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Tailhook
Report (filed 9/2/01)
(For a photo report, see PHOTOS PG-16 in the menu.)
The A-3 Association's booth at Tailhook 2001 in Reno was very
well received. All who stopped by were excited to see us if they had any history at all
with the Whale. Many too young to know about the Skywarrior's legacy were pleasantly
curious about who and what we were. The exhibit included a photo history board, beautiful
color photographs of A-3s, an assortment of patches and decals, a large model of the
Whale, and a video showcasing A-3 flight ops with displays of squadrons who flew the
A-3. Among the booths in our category, museums and specific unit/aircrafts, we felt like
we outdid them all. The setup was quite professional and Gil Bouffard deserves a huge pat
on the back for his efforts in getting the exhibit put together.
Of course, we encouraged many to join our group and overall we
recruited 20+ new A-3 Skywarrior Assn. members. We spread the word throughout the naval
aviation community about our A-3 Skywarrior 50th Anniversary First Flight Reunion next
year.
The board took time out from the festivities to hold its first
official association meeting. The minutes can be read by
clicking here.
Overall, everyone was enthusiastic about our presence and I
thank our able crew, Jack Taylor, Mark Swisher, Frank Cogdell, Andy Niemyer,and Gil
Bouffard, for all their hard work.
Signed: Al Rankin, President
6-20-2001
A-3 Skywarrior Assn. Update
I want to bring you all up to date on the latest activities. This
Aug. 16 - 19, five of the board members along with our reunion coordinator will be
traveling to Tailhook 2001, at our own expense, for a work session and also to man an
exhibitors booth at the convention. Our goals are two fold.
Foremost is to have our first face to face meeting of the board, or at least the majority
of it, to work out details for the 2002 A-3 First Flight 50th Anniversary Reunion
with our reunion coordinator. Let me say that we have made contacts that present the
possibility of some exciting guests and speakers for the event. We want to pursue these
and other matters to ensure that we make this historic gathering memorable for everyone.
This meeting should allow us to formally announce a location, program of events, and
details that will help you in your planning.
Second and equally important is to publicize our organization. Three former A-3 squadrons
are having mini reunions during Hook and we will take the opportunity to recruit new
members as well as spread the word among the current and former naval aviation community.
We will have videos, slide presentations and the most friendly group of "Ole
Whalers" available to interact with the attendees of Hook 01. We WILL
present the A-3 Skywarrior Association as the professional, knowledgeable, and
enthusiastic group that it is. We intend to carry on the proud tradition that all of you
were a part of and remember.
Sincerely,
Al Rankin
President, pro tem
03-27-2001
Report from A-3 Skywarrior World Headquarters
Participation and enthusiasm are
continuing with regard to the A-3 Skywarrior Web site. New visitors arrive daily. Many
‘Ole Whalers’ have submitted photos, stories, patches, and memorabilia that are
contributing to the popularity. Keep checking those dusty boxes in the attic and garage.
You may have something you’ve forgotten about that would interest other Whalers.
Almost two years ago we put
together a steering committee from our group to begin formulating some plans as we looked
at a reunion and other issues. We had grown so much that we had to move to a commercial
Web host. The committee personally funded that effort.
Preparing for the reunion will take
resources in the form of more volunteers and funds. The committee was unanimous in
recommending that in April of 2000 we begin collecting dues to begin the next steps. That year is about to wrap up and following is a list of achievements
and their status that best indicate our current position:
Set up an organizational structure
to operate under until the first members’ meeting can occur.
Formulate bylaws.
File for 501(c)-3 non-profit status
with the IRS.
Establish an ad hoc board of
directors.
Maintain communication to the A-3
community via the A-3 Web site and encourage new memberships.
Coordinate volunteer efforts for
maintenance of A-3s on museum display.
Assist and promote the procurement
of A-3s from storage for new displays.
Coordinate with other Naval aviation
groups for information exchange.
Establish a committee for 2002 A-3
First Flight 50th Anniversary Reunion planning.
The dues are $20/yr. and are a
donation to the cause. Records will be maintained for complete accountability. When it
becomes economically feasible and time permissible, it is our intention to provide a
membership packet.
This outlines our vision for the
A-3 Skywarrior Association. We hope you will want to participate with us.
Following are the Ad Hoc A-3 board of directors:
President... Al Rankin
Vice President...Jack Taylor
2nd V. P. ...John Anayannis
Secretary...Frank Cogdell
Assistant Secretary...Ken Ballard
Treasurer...Mark Swisher
Assistant Treasurer...Andy Niemyer
Registering Agent...Tom Maxwell
JOIN NOW TO HELP PRESERVE THE HISTORY YOU MADE
WHILE SERVING!
Below is our original "launch" announcement!
