93rd BGA President's Message
Fall 2025
WOW – time sure flies by! My last President’s Corner letter for the 93rd Bomb Group Association’s, “Ball of Fire
Quarterly Express Newsletter” is already here! My term is expiring at the upcoming reunion in Dayton when a new
President will be elected.
I have been truly humbled, grateful, privileged, proud and deeply touched to lead one of the best WWII Bomb Group
organizations in the world, especially by honoring my father, Major Kenneth Weeks Root, Jr., for his service!
I joined the 93rd BGA in the fall of 2009, with my first reunion at Shreveport – Barksdale Air Force Base – where my
parents first met! I quickly knew what a special organization the 93rd BGA was, by experiencing the family –oriented
reunion, discussions, event tours, camaraderie, history, and passion everyone had for the 40 + original 93rd Bomb Group
Veterans still active at that time! I knew then, I had a “calling’ for volunteering to help continue the legacy of the 93rd into
future generations.
I served as assistant Historian to Don Morrison, in 2010, then moved into the VP role – planning the 2011 Tucson, AZ
reunion. By 2014, I was elected as President, after working with and under John Marx as VP for three years. The
tradition of the President position begins in 1993 with Paul R. Steichen serving 5 years until his death on Jan 28, 1998.
Al Asch served on an interim basis, as he was also the VP of the still active Second Air Division Association. In late
1998 Fred Strombom served as the President of the 93rd BGA for 5 years, until Fernley Smith was elected in 2003.
After 5 years, Fernley “passed the torch” to the second generation John Marx in 2008. And finally, in 2014 after 6 years
John and I “switched” positions, and I was elected President at the 2014 Dayton reunion.
In my 11 years, we have made tremendous progress in continuing the legacy, memories, and support to our Veterans. I
want to thank everyone – Officers, volunteers, members, friends – BUT EXPECIALLY ALL OF THE VETERANS I
have met and worked with, for your continued support and volunteer work. It has been a life-changing experience.
I now challenge the future generations of leadership and members of the 93rd BGA to always keep our Veterans, YOUR
Veterans, as the focus of every project, every reunion, every education, and every discussion. They are truly the heroes of
the Greatest Generation! “Fallen but not forgotten” We must honor our purpose “To carry on the traditions and memories of the 93rd Bomb Group after the veterans of that war have deceased and to perpetuate the friendships and memories of service together in the 93rd Bomb Group.”
Hope to see everyone in Dayton, Ohio!
Jim Root, President, 93rd BGA
NEW 93rd BGA Education Committee!!
We are pleased to announce the creation of the 93rd BGA Education Committee (EC). This is an “ad-hoc” committee that
will directly support and strengthen our Association Purpose “To carry on the traditions and memories of the 93rd Bomb
Group after the veterans of that war have deceased,” through education programs. The goals of the EC will be as follows:
1) Develop learning programs, webinars, publications, videos, or other necessary to educate all generations on the
history and success of the 93rd Bomb Group in World War II.
2) Connect with Military Museums around the world to engage with Museum programs and events.
3) Connect with World War II organizations to promote and provide above programs.
4) Develop specific learning programs and/or events to be used at the annual 93rd BGA reunions.
IF you have a teaching or learning background, have a passion for our history, and need a way to honor your 93rd Bomb
Group Veteran by volunteering, PLEASE consider joining this newly formed Education Committee.
Contact Jim Root, Bryan Lampner, or Jan Dondi soon! Thanks!
