Once again, the Christmas season is upon us seemingly within days of the conclusion of our reunion. The rush of holidays, Halloween, Veteran’s Day, Thanksgiving lead us into the shopping frenzy and holiday party season without a moment to pause and reflect. Jim Root did a fabulous job leading the reunion planning and coordination effort. He was ably assisted by his brother, Bob and sister, Beth. The Durans, Guddals, Sargents, and many others played critical roles in presenting another outstanding 93rd BG Reunion. Our team is a team of champions and it is a pleasure to work with them from year to year.
In addition to the regular agenda, a Ploesti Summit was added with invitations extended to the four other Bomb Groups who participated in the raid. This symposium took place within the context of the larger reunion, providing an excellent review and many eye witness accounts of the events surrounding the Ploesti raid. Jim Guddal, Joe Duran and Jim Root collaborated extensively to make sure both events were smoothly integrated.
Men from the other bomb groups told us that their groups have decided to stop holding reunions altogether. Because of the great experience we had with our new friends from the other groups, we have decided to invite other bomb groups who no longer conduct separate reunions to join us at our reunions. For those who decide to join us, we will welcome them with open arms and do all we can to make them feel comfortable among new friends.
For me the highlight of the reunion was our banquet and dance under the wings of the B-24, Bungay Buckeroo. The Pima Air Museum hosted the event and gave our group special permission to have a dinner in the hanger with the B-24. Due to significant challenges, their caterers have asked not to serve meals there. We were the last group to be granted permission. The 446th Bomb Group sponsors the aircraft and has their Roll of Honor mounted on the wall near the airplane which is marked with the 446th group’s colors. My uncle, 1LT Robert L. Marx flew the majority of his missions with the 446th transferring to the 93rd only three weeks before he and his crew were killed during takeoff on December 19th 1944. As a part of the program, I told Uncle Bob’s story and pointed out that all of his crew’s names appear on the 446th Roll of Honor as well as on the 93rd’s. I don’t know how many crews appear on two different groups Honor Rolls, but I count the double recognition as a double honor.
Congratulations to the Mike and Suzanne Sellers on the birth of their daughter, Charlotte, on November 27th. I heard a rumor that there is an upcoming video due out soon titled, “Charlotte’s First Month” filmed, edited and produced by Michael. Congratulations to Jim and Peggy Sellers, proud grandparents and John and Bea Sullivan, proud great grandparents. We plan to groom Charlotte to take over her Dad’s filming in a few years.
The planning is underway for our 12th 93rd BG Reunion to be held in Seattle, WA next fall. More detail is provided elsewhere in this BOFQE. Anyone living in the Seattle/Tacoma area is welcome to help us finalize the details. John Cadle has already provided valuable assistance and is willing to continue, but would welcome additional help. Contact Jim Root if you are interested. His number is 616-218-0787. He lives in the Eastern Time zone. His email is JamesDavidRoot@aol.com.

John Marx, President
Winter 2012