307 BW/BG hosts 16th reunion

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Mary Hinson
  • 307th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
Barksdale AFB, La. --  More than 50 former members of the 307th Bomb Wing/Group and their families gathered in Orlando, Fla., April 25-28, 2012, to celebrate the 307th Bomb Wing/Group (1946-1954) Reunion.

The group, which holds a reunion every 18 months to bond with other members who were part of the bomber community, spent the week visiting the Fantasy of Flight aviation attraction, seeing the local sites and reconnecting with those who share their common history.

Prior to the event, many believed that this - the 16th reunion - would be the last but the members at the business meeting weren't ready to let the bonds of brotherhood slip away so easily. The group voted to hold another reunion near Midland, Texas.

"So many who have attended in the past are no longer able to attend," said the reunion president, Tom Stevens, who added that the age of the members and rigors of traveling have forced many to refrain from attending. "But we voted to have another one."

And it's not just the former members that are a part of these events. This year's reunion was spearheaded by Mac McKernan with the help of his daughters - Maureen O'Brien, Colleen Schuler, Joan McKernan and Nora Liero - showing that this is truly a family affair.

"When we lost our father, you made sure we were okay," said Jane Wolf-Weston, a daughter of a former 307th Bomb Wing/Group member, when addressing the attendees. "You are part of our family - our people."

The reunion came to a close with a final banquet featuring presentations and speakers, including Lt. Col. Dave Leedom, 93rd Bomb Squadron commander. Colonel Leedom gave the attendees an overview of the current B-52 mission and thanked them for their service. "We are trying to honor the proud legacy you guys have started," he said. "It is an honor to be here and serve with you gentlemen."

Army Lt. Col. Robert Ruffolo, a representative of the 60th Anniversary of the Korean War Commemoration Committee, also expressed his gratitude and presented the attendees with certificates of appreciation from the committee.

"On behalf of the United States and those people in South Korea, we are eternally grateful," said the colonel. "To the men of the 307th Bomb Group, to the men and women of the 307th Bomb Wing and their families, God bless you, God bless the United States Air Force, and may God continue to bless the United States of America."

The veterans in attendance were equally grateful for the service of the current 307th BW members.

"Every military person I have met at Barksdale is impressive," said Paul Savko. "I have no doubt we are in good hands."