114th Aviation Company
"Knights of the Air"

Director's Forum
June 2010

I can’t believe it’s been a year since we met in Colorado Springs for our 10th Reunion.  Time is flying by.  That makes everyday more important than the last.  Our 11^th reunion is coming together for Gettysburg Pennsylvania in 2011 and we should all plan to attend.  Start planning now. 

The search for a new Newsletter printer to replace George Marsh who had to resign due to illness has ended with success.  Peter Andersen, attached to the 114^th in 1966-68, has stepped up to do the job.  Retired from Rutgers University, Pete was eager to handle the job and we gladly accepted his offer.  We had some others who had offered also including Joe Stogner, our last reunion organizer in Colorado Springs.  Thanks to all who offered their assistance.  Pete will be printing this Newsletter. 

This year has cost the Knights several members.  We have lost four Knights thus far.  One of our “New Guys” that made his first reunion in Colorado, Ivan Beal, has had some serious problems requiring some hospitalization and medical procedures.  Although on his way to a recovery he isn’t out of the woods yet so if you have the inclination give him a call or drop him an email to let him know the Knights are here to back and support him. 

I have sent out some invitations to members for suggestions on how to handle the next reunion activities.  I have gotten several requests to have an auction or raffle like the one we had in San Antonio in 1999.  I have asked what you want and suggestions for donations for the activities.  To date I have received ZERO.  I had even asked one member if he would discuss with one of his relatives if they would be interested in taking charge of the raffle/auction, no reply.  That means that time is wasting away and we still have no plan.  I am now asking for suggestions, donations, gifts, articles, and anything else you think might raise some interest at the PA reunion.  Charlie has his hands full with the preparations and I am going to take this task on.  Please call me at 254-289-2807 or email me at:  lane.ramsdell@gmail.com.  The items can be set aside and brought to the reunion when you arrive.  I think this is a great opportunity to give to the Association and is a lot of fun. 

I recently had an interview with the VA over some medical issues and was very surprised at the response they gave me.  I was interviewed for PTSD and found some previously unknown issues that are related to PTSD.  What I’m driving at is what Charlie Stone tells us every other year, get yourself checked out and make sure you know what to look for and how to tell you may have a problem.  The VA after all is there for us and we need to use it to keep us around.  

On the subject of medical issues I would like to ask every Knight, their families and friends to join me in praying for the speedy recovery of Lorraine Brown, Charlie’s wife.  About six weeks or so ago, she had a stroke and has been hospitalized since.  Although recovery is slow, she is making progress and with Charlie’s and the rest of her families support she will progress more.  The little help we can offer the Brown family can only help her in that effort while supporting Charlie in this difficult time.  The stroke was completely unexpected and there were no real indicators that it was coming.  Charlie told me she can walk with some assistance and should be home soon.  In his traditional style, Charlie assured me the reunion was on track and coming together, thinking of his Knights right along with his wife of so many years. That’s just the kind of person he is. 

Now for my Pearl of Wisdom.  “Coming home from very lonely places, all of us go a little mad; whether from great personal success, or just an all-night drive, we are the sole survivors of a world no one else has ever seen”.  I think we have all experienced this and just didn’t realize it.

Lane Ramsdell
National Director