1952 View (looking east) of the flight-line
       at the former Van Nuys ANGB

                                                       PRESIDENT’S NOTE

As we begin the year 2009 I would like to reflect on the purpose of our organization and how each of us may participate. 

The bylaws of the 146th Alumni Association state that the objectives of the corporation are to provide assistance to the 146th Wing, to provide a means to continue lasting friendships established while serving in the 146th Wing, and to maintain a communication link between the Alumni Association and the 146th Wing.  The bylaws further state that a person is qualified to become a corporation member if the person has served, or is serving in the 146th Wing.  A person may also be a surviving spouse of a former or current member of the Wing.  Although not specifically stated in the bylaws, it is accepted that the Alumni Association will assist in the preservation of the history and heritage of the 146th Wing.

I would like to suggest that there are numerous ways our members can support the Alumni Association:

  1. Actively recruit your fellow alumni who are not currently members of the Association and encourage your friends who are still serving in the Wing to become members of the Association.
     
  1. Support the activities of the Association by attending our luncheons [January and July] and our reunions [April and October].  These are great opportunities for fellowship.
     
  1. Support Wing activities such as Family Day and Christmas Parties when invited.
     
  1. Provide articles and stories for the newsletter.  Examples are C-97 flying stories contributed by Tom Connell and computer info by Henri Blits.  One of the main functions of the newsletter is to provide a forum for communication among Association members and we always need your input.
     
  1. Elect to receive the newsletter by email or download it directly off this web site.   This saves us on the costs of printing and postage, you get the information in a timely manner [as opposed to snail mail], and the pictures are in color [an added attraction].
     
  1. Donate memorabilia relevant to your service in the 146th Wing.
     
  1. Provide biographies of your military career to the Heritage Room [contact John Costello at j2john.f86@verizon.net ] and do a taped interview for the Veteran’s History Project [contact Dan Pemberton at dhpinto@aol.com ].  You are the only one that knows the details of your military service.
     
  1. Keep your dues current.  No organization can succeed without a solid financial basis.
     
  1. Serve on a committee or in a leadership capacity.  John and Chris Costello have maintained the Heritage Room for over 18 years. They have done a remarkable job but can always use additional help and will eventually need replacements.  As you can imagine, producing a newsletter on a regular basis is time consuming and we are always in need of articles, information, and expertise.
     
  1. Be sure to submit your vote during the annual Board of Directors election process.  Please give your vote some serious thought as the Board members elect the Association Officers and monitor their performance.  The Board of Directors is authorized to conduct the affairs of the corporation to include amending the bylaws.  They are your elected representatives and speak for you.  They are truly the heart of the organization.    

I have tried to suggest ways all of us can help to make the 146th Alumni Association a better organization.  One certainly does not have to live close to the base to participate in a meaningful way.  As you well know, any organization is only as strong as its members make it.  Please support your Alumni Association whenever possible in the coming year and into the future.
 

Dan Pemberton
President
146th Alumni Association