30 Oct. 2000Letter
of Appreciation
Dear International Bird Dog Association,
FAC "HOMECOMING" REUNION - 2000, held 21-24
Sep 00, is now history, and what magnificent party it was!
The Forward Air Controller (FAC) Memorial
Committee and everyone involved with this historic event would
like to acknowledge and thank you for your contribution. If you
were able to join us at the reunion, you know what a huge
success it was. For those who couldn't make it, we're sorry you
missed a great party and a wonderful FAC Memorial Dedication
Ceremony. We hope that someday soon you'll have the opportunity
to visit Hurlburt's Air Park and see the memorial that your
donation helped make possible.
Over 700 FACs, friends and family members
attended the reunion, but many more, including base and
community dignitaries, gathered to view the unveiling of the
beautiful granite memorial. The stirring words of dedication by
Dr. Charlie Jones, the eulogy by Will Platt, and the reading of
the names of our 219 fallen comrades were accompanied by a
solemn wreath laying, a traditional Air Force Honor Guard rifle
volley and taps, a flyby of Southeast Asia era FAC aircraft, and
a dedication of the recently acquired and beautifully restored
OV-10 aircraft. Those in attendance unanimously agreed that this
was one of the most moving memorial services they've ever
witnessed Our heartfelt thanks to all who contributed to this
unforgettable event.
If you'd like to order a video of the complete
FAC Memorial and OV- 10 Dedication Ceremonies please contact
Emerald Coast Video at (850) 678-3010, or <jboudr2222@aol.com>.
Cost is $15.00 per video plus $5 shipping and handling for the
first video and $1 shipping and handling for each additional
video ordered. Mail your order to:
Emerald Coast Video
P 0 Box
Niceville, FL 32588
Enclosed is a program from the dedication
ceremony and a list of the 219 names that appear on the
monument. We can all be proud that these heroes now have a
memorial that is a fitting and lasting tribute to their bravery
and sacrifice ALL GAVE SOME, SOME GAVE ALL.
Again thank you for your generous contribution
and support.
With sincere regards and appreciation.
Claude G. Newland
Memorial Committee Chairman (Reunion Coordinator)
4033 Indian Trail Dr
Destin, FL 32541
cnewland@gnt. net