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December 31, 2011

Greeting Guys and Gals,

Here we are on the last day of 2011. So much has happened in the past 10 years, since our first reunion. On November 30, 2000 I found the Bentwaters site of Linn Barranger and left a message. About a year later, Steve Gunderson found my message and contacted me. A few weeks later I heard from Larry Orazum. It took another six months and I got an E-mail; "You found Stick".

After talking by E-mail and on the phone, Steve, Stick, and myself decided we would get together for a weekend. With Steve in Wisconsin and me in Kentucky, Stick in Mishawaka, Indiana was the central point. We set a date in August 2002. I really need to give credit to Steve and Stick who went to work looking for other guys. Well they found Dean and he found Larry. Then they found Tiller who found Zig and Ben. This just kept getting bigger and bigger. By the time we met we had 10 guys. It really snow balled from there. I honestly thought it would be a one and done. Debbie and I had so much fun we decided to invite everyone to Kentucky in 2003. The group grew and even had Harry Nye drive in from Utah. Well in 2004 Ray and Jane had us, 2005 Lewis and Janet, 2006 Paul " Ski " and Barb.

Well after the first in Indiana, the South took over with Kentucky, Georgia twice, and Mississippi. Then we headed back north with Erv and Carolyn in 2007, Richard and Shelley in 2008, Larry and Jeanne and Co Host Dean and Pat in 2009, John and Christina in 2010, Larry and Bernie with Co Host Steve in 2011. We will be gathering again in 2012 thanks to Mike and Eileen Nissley. I don't think anyone can honestly say they thought this would last this long.

In the past 10 years we have located and have a address, phone number, or e-mail address for 52 buds. We have had 34 attend at least one reunion. They represent 20 different states. We have had 3 buds pass away, Jim Tiller, Warren Chamura, and Pops McPartland. Two of our buds lost their wives. Several of the buds and wives have lost their parents. We have had two marriages. Some have become grandparents for the first time and other have added to their list of grandchildren. Some have moved to new locations and jobs and others have retired. The economy has hurt some. Through it all our group has stayed together and continued to grow.

If I remember correctly the first time a heard the phrase " BENTWATERS BUDS " it was from Jim Tiller in 2002. He always reminded us to keep finding more buds. Here is hoping and praying that 2012 will be the best year ever for our group, their extended families, and our country.

HAPPY NEW YEAR.
Gary and Debbie Roberts

October 10, 2011

BUDS,

The 2012 Reunion will be Sept. 07,08. We have reserved 25 rooms for 09/07 and 09/08 at the Hampton Inn Shrewsbury, PA. and our group code BWB under the name BENTERWATER BUDS. You may book your room by calling the hotel directly at 717-235-9898 or on-line at www.shrewsbury.hamptoninn.com. The rooms will be non smoking with Double Queen and King size beds. Any rooms not reserved by August 7, 2012 will be released from the block. The total rate per night is $83.93 and the Inn is located at the Shrewsbury Exit off I 83, about 5 country miles from our home. Check-in time is 3:00pm or later with check-out time at 11:00am. Hope to see next year. TTFN

Mike & Eileen Nissley
3448 Millers School Rd.
Felton, Pa. 17322
Ph. 717-246-3771

Hampton Inn Shrewsbury
1000 Far Hills Drive
New Freedom, Pa 17349
Ph. 717-235-9898

August 29, 2011

Hello Buds,
Every year we push to get at least one more new bud to attend. This year we not only broke the attendance record, it was completely SHATTERED. I thought location was the reason, but I was wrong. It was our HOST, HOSTESS, and CO-HOST. They put on a reunion that would be hard to beat by any group any where. The reunion was held in Menasha, Wi. by Larry and Bernie Kuepper and Co-host Steve Gunderson. They have a beautiful home but are also about to complete the construction of a new home.

The reunion started Friday afternoon and proceeded into Friday evening as the Buds and Wives arrived. There was plenty of liquid refreshment and it took 3 tables to set up all the food. There were several snack items, complete with the great Wisconsin Cheese, hamburgers, brats, fresh corn on the cob, baked beans, potato salad, and on and on. I know we all gained a pound or two.

We were back Saturday morning for a light breakfast of fresh fruit and bakery items along with plenty of hot coffee. We all departed around 10:30 for side trips. The ladies were treated to a tour of the Harry Houdini Museum and the fellows to the EAA museum. The ladies also stopped by Larry and Bernie's new home. We were back at the Kueppers around 3:30. There was an exchange of gifts among several of the ladies. Several of the Buds also brought items to distribute as a remembrance of REUNION 2011. Larry and Bernie presented the fellows with a very nice Bentwaters Shirt. There was the usual picture taking before dinner. Before dinner the BUDS gathered as a group and drank a toast to Robert " Pops " McPartland. Pops was at reunion 2010 and had planned to attend this year. God needed him more than we did, but we deeply miss him. We also took a moment to cheer our departed buds: George Tarpley, Randy Baisch, Dave Boroff, Jim Tiller, and Warren Chamura.

Speaking of Dinner, WOW! Grilled filet mignon, baked fish, corn on the cob, baked potatoes and much, much more. Bernie had called in the reinforcements. Her Sister Brenda Sheahan along with Brenda's husband Bob and their son Manual helped pull this off. I know I also saw Ron Novack and Paul Kuzinski manning grills. Several volunteered for KP. I cannot remember everyone that helped, but I saw Stick bussing tables and Louis Poley washing dishes. At the conclusion of dinner we gave a BIG group THANK YOU to the Host, Hostess, Co-Host and the Sheahan family for all the hard work. We had our usual announcements and the passing of the "STAFF" from Larry, Bernie, and Steve to Mike and Eileen Nissley who will host reunion 2012 in Felton, Pa.

Those in attendance were: Larry and Jeanne Bourque, Ben Boyd, Dean and Pat Burgstahler, Steve Gunderson, John and Chris Hoover, Larry and Bernie Kuepper, Paul and Barbara Kuzinski, Rick and Brenda Lawrence, Jim and Joann Legg, Chuck Levine, Mike and Eileen Nissley, Ron and Bonnie Novack, Dick and Shelly Peach, Lewis and Janet Poley, Dave Redetzke with Pat Beldo, Gary and Debbie Roberts, Ron Robertson, Gary and Ann Scheig, John Urbank, Dean and Martha Varner, Ray and Jane Zeigler, and Erv and Carolyn Zimmerman. We also had special guest Janet Saul who had worked at the Bentwaters Service clubs as well as The Running Buck. We had a total of 22 Buds and 18 ladies. 5 of the Buds were first timers. We now havea total of 34 Buds from 20 different states who have attended at least one reunion. I mentioned to a few that I believed this year we had peaked, I sincerely hope I am proved wrong.

One thing Larry Kuepper said Saturday night really hit home with me. He said Bernie was responsible for 85% of the work. Larry, I think you are wrong. I know from my experience with reunion #2 the wives percentage is much higher. We have the reunions because of our time together in the Air Force, they are made possible because of our wives, other family members, and neighbors that have worked to make it happen. Can we ever thank them enough?

As usual, our WEBMASTER, Erv Zimmerman had pictures posted on bwbuds.org web site before he left Appleton. I cannot say enough good things about Erv and his dedication. I hope everyone gives him a thank you.

Mike and Eileen have already started collecting " Road Kill " for next year, so we can expect another exciting time.

God Bless Everyone.
Gary

August 1, 2011

Hello Buds,
Plans are shaping up nicely and we are looking forward to seeing everyone again. We've put together a tentative itinerary and directions from the hotel to the house For those driving from the south, Highway 41 is the main highway between Milwaukee & Green Bay. If you have any problems opening the document, let us know....

Larry, Bernie & Rocky!

July 31, 2011

Hi Buds
Four weeks from today it will all be over. Please don't miss your chance to attend the largest gathering of Bentwaters Buds that we have had yet. Attending will be: Kuepper, Gunderson, Kuzinski, Hoover, Poley, Lawrence, Roberts, Zimmerman, Peach, Novack, Burgstahler, Zeigler, Nissley, Urbank, Bourque, Boyd, and for the first time: Charlie Levine, Ron Robertson, Terry Hart and Gary Scheig. That brings the totals to 20 guys and 17 ladies. Dean and Martha Varner are still on the hopeful list as are Jim and Joann Legg. Dave Redetzke is still a possible. Still hoping to hear from several more. Hopf? Jeanneret? Krasula? Martin? Orazem? Seymour? Wismer, Wotring? Please remember the block of rooms will only be held until August 12th. Here again is the official announcement.

Gary

July 22, 2011

Buds,
As of today we have 18 men and 15 women coming. Three of the men have not said if their wife is coming or not. I am still waiting on a decision from Dean and Martha Varner. Jim and Joann Legg are trying to work it out and should know by Aug. 12th. The regrets I have are from Phil Rouviere, Rick Jacobson, Ron Petrosky, and Richard Clark. Stick informed me Steve Ketchale would be out of the country those dates. Has anyone called Terry Hart? He is only about 70 minutes from the reunion site. Norm Krasula lives in Temperance, Mi (734-847-6026) and has no e-mail. The e-mail address we have for Carrol (Gene) Jeanneret is no good. I appreciate everyone that has been working to make this the biggest yet. See January 24, 2011 message below for official announcement. We are only 35 days away.

Gary

July 4, 2011

Hi Buds
I just wanted to get a short note out to let everyone know things are still on track for the 2011 reunion. The ice went out on the rivers last week and most of the snow is gone so we should be in good shape for the reunion. We have a few details to finalize yet but the plan is to have a cookout here at the house Friday night, all are welcome, and meet again at the house about 9 AM or so, then we load up and drive down to the experimental aircraft assoc. museum in Oshkosh by 11AM until 2PM. Bernie has several interesting sites lined up for the lady Buds such as the Harry Houdini museum in Appleton, this remains to be finalized yet. We all return to the house for HAPPY HOUR and hopefully a good meal and corn roast. Ski has graciously agreed to help Rocky, Bernie and I with the cooking so we have someone to share the blame if the meal is less than expected. Thank you Paul. Sometime around the first of Aug or a little latter we will send out a map with detailed directions and a final confirmation of the itinerary . Looking forward to seeing you all in a few weeks;

Larry

January 24, 2011

BUDS,
We have set August 26th & 27th for the reunion. After a little hassle with the Packer schedule, we were able to lock in a block of rooms at the Hampton Inn in Appleton for $81.00 plus tax. The location is ideal..... about a mile from the Outagamie County airport for those flying in and near Highway 41 for those driving in. The hotel is about 4 miles from the house.

We have a trip to the Experimental Aircraft Association Museum in Oshkosh planned for the guys and we're working on a few ideas for the girls.

I talked to Rocky last week and we have a few ideas for the food. I've been shopping around; trying to get a deal on a couple of cases of Dinty Moore beef stew but haven't had much luck so you may have to settle for barbecue and sweet corn or something.

The hotel will hold the rooms until August 12th and the rooms are reserved under the name BENTWATERS BUDS.

HAMPTON INN 350 FOX RIVER DRIVE APPLETON, WI 54913 PH 920-954-9211 FAX 920-954-6514

More to come.....
Larry & Bernie

August 9, 2010

Fellow airmen and ladies,

It was GREAT! The only regret, it went so fast. The 2010 reunion was hosted by John ( Bomber ) and Christina Urbank at their home in beautiful Rocky River, Ohio. Located only three blocks from Lake Erie, their beautiful home is shaded by several large trees, with an English flower garden in front. Debbie and I stopped at a couple parks along the lake on the way to their home to walk out on a pier and explore a beach area. We had been to Cleveland before, but if you miss Rocky River, you miss a lot of the area's beauty.

John and Christina went all out with a cookout Friday night and a barbeque Saturday evening. Pork Loin, potatoes, corn on the cob, assorted salads, deserts, what a feast. With all the work involved they brought in help. Daughter Janet Luru, grand daughters Gelien and Shirley Langford, and foreign exchange student Julia Mertens. Richard and Shelly Peach arrived a couple days early to give them a hand. Paul Kuzinski and Ron Novak pitched in to help man the grill. Thank you everyone for making 2010 a success.

Saturday afternoon the ladies departed for lunch and a tour of Cleveland on the Lolly the Trolley. They had a terrific time and a very nice lunch. The men were treated to a tour of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Everyone had a great time before returning to the Urbank's for dinner and party.

This year we had 16 men and 12 ladies attend. That ties the record and we did have one new person attend. Steve Seymour was there and promised to be back. Those in attendance were: Larry and Jeanne Bourque, Dean and Pat Burgstahler, Steve Gunderson ( This may be a first, ROCKY paid a visit to ROCKY ), John and Chris Hoover, Larry and Bernie Kuepper, Paul Kuzinski, Pops McPartland and son Patrick, Mike and Eileen Nissley, Ron and Bonnie Novak, Dick and Shelly Peach, Gary and Debbie Roberts, Steve Seymour, John and Christina Urbank, Dean and Martha Varner, Ray and Jane Zeigler, and Erv and Carolyn Zimmerman.

As usual, our WEBMASTER, Erv Zimmerman had pictures posted on http://bwbuds.org/ before we returned home. Erv and Carolyn had to leave early to attend a family wedding. If someone would send Erv the group and couples pictures taken after his departure, I am sure he will post them also. Erv, where would we be without you? You have one terrific site, on behalf of everyone, thank you very much.

As I announced Saturday night, Larry and Bernie Kuepper (The newly weds) have stepped forward to host reunion # 10 in Wisconsin. Since they each still own a house, I will just say in the Appleton, Wisconsin area. Exact location to be announced. They will be assisted by Co-HOST Steve Gunderson. They are looking at September 2011, but are open to suggestions. That was Saturday night. During breakfast Sunday morning, Mike and Eileen Nissley have committed for 2012. As always, this is a long way off and things happen, so things could change.

Again, for those that were there you know what a great time we had, for those absent, there is next year.

Gary

June 5, 2010

Hi Guys and Gals,

We are only 9 short weeks away from reunion #9. Several people have already committed and John and Christina Urbank are busy getting things ready. Here, again, is the information you need for reservations at the Holiday Inn. The reunion is August 6-9 in Rocky River, Ohio. The rooms are under the name Bentwaters Buds. Please, lets make all of John and Christina's hard work worth it, with our biggest attendance yet.

Gary

Hi Guys,

August is creeping up on us. Christina and I have been shopping for hotels. We have picked the Holiday Inn Westlake as the nicest and most reasonable. They are offering $84.00 +tax per night. It is located about 5 minutes from our house. It is right off of interstate 90 just two exits away. It has and indoor pool, restaurant and bar. Let us know who will be checking and we will get the contract set up. There is a three week automatic cut off before the date

Here is the address:: Holiday Inn Westlake
1100 Crocker Road
Westlake Ohio 44145
Tel 440-617-2361
Fax 440-871-7910
Our address is: 19490 Battersea Blvd.
Rocky River
Ohio 44116

Best Regards,
John and Christina

January 11, 2010

Buds,

Happy New Year to all. Here's hoping 2010 is a good one. Christina and I would like to make the date for the reunion the 7th of August. I guess it should be actually the 6th thru the 8th of August to be correct. We hope this date will work for everyone.

Best Regards,
John and Christina

January 11, 2010

Buds,

Happy New Year to everyone. This is the information we have been waiting for!

I am sure John and Christina will have more information coming such as Motels, etc. but we have a date set. From the E-mails and phone calls I have received I know people needed to schedule time off from work and family vacations. For those flying into Cleveland it is also cheaper to get tickets well in advance. I hope to have the biggest group yet. We had two new guys last year and I am still pushing for Petrosky and Levine, whom have both showed interest. Remember, John and Christina live in Rocky River, Ohio which is outside of Cleveland. I hope everyone has a great 2010, Debbie and I are looking forward to seeing everyone.

Gary

August 24, 2009

Buds,

For all that were there, you know what a great time we had. For those that were not, there is next year.

This year's reunion in Greene, NY at the home of Larry and Jeanne Bourque, co-hosted by Dean and Pat Burgstahler. Dean and Pat arrived a couple days early to help Larry and Jeanne prepare for the event held in a beautiful, seven acre country setting. Friday evening we had a deer walk through the yard while we were there. Larry and Jeanne also called in reinforcements in the form of their daughters Sheri and Rhonda and son in law David. A big thank you to all seven that were involved in pulling this off.

Two weeks ago we were worried about a light attendance, but several surprises pushed the attendance to 27. Those in attendance were: Larry and Jeanne Bourque, Dean and Pat Burgstahler, John and Chris Hoover, Rick Jacobsen ( Jake ), Larry Kuepper and lady friend Bernie Breight, Rick and Brenda Lawrence, Mike Nissley, Ron and Bonnie Novak, Dick and Shelley Peach, Lewis and Janet Poley, Gary and Debbie Roberts, John ( Bomber ) and Christina Urbank, Dean and Martha Varner, Jane Zeigler, and Erv and Carolyn Zimmerman. A big thanks to our WEBMASTER, Erv Zimmerman, for our great web site where he has already posted pictures from this years reunion:.

The initial gathering was Friday evening for dinner and getting reacquainted. We were then back Saturday morning for more friendship. For Jake and Dean Varner, this was the first time they had seen the guys in 40 years. The ladies departed at 1100 for a trip to Cooperstown where a lunch and site seeing was planned. They had a buffet lunch at the beautiful OTESAGA RESORT in Cooperstown. The Airmen were treated to a tour of a Classic Car Museum in Norwich, NY. We all returned to the Bourque's for more refreshments and dinner. If you went away hungry it was your own fault.

There was picture taking and exchanging of gifts. Many of the ladies have put together crafts and other tokens of friendship for everyone. Paul and Barb Kuzinski were not able to attend, but contributed to the event. Paul called, but our location caused the call to be dropped three times. Paul and Barb had sent shirts to distribute to everyone. Thank you Paul and Barb. I came away with shirts, hats, coffee cups, pens, paper weights, friendship flag pins, magnets, stickers, etc. A big thank you to everyone for the gifts.

A side note: Just to show the friendships that have been built, Jane Zeigler attended without Ray. As many of you may know, the plant where Ray works suffered an explosion over a year ago. They are just now starting to get back to normal operations and Ray is a big part in getting it back to normal. Thus, he was unable to attend. Jane was visiting relatives about 5 hours from Greene and decided to attend to see her many Bentwaters Friends. Thank you Jane and next year I am sure Ray will be able to attend also.Guys, I think we need to watch this as some of the ladies were talking of continuing the reunions without us.

Speaking of next year, as I said last year, WE AREN'T DONE YET. Bomber and Christine Urbank have agreed to host next year in Rocky River, Ohio, just outside of Cleveland. We are already looking forward to a good time there. Saturday night I was approached by another airman who told me the he and his wife are in the planning stages as possible host. We won't release the name yet, but it's great to see this grow and so many people take part.

As Jim Tiller said, " Keep finding more Buds. "

Gary Roberts

August 14, 2009

Buds,

The 2009 Buds Reunion is fast approaching. I thought I would send a little information on things you may or may not see at or on the way to this years reunion courtesy of the hills in NY.

There are deer all over the hill out here. They come into our yard to eat apples (and some of our shrubs). We have had beaver in our pond from time to time. There is a groundhog living across the street. Turkey wander through the yard and fields in the area. An occasional rabbit or two drop buy to also see what we may have planted that they can munch on.

We have various types of birds around here. We have the common blackbirds, crows, starlings, robins, blue jays etc, There are a number of red-winged blackbirds that come around in the morning and evening. We also have various types of hawks and a couple types of eagle including bald eagles. Turkey vultures can also be seen soaring the skies overhead. We have bluebirds (NY state bird) and a number of woodpecker varieties. Northern Flicker is a wood pecker that spends a lot of its time on the ground eating ants & small insects. It has a red heart shape marking on the back of its head. We have some cardinals living in our hedges along with other birds. Blue heron stop by the pond with mallard ducks and Canadian geese. Hummingbirds zip in & out for a drink. There are just to many different birds to name them all.

Within a half mile of here there is a farm that has a camel, alpaca's, and floppy eared goats. At the top of the hill on the main road is a riding stable/horse farm.

Larry Bourque