The annual business meeting was expertly conducted on Saturday morning by Jim Colegrove with many outstanding discussions. Dave Nichols was elected President and Al Alviso was elected Recording Secretary. Hal Bingaman has handed the reins of the organization to Dave “Face” Nichols. Hal has been the cornerstone of the 510th Fighter Squadron Association for many years and we all owe JoAnn and Hal our deepest gratitude for establishing the flight plan and expertly piloting our association for so many years. Thanks Hal!!!

The Banquet on Saturday night was a Grand event. The ladies all dressed up and the gentlemen all wore their purple shirts and ties. We heard WWII stories and Allied Force stories as local former Buzzards appeared to join in the camaraderie. We heard of incentive rides given in P-47s to dedicated crew chiefs. General Delashaw remained grateful that he is just now learning of these antics. The highlight of the evening was an incredible rendition of Amazing Grace by Al Alviso. Tears ran down cheeks and we all trembled as Al reached into our souls with his trumpet honoring those Airman who have made the ultimate sacrifice and those that are no longer with us. We will ask Al to continue each year.

Dave “Face” Nichols provided the group with an Air Force Update as well as sharing the 510th update from Lt. Col. Gregory “Spartacus” Sarakatsannis. This email is visible under 510th Update. The 2010 Reunion will be a 5 day grand event in Washington DC. We will focus on our heritage by visiting the WWII and the Vietnam Memorials. Each day will be packed full of visits and adventure as well as incredible camaraderie and storytelling. Our goal is to have over 200 members of the 510th Fighter Squadron Association in attendance. (Hence the title of this article; “200 in 10”).

The planning committee will start planning efforts for this event. The target dates for the reunion are 21 to 26 September. If you have ideas or would like to volunteer your time to help, please contact Guy Wright, Mike Barrowman or Dave Nichols. (Contact info below) We will post updates on the web page and send email invitations to view the updates regularly throughout the year.

Ideas for locations for the out years were discussed. Currently Traverse City, Michigan has the most air speed for the 2011 reunion. Wine tasting, a trip to Mackinaw Island, the Cherry Capital Air Show, incredible golf, fishing or just relaxing on Grand Traverse Bay are some of the proposed events. Again, Guy Wright is our POC for this event as well.

2012 was discussed but there is no front runner for the location. That said, our 70th birthday celebration will occur in 2013. It will be the United States Air Force’s 65th Birthday and the 510th Fighter Squadron’s 70th Birthday. We have reserved the Air Force Museum in Dayton for a celebration on 7 Sept 2013. There is no reason everyone and their families not to be there!!

The coming year will be an exciting one. The 510th will deploy to the states early in 2010. They will be at Eglin o/a 21 Jan for 2 weeks, 1 week of transit, then Nellis through 28 Feb or so. They are looking forward to getting to Nellis for some great training (Hammer & Green Flag). We will start the planning for a mini reunion starting Saturday 20 Feb.  Perhaps we can have a small gathering sometime during our stateside trip. Of note, Green Flag West is what used to be called Air Warrior, so we are flying through the weekend on that trip, with only 1 scheduled day off.

In closing, I would like to again thank Hal and JoAnn for their incredible work and dedication to the 510th Fighter Squadron Association. They have put us on a tremendous path to preserving the heritage of this incredible organization. My promise to all Buzzards is that I will do everything in my power to continue on the path established by Hal and take the association to new heights. Doc Milligen said it best:

“I have never ceased to be amazed at, and do vividly recall, the instant bonding that took place between men in the 510th Squadron as they developed absolute trust, confidence and respect for each other’s ability and expertise in their respective assignments. The profound dedication and willingness to make the supreme sacrifice in the battles against our enemies……The concern and caring for each other, the ever-present great competitive spirit, the unfailing individual or collective response to call anytime, anywhere, any place, to do something/anything on behalf of the Squadron,… are some of the many qualities that make the 510th Fighter Squadron tick…”

Thanks to all who have served, are serving and will serve. We as Buzzards will preserve our precious and incredibly successful heritage so that we may always have examples to reference as we continue to prevail over our declared enemies.

May “Buzzards Rule” Forever!

Face

2009 San Antonio Reunion Complete
Mini Reunion in Las Vegas Planned for February 2010
by Dave "Face" Nichols, New President of the 510th Fighter Squadron Association