7th BG Historical Reunion visits Dyess

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Carolyn Viss
  • 7th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
The 7th Bombardment Group Historical Reunion held its bi-annual meeting at Dyess Friday.

They chose to meet at Dyess and tour the base because it is the home of the 9th Bomb Squadron and the former 436th BS, which were part of the 7th BG in the last century, said retired Capt. Hovey Reed, former KC-135 instructor pilot and the society's president.

"We appreciate you so much for inviting us here. We're proud to still have the 7th BG together because we flew all three wars together," Mr. Reed said, referring to World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam conflict.

Many of the group's pilots flew B-24s. Currently, there are approximately 800 members of the foundation, 30 of whom were able to attend the tour of Dyess and other events in Abilene over the weekend.

During a luncheon at The Heritage Club, the veterans viewed a briefing of current 9th BS and 436th Training Squadron mission capabilities and shared personal anecdotes from their own time at war.

They shared stories of P-40 flights gone wrong, of "close calls" they had landing over rice paddies, and of their travels to dozens of foreign countries.
Tears were shed over some stories. One by one, the men took over the microphone to tell of the bombing of Pearl Harbor, flying heroes who were friends of theirs, deaths of comrades, and combat training.

Nadine Willies, wife of retired Lt. Col. Terry Willies, said circumstances for wives were difficult during the wars.

"We were without them then, just like you are today," she said. She and her husband have been married since 1942.

The men agreed their wives were vital to keeping them mentally and emotionally war-ready and thanked them for their letters and support.

"It's just great to have you here, to listen to your stories and give you a tour," said Lt. Col. Tim Stocking, 7th Operations Group commander' s special projects coordinator. "It's such a privilege to be able to listen to your stories and personally thank you for their service. It's also so special to see how much you appreciate us."

The bi-annual meetings are held so that members of the group can keep in touch with each other. Seeing active Air Force bases keeps their flying days alive in their minds, and they are always interested in what new aircraft and technology are being created, Mr. Reed said.

The 7th BG plans to meet again in Salt Lake City two years from now. After that, they're not sure where they'll visit, but they wish to express their thanks to Dyess and the city of Abilene for their support and hospitality, he said.