34th Tactical Fighter Squadron - Thud Era
Korat RTAFB, Thailand - May 1966 to May 1969
Summary of Reunion 2010
By Ken Mays & Joe Sechler
The 2010 reunion was a huge success!! Ken herded us into the Historic Stockyards of Fort Worth like a well seasoned drover. What else would you expect from a guy who owns a ranch in Texas?
30 squadron members with family and friends attended for a total of 45: O. L. Bell, Doug and Chris Beyer, Larry Bogemann, David Carter, Greg and Pat Carter, Brian Cartwright, George Clausen and daughter, Margaret Head, Ralph Durnbaugh, Rufus and Elizabeth Dye, Vern Ellis, Steve Falls, Don Fryauf, David Groak, Richard Heyman, Larry Hoppe, Dave Igelman, Chuck Irwin, Bob Jones, Ed Jones, Irv and Sally LeVine, Steve Long, Ken and Gay Mays, John and Jo Murphy, Denis O’Donoghue, Harry Paddon, Howard and Wray Plunkett, Bob and Kay Reed, Don Revers, Jim and Norma Ross, Joe and Frances Sechler, Jake and Happy Shuler, Homer Terry, and John Wambough.
Dining at Billy Bob's.That night, we dined in private at Billy Bob’s in the Stockyards District, attributed to be the world’s largest Honky-tonk. Ken hosted the formalities and recognized family members of deceased squadron mates. It was a true honor to have Steve Falls, son of Clyde Falls, and Sandi Allen, wife of Ben Allen. After the meal, the guest speaker was a Historic Stockyards tour guide who gave us an interesting talk on the history of Fort Worth, the stockyards, cattle drives in the 1800s and the Chisholm Trail.
After the meal, the guest speaker was a Historic Stockyards tour guide who gave us an interesting talk on the history of Fort Worth, the stockyards, cattle drives in the 1800s and the Chisholm Trail. Afterwards, Ken presented each guy with a hand turned, wooden bowl he made from the wood he collects on his ranch. This was an extraordinary gift of labor and love and most appreciated by the guys and gals. Later, the guys presented Ken with a gift certificate to show their genuine gratitude for all the work he put in to planning and executing this super reunion and past ones. Ken then asked the group when we should have the next reunion and would anyone be willing to take the reins. Discussion to follow the next night.
The daily longhorn cattle drive in front of the hotel.In the afternoons of both main days, many of the group walked throughout the Stockyards district, watching the daily longhorn cattle drives, visiting the numerous interesting shops, the Livestock Exchange, the rodeo Coliseum, the Cowboy Hall of Fame, and various historic sights. Some went to Fort Worth to the art museums.
The evening concluded with a hearty round of handshakes, hugs and farewells as everyone turned in to prepare for a Friday departure. The reunion was, for certain, a special time for all with deep meaning. Some had not seen each other for 42 years, not being sure they ever would have. As Ken said, we need to keep this thing going.
Remember – May, 2012 at Colorado Springs. Let’s find as many guys as we can and get them there with their wives, too, who add a really nice touch and keep us old fighter pilots in line. It promises to be another great time.