A Legacy of Service: The Fifteenth Air Force Reunions
2024 marked the 80th Anniversary of the Battle of Normandy that led to the liberation of France and Europe and the close of WWII. The stories of WWII veterans are becoming harder to find as the surviving veterans are in their 90s or older and many have passed away.
Families from 99th Bomb Group (Photo credit: The Ultimate Image, Daniel Wasserman)
After WWII, veteran alumni organizations began to emerge, bringing together veterans who shared common interests and experiences. These groups formed around different armed services, squadrons, and battle groups. They would meet annually to socialize, enjoy speakers, and share memories.
Over time, some of these organizations merged. The Fifteenth Army Air Force is one of the associations that has welcomed all commands that worked together during WWII (the bomber-fighter wings, weather recon, air force service, and photo recon). Through this volunteer organization, veterans' children, grandchildren, and friends can meet and learn about their relatives' experiences during WWII. Most importantly, as our heroes pass on, we keep their memory alive by honoring them and retelling their stories.
The Fifteenth Army Air Force reunion last October was a memorable one. About 250 people attended and all shared stories, photos, memorabilia, and smiles as they honored those who fought for our freedom. I look forward to joining this living legacy at the next reunion in Rapid City, SD, September 25 to 28, 2025.
Barbara Evans Kinnear
Further Articles
Barbara (“Bobbie”) Evans Kinnear, daughter of Colonel Richard Ernest Evans, joins historian and author, James Holland, on his podcast, “We Have Ways of Making You Talk”