. However, in most cases, only can seem daunting,” said Ms. of two application processes: FLTCIP is a benefit au- skilled medical services are Kay Cole James, Office of Per- For more information thorized by Congress to help covered and usually only for a sonnel Management director on the insurance program and federal employees defray the limited time. she said. “That’s why the care how to enroll, visit http:// costs of in home care, nursing Health plans usually coordination services provided www.ltcfeds.com/. Certified home care, or assisted living don’t cover ongoing chronic by the federally-sponsored specialists are available to an- facilities for people no longer care such as extended stays in long-term care insurance pro- swer questions Monday able to perform normal daily assisted living facilities or con- gram are so valuable.” through Friday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., activities because of chronic tinued need for a home health FLTCIP enrollees have Eastern time, by calling (800) health conditions. aid. Disability income insur- access to care coordination ser- 582-3337 or TTY (800) 843- According to officials, ance does not pay for long- vices at no additional charge, 3557. most people believe they don’t term care. she said. Summer 2004 7 Rain doesn’t dampen spirits at annual meeting

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Air Base Wing commander, welcomed the group to Eglin. He talked about Eglin’s mission and their efforts supporting the War on Terrorism. Rain didn’t dampen the spirits of attendees who visited Air Force Materiel Command’s Air Armament Center, where they saw a static display of different types of munitions in use today, and displays of weapons under development by the Air Armament Center. The President’s Luncheon, sponsored by Lockheed-Martin, was held at the Dave Schillerstrom (left) accepts congratulations from Air Force Public Affairs Eglin Officers Club overlooking Alumni Association President Mike Gannon (right) after being presented the Choctawhatchee Bay. At the luncheon, President’s Award during the 11th Annual Meeting in Florida. Dave was cited Association President Mike Gannon pre- for his service with distinction as the quintessential Deputy Director of SAF/ sented the first of two President’s Awards PA, his outstanding public affairs guidance to senior Air Force leaders, and for to Dave Schillerstrom, for his many years his mentoring of many young Air Force men and women. (Photo by Al Eakle) of leadership and service to Air Force ing at The Baytowne Conference Center sored by Raytheon, was to feature Brig. public affairs. where the day’s activities were held. Gen. Frederick Roggero, director of After lunch, attendees boarded Lt. Col. Steve Oster, Operations SAF/PA. However, transportation prob- buses for a short drive to Hurlburt Field. Officer, 919th SOW, opened the morning’s lems in the U.S. Central Command area There, everyone listened to the role played activities with a presentation on the Air of responsibility kept the general and by the Air Force Special Operations Force Reserve Wing’s participation in Af- CMSgt. Dale Warman from attending. Command’s 16th Special Operations Wing ghanistan and Iraq. He was followed by Instead, Col. Jay DeFrank, SAF/ in the war on terrorism, specifically in former Secretary of the Air Force Tho- PA deputy director, stood in for him and Afghanistan and Iraq. mas C. Reed who revealed some of the gave a talk on the state of Air Force pub- Nearly everyone braved a light secrets of the cold war outlined in his new lic affairs. drizzle for a trip down memory lane at book, Into the Abyss. His book is an After lunch, the 11th annual meet- the Hurlburt Air Park, which offered a insider’s history of the cold war. ing was held. nostalgic walk through time for many. After his talk the former secretary The Boeing Company sponsored People were spellbound as they listed to was presented a President’s Award for his Saturday night’s annual reception and ban- retired Maj. Gen. Dick Secord and other years of dedicated service to the Air Force quet. Dinner music and entertainment fea- local Air Commandos as they provided a and the public affairs community. tured an ensemble led by Ray Brown, a walking narrative through the airpark. During a break he autographed cop- member of the original Four Freshmen. Attendees gathered Saturday morn- ies of his book and donated $275 from During the dinner, Ron Rand noted Why go to the meeting?? book sales to the AFPAAA Endowment that Bob Nicholson, who recently passed Fund. away, was unable to complete his $5,000 “I go to the annual meeting to re- Following the break retired Chief pledge to the AFPAAA Endowment connect and catch up. “Besides seeing folks I had not seen Master Sergeant of the Air Force Jim Fund. Ron offered a check in Bob’s in years, hearing former Secretary Reed’s Binnicker, now president and chief ex- honor to help complete the pledge, and presentation and then purchasing his book ecutive officer of the Air Force Enlisted within a few minutes, several members was a real highlight for me. Reading the Village gave a presentation on the enlisted added their checks, totaling more than book reenergized me and put a lot of the village and plans for the future. The nearby Bob’s remaining $2,000 commitment. efforts we had all made over the years into facility provides a home for the surviving After dinner Dave Shea was award its rightful perspective. spouses of enlisted Air Force personnel. the 2004 Mike McRaney Distinguished “If you are not a member, you are Chief Binnicker was followed by Service Award for his years of dedicated missing a great opportunity for network- retired Gen. Chuck Horner, commander support and service to the Association. ing. “If you are a member and didn’t at- of the air campaign during the first Gulf Activities officially came to an end tend, plan on being in Seattle next year - War, offered his insights into the first and after the presentation, and Association because it will trump Sandestin!” second desert wars. President Mike Gannon invited everyone Doug Kennett The Director’s Luncheon, spon- to attend next year’s event in Seattle. 8 Air Force Public Affairs Alumni Association Minutes of the Annual Membership Meeting President Mike Gannon called the meeting of the Air Force Public Affairs Alumni Association to order at 2:05 p.m CDT on Saturday, May 1 at the Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort, Florida and a quorum was declared to be present. Secretary Linda Arnold read the names of members of the Air Force Pub- lic Affairs Community who had died since the last annual meeting. A moment of silence was observed to remember our deceased colleagues. Chairman of the Board David Smith announced the appointment of Mike McRaney to the position of Par- liamentarian. Treasurer Jim Hart presented the financial report. Balances for all accounts as of Sept 30, 2003 are as follows: Sun Trust Bank Checking, $2,482.22; Sun Trust Banking Money Market, $15,808.85; Endowment Fund - NWQ Investments, $150,225.96; Total Assets, $168,571.03. Membership Committee Chair- man Neil Buttimer reported AFPAAA currently has 694 members, with a renewal rate of 83 percent for full members and 36 percent for associate members. Neil also reminded everyone of the change in the AFPAAA mailing address ZIP code to 22038-0540. Communications Chairman and newsletter editor Al Eakle reported on the increased size of the AFPAAA newsletter from 8-12 pages to 12-16 pages per issue in color. He asked that submissions to the newsletter be made via email if pos- Retired Gen. Chuck Horner (left), commander of the air campaign during the sible and request members who are mov- first Gulf War, and Jerry Dalton (right) share a converstion after General ing to please submit address changes to Horner’s address to the membership. Bill Campbell looks on. (Photo by Al Continued on Page 6 Eakle) Treasurer’s report Treasurer Jim Hart reported that 2003. When we held our last annual meet- ment Fund. The total assets of the as- the association is in good financial shape. ing in Las Vegas, the association’s net sociation are listed below with year-to- The balance sheet as of March 31, 2004, worth was $154,668.97. year comparisons. Included in the shows a total net worth of $198,653.97. The major increase came from March 31, 2004 totals are $7,000 of reg- That is up from $168,517.03 at the end growth in our investment account and istration income that will be applied to of FY 2003, which was September 30, additional contributions to the Endow- the annual meeting costs. March 31, 2003 September 30, 2003 March 31, 2004

Checking: $26 ,084.51 Checking: $ 2,482.22 Checking: $13.838.38 Bonds: $15, 782.08 M. Market: $15,808.85 M. Market: $15,828.65 Investments: $112, 802.38 Investments: $150,225.96 Investments: $169,086.94 Total $154, 668.97 Total $168,517.03 Total $198,653.97 Summer 2004 9 Annual Membership Meeting minutes Continued from Page 5 be working well. John encour- save the cost of returned news- aged all members who own letters. computers to sign up for the Oral History Commit- newsletter on line, saving the tee Chairman John Gura re- cost of postage. quested assistance from the Chairman David Smith membership to help with this announced the election of two program. He asked if there was new board members: Tom anyone willing to take over this Halbert and Pete Peterson. program. Both will begin serving two- There are currently 33 year terms on July 1. completed oral histories, with David said, “It’s in good an additional eight in the pipe- shape!” when reporting on the line. John wants to put all his- state of the Association. tories as PDF files. He added that the Asso- He also reported that the ciation is doing well financially, AFPAAA Web Site appears to but can always use new members. In He encouraged contri- Joe Purka listens attentively as retired Maj. Gen. Dick butions by members to the Secord explains a little Air Commando history during at remembrance Association’s Endowment visit to Hurlburt Field’s air park. (Photo by Al Eakle) sentations of interest to bands- A moment of Fund to help weather down- that annual membership meet- men and broadcasters. The silence was held at the turns in membership and off ings be held in the Washing- board will consider the band annual meeting in set cost of participation in ac- ton, DC area every third or and broadcasting when sched- remembrance of the tivities. fourth year. The membership David uling speakers at future meet- following people from also announced discussed the idea and the ings. the Public Affairs, the AFPAAA Annual Meeting board will make an effort to Jerry Dalton asked that Broadcasting and Band for 2005 will be held in find someone to host the con- the board look into a possible fields who passed away Tacoma, Washington, June 16- ference in the Washington, DC joint meeting with the band as- since the Association’s 18. area more often. Mike sociation. Jerry Dalton last meeting: President has asked Gannon reported that In an effort to increase for Association members to as- AFPAAA continues to present contributions to the endow- sist CMSgt. Harry Gleason, • William C. Anderson career badges to all officer and ment fund, motion was made who is writing a history of the • Percy Brown, Jr enlisted graduates of the Pub- by Board Member CB Kelly USAF Band, with particular fo- • Arthur Hicks lic Affairs and Broadcaster to establish a “Centurion’s cus on the Singing Sergeants • Harry R. Sunderland Courses at the Defense Infor- Group” within AFPAAA. The and Strolling Strings. The of- • Robert W. Nicholson mation School. group would be comprised of ficial history of the band has members who had contributed Jr Mike also noted that been lost and Chief Gleason AFPAAA donated $500 to the $100 above their annual meet- is attempting to reconstruct it. • Robert A. Young, Sr Air Force dormitory welfare ing registration fee. If any member has had • Robert J. Harlan fund, used to purchase recre- As an incentive to par- an interesting or unusual expe- • Morton L.D. Levy ational items for the Air Force ticipate, contributors will be rience with the USAF band, • Morrow S. Krum students living in the dorm. eligible for a drawing to refund please contact Jerry who will • James A. McDonnell, New Business their annual meeting registra- forward the info to Chief tion fee. Jr Jerry Dalton made a Gleason. motion for AFPAAA to make The motion was carried Rick Fuller moved the • Barney Oldfield a contribution for $250 to the unanimously. annual membership meeting be • Gilbert L. Whiteman USAF Enlisted Widows Karen Miller moved adjourned. Neil Buttimer • William C. Anderson Home. The motion was sec- that the suggestion be adopted seconded it. • Stuart W. Shadbolt onded by Karen Miller and and Dave Schillerstrom sec- President Mike Gan- • Robert B. Sims approved unanimously. onded it. Members present non adjourned the meeting at Roy Whitton asked that approved the idea. 3:20 PM CDT. • Larry Malinowski future meetings include pre- John Gura suggested 10 Air Force Public Affairs Alumni Association Shea receives McRaney Award Nomination cites founding member for dedicated support to AFPAAA

David J. Shea was awarded the 2004 Mike McRaney Distinguished Ser- vice Award for his years of dedicated support and service to the Air Force Public Affairs Alumni Association. Dave, a founding member, was part of the original group who, in the fall of 1993, worked on organizing and creating the Association. He volunteered to become the Association’s first vice-president and chairman of the annual meeting committee. “He worked with other volunteers to or- ganize the first meeting of association members in San Antonio in June 1994,” said Jim Hart, Association board member and treasurer, in his nomination letter. Dave continued in that role as both vice president and as chairman of the annual meeting committee through 1998. “He worked with other association members to also secure door prizes and establish the policy of making presentations at Neil Nuttimer (left), membership chairman and last year’s winner of the Mike each annual meeting, a tradition that con- McRaney Distinguished Service Award, and Mike McRaney, chairman tinues to this day,” Jim said. emeritus, congratulate Dave Shea on his selection as this year’s award According to the nomination letter, recepient. (Photo by Al Eakle) Dave has done many other things for are provided at no cost to the association. fident of each succeeding administration. AFPAAA, which qualify him to receive Dave has also secured and handled By providing continuity in the same posi- this award. the engraving of appreciation plaques for tion of support for more than 10 years, He continues to provide a meeting outgoing board members, as well as the Dave has clearly contributed to the place for the board of directors in Wash- plaque for each Mike McRaney Distin- Association’s success in an extraordinary ington D.C. and has also, through his com- guish Service Award. manner — helping to ensure the organi- pany, Raytheon, provided telephone ser- “Over the years Dave has served zation functions smoothly and saving vice for board members who are not able the Association in many ways,” Jim said, many dollars in expenses through his con- to attend the meetings. These services “and has been a trusted advisor and contribution of in-kind services.” Membership report shows slight decrease over the past year Membership Chairman Neil meeting), he said, there are 99 members cent for associate members. Buttimer reported renewal notices were who have not renewed. Of these, 21 are The Directory was mailed to all mailed in mid-December to 124 full Mem- full members and 78 are associate mem- members in January, he added. The bers and 121 associate members. A fol- bers. planned Fall publication was delayed to low-on notice was sent in March. This amounts to a renewal rate of await the results of mailing the Fall news- Currently (as of the membership 83 percent for full members and 36 per- letter. Normally, the first-class mailing of Apr ’03 Sept ‘03 Jan ‘04 Apr ‘04 the newsletter results in a number of post Annual Members 293 271 275 275 office-provided member address changes. Associate Members 282 229 232 224 The Fall issue resulted in more than sixty. Lifetime Founders 101 98 98 97 Much appreciation goes to Randy Lifetime Members 69 73 77 78 Morger and BAE Systems, he added, who Lifetime (Payment Plan) 17 15 15 20 Total Members 762 686 697 694 print the directory at no charge to the As- sociation Summer 2004 11 Lord guide and protect...... EDITOR’S NOTE: Obituaries are ego Hospice Center in his name so that oth- He is survived by his wife, Lynn; a son, published in the Air Force Public Affairs Alumni ers with serious illnesses might be comforted. Ron Gulick of San Diego, Calif.; a daugh- Association newsletter when they are received. ter, Michele Gulick of Springfield, Va; and Members who know of the death of an Air Force Lt. Col. Kevin Clary a sister, Jayne Kramer of Sellersville, Pa. public affairs, broadcasting or bandsman profes- Retired Lt. Col. Kevin Clary, 69, of Funeral services and interment were sional are asked to forward obituaries to the news- Evanston, Ill, died May 31. at Arlington National Cemetery on June 9. He is survived by his wife, Barbara; letter editor at: [email protected] daughters Deirdre and Sheila; five grand- SMSgt. Larry Malinowski children; and brother Virgil. Retired SMSgt. Larry Malinowski Interment was at All Saints Cemetary Col. Al Audick died at his home on Monday, December 15, in Des Plaines, Ill. Some people will remember that 2003 following a long illness. Col. Al Audick was the military person in Born August 14, 1938 in Chicago, IL, charge of AFRTS-LA in Hollywood in the Lt. Col. John F. Gulick son of Louise and the late Frank early to mid 1970s. Retired Lt. Col. John F. Gulick, 65, Malinowski. His son, Dan (a former San Diego who managed his own public relations and He was an Air Force broadcaster with Charger) reports that his dad passed away media consulting practice in Northern Vir- 28 years of service. He held a Bachelor of in mid-June while vacationing with the ginia, passed away suddenly at his home from Arts degree in Radio and Television at the family in Kauai. He recently had his 83rd a heart attack May 16. Metropolitan Collegiate Institution in Lon- birthday. For more than 40 years, John enjoyed don, England. In declining health the past few successful careers in the U.S. Air Force, in He was preceded in death by his years, he had had heart bypass surgery, but industry, and in private practice. daughter Judith, his son Anthony and his he was active until the end. Dan said he During his 20 year career in the U.S. brother Charles. was playing games with the grandchildren Air Force, John performed in a number of Larry is survived by his daughter when he suffered the fatal heart attack. key public affairs positions, primarily in sup- Linda Estep and husband Gary, his two port of Air Force research, development and Services were held July 3 in Granada . grandchildren Cameron and Matthew of Hills, Calif. acquisition activities. Folsom, CA. Also his two sisters Kim and He had two tours of duty at the Pen- Gloria. Maj. Bill Brown tagon, and in the mid-1970s, he was the pub- He was buried at the Arlington Na- Retired Maj. Bill Brown’s yearlong lic affairs officer for the new A-10 Thunder- tional Cemetery. battle with cancer came to an end on June bolt II close air support aircraft, which was entering the entering the Air Force inventory 23. 2004. Bill was touched and strengthened William B. Rich by all the love, prayers, and words of com- at the time. Upon retiring from the Air Force in William B. Rich, 89, a retired Air fort and support people gave him during his Force Reservist, NASA publicist and school battle. 1982, he joined the Fairchild Republic Com- pany as a director of communications. John principal, died of respiratory failure March 1 During his Air Force career, Bill at Inova Fairfax Hospital. He was a resident served as an Information Officer in Thailand, served in similar positions with the Grumann Corporation, COMSAT Corporation, and for of Fairfax. in Air Force Systems Command at Andrews, During World War II, he was a cap- in both the 86th Tactical Fighter Wing and 10 years with Computer Sciences Corpora- tion, Falls Church, VA., and San Diego, CA. tain in the Army Air Forces, commanding a Headquarters U.S. Air Forces in Europe at cryptographic communications unit in the Ramstein Air Base, at Tempelhof Airport in He also founded and operated Gulick Public Relations, Inc., an advertising and pub- Pacific theater. He then joined the Air Force Berlin, and Air Training Command. Reserve and served with an ROTC unit at After retiring from the Air Force, he lic relations agency in Ft. Walton Beach, FL. John co-authored Media Isn’t a Four Vanderbilt University. was the director of communications for a na- He later was a liaison officer for the tionwide floral company. Letter Word, first published in 1994. Now in its fifth edition, this book provides tips Air Force Academy and then was assigned After retiring again, he moved to to the Pentagon in the Air Force office of Carlsbad, Calif. and techniques in dealing with the news media. public affairs. Bill had a life-long passion for soccer, He taught at high schools in Tennes- both as a player, and later as an official. A native of Philadelphia, John held a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Temple see, then became a school administrator in He is survived by his wife, Annette, North Carolina. and two sons. University and a master’s degree in public relations from The American University. He joined NASA in 1960 and was in- He requested that there be no memo- strumental in developing the “space mobile” rial service or funeral. In respecting those He was accredited in public relations by the Public Relations Society of America. education program. wishes, a private gathering was held on the Survivors include his wife of 62 years, beach where final good-byes were said. John was also a founding member of the Air Force Public Affairs Alumni Asso- Alma Mason Rich, and a son, William Alan In lieu of flowers, Bill would have pre- Rich. ferred that donations be made to the San Di- ciation and had served on its Board of Di- rectors. 12 Spring 2004 Membership shares memories of John Gulick I knew John as an AF PA as well as a I am happy that I got to see him a short member and later chairman of the Electronic two weeks ago at the meetings in Florida. I am Industries Alliance’s Public Affairs Committee. also happy that I got to rag on him one more As VP of EIA Public Affairs, I was privileged time. He was such an easy target but such a to have the opportunity to be the first publisher formidable foe. He was sharp, quick witted and of John and Dave’s classic PA primer, “Media a good friend. Doug Jacobsen Isn’t a Four Letter Word”. We got more PR from that one publication, than any other of John and I were friends for over 32 years, our outreach programs. John was a classy guy dating back to our much younger days in SAF/ who always knew how to get something done OI, where we first met. Through the years, John and done well! Mark Rosenker and I became best friends, both in the business and in real life. Perhaps, the proudest moment Over the years John always stayed in in our relationship was serving as Best Man at touch, and especially while I was SAF/PA di- John’s wedding to Lynn. To share in his happi- rector, he offered advice and assistance too ness at becoming a husband and father at the many times and in too many ways to count. same time is a lifelong, happy memory for me. An example: he ran the golf tournament Ed Robertson for us (through AFPAAA) for the last several years. A number of Air Force Public John brought a fighter pilot’s attitude to BJ (before John), it had been broken — Affairs Alumni Association the Public Affairs career field. Nothing was an obligatory event that was not well supported members shared their thoughts impossible. He was one of the original “out- and always lost money. upon learning of the death of side-the-box” thinkers and doers. There never Along came John, and WHAM — it was John Gulick. Here’s what some would have been a Media Isn’t A Four Letter a different story. Lots of people, lots of prizes, of them had to say. Word book had it not been for John Gulick. If lots of fun, lots of value for our money, and it had been left to me, we would have had a lots of profit! And out of his own pocket, John He was a professional who cared about modest checklist of “Dos and Don’ts. But John (and maybe Hugh Burns) provided the trophy his country, cared about the Air Force, cared had the vision, energy and enthusiasm to see on which we record the anual winners. about AFPAAA, his peers, friends and family. the project through to its current fifth edition. Of course, his team has won it each time Of all the people I met during my Air Force We lost a great colleague and friend Dave Shea since we started it, so his name is permanently career, John ranks among a handful that I will engraved on it — several times. That trophy is remember fondly forever. Don Gilleland John would be overwhelmed by this re- just one of the special memorials that will pre- action from so many people about his death. I serve his spirit and contributions for all of us. John was a special person; he was never was honored to be in the same infamous photo Ron Rand “down” he always was fun to talk with and he with him and other members of AFPAAA . I had definitely done it all. I can think of no finer will miss his enthuasiam and dedication to the My paths and John’s did not cross closely tribute than the many, many messages I’ve read public affairs career field, to public affairs is- when he was on active duty. I observed him today. I’m also proud to be a member an orga- sues and to AFPAAA. John’s untimely death from a distance. But I got to know him after he nization like ours that sincerely cares about each reminds us all of how fragile life is. Let us all retired and was so active — and proactive — of us. Lou Torraca remember John by hugging our family and in the Air Force Public Affairs Alumni Assn. friends and telling them often how much we I think he will be remembered most for Whether you knew him well or only in love them!- Karen Miller his spirit. I don’t know where it came from but passing, John left an indelible mark on every- it shone with tremendous energy and goodness. one who crossed his path. John loved people. John livened up every group he was Frank Jennings He loved to be with people, speak with them with...I feel lucky to have been on the SAF/ and help them. It was a quality that endeared OI team with him in the early 70s and to have Dawn and I were unable to attend this him to all and was an attribute that made him counted him a friend ever since...Karen and I year’s AFPAAA meeting — the first one we such a pro. Walt Werner will truly miss him.- Larry McCracken missed in quite awhile. How sad that we couldn’t have been there to share one more We all have our John Gulick stories. John John was someone that I always looked- fun time with John and Lynn. always made me laugh for one reason or an- up to — both as a mentor and as someone who John was a true legend who will be other. But I was struck the first time I saw him truly loved life. He cared about others and sorely missed, but his legacy will live on with Lynn years ago that this is not the same, made everyone feel special. John and I played through those of us who knew him. Sam wild and crazy single John Gulick I knew - he a lot of rounds together and had much fun. and Dawn Giammo had found his match and soul mate. I, like Doug Like so many others, John made my life the elder, was so happy to have seen them both richer and more meaningful. While he has Our careers ran parallel. John and I at AFPAAA just two weeks ago - they looked left this life, his spirit will be with me, always. were commissioned out of the same OTS class, so happy, so healthy and so contented! Doug Art Forster all of our promotions were in the same group, Kennett and we served in SAF/OI at the same time. Summer 2004 13 Memories of the 2004 annual meeting

Retired CMSAF Jim Linda Arnold and Michelle Boyd Binnicker Don Rhoads and Paul Cole

Mike Gallagher, Rick Fuller, Ron Rand, Larry McCracken and Hal Jim Regan and Doug Kennett Smarkola

Jon and Karen Anderson, Linda and Jack Arnold, Michele Bell, Neil and Connie Buttimer, Bill Campbell, Paul and Elizabeth Cole, Dutch and Helen Collins, Wayne Corbett, Jerry and Marion Dalton, Ted and Becky Daniel, Jay DeFrank, Al Eakle, Bill Frensley, Rick and Ann Fuller, Mike Gallagher, Mike Gannon, Jack Gregory, John Gulick, John Gura, Tom Halbert and Gayle Maxey, Jim and Patty Hart, RJ and Sande Hayes, Henry and Jennifer Hufnagel, Mike Hutchinson, Doug and Nedene Jacobsen, Frank and Lita Jennings, CB Kelly, Doug Kennett, George Larrieu, Larry and Karen McCracken, Mike and Karen McRaney, Karen Miller, Roger and Debra Millet, Fred and Joyce Morgan, Neil and Lynne Norum, Jack and Shirley Olsen, Maxine Overstreet, Ron Peck, Pete Peterson, Shirley Pigott, Charlie Powers, Virginia Pribyla, Joe and Dee Purka, Christine Queen, Jim Ragan, Ron and Bernie Rand, Don and Jean Rhoads, Dave and Carol Schillerstrom, Mack and Lorie Secord, Dave Shea, Hal Smarkola, David and Carolyn Smith, Lou Torraca, Walt and Sue Werner, Roy and Kay Whitton. (Photos by Al Eakle, David Smith and Roy Whitten) 14 Air Force Public Affairs Alumni Association The Links: Flying bug at early age leads to AF career Service. by Chuck Lucas Its commander, Brig. Gen. Tho- “I was bitten by the flying bug when “(The Air Force) mas S. Moorman, cited a need for air I was 8 years old,” says WC Anderson. has a hell of a weather forecasters. WC invited Edward “We had a BT-13 make an emergency quality product to R. Murrow to fly through a hurricane. landing near Baker, Ore. The pilot had the sell and it should Neither CBS nor the Air Force was white scarf and goggles and the whole particularly pleased with the personal in- nine yards…..I said that is for me.” be fun to sell it.” vite. Ultimately Murrow’s show earned a World War II helped complete his Peabody Award and everyone relaxed. dream. He earned his wings at Brooks Moorman “renewed (WC’s) op- Field, Tex., and soon was flying B-24s out it. We had a hell of a time getting it re- tion for another week.” Applications for of Foggia, Italy, for 15th Air Force. leased.” meteorologists flooded Personnel offices. An emergency landing in Bari, Italy, The Air Force became a separate Tilley soon added WC to the SAF/ exposed him to public affairs. service in 1947 and WC opened its first OI Plans Shop. Landing with no flaps and no PIO shop in Los Angeles. He played a key “It’s hard to say no to Tilley. He’s brakes, WC had everyone but himself race role in the Air Force renewing its lease got an innate ability to put his finger on to the rear of the aircraft to drag the tail. with Portugal for use of Lajes Field, the chord that is going to extract the ulti- Screeching down the runway, the plane Azores. mate public relations value.” came to a halt in a ditch. “The chief of the Portuguese air Others on the Plans staff included An airdrome officer arrived to ask, force wanted to meet Maureen O’Hara Lou Cruciano, Bill Greener, Al Cochran “What the hell are you doing?” and he wanted to buy a B-25,” WC re- and Jerry Dalton. WC quipped, “Nothing, we always called. A film studio arranged a meeting Before he completed his four years land this way.” with Miss O’Hara “and we got them a at the Pentagon WC wrote his first hard Also on hand was a Stars and Stripes war surplus B-25. They renewed the cover book, “Penelope,” a story about “a reporter. He reported the comment and Azores lease.” communications breakthrough with a dol- it was picked up by the wire services. Soon WC was still a four-engine pilot and phin.” A promotional appearance on the WC was a media darling all over Italy. “the next thing I knew I found my butt Tonight Show was credited with sales of “I perked up my pointy ears at this heading for Great Falls, Mont., for Berlin 10,000 books the next day. PR business and thought maybe I’m on Airlift training. He retired from active duty in 1964 the wrong side of the business “I think it was probably the biggest and quickly turned his military experiences here…when this war ends, I’m gonna logistical, successful maneuver the Air into a variety of books in which he strove check this out.” Force did, next to World War II. Dinny to “spin a good story, hopefully laced with Before transitioning to the Pacific Dinsmore was my roommate. We flew a ribbon of humor.” could be completed, the war ended. together constantly.” “Bat One Two Three” recounted “We kind of floated around; closed When a squadron commander experiences of a downed pilot in Vietnam. three or four bases. The first (Air Force) chided WC’s PR ability for lack of unit It was made into a movie in 1988, starring public relations school opened in Panama publicity, he asked the CO to get him a Gene Hackman and Danny Glover. City, Fla. Jack Rose, Bill Thompson and kitchen sink and had it placed aboard Red “Hurricane Hunters” was followed I were in the first class. I think we gradu- Foreman’s aircraft. by Hollywood’s “Hurricane” with Larry ated, at least they made us leave.” “The story was they have flown Hagman and Martin Milner. WC moved on to Wright-Patterson everything in the world except the kitchen Looking back on his journalistic AFB, Ohio. His first PR challenge was sink, and today, on one of the last Opera- successes in and out of uniform, WC said Operation Paperclip. tion Vittles missions…. It hit every wire “you’ve got to have the ability to commu- “German scientists in Peenemunde service.” nicate and it should be honed in all medi- wanted to defect to the United States. So It also led to his assignment to the ums. (The Air Force) has a hell of a qual- we had a midnight raid and brought them PIO staff at Combined Airlift Task Force ity product to sell and it should be fun to to Wright Pat. It was all top secret. Headquarters in Wiesbaden, along with sell it.” “We got permission to release the Bill Thompson and Ray Towne. WC died in Fairfield, Calif., May 16, story and it was a hell of a story-- to let WC later moved to Rhein/Main AB 2003. He was 83. them know that we had the cream of the where he made his first contact with German scientific crop.” USAFE’s Reade Tilley at neighboring Later “we covered a young buck Lindsey AS. named Chuck Yeager who decided he After establishing the MAX Flyer This column is a feature on stories from the Air Force Public Affairs Alumni Assoc-iation’s Oral was going to fly the dials off the X-1. I magazine at Andrews AFB, Md., in the History program. The author can be reached at: wrote the press release when he had done mid-50s he moved over to Air Weather clucas5@ juno.com Summer 2004 15

The President’s Pen...... The Air Force Public Affairs Alumni Association newsletter is published or a short while from April 30 and to leave a legacy. quarterly for members of the Association. Fto May 1, many of us gathered All of us who were fortunate Online subscriptions are available at together in Florida at our annual meeting enough to serve our nation have had a www.afpaaa.org to re-live old times. Greet old friends. wonderful, exciting life - and it’s not over MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION: Individuals who have ever served, or are Mourn those we have lost. yet! The love of those who attended our currently serving, in Air Force Public We also shared memories of what last annual meeting filled the room... they Affairs, an Air Force Band, or as an Air it was like back in the “good ol’ days”. could all look back and say they had Force Broadcaster, military or civilian, on Something happened to all of us learned many difficult and practical les- active duty, or in the Guard or Reserve. MEMBERSHIP CATEGORIES: Full as public affairs practitioners in the days sons... and hopefully all of us have found members- former Air Force Public Affairs, past. I don’t know what it was, but it was time to laugh along the way. The legacy? Broadcasters, or Bandsmen, military or a very strong influence that united and You are helping to preserve it by belong- civilian, retired or separated. Associate galvanized us as a group. We all wanted ing to this great organization. members- current or former Air Force Public Affairs, Broadcasters, or Bands- to keep that influence and thus, AFPAAA For those fortunate enough to at- men, military or civilian, still in service. was born. tend the 11th annual meeting I hope as you Adjunct members- spouses, widows or Today, the obstacles and challenges returned to your homes all across the widowers of those eligible to be Full or facing our Air Force, the public affairs country you carried with you the spirit of Associate members. Affiliate members- a limited number of persons not eligible for field and the world are many. But where that time, that place, and the people. For membership under any of the above is the spirit to meet those challenges? those who couldn’t make it we look for- categories may become a member upon I can tell you where it is… that spirit ward to seeing you next June in Tacoma. favorable recommendation by the is within us, the members of AFPAAA. Membership Committee and approval by Sincerely the Board of Directors (U.S. Citizens It has been said that to achieve suc- only). cess you only need to do five simple Mike CHANGING CATEGORIES: Members things: to live, to love, to learn, to laugh, Mike Gannon may change categories at any time as circumstances permit. They must notify the Membership Committee of their new From the Chairman of the Board ...... status. MEMBERSHIP RATES: $300 for life membership (payable in four his is my last note to you as whose path and mine never crossed but monthly $75 installments). $25 for one- Tboard chairman. there are always many in the crowd griev- year membership (full, adjunct and It was supposed to be a regurgita- ing at their loss. affiliate). $50 for three-year membership tion of what I told the members attend- At this moment many of us have (full, adjunct and affiliate). $10 for one- year membership (associate). $20 for ing the 2004 Annual Meeting and our heavy hearts because on Sunday, May 16th, three-year membership (associate). editor will castigate me savagely if I don’t one of the happiest hearts I’ve ever known MEMBERSHIP APPLICATIONS: deliver a bit from that; so please note that stopped beating. My friend and fellow Available at www.afpaaa.org we are in good shape regarding members, board member, John Gulick, died at his Completed forms and check or money order should be sent to: Air Force Public regarding finances, regarding renewals of home in Fairfax, Virginia. Affairs Alumni Association, P.O. Box membership. All across the country, telephones 540, Fairfax, VA 22030-0540. We have a committee planning the began ringing and e-mails announcing the OFFICERS & BOARD OF DIRECTORS next annual meeting in Tacoma (McChord sad news flew around the world. The out- (* denotes Board Members) AFB), Wash. for mid-June 2005. Start pouring of love and funny stories has Chairman of the Board: David Smith* President: Mike Gannon* planning now to attend. packed the in-box on my machine and you Vice President: Charlie Powers* If you haven’t taken an opportu- can read many of them on other pages of Secretary: Linda Arnold* nity to donate to the AFPAAA Endow- this issue. Treasurer: Jim Hart* Board Members: Al Eakle, Larry Greer, C.B. ment Fund, I encourage you to do so— The love each of you shares with Kelly, Jim McGuire, Joe Purka, Ron Rand now. others from our Public Affairs/Broad- Ex Officio Board Members: Mike McRaney, Our annual meetings are fun, ex- cast/Band family is truly the love of broth- Jim Hart, John Gura, Joe Purka citing gatherings of friends to reminisce ers and sisters. I thank you for that. COMMITTEE CHAIRS Annual Meeting - Charlie Powers about past adventures and to tell new tales When people say “why join?” tell Communications - Al Eakle about the turns our lives have taken. them about the love among us. Newsletter Editor - Al Eakle The most poignant moments are Development - Joe Purka Finance - Jim Hart when the secretary reads the list of those Membership - Neil Buttimer who have passed away. Because I benefit Sincerely Nominating - Kathy McCollom Oral History - John Gura from notes from caring friends, none of Special Events - Jim McGuire the names on the list are a surprise. David Web Site - John Gura Occasionally the name is someone David E. Smith 16 Air Force Public Affairs Alumni Association 12th annual meet set for June 16-18 in Tacoma Members are urged to block • Extensive YMCA fitness fa- out June 16-18 on next year’s calen- cility across the street includes swim- dar as these dates are when the Air ming pool, gym and racquetball Force Public Affairs Alumni Associa- courts; available to guests for $5 per tion will hold their 12th annual meet- day ing in Tacoma, Wash. • Same-day laundry and dry- Mark Foutch and Sam Cagle cleaning service will head the local planning commit- Planned activities include a trip tee. to McChord AFB for a close look at Meeting headquarters will be at the capabilities of Air Force, Air the Sheraton Tacoma hotel in down- Force Reserve and Air National town Tacoma, with views of Mount Guard units in Washington state, along with a visit to Boeing Rainier and Puget Sound. The room rate is $99 per day, plus Field and it’s world-renowned Museum of Flight. tax. In Tacoma, browse the Washington State History Mu- Under vaulted ceilings and skylights, the hotel showcases seum, the Tacoma Art Museum, Dale Chihuly’s Museum of Glass a variety of unique works of art, including original glass works and antique stores, all a few blocks away from the hotel. Ride by world-renowned local artist Dale Chihully and warm, plush the free new Tacoma Link to the stops and shops. furnishings in rich red and gold tones. Kick the tires on vintage military aircraft. Visit the Olym- Amenities found at the hotel include: pic Flight Museum’s “Gathering of Warbirds,” with nearly 70 • Complimentary USA Today delivered to guest’s door; operational aircraft from pre-WWII through Vietnam on static • Wireless broadband Internet access in all guestrooms; display and in flight demonstrations on Sunday, June 19. Or sign • Two-line phones with 15-foot cords; up for a biplane flight with Olde Tyme Aviation at Boeing Field. • Private voicemail; Play golf at outstanding courses at McChord AFB or Fort Lewis. • Coffee maker, full size iron and ironing board, hairdryer; Tour downtown Seattle, dip your toes in the Puget Sound • Fully stocked honor bar or the Pacific coast. Go up Mount Rainier (the alpine meadows • Concierge services to assist you during your stay may be in bloom) or peer into the crater of Mount St. Helens. • Room service for breakfast, lunch and dinner Look for registration information in either the Fall issue • Complimentary 24-hour on-site fitness facility with Star- of the newsletter or on the Association’s website. Trac cardio equipment and Paramount fitness station

Air Force Public Affairs Alumni Association P.O. Box 540 Fairfax, VA 22030-0540 First Class (Return Service Requested) P R S R T First Class Postage US Postage Paid Permit 289 Fergus Falls, MN