Last month we wrote a letter to the available list of email addresses. In it we made a suggestion for one gathering without regard to organizational labels, the time and place to be chosen by a committee headed by Bob Walker and John Rudy -- or by those chosen by each to represent them. Bob Walker, supported by his board, immediately agreed. John Rudy indicated his approval of the idea but did not commit -- nor did he decline.
Included below are many of the letters we received about the proposal from members of both groups. There were no negative responses.
One -- and only one -- declined to consider any future gatherings -- having given up entirely on membership in either group.
We did receive several inquiries asking what the feud was about.
Part of the initial letter is included below.
The Reunion in Colorado is upcoming this month and we hope that the proposal will be considered.
We also encourage you to read at least some of the attached notes paying particular attention to the last two.
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ORIGINAL LETTER
The suggestion has come in from many directions -- To set a date and a place and EVERYBODY come. No sponsorship by any one group. No meetings. Just a gathering of those who remember. Those who want to come, come. Those who do not want to, stay home.
Both groups use the same list of people; both groups have members who belong to one group one year and the other the next. Fully 80% have no idea why there are two groups in the first place or have heard the story from just one point of view. It is past time to bury any feud or to confine it to those who cling to the memory. There is very little time left to most of us to remember those days. We think it is time to move on.
For that reason, we would like to propose that JOHN RUDY and BOB WALKER TOGETHER plan the date and place for a gathering. If these men agree, plans could commence immediately. If they do not, each could ask others to be on a committee to sponsor this gathering.
Branson is a popular destination as being fairly central and relatively inexpensive.
We ask that those who will meet in Colorado Springs thoughtfully consider this suggestion and those who will not be attending a gathering to notify their representatives of their wishes.
This will be our final effort on behalf of the Texas Towers. We have hoped and worked for five years to get the problems solved so friends could meet in peace.
Only the members of both groups can say whether this is a reasonable approach or not.
In any case, we wish all of you fair winds and following seas.
SJ and Jane Shaffran
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LETTERS
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We think the proposals in your letter are great and, God willing, we will be at Branson or any other location decided upon. Thank you for working so diligently on re-uniting both groups into one, as they should be.
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I ENJOYED THE WRITE-UP YOU SENT. I AGREE WITH THE WRITE-UP, AND, WOULD LIKE TO SEE BOTH ASSOCIATIONS GET TOGETHER AS ONE UNIT. WE'RE GETTING THIN IN OUR RANKS, AND TO SEE EVERYBODY AT ONE TIME WOULD BE GREAT.
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Hi S.J.& Jane,
That was a nice letter you two composed and sent out.
... It was a very nice way to reach out to the other group. It's up to everyone to make up their own mind.
I can't wait to hear the reactions.
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Good Morning to you Two. Your letter is an excellent approach to a delicate situation. I think it will work. As you stated "If you want to come, come, if not, stay home".
Hopefully it will evolve into one association, as it should be. Branson is a good choice, particularly for the reasons you mentioned. ...Excellent idea. Branson sounds good. God bless you for your efforts on behalf of all of us.
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Hi,
A very well thought out and stated letter. I belong to both, Ken Taylor and Don Abbott are good friends of mine. I can't get to most of there reunions ..., but we did make it to Branson in '03. ... I think John Rudy is an excellent choice to help work out the details. Take care, God bless.
TT-3 9/57-4/59
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HELLO THIS IS THE BEST SUGGESTION I HAVE HEARD FROM ANY OF THE GROUPS OR ANYONE IN ANY OF THE GROUPS. THIS SHOWS CONCERN FOR ALL OF THE TROOPS THAT ARE PART OF THE GROUPS AND THE MISSION THEY SERVED AS CIVILIAN OR AIR FORCE MEMBERS.
THE LOCATION SUGGESTED IS AN EXCELLENT SPOT AND A FUN PLACE TO GET TOGETHER.
WE WERE ONCE A PART OF AN AIR FORCE COMMON SQUADRON WHY CANT THAT STILL BE THE CASE? COME ON GET THAT FORMER BOND WORKING AND MAKE IT HAPPEN!
THANK YOU FOR YOUR EFFORTS TO BE A UNIT AS BEFORE! TT4 & TT2.1957 TO 1959.
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This sounds like a good plan, [We] joined after the trouble so I know that there are people he would like to see/meet in the other group. It is time everyone acted as adults. Everyone is getting older and we are losing members. Let us have at least one really, really well attended reunion. No business meetings, dues etc. Just getting together. Trips and activities good and night to share memories. Tower Two.
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I concur...without reservations. Anyone can make gross errors in communicating with others, ane it takes a BIG person to acknowledge mistakes which have hurt others, and to make amends. TT4 58-60 __________________________________
TT-2. I don't get to your meetings (only one) but I hope to stay in the loop. I have a full time business that keeps me away from your meetings and other interests. However, I would like to say that I agree with your suggestions. We are all brothers of the Texas Towers and should stay together, play together and pray together. I have a son in Afghanistan who is a grandfather fighting for us, and it would be ashamed for me to tell him that we can't, as past military, can't be together when he and thousands are together. Let's bury the past misgivings and look for a grand future for Texas Tower veterans, families and may God bless those who have gone before us. I loved the Texas Towers and all the men who served on them. It was one of the highlights of my Air Force career. I will keep that memory always. Texas Tower Two, Medic, 1957-1959.
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I have no problem with this but with this reservation. If any members of either group start bickering or politicking, I think the rest of the members should eject them.
I think this could be made into a fun outfit. When it ceases to be fun or the politicking starts, I am > through with the whole mess.