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Will be available at the Old Timers’ Luncheon for $10. After the OTL, you can order from Dondi’s Mercantile Shop for $10 plus $2 shipping and handling.

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March 2005

An election for the three at-large Directors is scheduled for 2005. The AHA Corporation Bylaws proscribe that Directors are elected in odd number years (2005) and Officers are elected in even number years (2006).

The AHA President, Jay Craddock, appointed an Election Committee composed of the Vice President, Ken Moore, the Secretary-Treasurer, John Ruppel, and association member at large, LTC Jim Rommelfanger. The committee is responsible for gathering nominations, distributing, collecting, and counting the ballots. The newly elected Directors will be announced at the Association's annual meeting, the Annual Old Timers' Lunch, scheduled for March 23, 2005.

All AHA members in good standing may vote for Director. Ballots have been included in your newsletter if you paid your 2004 membership dues. If your last year’s dues were not paid, you are not considered to be in good standing and are not eligible to vote. There are four names on the ballot: CMS Ed Boddington, SMS Don Delucchi, Lt Col Cindy Kepple, and SMS Joe Preciado. There is no write-in provision. Please vote for three of the four nominees. The three nominees with the highest number of votes will be declared Directors, and will be announced and begin their two-year term at the Old Timers' Luncheon.

The self-addressed stamped ballot should be postmarked by March 11, 2005, and mailed to:

Ms. Lynda Taft-Fawcett
4732 Heatherbrae Circle
Sacramento, CA 95842-4328

Mark and mail your ballots today!
 

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The Prez Sez 

The President's Column
Lt Col Jesse Craddock (Ret.) 

The year 2005 marks the Wing’s 50th anniversary. I salute all present and past members who have contributed to the Wing’s heritage and tradition of excellence and continue to perpetuate these ideals. The Board is considering issuing a 50th anniversary collage to celebrate the event. We would appreciate receiving any suggestion on the collage’s content.

The Old Timers’ lunch is scheduled for March 23rd at the Castro Valley Loyal Order of Mouse Lodge. Major General Thomas Eres, the California Adjutant General, is the invited speaker. Col Bagdasarian, the new Wing Commander, will, schedule permitting, be introduced the membership. The Newsletter contains lunch details and a reservation form.

The Association will award thirteen Wing members and dependents 2004 Scholarships. The formal presentation will occur during the Old Timers’ lunch. We have been able to expand the number of scholarships because several Association members have provided program grants. The Board extends special thanks to these folks for their generosity and support.

There will be no 2005 Moffett Air Show because the organizers could not obtain either the Thunder Birds or Blue Angels as the lead performers. The Board appreciates all those who have volunteered to work the Air Show and we will be calling for volunteers in 2006.

Lt Col Don Stewart passed away early in December. The Newsletter contains an obituary.
Merced Congressman Dennis Cardoza’s Office and the NGB announced the Wing relocation to the former Castle AFB is on indefinite hold due to relocation funding constraints. Specifically, officials estimate a cost of at least $45 million to upgrade Castle and move the Wing. If funding becomes available in future years the move could be revived.

The Association 2005 dues are $10 and now payable. Statements have been mailed to members with a dues obligation. You may include your dues with your Old Timers’ Luncheon reservation.

The Newsletter contains the Association Directors election ballot. Please mark the stamped ballot and drop it in the mail.

I’ll look forward to chatting with those who attend the Old Timers’ lunch. If you cannot attend the lunch please feel free to email your comments to B25jay@sbcglobal.net

Jay

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2004 Scholarship Awards

Lt Col Cindy Kepple

Congratulations to following members of the Wing and dependents who have been awarded scholarships this year! Checks will be presented at the luncheon.

• MSgt Derek Frazier – 129TH MXG
• TSgt Rebecca Dura – 129TH MXS
• SSgt Ian Freeman – 130TH RQS
• SSgt Lindsey Huff – 129TH RQW
• SSgt Steven Robinson – 129TH SVF
• SSgt Ragini Sastry – 129TH MDS
• SSgt Amy Self – 129TH MXS
• A1C Fernando Borrego, Jr. – 129TH SVF
• Mr. Joel Clark – dependent
• Mrs. Debbie Gamez – dependent
• Mr. Steven Kepple - dependent
• Ms. Jamie Mongoso – dependent
• Ms. Ashley Williams - dependent

Cindy

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Retirees European Escapes

The Edelweiss Lodge and Resort recently opened in Garmish, Germany. I would like to give you some personal insight on the Edelweiss Lodge and choosing the Armed Forces Recreation Center, Retiree European Escape tour package in Europe for a vacation. First of all I must emphasize booking early for any of the many AFRC package tours. They are designed for retirees and fill up fast each year - I booked in February 04 and just got into an October tour at the Edelweiss Lodge.

My wife, Rose, and I received our reservation form and additional European Escape planning information electronically by logging on at:  RetireeVacations@AFRC.Garmisch.army.mil  or contacting Mr. Jason Palmer by phone at 011-49-8821-729173. Note - We are 9 hours behind German time.

Rose and I chose the AFRC October Odyssey 04 tour because the package value for two people was so reasonable. It provided us with eight nights in a Jr Suite at the Lodge, full breakfast each morning, daily guided bus tours to famous cities and castles in three countries, a welcome reception and a farewell dinner, and bus transportation to and from the Munich airport. Each night you return to the luxury of the Edelweiss (no packing or unpacking for 8 days), have a nice dinner at one of the three restaurants, and relax at the lounge, indoor pool, or spa. All prices within the lodge are American dollars, not the Euro, which is quite high now.

Garmisch-Partenkirchen is a beautiful Bavarian town located at the foot of the Alps with much color. There are many activities such as hiking, biking, and riding a cable car to the various mountain tops. You may want to stay longer than the tour to be able to take it all in. If you extend your vacation, the lodge has very comfortable standard rooms at reasonable rates. They also conduct daily tours in and around the Garmisch area from the lodge.

Our October Odyssey Tour was outstanding! The AFRC staff did an excellent job providing detailed information on our tour. The Edelweiss General Manager, Richard E. LeBrun and his eager-to-please staff, and the beautiful location of this magnificent new resort made our trip a most memorable one.

Special note: Retiree ID card holders may sponsor a maximum of three rooms. All military retirees and their guests are eligible to participate in the European Escape Tour program packages. All packages are based on two adults per room. If you are considering a European vacation at the Edelweiss Lodge and want some additional information on the area, feel free to contact me, Ed Boddington, at (209) 536-1777. Auf Wiedersehen!

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Outstanding Airmen 2004

The Wing has selected the Outstanding Airmen for 2004. These individuals will be our guests at the Old Timers Luncheon and will be presented with a one-year membership to the Association. Congratulations and Welcome!

 

Airmen of the Year

SrA Ragini B Sastry
129th Medical Group

Selected as CA Airmen of the Year

 

 

NCO of the Year

TSgt Eric A. Valdez
130th Rescue Squadron

 

 

 

 

Senior NCO of the Year

MSgt Diane Bailey
129th Maintenance Group

 

 

 

 

First Sergeant of the Year

MSgt Stewart N Evans
129th Maintenance Squadron

 

 

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Lt Col Donald W. Stewart

January 26, 1925 – December 13, 2004

Donald W. Stewart, 79, of Oakland died December 13 in his home.  Born January 26, 1925 to Floyd Stewart and Anna Barrows Stewart, Don spent most of his life in Berkeley. He attended Berkeley schools, then the University of California, graduating in 1949, and U.C.’s Boalt School of Law, earning a J.D. in 1951. After marrying Berkeley classmate Nancy Haven in 1947, they raised a family only blocks from his childhood home. In retirement, they moved to the Oakland hills.

He had many generational ties and deep loyalty to the University of California and to many Cal sports. Since 1932, he attended all but two Big Games until this year.
During World War II, Don was a navigator in the 20th Air Force, flying B-29s stationed in Tinian on over-water missions to Japan. He was recalled to serve in the Korean War as a navigator/bombardier in B-26s in the 5th Air Force. Afterwards, he served 17 years in the Air National Guard 129th Special Operations Group, became a squadron navigator, and retired as a Lieutenant Colonel.
Don served as assistant counsel at Union Oil Company in San Francisco for 26 years. After retirement, he worked on legislative matters for major oil companies and for years provided pro-bono legal counsel.
Don’s interests included travel and family, often incorporating his pursuit of genealogical roots in trips across the United States, and several trips to Western Europe and Russia. He deeply loved the Sierras, taking family vacations to Lake Tahoe and later organizing family backpack trips throughout the mountains of California. With a close friend, he also hiked the length of the John Muir Trail.
In recent years, Don served as Librarian for the Society of Mayflower Descendants. He has been a member of First Presbyterian Church of Berkeley for over 50 years.
Don is survived by Nancy, his loving wife of 57 years; three children, Kent (Patty), Jim, and Anne Wondolowski; four grandchildren, Lauren and Sarah Wondolowski, and Alec and Sara Stewart; brothers David B. Stewart and Allen P. Stewart; and sisters Elizabeth Cunningham Meteer and Jean Stewart.
 

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Money Talk

The Secretary – Treasurer’s Report

Col John L. Ruppel, Jr. (Ret.)

The annual financial statement is in the print edition of this Newsletter. The Association is in sound financial condition, and can continue supporting the various programs. In 2004, we recognized the largest income from our Air Show participation since we have been hosting the adult beverage booths. We had a net gain of 10 new members, with year-end membership at 303. The dues delinquency rate is currently 3% - an improvement over last fiscal year. The fall golf tournament was cancelled due to a Wing exercise, but we are planning both a spring and a fall tournament for 2005. Questions or comments? Contact me by email or at the Old Timers’ Luncheon. Thanks for your continued support.

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	The Annual 129th AHA Old Timers Luncheon March 23, 2005 Loyal Order of Moose Hall 20835 Rutledge Road, Castro Valley, CA (510) 537-0830
1130 Hrs	At the Bar
	Trim Adjustment, Hanger Flying, Ramp Rumors, Old Buddies Checklist
1215 Hrs	Gear Down & Locked Lunch
	Roast Beef Buffet with all the trimmings $15.00
1330 Hrs	129th AHA Annual Meeting
	Call to Order,  Announcement of New Board of Directors Presentation of Scholarship Awards
1400 Hrs	Invited Guest Speaker
	M/Gen. Thomas Eres, The Adjutant General
1430 Hrs	Raffle and Social Hour
	Spouses and Guests are Welcome
P.O.C.	Jay Craddock (650) 968-0446
	Ed Boddington  (209) 536-1777

Driving Directions to the Castro Valley Moose Hall

From 580 West

• Take the Strobridge Avenue exit
• Turn right on Strobridge Avenue
• Turn right on Castro Valley Blvd
• Turn right on Strobridge Avenue

From 580 Eest

• Take the Castro Valley Blvd exit (toward Hayward)
• Turn left on Castro Valley Blvd
• Turn left on Strobridge Avenue

Printable Reservations Form                 Printable Map and Directions

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New to the Gang

Our Newest Members

SSgt James L. Kronmiller
Lt Col Thomas K. Saxe
CMSgt Michael B. Knight
MSgt Stewart N. Evans

Welcome !

Do you know someone who has been affiliated with the 129th RQW or its predecessor organizations - and is not a member of the Association? Let's get them signed up!

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Final Flyby

In Memoriam

We bid farewell to our members who have departed on their final journey.

Lt Col Donald W. Stewart

 

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Air Force Retiree News

http://www.afpc.randolph.af.mil/afretire/AF_Retiree_News.htm

The Air Force Retiree News Service (AFRNS) maintains a web site at the above internet address. Much information of interest to the Air Force Retiree Community is available at that site. Some of the current information available includes:

DFAS updates CRSC processing status - Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS) officials announced this week that DFAS has completed processing the backlog of more than 9,000 approved Combat-Related Special Compensation (CRSC) retroactive payments older than 60 days to qualified military retirees.

VA improves "My HealtheVet" web site - Under the latest improvement to VA's "My HealtheVet" Web site, veterans will be able to update personal information and record medical data such as prescriptions.

Dec. 15 deadline looms for DIC restoration - Time is running out for certain surviving spouses of deceased veterans to apply for re-instatement of VA survivor benefits. Last year, President Bush signed Public Law 108-183, the "Veterans Benefits Act of 2003," which restores entitlement to Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) and related home loan and education benefits for surviving spouses who remarry on or after their 57th birthdays. For more information on restoration of DIC, call VA's toll free number at 1-800-827-1000 or go to http://www1.va.gov/directory/guide/home.asp?isFlash=1 to find the nearest VA regional office.

 

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After much searching we have found a new source of MembersOnly jackets - so we are once again taking orders for 129th AHA jackets. Want to own a really unique & distinctive shirt or cap to show your affiliation with the 129th AHA? Dondi’s Mercantile Store has a healthy stock of 129th AHA related items. Jackets are customized with your name and rank. All merchandise can be ordered by phone or on-line. Items and prices are shown at right. Shipping and handling are EXTRA.   Order from Don Delucchi at: (925) 689-2683 or email:  Dondi129@hotmail.com Printable On-line Order form	Item	Cost	Size
	Logo Jacket	$70 - $75	XL - 2XL
	Logo Polo Shirt	$22	M,L,XL,2XL
	Logo Baseball Cap w/ Embroidered Logo	$10
	Logo Baseball Cap w/ Silk Screened Logo	$5
	Large Jacket Patch	$10
	Small Shirt / Hat Patch	$5
	Logo Pin	$5
	129th Aircraft Collage	$10
	All Items will be available at the OTL. All items can be shipped. Shipping and handling are EXTRA. All items are sent via U.S. Mail.

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  Are You Missing in Action?
Dead Letter Department

Have you moved recently - or not so recently? Do we have your correct mail and e-mail addresses & phone number? Please let us know when you move.

The newsletter is mailed out with a request for address correction. The post office does not forward the newsletter to you. They return it to us - and charge us 37¢. Then we update your file, put your newsletter in an envelope, put a 37¢ stamp on the packet, and mail it out to you. Total additional cost to the association is nearly $1.00 per returned newsletter.

Please take a moment to remember the 129^th AHA when you notify your correspondents of your new address. A member information form is included in every issue.

Col. John L. Ruppel, Jr. (Ret.)
6718 Zerillo Drive
Riverbank, CA 95367-2122

E-mail: J-L.RUPPEL@WORLDNET.ATT.NET

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