416th BG 2023 Reunion

Friends of the 416th Bomb Group
Keeping memories alive by perpetuating the accomplishments and
heritage of the 416th Bomb Group for present and future generations

2023 Reunion

Colorado Springs, Colorado

October 11-15, 2023

416th.com Table of Contents Friends Welcome Page

THANK YOU
Hosts Arlene and Roy Hohn,
along with the Friends of the 416th Bomb Group Reunion Committee,
Chris and Mary Adams, Steve Bisel and Steve Roy, and Kathe Rensner, Liaison
for planning and hosting another WONDERFULL and MEMORABLE Reunion!

The 2023 annual Friends of the 416th Bomb Group Reunion began on Wednesday, October 11, 2023
as Friends began to arrive and gather in the Hospitality Room of the Hilton Garden Inn, 2035 Aerotech Drive, Colorado Springs, CO
Thanks to Arlene and Roy for the delicious array of snacks and drinks they ensured were available throughout our visit.

After a delicious breakfast at the Hotel, we met at 9:30 AM Thursday in the hotel lobby to carpool to the National Museum of World War II Aviation.
Arlene and Roy organized a wonderful Guided tour with Museum hosts and then we were able to browse the Museum at our leisure.
The afternoon and evening was spent back at the hotel Hospitality Room, visiting and discussing all that happened over the past year.

Friday was another day of adventure. At 8:15 AM, we gathered in the hotel lobby for a memorable carpool trip led by Roy down restricted roads
from which there was no exit and on which we had to backtrack to the correct roads to arrive at the amazing United States Air Force Academy.
Our visit began at 10 AM with a greeting by Air Force Academy representative Laurie Wilson where she welcomed us to the Academy,
followed by a presentation at the Planetarium. We made a stop at the 416th Bomb Group Plaque at the Cemetery on the way.
At 11:30 AM we witnessed the Cadet assembly for lunch, followed by our own lunch choices in Albert Hall.
At 1:30 PM we moved on to the Academy Visitors Center, including a brief welcome by the Chief Administrator and 30-minute video about the Academy.
A small museum and gift shop were also available.
That evening, as on Thursday, dinner was on our own, along with more face-to-face time together at the Hospitality Room.
Dr. Vernon Williams also showed his recently released "Wethersfield at War" "From World War II to the Cold War:
An Essex Story of Service, Determination, and the Anglo-American Spirit" documentary film, available from Old Segundo Productions

Saturday morning we held our annual Business meeting in the meeting/hospitality room from 8:30 AM to noon.
Presentations included (click a hyperlink to view a PDF):
2023 Report of the 416th Bomb Group Archive and 416th.com Website enhancements summary by Wayne Sayles.
Arlene and Roy Hohn Trip to Wethersfield, August 17th to 23rd, 2023
Remarks to accompany Trip to Wethersfield Slides
Wethersfield Museum, Story and Update by Ross Stewart
416th Memorial Plaque - Wethersfield by Steve Roy

We had a lengthy discussion about the future of the Friends of the 416th Bomb Group led by Kathe Rensner.
During that discussion it was agreed that non-profit status would be pursued by Kathe at the State level and
with the IRS for the purpose of receiving donations. Dr. Vernon Williams offered to prepare a proposal about
purchasing some property on or near RAF Wethersfield for purpose building a museum, permanent placement of the
memorial plaques via a memorial to honor the 416th BG, RAF Squadrons that served at Wethersfield,
the Cold War 20th Tactical Fighter Wing and 819th Engineering Squadron.

Margaret ("Maggie") McEvoy volunteered to host next years Reunion in the Washington, D.C. area
and we are all looking forward to it.

From 4:00 to 5:00 PM we all gathered in the Hospitality room for the Missing Man Presentation and photos,
followed by a wonderful dinner at the Edelweiss German Restaurant.