Dear Golden Eagles,
Christmas is but days away, and I hope that you have completed all preparations to enjoy Christmas with family and friends! I will keep this report brief, but did want to bring you up-to-date on past events, and those of next year leading up to our reunion in Orlando, FL on 26-28 April 2012.
Orlando Reunion.
Our Southeast Flight Leader, Gary Vangysel, has already communicated with everyone regarding the annual reunion on several occasions, and many of you responded to his questionnaire mailed in September. He and his committee chairs have done a fine job of planning all the details to ensure you enjoy the events and camaraderie of our reunion in comfort, and they have taken advantage of the venue to ensure you will also have the opportunity to see the sights (and/or do some shopping) in the immediate area. Gary has asked me to remind you that registration packets will be mailed in mid-January 2012. Remember that the slots for the tour of the Kennedy Space Center are limited, and will be filled in the order that registration forms are returned!! For additional information, go to Reunion on our website (www.epnaao.com) or refer to Special Notice 0911 dtd 4 Oct 2011. If you haven’t already made your reservation at the Wyndham Lake Buena Vista Resort, please do so at your earliest convenience. Mention that you are with the Golden Eagles when calling 800-624-4109 or 407-828-4444. Reservations may be made on the internet at: Golden Eagles 2012 Reunion Hotel Reservations. Preplanning your golf foursome and your banquet table (8 persons/table), and coordinating with appropriate persons would be appreciated. Hope to see you in Orlando!!
New Members.
Welcome to our three new members who have joined since the last report in June:
Col Robert Hickerson, USMC (Ret.) Wife: Judy
1222 Balcones Drive
Fredericksburg, TX 78624-7502
(h) 830-990-9589
(w) 830-992-0951
rhickerson@beecreek.net
RADM J. Michael Johnson, USN (Ret.) Wife: Jackie
2970 St. Johns Avenue
Jacksonville, FL 32205
(h) 904-387-3594
(c) 904-451-1236
exadmiral@gmail.com
CAPT Paul D. Stephenson, USN (Ret.) Wife: Barbara
161 “J” Avenue
Coronado, CA 92118-1115
(h) 619-435-8575
pstephe3@san.rr.com
Last Take-Offs:
We have had 12 Golden Eagles make their last take-offs since the last report:
Col Eugene R. Brady (06/09/11), CAPT Harold P. Streeper (06/23/11), LtGen William G. Thrash (07/04/11), CAPT Robert C. Coats (07/07/11), RADM F. Taylor Brown (07/11/11), ADM Noel A. M. Gayler (07/14/11), CAPT Robair Mohrhardt (08/12/11), Col Robert W. Lewis (08/15/11), LtGen George C. Axtell (08/20/11), Col Robert E. Howard, Jr. (09/21/11), VADM Paul F. McCarthy (10/05/11), and VADM Joseph B. Wilkinson, Jr. (10/16/11). They will be missed.
Administrative Note:
I still have not come up with a better title for this final paragraph, but please read on because your help is needed to ensure the future viability of our organization. Jack Monger, our Membership Selection Committee (MSC) Secretary, has informed me recently of the status of nominations available to the 2012 MSC in Orlando. While the numbers are better than at this time last year, your great efforts just prior to the deadline for nominations last year was instrumental in providing the 2011 MSC an adequate pool of candidates from which to select and, most importantly, to maintain our high standards. Please think again of deserving aviators with whom you have served, and if at all possible, submit a nomination to Jack Monger prior to the 29 February 2012 deadline. Jack is more than willing to help with any questions you might have in order to make a quality submission.
Warm regards and sincere wishes for a joyous Christmas,
Bill Gureck, Pilot
