" The Checkerboard "

Highlights - September, 2000 Issue

" The Checkerboard " is the official Newsletter of the " Duxford 78th Fighter Group Association - WW II ". All correspondence relating to the Newsletter and it's contents should be directed to the editor Chuck Behrens. The Association and editor reserve the right not to publish materials considered derogatory or offensive. This Newsletter and it's contents by copyright should not be reproduced in any form without the expressed wriiten permission of the " Duxford 78th Fighter Group Association- WW II ".

Membership in the Association includes a subscription to " The Checkerboard ". For more information on joining see the Membership Page.

Monument Valley, Arizona ( Picture Source: unknown)

Reunion Countdown . .

All reservations should be in by now for the Reunion. If not, please send yours in today!!!

Carol and Durell Knowlton report that around 60 reservations have been confirmed to date.

The reunion schedule will include:

- A Luke Air Force Base Tour / optional shopping at Arrowhead Mall.

- A visit to the Champlin Fighter Museum with a sightseeing tour of Phoenix.

- A trip to the "Rockin R Ranch" for a chuckwagon supper and stage show.

- A visit to beautiful Sedona, Arizona (Home of the Red Rocks of Oak Creek Canyon) including a stop at Montezuma Castle.

- The Annual Meeting Banquet (Hampton Inn)

Please check the July, 2000 Checkerboard "Highlights" for driving directions( including maps ).

ADDED EVENTS - IPMS Scale Model Display and "Computer Flight Simulation" Demonstration

Ken Fish reports that the Phoenix Chapter of the IPMS(International Plastic Modeling Society) will provide a display of their hobby for the benefit of 78th Fighter Group Association. Scale plastic models of 78th Fighter Group aircraft along with other aircraft and vehicles reminiscent of the period will be on display. Chapter members will be available to answer any and all questions. The display is planned for Saturday(10 / 21) afternoon(time and location to be announced).

Ken also reports that members of the " 78th Virtual Fighter Group" will also have a computer set-up available to provide a "hands-on" demonstration of the latest WW II combat flight simulation programs. 78th Fighter Group aircraft will be highlighted(complete with accurate 78th unit markings..). Don't forget to bring your helmets and G suits!

( Sorry..no flight pay is available )

Screen shot from the computer combat flight simulation " European Air War ". Virtual 84th Fighter Squadron P-51Ds escorting B-17Gs from the 91st Bomb Group over Germany, 1945.

Chuck Behrens, editor

U. S. Air Force Academy - 78th Fighter Group Memorial Dedication

Jack Price succeeded in getting final approval from the Air Force Academy to place a memorial plaque in honor of the 78th Fighter Group on the "Wall of Remembrance" in the Academy Cemetery. The official dedication will be held on October 26, 2000 at 10:00 AM. Representatives of the Association will be present...in fact, anyone who can make the ceremony is encouraged to do so. The plaque is being fabricated by the Wilhelm Monument Company. It is 13" x 13" square( due size restrictions imposed by the Academy ). An artist's rendition of the plaque is shown below.

78th Fighter Group Memorial Plaque concept. (Picture Source: Chuck Behrens )

Chuck Behrens, editor

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