The City of Douglas Public Information Department, 63rd Preservation Society, and Airbase Preservation Committee welcomed the cadets from the 63rd Army-Air Force Flight Training Detachment and their families Oct. 19-22, 2016.
The cadets and their families enjoyed a few days in Douglas in honor of their service during World War II. To kick-off the 63rd Reunion, the 63rd Preservation Society, 63rd Airbase Preservation Committee and the City of Douglas hosted a Welcome to Douglas banquet at the Douglas Golf & Country Club.
The guest speaker for the banquet was Lt. Col. Christine Mau, the first woman to pilot the F-35 fighter jet. Lt. Col. Mau spoke to the group about her experiences in the Air Force and about piloting the F-35 fighter jet. The American Legion Post 515 and American Legion Ladies Auxiliary hosted a luncheon for the cadets on Friday, Oct. 21 with exceptional entertainment provided by CHS Show Choir Sound F/X.
The veterans and their families enjoyed a southern style luncheon complete with all the trimmings. The final day in Douglas was Saturday, October 22. It was a day full of fun at the Airbase which included an Airbase Open House, free tours of the Airbase and WWII Flight Training Museum, and purchases of WWII Flight Training Museum t-shirts. Cadets enjoyed flying over Douglas with PT-17 flights complimentary of the 63rdPreservation Society.
To close the day and reunion, cadets and their families were treated to a private luncheon hosted by the 63rdPreservation Society with entertainment provided by Mr. Fred Hand.
Special thanks to the local businesses who showed their support during the reunion in Douglas by displaying “Welcome 63rd A.A.F. – F.T.D.” on their marquee sign during the week. Special thanks to Coffee HighSchool Show Choir Sound FX and to Mr. Fred Hand for the entertainment they provided at the luncheons. Also, thanks to event sponsors: City of Douglas, 63rd Preservation Society, Airbase Preservation Committee, Sunbelt Greenhouses, and the American Legion Post 515.
For more information on how you can help preserve the Airbase and its structures, contact the Airbase Preservation Committee Chairman, Dr. Carl McDonald, at 912-592-1430 or cbrandt.mcdonald @ gmail.com or Georgia Henderson at 912-383-0277, ghenderson @ cityofdouglas.com.
For more information about the 63rd Preservation Society or the WWII Flight Training Museum, call 912-383-9111 or visit http://www.wwiiflighttraining.org.
– Submitted