by CAPT J.R. Davis, USN
Executive Director, the Tailhook Association
Several members have asked about Harris Publications’ request for information. Harris is working for the Tailhook Association assembling a directory of members to publish next year to coincide with the Centennial of Naval Aviation (CONA). Harris has published three previous membership directories. The directory is a useful tool that allows members to make contact with good friends and squadronmates who have lost touch. Participation in the membership directory project is voluntary, and you have the option to remove your name. The Harris Publication Co. questionnaire is comprehensive. You have the privilege to complete only the information that you are comfortable revealing to other members. You also have the opportunity to submit your favorite pictures. Voluntary participation in the project will make the directory a useful guide to other members of the Tailhook Association, and the information provided will be available to Harris Publishing Co. and Tailhook Association members only.
This year we expect many more attendees than past years. The Tailhook Association is proud to welcome the following reunion groups:
• Skyhawk Association — Marc Williams, (425) 771-2030, roger.wilco@verizon.net
• Intruder Association — Clyde Cain, (760) 644-4476, herrcain@yahoo.com
• Skywarrior Association — Ralph Estes, d7sus4@msn.com
• VAQ/VAK-208/-308 — John Gruber, (215) 778-2637, bathliner@aol.com
• Navy Preflight Class 20–50 — Agnes Clare, (503) 647-0162, clare2@earthlink.net
• VF/VFA-41 — LT Jimmy “WIFI” Haizlip, james.haizlip@cvw11.navy.mil
• VT-23 — Bill McVey, (830) 755-2255, cell (210) 601-9144, bmcvey@gvtc.com
• ComStrikeFighterWingPac — LT Cori Kindig, (559) 998-2185, cori.kindig@navy.mil
• RAFS — Real Aviators Flew Stoofs (S2F/S-2), (530) 582-9505, rafs_stoof@sbcglobal.net
Other reunion groups will hold events in conjunction with the Tailhook reunion, so check the Tailhook Web site for contact information and additions. The Thursday evening welcoming reception, open to everyone, will salute the reunion groups.
At this year’s convention your name tag will be your ticket to enter all symposium events, and we will collect tickets at the door for “ticket required” events. Please bring your tickets to each event. We expect more than 3,000 attendees and our entire exhibit area is filled with exhibitors.
Congratulations to CDR Scott “Intake” Kartvedt. As commanding officer of VFA-83, he achieved 100 percent Tailhook Association participation from the ready room. The Rampagers made a clean sweep in 2009 winning the Battle “E” and the Michael J. Estocin Award.
So far this year, 38 members have joined or converted to Life Membership bringing the total to 2,464. Our program is strong, and the endowment supporting Life Members fluctuates with the net asset value of equities, but continues to grow. Please consider the benefit of becoming a Life Member. In the long run it will reduce your administrative workload — no more annual checks to write. You will have a permanent membership card showing your Life Membership at less overall cost to you. The total cost is $795.00 and can be paid as a $195 down payment and four payments of $150.00 over 15 months, or four years for active-duty members. There is a reduced rate for members over 59 years old. Please call the headquarters for the reduced payment schedule.
We have added a new silk Hawaiian shirt with the American flag on a Tailhook staff and two new dress shirts with the pilot wings and hook logo or the Tailhook script logo (see ad at right). The Hawaiian shirt is from Eagle Dry Goods Signature Series and is made from 100 percent pigment-dyed silk floral jacquard. The pigment-dyed colors are meant to fade when washed. It has a chest pocket, coconut buttons and a vented tail. The dress shirt is from Port Authority Signature Line and features yarn-dyed material for rich color prior to weaving. This lightweight shirt has a subtle checkered pattern for detail and dimension. It is 55 percent cotton and 45 percent rayon with button-down collar, dyed-to-match pearlized buttons and a patch pocket.
Our Tailhook Association Web site offers the capability to update your address or rank, join or renew, register for the reunion or read the most recent monthly newsletter. You also can register to receive the newsletter by providing your e-mail address..