Wednesday December 31 2008 02:00:09 pm

The meeting was called to order by Gene Rose. Also present were Milt Martin, A C Boland, Bud Simmons, George Stevens, Marsha Brown, Phillip Schulz, Jack McCawley, and Marjorie Buck.

Treasurer A C Boland reported a balance of $1,059.04.

Gene stated that recently purchased bricks have been placed at the Memorial. The Fallen Soldier statue is currently in Utica. The Parachute Building may be available to us sometime in the summer of 2009. There was discussion about the current condition of the building, as well as the steps we will need to take to restore features to original appearance.

Milt and Phillip have been in contact with the historian of the 29th Bomber Group. At what they feel was their final reunion, the group members discussed permanent placement of their records. Moving them to Dayton, OH, or Pratt, KS, were the options considered. They felt Pratt showed significantly more interest, as well as the promise of appropriate display in our museum. The records and equipment are currently stored at Naperville, which is near Chicago. We will need to pick them up, and committee members committed to going after these items.

Jack reported that Stan Reimer has a DVD/slide show of Hap Halloran’s visit here. Stan will make a copy for us, and more can be ordered from Stan. Part of the proceeds will go to our fund and/or the Memorial Committee.

Phillip said the Kansas State Historical Committee has been to the Pratt Airport to look at the Parachute Building again. There is to be a hearing in February for final approval for registering the building a Historic Site. They have indicated to Phillip that approval is likely, which will be a factor in successful application for grants.

Gene asked that we have an election of officers. After nominations and some discussions, the newly elected or re-elected officers are:
President – Phillip Schulz Vice President – George Stevens
Secretary – Marjorie Buck Treasurer – A C Boland

George reported on his recent visit to the B-29 museum at Branson, MO. He felt the museum, located south of the entertainment strip, was excellent.

Meeting adjourned. Next meeting will be January 20th, 2009.
Submitted by: Marjorie Buck, Secretary