City, State: Ramona, CA Comments: I think Bill Wilemon is onto something. Most who served in VR-24 feel that they were lucky, though some of us were too young and 'green' to realize at the time just how lucky. Others may view their time in the squadron as just another time and place along the path through life, seldom thought of and rarely visited. Some who went on to other adventures may not, for one reason or another, care to keep the link to the past. I choose to believe those folks are a very small minority of the total community of former VR-24 squadron members. A number of folks have asked about the possibility of another reunion. One person has expressed interest in setting one up for 2012. Others have indicated their willingness to help, but not lead the effort. We can restart the annual reunions if enough people show interest; not only in attending, but a willingness to teamwork the effort to make it happen. I believe that the best way to promote future reunions is active participation in 'on-going and sustained' communication between former shipmates. If the term 'reunion' doesn't ring your bell, propose another. If the current VR-24 Guestbook isn't the right tool, suggest another, or changes to the one we have. I gather, from some Guestbook entries, that it has enabled many of you to regain contact with friends and shipmates. That's gratifying. Now, let's translate our virtual community into one where we periodically get together face-to-face. Reunions, may not be perfect, or for everyone, but for my money, they do have value far beyond simple nostalgia. Thanks again to Bill Wilemon for his post. I didn't mean this one to be as long as it is. As Jefferson is reported to have said, "I would have made it shorter but for the lack of time." I not only welcome, but encourage feedback. Dick Prather, VR-24 web manager
City, State: Piedmont, Alabama Comments: Hello again fellow shipmates. I see that there have been no entries since my last. That saddens me because VR-24 was the longest commissioned VR squadron in the history of the U.S. Navy. The time frame spanned about 4 eras of VR-24 home ports-Port Leyeute, Rota, Naples, and finally Sigonella. I want each of you to know that you are special. I know that I'm special, because I served with some of the best! We did a terrific job under some very adverse conditions. Just think about it! Would like to see us all grow close again because we are special. We were a very unique clan and we need to preserve our history by communicating more and seeing each other as often as we can. I've worn many "hats" during my career, but I'll have to say that VR-24 was my favorite. So come on folks, lets fan those embers and get some flames started! Even if you disagree with me---communicate!
City, State: Piedmont, Alabama Comments: Hello fellow shipmates. I was a C-1 crewman from '72-'75 in Naples. I, like a lot of the other shipmates who have posted comments here, think it was the best time I had in the Navy. It was hard work, dangerous, exciting, and the liberty was great! Especially Athens. I wish I could re-trace some of my footsteps from those days, but times have changed. The memories never will though! I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Pilots, whose professionalism and dedication made it possible for us to always get back home safely. I would also like to thank my fellow crewmen and all the support personnel, who made everything else happen as it should. And, last but certainly not least, I would like to thank Mr. Dick Prather, whose dedication to maintaining this website, made it possible for me to do this. Great Job, Dick! Would like to see the pilots and all the enlisted shipmates from the squadron get on here more often. I will welcome all emails. WOULD LOVE TO ATTEND A REUNION!
City, State: Pensacola, FL Comments: Just checking in; my Dad (John Naureckas) had two tours with VR-24.
City, State: Albany, NY Comments: Hi, I was in VR 24 from 59 to 61. I was a flight radioman AT2 during most of my tour. Best damn place I could have ever been assigned. I have many fond memories of Port Lyautey and I see some familar faces in the scrapbook pictures provided by Pete Owens, who I remember well.
City, State: Oklahoma City, OK Homepage URL: http://www.ocgi.okstate.edu/shpo/shpopic.asp?id=97000443 Comments: VRU-4/VR-24 R4D-6 BuNo 99856 IS STILL FLYING! A small piece of the proud history of VR-24 is still in the air. It is now the FAA's last DC-3 N34. If you see us at an airshow please come by and say hi.
City, State: Tucson, az Comments: Was in VR24 76-79. T39 aircrew worked in "the shack" Many good memories. Probably the best tour of my career. Would love to hear from anyone there during that time.
City, State: halifax ma.02338 Comments: i was in rota from 67-70 on flightskins if anybody remembers shoot me an e- mail
City, State: Norfolk, VA Comments: I was stationed in both VR-24 in Rita, Spain then VR-24 Sigonella, Sicily from 83-88 then back to Sig with HC-4 had a lot of great times and stayed in touch with many people just checked out some pics that my FB friends have of most of us back at sets and partys. We Are VR-24 stay in touch 757-955-4753
City, State: San Jose, CA Comments: Corresponding with Gerald McGinley and Dick Orsini about VR-24 Detachment in Naples, Italy 1953-1955 which became FASRON77. Also an Italian journalist who is doing a history of Capodichino airport there. Lots of recollections. Any other old Navy out there who were in Bella Napoli? |
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