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Check the IBDA web site for information about future events.  We have some exciting plans for the members and aircraft of the IBDA.
 
 
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A Certain Brotherhood | Circle Red X | Eisenhower | Fac Memorial | Fishing For Flags | Naming the Bird Dog | Delta Advisors IV | Medal of Honor | Cpt Wilbanks Memorial | Monsoon Day Memory | Messing With a Fac | Movies | Heritage Part 1 | Heritage Part 2 | Heritage Part 3 | Unmanned Aerial Vehicle | Wright_Flyer

Fac Memorial

30 Oct. 2000

Letter 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

 
     
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