31 Oct 2006  -   A late announcement.  AWRA was asked by Tom Robison, a life member, to host an updated version of his on-line article Whiskey Charlie.  For those who have never seen it at it's previous home, this article is the most complete history available of the many versions of the C-130 Hercules serving in the weather reconnaissance role.  Tom is looking for everyone's help to make the article even better.  Go to the latest version of Whiskey Charlie.

25 Oct 2006  -   Once again, a tremendous, "Thank You!" to Bob Tuttle for the great reunion planning that he did for Dayton.  In response to our request, the web master has received several sets of Reunion 2006 photos.  Big thanks to John Hug, Bill Davis, and Joey Tabaco.  AWRA has contacted the Tucson Convention and Visitors Bureau and have already received many proposals from Tucson area hotels for 2007.  We are currently looking at a Sunday through Thursday program with the annual banquet and business meeting on Wednesday.  Tentative dates are 21-25 October 2007, so block that week on your calendar and start calling old friends, asking them to do the same!  The pictures of the Dayton reunion start here.

4 Oct 2006  -   Just returned from a very successful reunion.  Bob Tuttle, our association president, did an outstanding job organizing the whole affair.  Hats off to you Bob!  The Holiday Inn also proved to be a fantastic location.  I heard many comment along the line of, "Best location ever!"  Hopefully some of the many folks who took digital pictures will soon send me full resolution copies to place on the web.  Anyone with photos of either the AWRA reunion in Dayton or the PAWS gathering in Savannah, please E-mail to awra038@aol.com.

11 Sep 2006  -   On this 5th anniversary of the attacks on the United States, let's also remember all of the brave men who have lost their lives over the years while flying weather reconnaissance missions.  In particular, we remember the crew of the "Golden Heart" WB-50D, tail number 49-315, that crashed 50 years ago in Alaska with the loss of all 11 souls on board.  Three of the families have rediscovered each other, and recently held a memorial for the crew at Arlington National Cemetery.  Please see their story in our latest gallery update.

3 Sep 2006  -   Talked to AWRA President Bob Tuttle several times this week.  The reunion registrations continue to arrive, and we have over 60 people coming.  Bob talked to the hotel and there are still rooms for the AWRA rate available.  Please plan to join us!  Call the hotel directly today!  Follow the reunion link at the top of the page to download the information.

31 Aug 2006  -   On this date, 50 years ago, the first WB-50D accident (involving fatalities) occurred.  Aircraft 49-315, of the 58th WRS at Eielson AFB, crashed on a small group of islands in the Susitna River, about 35 miles Northwest of Anchorage.  The plane and crew were approximately one hour into a planned twelve hour Loon Special mission.  Remains of all 11 men on board were found and identified, but no cause for this crash was ever determined.  The surviving families had their lives torn apart.  Now several of these families have found each other and have arranged a memorial service to remember the sacrifice of their loved ones.  AWRA has been honored to help gather information for the families and share their story.  Watch the news page for more information, coming soon.

2 August 2006  -   The 2006 Reunion is rapidly approaching!  The deadline for guaranteed room reservations and the group rate is 28 Aug, so call NOW!  We are looking for a great turnout in Dayton to see the new National Museum of the Air Force, and we need YOU to be there!  The registration form (with itinerary) is at this link.  The full information is at the reunion link at the top of the page.  Don't delay!

12 May 2006  -   Page one of a new gallery is posted.  This month we highlight the WB-29 folks on Guam.  Ray Brashear, who was the Operations Officer at the 54th/514th, was also an amateur photographer and sent us several very nice color photos from 1950-51.  We also received a lot of information and pictures from Bob Mann, and Gene Joines.  These will be posted on Page 2 in the next few days.  To go to the 514th Page, follow this link.

11 May 2006  -   I hope all of the newsletters have arrived.  Out of 614 that we mailed out, about 20 came back and several had forwarding addresses that had expired.  Each one of those cost AWRA an additional $.87 to re-mail.  We want to stay in touch with all of our membership, so please remember to contact AWRA if you move.  Send change of address to Ralph Ruyle at ruyle@cox.net

15 April 2006  -   As promised, the 2006 Newsletter and updated AWRA Membership Roster went out via USPS first class mail on Saturday, 15 April.  I'm not sure the San Antonio Airport Post Office appreciated the additional 600+ pieces of mail added to the Tax Day rush.  I hope that everyone will get their copy in a timely manner sometime this week.  If any member does not receive their newsletter and roster by 22 April, please E-mail us at:  awra038@aol.com   We'll check to make sure that we have your current and correct address.  In the coming weeks, we will be adding a page of "Lost Members".  These are the 25 or so folks whose newsletters have been returned in the past with no forwarding address.

1 April 2006  -   No, it's not an April Fools joke.  There really is an update in the Gallery section.  CMSgt John Priestle has shared quite a bit of material lately that he and his wife have saved over the years.  One is an excellent copy of a panoramic photo of the 375th Reconnaissance Squadron from 1950.  We are still working on stitching it together after scanning in 4 sections.  So, you'll have to make do with the item posted here.

23 March 2006  -   Posted a new page in the gallery section.  We recently received a photo album from a member of the 373rd Reconnaissance Squadron (VLR) Weather from 1949.  But for the efforts of a good samaritan, the items would be lost.  Included is a program from the squadron's Christmas Dinner that names all of the squadron members.  To view the page, follow this LINK.

10 March 2006  -   Received E-mail from Jim Routt.  Jim was an aircraft commander at the 54th from 1980-83, Call Sign: Swan 05.  Jim is currently at Kirtland and has "found" the Swan 38 Memorial Plaque.  Jim says it is displayed on the old HC-130 simulator building, along with a similar memorial to a Combat Rescue crew.  As soon as Jim sends a photo, we'll get it posted on this site.   Thank you, Jim!

9 March 2006  -   Posted a slightly revised main page.   Corrected a few unit names and rearranged the Links to separate interesting stories from links to sister organizations.

1 March 2006  -   Several things are happening in March, so please check back often.  First, we can report that planning for the 2006 AWRA reunion in Dayton, OH, scheduled for 27 Sep - 1 Oct 2006, is going great.  Bob Tuttle reports that we are on track, and reminds everyone to keep checking the AWRA 2006 Reunion Page for any updates.  More information, and sign-up instructions, will be included in the annual newsletter to be mailed about 15 April 2006.  We can also report that the latest AWRA membership roster will go out in the same package. 

Speaking of reunions.  For folks who are also members of the Air Weather Association, their bi-annual reunion planned for Omaha, NE, 10 - 14 May 2006.  If you are interested in attending the AWA reunion, go to their web page and scroll down to the reunion information.  (Disclaimer:  AWRA is not the same as, nor affiliated with, AWA.  Since many of our members are also AWA members, we provide this ink for information purposes only.  If you have questions on AWA, please contact them directly.)

28 February 2006  -   One new item added to the Gallery.  We have an update on the WB-50D painting by Thomas Wojahn.  This painting of 53 WRS Aircraft #49-275 on a Falcon Alpha track, was commissioned by AWRA member Larry O'Neal and donated to the USAF Art Collection.  The February Gallery Page provides updates, and tells how you can get a copy of the painting. 

31 January 2006  -   I have had numerous E-mails from members of the WW II 55th Reconnaissance Squadron, Long Range, Weather, offering information photos and sharing the heritage of that unique unit's mission.  Foremost of these have been from W. Wayne Salisbury.  Wayne has been kind enough to share many photos from the unit during training in Oklahoma, as well as from Guam, Iwo, and Okinawa.  He also provided pictures from the dedication of the 55th Squadron Plaque on the 20th Air Force Memorial at Colorado Springs, CO.  As a result, we have updated the January Gallery to include some additional items, and will continue to do so as time permits. 

15 January 2006  -   We have posted an update in the photo gallery section.  The subject is the "original" 55th Reconnaissance Squadron, Long Range, Weather.  These folks flew one of the first purpose-built weather reconnaissance aircraft, a B-24L, that even had provisions for a weather officer in the aft bomb bay.  Check out their story by following this link.  We are working with surviving members of the squadron to get additional photos, etc.

1 January 2006  -   The planning for the AWRA Dayton Reunion is progressing very well.  Bob Tuttle reports that firm dates of Wednesday, 27 Sep to Sunday, 1 Oct 2006 have been selected.  The annual membership meeting and Board of Directors meeting will be held during the reunion, time and specific place to be announced.  The Reunion Banquet will be held Saturday evening, 30 September 2006 at the host hotel.  A contract has been signed with the Holiday Inn Dayton/Fairborn, with group rates of $80 per night.  Check the REUNION page for updates and sign-up information as it becomes available.