DENNY'S DESK
One week later……………………………………..
It has taken me a week to form any kind of message about the Batcats 1st Wave Reunion we had in
Las Vegas from the 4th to the 7th of October. Frankly it was an incredible and moving event. 43
Years is a long time in between to be sure, but that Batcat Brotherhood and spirit had us all act and
feel like we were in our twenties again.
Batcat Central was the Rio Hotel Bowling Alley which we had exclusively for our group the entire
week. It served as a meeting place and dayroom for many a reunion of old friends and crewmates.
Golf outings, dinners, lunches, happy hours, and just plain soaking up the fun started here. The joy of
seeing an old buddy walk thru the door to be met by hugs and handshakes was beautiful. There were
some priceless moments going on like that the whole week.
The Nellis Air Force Base VIP tour was a great morning that was filled with thoughts of those days
when we were the ones in uniform or flight suits. Standing in the Thunder Birds hangar on the flight
line brought Korat back to us all. The roar of the F16’s taking off filled the hangar with that
unmistakable gut shaking blast of after burners that only warbirds can produce. I saw many a smile
as we looked at each other as they took off. It was a homecoming reminder of those days when the
105’s did the same thing. It stirred us all.
We took a group picture at 5:30 and the doors to the Banquet opened at 6:30. All 135 of us gathered
together for a great social hour, meal and the program prepared by Cliff Jensen. He did a
magnificent job of mixing nostalgia with pride of accomplishment. It was a beautiful couple of hours.
Well done Cliff. Well done.
The evening was professionally videoed and will be available in around 6 weeks. Even if you missed
the reunion I’m sure you will want to have a copy. You too will get that feeling of the 1st Wave
Brotherhood we all share.
The next Reunion is already on the minds of our Batcats. Where, when, and how……………..it really
doesn’t matter. This is now a movement for us all. The Website is not going away and we plan to use
it as a virtual meeting place to pass along information that will help all of us. WE are VETS after all
and can help fellow Batcats with information concerning most and/or all of us.
Thanks to each and every one that helped with the planning and putting on of our reunion. Stay in
touch with your friends and let’s hope we all are walking a little taller now enjoying a good life we paid
a little extra for by being Batcats.
Cheers……………………………….Denny
It has been a little over 3 weeks since the last night banquet for the 553rd Recon Wing 1st Wave Reunion participants.
We did indeed Recontact, Reunite, Renew and Rejuvenate while enjoying the events of that week. Everyone agreed it
was Mission Accomplished.
There already has been talk of getting together again as early as next year. Orlando has been mentioned among some
other locations and venues. The Batcats that were unable to attend the Vegas reunion will now have another chance
to join in on the celebration and feelings that were evident at the Rio that week. Local and smaller get togethers are
inevitable. Our brotherhood has permanently been rekindled.
The question of our maintaining the 1st Wave only status has come up from the very beginning stages last year. Those
of us who planned this thought it would be more special for the guys who started, trained and launched the wing and
then deployed into combat in the fall of 1967. Hard crews were started and remained for most of us for the entire tour.
We hit Korat as a unit.
It is now time to say thanks to the other Batcats for allowing us that special 4 days. It was a unique time of celebration
for all of us. But now is the time for all of us to band together.
If there is to be an Orlando or any other event in the future we hope that all Batcats from the 553rd Recon Wing will be
welcome to attend. Both Larry’s and Cliff’s websites along with the other guys who have shared on the internet are to
remain. They are invaluable assets in finding friends and in sharing information. We are all probably involved with the
VA in one way or another and the sharing of information and procedures can be very useful.
Please stay in contact with the Wing on the internet. Who knows what exciting events and get togethers are in our
future? It is up to all of us to keep this spirit alive. Be proud guys. As Cliff said at the banquet near the end of the
program, “We held that wall.” We were victorious in achieving our mission and can forever hold our heads high
knowing we did a good job.
Hang together and enjoy the ride. What do you say? Remember, the 553rd Recon Wing 50th Anniversary is only 7
years from now. Time flies when you are having fun and that is one reunion that every Batcat can look forward to being
at. Reconnect. Reunite. Renew. And most importantly……Rejuvenate. I hope to see all of you soon.
Cheers,
Denny Phillips
We did indeed Recontact, Reunite, Renew and Rejuvenate while enjoying the events of that week. Everyone agreed it
was Mission Accomplished.
There already has been talk of getting together again as early as next year. Orlando has been mentioned among some
other locations and venues. The Batcats that were unable to attend the Vegas reunion will now have another chance
to join in on the celebration and feelings that were evident at the Rio that week. Local and smaller get togethers are
inevitable. Our brotherhood has permanently been rekindled.
The question of our maintaining the 1st Wave only status has come up from the very beginning stages last year. Those
of us who planned this thought it would be more special for the guys who started, trained and launched the wing and
then deployed into combat in the fall of 1967. Hard crews were started and remained for most of us for the entire tour.
We hit Korat as a unit.
It is now time to say thanks to the other Batcats for allowing us that special 4 days. It was a unique time of celebration
for all of us. But now is the time for all of us to band together.
If there is to be an Orlando or any other event in the future we hope that all Batcats from the 553rd Recon Wing will be
welcome to attend. Both Larry’s and Cliff’s websites along with the other guys who have shared on the internet are to
remain. They are invaluable assets in finding friends and in sharing information. We are all probably involved with the
VA in one way or another and the sharing of information and procedures can be very useful.
Please stay in contact with the Wing on the internet. Who knows what exciting events and get togethers are in our
future? It is up to all of us to keep this spirit alive. Be proud guys. As Cliff said at the banquet near the end of the
program, “We held that wall.” We were victorious in achieving our mission and can forever hold our heads high
knowing we did a good job.
Hang together and enjoy the ride. What do you say? Remember, the 553rd Recon Wing 50th Anniversary is only 7
years from now. Time flies when you are having fun and that is one reunion that every Batcat can look forward to being
at. Reconnect. Reunite. Renew. And most importantly……Rejuvenate. I hope to see all of you soon.
Cheers,
Denny Phillips
Calling ALL Batcats
1967-1972
1967-1972
Last Update: 1/14/12
From Col. Weiser's son, Dag. 11/11/10 Veterans Day
My God. What a letter. He thanked us for keeping his dad safe and helping to
bring his dad back to him. This is what Col. Gus did for us with his
leadership in getting us back to our families. I know my dad and I sure were
happy I was back in one piece and our personal reunion changed our lives
and feelings for the rest of his life. It brought back some great memories. I
know how Dag felt. We all know how that moment felt if we were lucky
enough to still have a dad then. Dag's letter is beautiful and so right on. It
shook me up for sure. Somebody should really work on a documentary or
book. The Vietnam War was not just drugs, rock and roll mixed with protests
and government indecision. It had personal drama and tragedy on a scope
that even Iraq and Afganistan may not equal. Veterans Day 2010. This is the
first one I really feel like a Veteran as deeply in the last 44 years. I am very
proud of the Batcats and of being one. What say you......d
bring his dad back to him. This is what Col. Gus did for us with his
leadership in getting us back to our families. I know my dad and I sure were
happy I was back in one piece and our personal reunion changed our lives
and feelings for the rest of his life. It brought back some great memories. I
know how Dag felt. We all know how that moment felt if we were lucky
enough to still have a dad then. Dag's letter is beautiful and so right on. It
shook me up for sure. Somebody should really work on a documentary or
book. The Vietnam War was not just drugs, rock and roll mixed with protests
and government indecision. It had personal drama and tragedy on a scope
that even Iraq and Afganistan may not equal. Veterans Day 2010. This is the
first one I really feel like a Veteran as deeply in the last 44 years. I am very
proud of the Batcats and of being one. What say you......d
Time does fly when you are having fun. So goes the old adage. 6 months since my last update and look at all the
events going on and the increased size of the Batcat Brotherhood. This all started with a few guys and a few phone
calls. The pride and the spirit of our unique group of guys is wonderful and contagious.
October will be here before you know it. I made my reservations the same week when they confirmed the October
dates of the reunion in Orlando. Get your reservations in now to save on Airline pricing etc. Those fares are not
going down in our lifetime.
The Orlando Committee has planned a great time for all of us. Along with the fun events, there is going to be the
addition of some important information and presentations about Agent Orange, the VA, and other subjects that will aid
those with the need to know. Since the Las Vegas reunion and using some of the info I picked up from my brothers, I
have gotten some help with my hearing problem that started in ‘68. I now have hearing aids and am going through the
other processes to get better status with the VA. It takes time and persistence with the system, but it is well worth it.
If you have not been with your Batcat brothers since those days you are missing out. When we get together the
electricity of those old friendships and experiences is magic. You will also see how the wife’s also start to
understand what we were and are all about. Cliff said we held that wall and by heavens we did and still are.
Thanks to all of you in advance for your contributions to our brotherhood and country. I am proud to be a Batcat and
the new spirit that lives today makes it even more important personally. To borrow Cliff’s words………..till that time
my Brothers, till that time.
events going on and the increased size of the Batcat Brotherhood. This all started with a few guys and a few phone
calls. The pride and the spirit of our unique group of guys is wonderful and contagious.
October will be here before you know it. I made my reservations the same week when they confirmed the October
dates of the reunion in Orlando. Get your reservations in now to save on Airline pricing etc. Those fares are not
going down in our lifetime.
The Orlando Committee has planned a great time for all of us. Along with the fun events, there is going to be the
addition of some important information and presentations about Agent Orange, the VA, and other subjects that will aid
those with the need to know. Since the Las Vegas reunion and using some of the info I picked up from my brothers, I
have gotten some help with my hearing problem that started in ‘68. I now have hearing aids and am going through the
other processes to get better status with the VA. It takes time and persistence with the system, but it is well worth it.
If you have not been with your Batcat brothers since those days you are missing out. When we get together the
electricity of those old friendships and experiences is magic. You will also see how the wife’s also start to
understand what we were and are all about. Cliff said we held that wall and by heavens we did and still are.
Thanks to all of you in advance for your contributions to our brotherhood and country. I am proud to be a Batcat and
the new spirit that lives today makes it even more important personally. To borrow Cliff’s words………..till that time
my Brothers, till that time.
May 18, 2011
July 7, 2011
Veteran Homes continued
July 24th 2011
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| 1-14-12…………………Mid-morning…………..River Ridge Golf Course………………Oxnard CA….. Unbelievable The sound and then the sight. I am playing golf, putting on the 5th green and lo and behold I hear it and then see it going overhead doing a 180 to start its eastbound course. My old girl Connie is on the way to Chino Air Museum. She finally made air worthiness and is on her way to her new home in Riverside County. It has taken the FAA over 4 years to give her permission to make this flight. If I had known about this I would have been on the tarmac to send her off right. But once I saw her in the air I knew this was that long awaited flight and she was on her way. The sound of her going over and seeing that tail section was unmistakable. Guys, I had a lump in my throat. I have been saying good morning to her for over 10 years on my way to work in Culver City via the Pacific Coast Hwy. She was the last of the two Connie’s left at the old Oxnard Air Force Base in Camarillo which is now Camarillo Airport. She was a T model. Her belly dish was still on but the top radar position had been removed years ago. The other C model which was painted white had been sold to the Germans 8 years ago for an Air Show attraction in Europe. At last this USAF Connie is going to be taken care of and restored in some manner. The Chino Air Museum takes pride in restoring air worthiness to all of their aircraft. Here’s hoping to see you all in Las Vegas at the 2012 Batcat Reunion. We are working on making it just as memorable to everyone as past reunions. Reunite……….Rejuvenate……….RECONnect…… and rejoice in the bond of our Batcat brotherhood. Be well and as “Duke” says “Never Give Up.” Cheers…………………………………….Denny Phillips Batcat |