2010 VPB-118 Reunion

The details on this year's reunion in Grand Rapids have been finalized and the letters with the details will be going out soon. Some of the events planned are a visit to the Great Lakes Naval Memorial and Museum which has the submarine USS Silversides, the Coast Guard cutter USCGC McLane, and the new Robert G. Morin Museum. Visit their site for more information. We will pop into Grand Haven for a bite to eat and a stroll around. We will also visit the Fredrick Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park, which has the enormous Leonardo DaVinci bronze horse sculpture that I mentioned in a previous message, along with many other great objets d'art, no doubt.

By the way, the Silversides used to be tied up at Chicago's Navy Pier. I was glad that the Naval Museum gave her safe harbor after the folks that run Chicago decided she had to leave.

Air travel in and out of Grand Rapids should be easy, and Grand Rapids is conveniently located for many, if not all, coming in via the interstate.

If you are not on the mailing list but are a squadron member, relative, or friend of one of the aforementioned folks, please send me an email to get on the list.

I hope to see everyone at the reunion!

Grand Rapids Reunion

As I have mentioned, the VPB-118 Reunion is planned for August of this year, in Grand Rapids, Michigan. There's been a little bit of head-scratching about what the activities might be in Grand Rapids. I've pointed out that Battle Creek, not terribly far away, is where the Kellogg's cereal empire is centered. This evening I happened to look at an email newsletter that just came in and was stunned to see this enormous cast horse, designed by Leonardo DaVinci five hundred years ago. This is a modern casting of a recreation of his sculpture. I guess this would be an interesting attraction to visit! At this time I have no idea if this is under consideration, but it pretty much debunks that notion that there's not a lot of note in the area. I provided a link to the story alongside the image.

Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park Welcomes Six-Millionth Visitor

2010 VPB-118 Reunion

Word is that this year's reunion will take place before Labor Day in Grand Rapids, Michigan. There is supposed to be something in the mail soon. The reunion is for crew, family and friends (by invitation). If you are not on the mailing list but are eligible and interested in attending, please shoot me an email and I'll pass on your information!

Rogers Fiedler

Yesterday we got word from the Fiedler family that Rogers Fiedler of the Rinehart Crew has passed away. I should think that anyone who met Rogers would have enjoyed his genial, friendly attitude. He and his family hosted the reunion in Saint Charles, Missouri in 2004, much to the enjoyment of all that attended. Rogers will sure be missed. Here's the obituary.

I'm going to work on some scans this weekend; I should be posting some on the actual website later on. I'll dedicate this weekend's work to Rogers.