Updated 22 Apr. 09

Why is there such a strong bond among Crusader drivers (and the ground troops too)? Ernest Hemingway has the answer:

"You love a lot of things if you live around them. But there isn't any woman and there isn't any horse, not any before nor after, that is as lovely as a great airplane. And men who love them are faithful to them even though they leave them for others. Man has one virginity to lose in fighters, and if it is a lovely airplane he loses it to, there is where his heart will forever be."


LACB 24 - Dallas -- 7-11 October 2009!!

DETAILS -- CLICK HERE!!
SIGN-UP FORM -- CLICK HERE!!

 Either contact the BOD through vicriley@tstar.net or Dennis at: duffydc@sbcglobal.net.

[Attendance is still limited to F8 drivers & special guests.  We're just not equipped to deal with larger groups.]

SitRep 4 -- 18 May 2009
To all the Crusader Drivers out there, it's time to get the ball  rolling for the DFW LACB. Denis and his group have put together a  great plan for this years ball. The location is convenient to both coasts which will help keep costs down. I know that we have all taken  a hit in the financial world, but we are running out of time. Let's  take the pressure off of the reunion planning group and get enough  sign ups to make the event possible. We need 200 signups to make it a  go.

Chuck Klusmann
candek@bellsouth.net

Chuck Klusmann
candek@bellsouth.net



SitRep 3 , 2009 24LACB, DFW Area

Gentlemen:

As of 15 April 2009 we have about 40 signed up and paid.  We will have to pay one-half the banquet cost 60 days out, the other half at the 30 day mark.

I know there is a Midway Celebration soon so talk up the 24 LACB there.

Your taxes have been paid, or should have been paid, so you should be rolling in dough now. Looking forward to hearing from you.

Duff


24 LACB, SitRep#2

Gentlemen:
Here is the count from Johnny and Rod as of 12 Feb. Charley Dosch has had to drop off the planning committee;  I would request another local Sader driver to volunteer for the task of organizing and rounding up staff to work the hospitality room.

Sihnups so far - as of 12 Feb.
James G. Weatherly
Walt (Betty) Quist
Johnny (Janie) Bittick
Denis (Diane) Duffy
RADM Thomas (Jo) Irwin
James B. Lusk, Jr. (Helen)
David A. Benson
Ellie Vance
Kevin R. Dwyer
Leonard Nelson
Jack Woodul
Gary Riese
Robert Magnfelt
J. Richard (Nora Lee) Brown
Rod(Judy) Streng
 
The committee has reported no problems with the events as outlined. Thurs -The train; Friday-the tour; Friday nite-happy hour; Saturday - golf; Saturday night - the banquet.

Remember - we are required to pay for 1/2 the banquet 60 days out (10 Aug) and the other 1/2 30 days out (10 Sep)
So - sign up early and get your monies in to Johnny.
 
R/
Duff

24 LACB, SitRep#1
It is 22 January 2009 and here is what we know.
The following have sent their signup sheets and their checks.
Benson
Bittick
Duffy
Irwin
Lusk
Quist
Weatherly 
 
The hotel has provided the following list of sign ups:
Benson
Duffy(for the suite)
Furey
Irwin
Lusk
Quist
Stein
Weatherly
 
Gary reports that the steam train is on track
Kevin reports that the Lockmart tour is on track. And the souvenir glasses.
Charlie is ready for the hospitality suite. Note: Charlie has had to recuse himself from the planning phase due to health issues. We wish him a speedy recovery and a swift return.
John says the golf is ready.
The Friday happy hour is on track.
 
It is now up to you to get your sign up sheet and your checks in to our PO Box soonest.
Numbers count. Prices go down with numbers.
 
If I missed a name let me know.
Otherewise, get the "word" out and let's put this together soonest.
 
Duff
 
Denis Duffy
Chair, 24 LACB, DFW Area

To ensure we continue the long tradition of annual get-togethers and to renew the bonds which tie those who associated with that magnificent Fighter aircraft, we have formed the F-8 CRUSADER ASSOCIATION INC. This will be a non-profit corporation whose purpose is to provide a real time organization to keep track of and communicate with those in our Crusader family.

A non-profit association provides some advantages which will help in the future as our numbers naturally diminish and will more clearly outline some ongoing and necessary administrative functions. We are not in competition with Tailhook and will continue to support them in every way possible. Further, there should be little or no cost to members.

Board of Directors for 2008-2009:

Non-voting Members Emeritus
Dave Morris     
     23 Ivy Home Rd.                                               
       Hampton, VA 23699      
     (H) 757 726 0192                                 
      (F) 757 726 0195
     dkmorris1@cox.net
Richard Brown
     11132 Rich Meadows Dr 
     Great Falls, VA 22066
     (H) 703 444 3259
     (O) 703 444 7978
     (F) 703 444 4880
     (C) 703 915 4318
      hotdogf8@verizon.net

Non-voting Service Roles:
 Walt Quist (e-mail)                   quists@earthlink.net
4907 Island View St                 (H) 805 985 5587
Oxnard, CA 93035                  (C) 805 443 3584               
 
Dave Johnson (website)             f8@cloudnet.com
5979 17th SE                            djohnson@cloudnet.com
St. Cloud, MN 56304               (H) 320 253 5364                              
                                                 (C) 230 249 2545               
                                                 (F/V) 320 255 9778
 
 Bill Wright (roster manager)      wrightw@roadrunner.com
642 Windmill Ranch Rd            (H) 760 753 2378
Encinitas, CA 92024                 (C) 760 828 2042
                                                                  (F) 760 753 2737

Reunion Chairs
2009 - Denis Duffy                    duffydc@sbcglobal.net

It is apparent by your continued interest and attendance at the annual Last Crusader Balls that our experiences and friendships as Crusader pilots are extraordinary in Naval Aviation. I feel it is important we don't lose that spark. -- Snake Morris

ASSISTANCE REQUESTED!
Almost all Assoc. work is done by the above mentioned group. Reunion planning is a major undertaking, and requires many volunteers to assist the Chairman. If you are willing to pitch in, click here to contact us!

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