ACTIVITIES   OF  9AFA ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Association convention each year provides the ideal situation for the membership to visit with former military acquaintances and their families. It also allows all military members and associate members to become better acquainted and appreciated.   The annual membership meeting is held at that time to encourage all of the members to participate in Association planning such as where to have future conventions, or where is the best next location for the formation of another chapter and how can former and current members of the 9th Air Force be located, informed and signed on as members of  THE NINTH AIR FORCE ASSOCIATION. Another important convention function is to elect new Directors to replace those whose term has expired.  Headquarters 9th Air Force at Shaw AFB, SC  has a beautiful 9AFA display case in the  lobby. It is an ideal  location for our most prized trophies and memorabilia considered appropriate for  display for all those entering the 9th Air Force Headquarters. Our Association has maintained a close relationship with personnel of the 9th. Not only in the Headquarters, but throughout the various organizational locations of their units. And, we have communicated with all those personnel. It is our responsibility to pass along to all those people what a great organization it has been and is. The Association is forming chapters. This program is in the first stages of development with one chapter at the present time located at Omaha, Nebraska and others pending.    Our conventions provide the membership the opportunity to discuss procedures and any problems in the development of chapters. The 9AFA goal is to establish chapters that will allow members to work toward the Association goals on a local basis rather than only at the annual conventions. As new chapters are formed, this web site will publish the location and means for contacting members of that chapter. And, for those members that know of others in their vicinity and would like to form a chapter, send email to this web site and action will be taken to give the necessary assistance. Conventions have been held each year since 1991. The location and a few comments regarding the happenings of these conventions are as follows: 1991 Dayton, Ohio - This was appropriate because of the proximity of the Air Force Museum at Wright- Patterson AFB. That first convention provided the experience for the planning and conduct of future conventions. 1992 Orlando, Florida - Of particular interest is the award of the first 9AFA "Great Warrior Award" to Colonel John "Killer" Kane of the famous bombing of the Ploesti Oil Fields during World War II. (Colonel Kane is now deceased) 1993 Colorado Springs, Colorado - A wonderful opportunity to visit the Air Force Academy and give that great group a better understanding not only of the 9AFA, but of the 9th Air Force as well. 1994 Probably the greatest convention year   imaginable. It was actually held in two locations. The first location was in New Orleans at the opening of a museum. The Association was invited to participate in the opening ceremonies and accepted. That was a blessing for those members that either had a particular interest in the museum or were unable to attend the other convention location on board the Queen Elizabeth II. That convention element was held on board the QE II between New York and Portsmouth, England. Special people on board with the 9AFA included Walter Cronkite, Secretary of the Air Force, Sheila Widnall, Chief of Staff of the Air Force, General Merrill McPeak, with entertainment by Bob Hope and his wife Delores, the Glenn Miller Band and Vic Damone. Of course, the ultimate goal was for all the veterans to participate in the ceremonies at Utah Beach and the American Cemetery at Omaha Beach, Normandy. A large contingent of 9AFA people accepted an invitation to participate in the opening of a new museum in New Orleans just prior to the departure of the QE 2 1995 Arlington, Virginia. Proximity to Washington, D.C. and Arlington Cemetery made it a very special occasion. The annual 9AFA  Memorial Service was conducted at the amphitheater of the Cemetery. Following that service, members of the 9AFA were selected to lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. 1996 Las Vegas, Nevada. 9th Air Force has always been proud of the fighter aircraft in the inventory. So it was more than a welcome location, adjacent to Nellis AFB. Of course it didn’t hurt to be close to the tables for those so inclined. 1997 Fort Walton Beach, Florida. Eglin AFB is so well known for the aircraft weapons testing for the USAF, many of the participants found it most exhilarating to see such a location and talk to the people doing the work. 1998 San Diego, California. The many members living in southern California were happy to see one of the 9AFA conventions close to their homes. The majority of the past conventions had been held in the eastern half of the country. The 1999 Convention was held in Omaha. The central USA location and a fine program resulted in a large turnout of members.  Highlights included a visit to the SAC Air Museum between Omaha and Lincoln. It was a special occasion in that BG Hugh C. Cameron, Vice Commander of 9th Air Force,  cut the ribbon opening the 9th Air Force Pavilion sponsored by the 9AFA. It must be added that we were indeed fortunate. His departure from Shaw AFB was delayed, but not prevented because of hurricane Floyd. Following a lunch in the museum, General Cameron gave a talk on current activities of the 9th Air Force. During the concluding banquet, that night, we were privileged to hear a talk by the renowned   war  correspondent  of  WW II, Colonel Barnie Oldfield. He recounted many of his experiences, both serious and humorous. The 9AFA then awarded the  "Great Warrior Award" to General Cameron in recognition of a continuing remarkable career as a true Air Force leader. BG(Ret)  John M. Campbell was recognized for "Distinguished  Service" through the years. He commanded the 84th Troop Carrier Squadron during the Normandy Invasion. He organized the Nebraska Air National Guard in 1946 and served in numerous other capacities. The Ninth Air Force Association did itself well in New Orleans 4 - 6 June 2000. The  opening of the new National D-Day Museum was a grand and glorious event. It was estimated there were 10,000 veterans there to help celebrate the opening of the Museum. Although that occasion was not considered a convention for the 9AFA, it was attended by 14 members of the 9AFA who knew the importance of the museum and attended in addition to their plans for attending the 2000 Convention in Memphis.. That may not seem like a large group, but  those in attendance will never forget it. For several  reasons. They were given free access to the museum before the official opening - It was a memorable display of the events of D-Day -   A USO dance party was held in two very large dance floor areas set up with tables and chairs for approximately 1,000 people each.  A singing group singing the songs of the Andrews Sisters brought back fond memories of those long lost days when the Andrews Sisters were in their heyday. You can be assured there were a lot of toes tapping and smiles were everywhere.  A huge parade that is said to have been two or three miles long passed throngs that lined the streets and let the participants know they appreciated their sacrifices and the final victory in WW II.  It also has to be said that the members of the 9AFA that were in the parade and attended all the functions were the only representatives of the United States Air Force during all the festivities. And, it was indeed a memorable occasion to be present and see and hear the star and director of The Saving of Private Ryan.  Tom Hanks and Steven Spielberg. They too were eloquent in their praise of the WW II veterans. Our members were privileged to meet and talk to some very distinguished military people who were honored guests. They were LtGen John M. Riggs, Commander of First United States Army, MGen Arnold Fields, Director of Marine Corps Staff, BGen Sharla J. Cook, Commander of the 82nd Training Wing, Rear Admiral Daniel L. Kloeppel, Deputy Commander Naval Air Force Pacific, Colonel McGee who flew fighter Aircraft in combat of three conflicts, Commander Halyburton, POW for 7 1/2 years in North Vietnam, Colonel Fred Cherry who was also in the Hanoi Hilton with Commander Halyburton, Colonel Travis Hoover, number two pilot on the B-25  Doolittle Tokyo Raid, Mr. Tung-Sheng Liu who saved Colonel Hoover and his crew. What an experience.   It was simply wonderful. It should be noted that that museum title could cause some confusion with the World War II Museum on the Mall of Washington, D.C. (see our 2005 conventon) The WW II Museum is opened to the public, and it is sure attracting millions of visitors that visit the area. Those visitors must be aware of the scope of that display because it highlights all aspects of WW II with a great deal of interest in the D-Day Landings of Normandy. Our  2000 Convention was held in Memphis, TN.

That is the skyline of Memphis. A great city to have a convention. And, a great convention we did have. Besides having our annual memorial for our departed members and friends at the Tennessee Air National Guard facility at Memphis International Airport, we had a tour of that facility, and then enjoyed a wonderful lunch at their club. Have you visited Beale Street in Memphis? You should. In addition to the shopping, frequently in excess, a visit to Beale Street is a must,  where you can get all the jazz and blues music you could hope for. A highlight of our tour of the city was a stop at the Memphis Belle.   And, for our banquet, we displayed our birthday cake. Why? It was our tenth convention year.

The 2001 convention was another proof that our members can put together a convention program for all to enjoy and remember. As a former P-47 pilot, it is hard to think about all the happening at that convention. Why? Easy! We were all thrilled to see the two P-47s that came in just for us. The two pilots own their own aircraft and were kind enough to put on an air show for us. Let us remember, the P-47 is an old airplane and one that should not be mis-handled. By that, it is understandable that no stunt flying was the order of the day. Just to hear those P&W's running and see the aircraft flying low over the gathering was plenty. However, before closing, Charleston is a great city for a convention. Just ask any of those that were there. Have you ever had anyone ask you to suggest a location for a military organization to hold a convention? If someone asks, tell them they will never be treated better than the 9AFA was treated during our 2002 convention in Branson, MO. When you visit a store, restaurant or one of the great entertainment venues, you will be treated like a king. If you think the Viet Nam wall in Washington is something, go to the stop with the P-51 on a pedestal in the front of the building. You will see a wall with more names than you can read in half a day of looking. Branson gave us the impression they are now the entertainment capital. The 2003 convention was held in Salt Lake City, Utah 20 through 23 September. Headquarters was the Best Western Salt Lake City Plaza Hotel. The hotel is in walking distance of the Tabernacle and many other attractions and restaurants. Details of that convention have not been documented as of this writing, but will be presented when available. The 2004 convention was held in Tucson, AZ. A great place to have a convention. One of the two attractions of universal interest would have to be the 'Bone Yard' of no long needed aircraft. Not needed? At least by the USAF.  You should find it interesting that such a facility actually makes money for the Air Force. Yes sir. With so many countries using aircraft sold to them by us, there is a constant request for used parts of those aircraft that can still benefit the other country. The other would be the Museum. A lot of which is out in the open. Of course, the buildings of the museum are loaded with items and information of interest. Thinking in terms of The American Cemetery at Omaha Beach, if you look at your calendar for  2004, you will recognize that 6 June 2004 was the 60th Anniversary of D-Day. There were a lot of veterans  present for that occasion. It is a shame the 9AFA could not produce a program in which a lot of our members could attend as a group. In addition to the ceremony at the Cemetery where President Bush, past presidents Bush and Clinton, Bob Dole, Tom Brokaw, Tom Hanks and many other supporters of our past and present military establishment, there were other activities at other locations. The town and museum of Ste Mere Eglise was swarmed over with visitors from France as well as the USA, UK and others. As usual, veterans were exalted by the French at that and other similar visitation sites. The 2005 Convention was held in Washington, D.C. The timing could not have been better. We were able to include a tour of the brand new World War II Memorial on the mall of Washington. It was a beautiful tour and thoroughly enjoyed by all. If you have not had the opportunity to see that Memorial, do so. You will not regret it. Of course we did have a tour to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and observe the changing of the guard. That is another 'must see' when visiting Washington. For our banquet, we were extremely lucky and fortunate to have General John Jumper, the Chief of Staff of the USAF (a member) as our speaker. He was glad to tell us of current and planned activities of the Air Force. Then he told us of his joy in being able to fly the newest flying weapon in our inventory -- The F-22. A stealth aircraft that can cruise at twice the speed of sound, conduct a mission and be gone before they know he is in the vicinity.. There was more to be learned than that, but too much to try and include here. The convention was a resounding success. The 2006 Convention was held in Dayton, Ohio. It was a joint convention between the 9AFA and the B-26MHS. The significance of that is two fold. First, these two organizations are meant to be related because the B-26 was so prominent in activities of the 9th Air Force in WW II. Also, the convention participants had reason to celebrate in the Air Force Museum at Wright-Patterson AFB. The Museum unveiled a B-26 in all it's glory. Needless to say, many memories were remembered while the accomplishments were related by the presenters. Also the Museum unveiled and dedicated a P-47, B8-A,as flown by Colonel Joe Laughlin, commander of the 362nd FG. Sad to say, Col. Joe passed away before he could see such a wonderful tribute to him. Many members of his family were present and many kind words were spoken about such a wonderful guy. Colorado Springs was chosen and used as a great place to have the 2007 convention. This was a repeat performance. We were there in 1993. We dedicated a plaque for the Association on one of the walls reserved for units that like to have their organizations receive appropriate recognition. As in our previous visit, Academy personnel again gave credit for all the achievements of the 9th Air Force throughout the history of great accomplishments. Let it me known that 9th Air Force unit associations have attended   9AFA conventions. If you are a member of any 9AF unit association, talk it up to attend at the same time or immediately preceding or following the 9AFA Convention of any year. There are many advantages to do so. Let your consideration of attending be known through this web site and you will surely receive an invitation with all necessary guidance. The 9AFA has members that are also members of "The Air Forces Escape & Evasion Society" (AFEES).   Therefore, it is appropriate to maintain a continuing interest in that fine organization. However, that organization is like many others based on WW II. They are suffering losses due to death and frailty of members. One of the most important 9AFA activities is the quarterly publication of The Ninth Flyer, Official Newsletter 9th AFA, Inc. Of course the newsletter is a much appreciated venue for members to relate some of their very interesting military experiences. Some Flyer articles will be reproduced in this web site as interest grows and people express a desire for more interface with this web page and the Flyer.  We continue a dialog with Buddies Of The Ninth Association. When BOTNA is aware of activities in England that impact any members of the Association, they pass that information on to The Flyer editor, where it is published. By maintaining contact with Headquarters 9th Air Force, we can keep the membership informed of many important changes or activities taking place within the 9th Air Force of which they might not have been aware. At the present time, Lloyd  Johnson is the 9AFA liaison officer with BOTNA. As an example of the relationship of BOTNA and 9AFA, a request from England asked for someone to take a  grave site picture in Spokane, Washington. The grave site is that of a pilot killed in 1944.  The purpose of the picture was to benefit some people in France.   Those people had buried the pilot in France and he was eventually   brought home to Spokane and buried. A member of the 9AFA took the picture and sent it to the BOTNA member along with information regarding the cemetery. As the 9AFA continues to grow, we gather more and more members willing and anxious to show the 9AFA colors during Open House days at Air Force Bases around the country. This is an excellent way to inform the public about ourselves and the 9th Air Force.  An important program for this Association is a concerted effort to obtain and safeguard records and information about the 9th Air Force. This is being accomplished by use of the 9AFA Archives Program sponsored by the University of Akron in Ohio. Over the years, many of the members have accumulated memorabilia and artifacts from their military experiences. Some of that material has been lost. Some, just thrown away. Some given away. The Archives have encouraged members and any one else that has ever been in the Ninth Air Force to take or send such materials to the Archives. The University has set aside a facility to house all of that material in ambient air conditions that will assure the safe keeping of all of that valuable cache. Historians are always welcome to use that supply of information under the guidance and control of University personnel. The 9AFA has a member in the area that has volunteered to maintain liaison with personnel of the University to assure continued safe keeping of such records and memorabilia. On that basis, anyone that has such valuable items that could eventually get lost, stolen or possibly burned, are encouraged to contact the University and submit their items for the sake of history. Or, send them to: The University of Akron Archival Services Akron, OH 44325-1702        And, be sure to specify for the Ninth Air Force Association archives. The activity for which some viewers may be qualified and interested in is the membership program. For the specific guidance for joining this progressive and historically important organization, the form on the  APPLICATION  page should be copied or printed, completed and forwarded to the indicated address:

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