The Carolina's Aviation Museum will dedicate the CH 46, AKA, "Blood, Sweat and Tears" and put it on display. This is the 46 Mike Claussen crewed when he won the CMOH and was flown by Walt Ledbetter when he was awarded the "Navy Cross" for the same mission. The ceremonies will be held on Saturday at 1100 hours at the museum located on the grounds of the Douglas International Airport in Charlotte, NC on Saturday October 20, 2007.

Let's use this opportunity to support the Carolina's Aviation Museum for their foresight in memorializing a "FROG", Mike Claussen and Walt Ledbetter. How do we do that? Let's try to get a great showing of Pop a Smoke people and especially 263 crews and drivers. I would suggest we show up in Charlotte on Thursday October 18 and Friday October 19. Friday night 263 will have a cash bar at 1800 hours at the Charlotte Renaissance Suites Hotel for all interested parties and will follow that get-together with a 263 Squadron dinner. Make your plans to fly or drive into Charlotte that week, see some friends, have some fun and dedicate a "FROG"!

Then at 1400 hours there is a Military Appreciation Event (Fund R aiser) sponsored by the N. C. USO at the request of  Col. Ledbetter and Corporal West. This will take place at Steamers Sports Pub and both the Rolling Thunder and Patriot Guard folks have been invited.

That night (Sat.) at 1800 hours a fund raiser for the future upkeep of  "Frog BST" will be held at the Renaissance Hotel. The cost will be $65.00 per person and we would really like everyone to attend this function as it will help keep the bird looking good in the future.

Schedule:

Thursday and Friday October 18 and 19, 2007:
Plan to arrive - Rooms are being held at the Charlotte Renaissance Suites Hotel at $109.00 per night. Please make your hotel reservations by September 19, 2007. You must mention the Squadron Reunion to get this rate. 704-357-1414. (Limited # of rooms available on the 18th and 21st for the $109.00 rate. First come First serve!) If this hotel is full or you prefer another, please feel free to do so. Every hotel chain I have heard of is located near the airport.

Friday October 19, 2007:
1800 hours - Cash bar at the Renaissance Suites Hotel
2000 hours - Dinner with 263. The dinner is a pre-paid event - $60.00 per person. Payment must be received by Wednesday October 10, 2007. Please send check to:
Duncan MacRae, 3740 Mineral Springs Rd., Lexington, SC 29073
-OR -
Pay via internet at: http://store.carolinasaviation.org/miclchdi1.html
(Please copy and paste link if you cannot click on it)
Please make sure you choose Friday dinner or Saturday dinner or BOTH)

Saturday October 20, 2007:
0900 - Volunteers to help 46 display at Museaum
1100 hours - DEDICATION at The Carolinas Aviation Museum -
4108 Minuteman Way, Charlotte, NC 28208, 704-359-8442
1440 hours - Reception at Steamers Sports Pub
(10 Minutes from the Airport)
1513 Pierson Drive, Charlotte, NC
1800 hours - Cocktail Reception and dinner at the Renaissance. Please plan to attend this function as it is sponsored by those aforementioned foresighted folks who have made all this possible. The price of the dinner will be approximately $65.00 per person. This is also a pre-paid event. Use the link above to pay for this event by Oct. 10, 2007. (300 people maximum)

Sunday October 21, 2007:
Museum open all day.

THERE ARE TWO DINNERS THIS WEEKEND (Friday and Saturday). WE WOULD LIKE YOU TO ATTEND BOTH, BUT IF YOU CANNOT, PLEASE MAKE SURE YOU HAVE PRE-PAID FOR THE NIGHT YOU WANT. Thank You.

DIRECTIONS FROM DOUGLAS INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, CHARLOTTE, NC to STEAMERS SPORTS PUB
Head South, Slight left at RC Josh Birmingham Pkwy, Turn Right at Old Dowd Road, Turn Right at Boyer Street, Turn Right at Wilkinson Blvd, Continue on I-277 N, Take exit 2B to merge onto US-74 E toward Independence Blvd, Take the Pierson Dr exit, Turn right on Pierson Dr

Contacts:
merritt@fivepointscolumbia.com
duncmel@bellsouth.net
 

Semper Fi,
Wally "Bytes" Beddoe
Pop A Smoke Webmaster