2011 352nd Fighter Group Reunion, October 13 - 15, Atlanta, GA

Previous dates for the reunion conflicted with a big air show, thus we are moving to the week of October 13-15 (departing 16th).

The reunion this year is in Atlanta.  Before we can book the hotel, it is necessary to get an indication of interest. It would be most helpful if you could let us know how likely you are to attend (we understand things change, but give us your best guess).  If we book too few rooms, we will have people spread out in more than one hotel, but if we book too many the association is liable for the unsold rooms we book.  

SCHEDULE:  We plan a day for the warbirds that can attend, and Friday or Saturday, a lunch or dinner at the 57th FG Restaurant.  Saturday will be a banquet and guests may be included (just complete that part of the registration form when you fill it out). Other events will be added as time and availability are determined.  In addition, you can google Atlanta for the many opportunities for free time.  Consider arriving early and taking in Stone Mountain or even Helen, GA (German inspired village with Bavarian food, etc in the mountains) - good opportunity to carpool with those who drive or rent a car.

Just send an email to Charlotte Carpenter of European Holidays at cjc4jc@yahoo.com and indicate how many people will be coming and rooms needed.  For instance, if there are three people, we need to know if they are all planning to share a triple room of if you want two adjoining rooms, etc.  Special needs such as handicap-equipped rooms should be included.  Unless otherwise instructed we always ask for non-smoking rooms.

Please let us know if you want to arrive early or stay later so we can reserve rooms that fit your needs.  Dates will be double checked when your registration is received.

While we realize you need an estimate of costs, we need to know a room count before we commit to a particular hotel.  We expect the room rate will be around $99 - $109 per day plus taxes and will do our best to keep the prices low as possible.

We are considering a hotel near the airport so those flying in will not have the expense of long taxi rides (most airport hotels offer shuttles).  Parking is also free or certainly less than downtown hotels.  Rapid transit is easy, too - running directly from the airport to Atlanta (and free shuttle to airport).  

Coaches will be hired to transfer attendees from the hotel to the venues.

A quick email to myself and Charlotte Carpenter (cjc4jc@yahoo.com) would be greatly appreciated. Remember to invite family and friends.

Hope you will plan to attend.

Todd Gehrke

President, 352nd Fighter Group Association

todd@352ndfightergroup.com

Bluenoser Tales is again available for purchase, now in paperback!

Bluenoser Tales has been reprinted and is again available for purchase, now at a reduced price and in paperback!  Price is $39.95 plus $5 for shipping and handling.

Bluenoser Tales is a riveting collection of first-person stories written in the skies over Europe by and about the pilots and airmen of the 352nd Fighter Group and the 1st Service Group of the "Mighty Eighth" Air Force during World War II. Experience flight in the cockpit of a P-47 Thunderbolt or a P-51 Mustang with these pilots in combat against the vaunted German Luftwaffe. Live with the ground crews working on their aircraft in the bitter cold, wet weather of English winters.

Meticulously researched, fast-paced, and laced with wartime humor, this book is the next best thing to having been there. More than 400 grayscale and color photographs illustrate over 80 fascinating tales describing the achievements and wartime life of this highly decorated fighter group. Fly with them on these missions as you read the stories, many in their own words, of these young fighter pilots who lived and died to help save the world. Bluenoser Tales is a tribute to their valor.

To order, please visit the online order page:

http://www.bluenosertales.com/

Virtual 352ndFG - IL2FB, IL2BOB, CFS4