Today TAG General Landreneau, Col. Pugh and Sherrie Pugh presented our group with a plaque in honor of our effort helping the Museum recover from the ravages of Katrina; congratulations to all.

   That was the good news. The bad news is that our Agnes and Clark are moving to Santa Fe, Nm. at the end of this month. They will be greatly missed and we hope they will visit us once in a while.

   After the presentation we had our hot dogs, chilly and jalapenos; They are actually beginning to taste pretty good, just watch out for the afterburner. We then started on the "Raven" and the paint is buffing out very well.

   The four large and the two small tool boxes the 159th donated will really help us as they are structural tools and we will need them in recovering the planes in the park. We give our many thanks to CM/Sgt Randy Volpe of the 159th Fighter Squadron.

Dave Harrell

   We had to move several museum artifacts out of our bay. Stan had moved them there for safe keeping during Hurricane Ike.

   Raven: Clark and Art Bancroft were working on the Raven and Alberti worked on the instrument panel. Joe worked on the large bead blaster getting it ready for restart operations.

   We installed our new belt/disk sander and actually used our new slings to move the Sparrow Missile, didn't drop a thing. The Sparrow original markings were taped to save authenticity and primed. With the new slings it is much easier to handle things.

   Art, Charlie and I worked on the suu-16/A mount trolly undercoating the wood to preserve it.

   Brenda and Agnes have been waiting for Stan to un-package the rapid move boxes that he filled in case Ike required it.-----Dave

   Raven: Joe, Art Bancroft, Phil Von Dullen and Buddy were working on the interrior and engine mounts. Phil, Joe, Charlie worked on the seats and putting the rotor controls back on. Joe is working on the red bead blaster.

   The muzzle loader cannon has been final coated and moved to the "Museum". Another project completed.

   For those of you that haven't been to the Barracks lately you will be very surprised at the amount of construction that has been done in the last several months.

   Stan has foumd another "toy" for us to play with. It is a anti-tank gun, a 3" anti-aircraft cannon mounted on a 105 Howitzer Chassis. We were able to get it functioning in azimuth and vertical with lots of kroil and long cheater bars.

   I have purchased a descaler for removing heavy paint and rust along with many other uses, it is not as messy as sandblasting.

   We also put a trial coat of paint on the 8" missile to see if it was compatible with its original and found out it is but needs a little more sanding and scratch filling.-----Dave

   Raven: Joe, Art Bancroft, Phil VonDullen, Buddy and Clark worked on the enterrior and engine mounts. Phil, Joe Charlie and Dave worked on the seats and putting the rotor controls back on. Anselm is working on recovering the seat cushions at his home.

   SUU-16/A Gatlin Gun: Just three more pieces to clean up and then we start assembly. We painted the enterrior of the mid section and started reassembly of the conveyor to the housing, only dropped once this time when the lift hook came undone.

   Mule: Charlie and Art B. worked on setting the brakes and other detailing. We are still in the dark on the 106MM cannon requested for installation....Still.

   Agness, Brenda, Jane and Charlie assisted Stan in section C, the old museum, in removing the gun casses from the second floor and placing them in Bldg.56.

    We need volunteers; any suggestions besides the ongoing add in the Gambit which incedintaly gave us Jane.....Dave

   Raven: Joe and Art Bancroft were working on the instrument panel and engine mounts.

   Work is ongoing on the SU-16 Gatling gun but we were a little short handed.

   Chappy, Charlie and Art B were correcting the mule engine timing, it checked out at 25mph.

The bricks have all been removed from the ground and are on a pallet near the A-26 waiting for the new concrete road to cure so we can drive on it to the site.

Our ladies worked with Stan on Tuesday with 28 other angel friends of the museum so they did not work with us on Wednesday.-----Dave

   Raven: After removing the rotor, most of the transmission bolts and the tail rotor drive shaft it was decided that we should just bondo the adaptor housing and glass over it. The shaft, reducer and all internals are frozen and will not go anywhere.

   Work is ongoing on the SUU-16 Gatling Gun but we were a little short handed so we used all our crew on that.

   Chappy was driving the mule around today, fortunately Gen. Donner wasn't around or Chappy would have lost his ride.

   We need to tighten up our work method a little and start keeping as neat a work area as possible and returning the tools to their proper storage when finished.-----Dave

   The Hiller helicopter was moved into the bay for restoration. This was in spite of the fact that the wheel dollies were installed backwards. This located the SG fulcrum about a foot more forward and made it a little tail heavy. Also the hydraulic lines from the pump to the cylinders are SAE fittings and require an "O" ring seal which I will bring to the next work session.

Work is still on-going on the on the SUU-16 Gatling gun and the AIM Rocket but has been delayed by other activity. Mysteriously a sidewinder rocket made its way onto our AIM rocket work table. I think it wants to be sanded and painted too, or that it was lonely.

The sand blasting area has been re-vamped into the bay adjoining ours to facilitate sand blasting on the Renault WWII tank. Stan had provided the sand but the coarse sand plugged the nozzle. The fine sand works but we made one big mess in the bay and it took quite a lot of cleanup.

When Chappy and crew are finished the second mule we will pull the Renault tank engine and let him fix that.

The PX now has a better selection of sandwiches and ice cream BUT!!! They ran out of both on this day.----Dave

   The Hiller Helicopter cleaned up pretty good with a lot of elbow grease from Art Bancroft, Alberti, Charlie, Ernie and Buddy. A Western Gear Housing has been located and may be donated by the factory. We should bring the Hiller into the bay for restoration next week.

   Work is ongoing on the SUU-16 Gatling gun and the AIM rocket but has been delayed by other activity.

   The sandblasting area has been revamped and we will place a tarp for shade and protection of the Historic Brick Wall.

   The mule is now running great and pull-starts pretty easy. Believe it or not we dragged a second mule into our work area for restoration. Looks like Chappy and crew have a lifetime of work. Not too sure if it is for static display or operational. If operational we will have the world's largest fleet of running mules when completed.

   We spent a lot of time relocating the the '26 nose and placing "borrowed" support cinder blocks. After finalization of it's position, we decided to re-locate it and rotate it 90deg.

   We devised a system with the forklift's stinger attachment that allowed us to place one of the muzzle loading cannon over the connex. It was not scarry unless you opened your eyes and looked.!!!----Dave

   We moved the Hiller Helicopter to the area where the Cobra was parked on the side of the building, once there we started cleaning it and will move it into our bay for restoration.

    Work is on-going on the SUU Gatling Gun.

   The new sand blaster was placed in service by Art Bancroft and Art Alberti on a Civil War cannon. It works great but uses lots of sand.

   The mule is now running and starts with pull starter. By a strange quirk of fate Gen. Downer was walking past our Bay to the PX and stopped to chat. Ultimately he wound up driving the mule and really enjoyed it.

   Art and Ernie worked the bead blasters on tools and SUU-16 parts.

   The PX now has a better choice of sandwiches and also ice cream,

   The request for reimbursement for our recent equipment was given to Stan who will deliver it to Sherrie Pugh this week end at Camp Boureguard.

   Work was started on the restoration of one of the JBMM rockets. We will be doing this type of restoration for a while for JBMM.----Dave

   There were fourteen members present today. Base commander Col. Radcliff paid a visit to make plans to move the Hiller helicopter to the shop. We will stabilize it and begin restoration work. The mule crew discovered that the engine had a bent push rod and stuck valve. The problem was fixed and it is now running. Jane began work on the base for the SUU/16/A. Work continues on the Sparrow missile in preparation for painting. Harmon Fischer's ceremonial flag now rests on a mantel below the prop.-----Tom

   There were ten members present today. It was a fun day; there was much camaraderie. We had coffee, donuts, angel food cake and discussed plans for our future. We continued to work on the rocket and tried to start the mule. Mules, the animals, have a reputation for being stubborn and this mechanical one seems to be the same. Agnes and Brenda gave it a good try but had no more success than the men. Oh well! We'll try again next week.-----Tom

   There were eleven members and Stan present today. We welcomed a new volunteer, Jane Swaffield. Jane hails from England and is presently a RN at Touro.

   We learned that we won't be getting the jeeps just yet. We worked on the mule and had it ready to start to learn that we didn't have any fuel. Ernie and I finished the "cup board" but we're not quite satisfied with the emblem; we will probably re-do it. Work continued on the SUU-1A Gatlin Gun and we began re-restoring one of the JBMM rockets. We will be doing this sort of restoration for a while.-----Tom

   There were only seven members present today but it was a very special day. Harmon Fischer's lawyer came by and brought Harmon's ashes, the flag that draped his casket and as per his instructions, a case of beer. He wanted us to have a party to celebrate his life but since we can't drink on the base we had a ceremony to honor him. Harmon had no blood relatives and considered us his family. It is an honor to have known and worked with him. He will be missed by all.---Tom

   There were twelve members and Stan present today. It was a good work day and we made good progress. We finished our motto/banner and mounted it on the wall under the prop. We're almost finished with the cup board. We have to add more pegs and the logo. We towed the mule around to get the oil flowing but it failed to start. After we got it back inside we checked it over and were able to get it started with the pull starter. It ran for a while but the fuel mixture was very rich; Just a few adjustments will fix that.----Tom

   Our first workday of the new year got off to a good start. There were eleven members and Stan Amerski present. We put our logo on the prop hub thus finishing that project. We did some more work on the Mule which is nearing completion, we should be ready to fire it up soon. Dave did some painting on parts for the SUU-16-A, it is about ready for assembly. Ernie is working on the peg-board to hold our coffee cups.
   We didn't have a "formal" meeting but we did discuss with Stan the future of our unit. Although there are still many questions we are looking forward with great expectations and invite all members and anyone who might be interested to join us.----Tom

   Attendees; Art Alberti, Joe Douvillier. Buddy and Maxine Gossom, Tom and Lou Isbell, Dave Harrell, Anthony Trapani, Phil VonDullen and Anselm Wetzka.    This was a very small turnout more than likely due to everyone having to travel and other family matters. Items discussed were the jeeps, progress on the mule, and SUU-16-A and the prop hanging. Tom is making the 122nd/JBMM patch to place on the hub. It looks like we are going to go forward from here out and should be looking at the stabilization of the jeeps and mounting the 105 recoilless rifle.

   Our next meeting is at JBMM on 9 January, 2008. Till then-----

   There were ten members present today. It was cold enough to light the heater to take the chill off.

   Both bead blasters are working now, each one tied to a separate air compressor. The propeller that was in building 207 has been repaired and is now hanging in building 56. We will put our emblem on it when we meet in January.

   We have been informed that we have been awarded two jeeps to stabilize. Stan Amerski has requested the necessary tools to do the job.

   Work on the mule is progressing. It looks as if it is about 90% complete.

   We are making progress on the SUU-16A since we have the bead blasters. We are still hoping for a real M-61 20mm Gatlin Gun, that would look very good.

   Stan has asked us to sandblast and paint a few of the old cannon from the park.

   Our coffee cups have been salvaged and we will make a new peg board to be mounted in the bay.

   As you can see we have many projects ahead of us. We still have deal with all the aircraft in the air park. We are going to need all the help we can get so we hope to see everyone turn out in 2008.----Tom and Dave

   Today we had three special guests, Sherrie and John Pugh and Matt Isbell and they certainly are welcome. Tom's son Matt is in from Washington State for the air show. He, like his dad, is quite a worker. Thanks for pitching in Matt.

   There was more discussion on our relocation of the air park static displays and now it is perfectly clear that nothing is clear yet.

   The request to Senator Ken Hollis for an annual support grant of $3000.00 to $5000.00 was mailed 10-23-07. If we get negative results there we will send the request to Lt. Gov. Landrieu. If this doesn't produce results then we will go to Gov. Jindell next year.

   It was almost cold enough to light the heater but closing the roll-ups worked OK.

   Next week we will try the food at the PX instead of sending out. They have hot dogs and burgers at $2.00 each.-----Dave

   There were ten members and Stan present today. We had the pleasure of a visit by Richard Moran. Richard is the Curator of the La. Maneuvers and Military Museum (LMMN) at Camp Beauregard La.
We accomplished a lot today. We worked on the bead blaster, installed the engine in the Mule, moved some shelving into storage and erected shelves in the bay adjacent to our work bay. See Photos.--Tom

   There were twelve members plus Stan present today. It was good to have Jim Holshouser back. Even with all the demolition and reconstruction going on around us we are beginning to feel at home in our "new shop". We are organized and even though we are lacking in the tool department we have enough to get some work done. We were able to use the donated lathe to machine parts for the drill press and the Cobra dolly wheels. The drill press will be cleaned and painted. We hope to begin restoring the SUU-16-A soon. I have made templates to make the dummy 20MM rounds.
   At our next week's meeting we will meet with Col. Radcliff and Stan to discuss the relocation of the static displays in the air park.----Tom

   There were eleven members plus Stan present today. We worked on the mule, put the finishing touches on the lathe and moved it to it's location in the shop. We relocated the small air compressor from the shop to the compressor room. The "wheels" were attached to the Cobra skids and we moved it from the side to the front of the shop where it can be loaded onto a trailer.

   There were ten members and Stan present today. We worked on the mule, some of the tools, and other things that needed to be done. We finished mounting the lathe that was donated by Baker Lyman and got it up and running.
We had a few moments of fun going over the WW1 Renault tank. Dave got inside and I think he was ready for war.---Tom

   There were ten members present today. We were all into our regular work day when we received an unexpected visit by Ms. Susie Seborg, Fema/PA Consultant. She spent some time with us evaluating our progress on the mule and investigating our other projects. We showed her the SU-16, the Cobra, the R-2800, tools and other items destroyed by Katrina. She will present her recommendations to Fema and we will await their decision.----Tom

   There were fourteen members present today including Stan Amerski. Chappy and crew continued work on the mule engine while others prepared the Lathe table and the bead blasters. We also rearranged some of the equipment in the shop to have more room.----Tom

   There were eleven members present today. We repaired one of the roll-up doors and continued to work on the Mule. We continue to prepare shop and tools for up coming projects.----Tom

   There were ten members present today. It was good to have Phil Fielding (Refill) back with us. Joe sandblasted parts for the mule. Chappy, Charlie, Anselm, Phil and Refill worked on the Mule. Agnes and Clark were painting the large bead blaster while Buddy, Al and Dave removed the R-2800 from it's display stand. Al and Dave attended a medical meeting with Acadian EMS and Capt. West of Army NG. They set up our Bldg. 56 with GPS locator in case we ever have an emergency. I did some computer work, took photos and gathered info for our 122nd web site--Tom

   There were nine members present today. We continue to prepare the shop and tools for our next project.

   Those present:

   Buddy Gossom, Art Bancroft, Joe Douvillier, Anselm Wetzka, Phil VonDullen, Charles Monsted, Art Alberti, Gleason Carlini, Chappy Holbrook, Stan Amerski and Dave Harrell.

   Chappy will be out for the next several weeks and left instructions for work on the mule.

   Phil and Gleason worked on the Huey mobile wheels and I provided the necessary "O" ring seals for the jacking cylinders courtesy of Motion Industries.

   We were able to hang the A-26 model in the center of the room but we need to use monofilament fishing line that won't show up like the nylon string we used.

   Art, Charlie, Stan and I finished the installation of the overhead fluorescent light fixtures and receptacles and we should have the power connected and lights working by the next meeting. We have two fixtures that will work with large base bulbs and we need to find a source of sodium gas type bulbs. We may be pushing the limited circuit breakers that are in our local box.

   Anselm completed the re-upholstery of the Mule seats at home and they came out great.

   There was a great rain and going home that evening was a little slow.-----Dave

   There were 10 members present today: Buddy Gossum, Chappy Holbrook, Charlie Monsted, Art Alberti, Phil Von Dullen, Joe Douvillier, Clark Zarkovi, Agnes Zarkovi, Art Bancroft, Tom Isbell and Stan Amerski.

   Chappy, Charlie and Art Bancroft worked on the mule; Most everyone helped move it outside for cleaning. I hooked the computer back up (someone had borrowed some of the parts). I also removed the dummy barrels from the SUU-16-A. Clark worked on the bead blaster cabinet. Joe did some sandblasting. There was plenty work for everyone.
Chappy brought the new shirts.--Tom

   Present today were 11 members: Lou Isbell and Mary Ann Peterson joined us and are most welcome.

   Members in attendance were:
John Cordero, C.J. Tortorich, Anselm Wetzca, Buddy Gossom, Joe Duvillier, Trap Trapani, Art Alberti, Cliff Peterson, Tom Isbell, Chappy Holbrook, Phil Von Dullen and Dave Harrell.

   Art will be recuperating for several more weeks and plans to be at JBMM after that.

We discussed several topics and came up with the following suggestions:
1- Build a table for the lathe.
2- Check with Baker Lyman to see if the tools for the above were recovered from their temporary storage.
3- Joe Douvillier purchased a sand blast hood and will submit the bill to us for a reimbursement for about $70.00.
4- Look for a P-51 for our air park as we flew one for target practice during our Korean war effort. It is my understanding that we had two on the flight line for that period.
5- Work on the bead blaster, Mule, SUU-16A and stripping of the R-2800 accessories to continue.
6- When we get a paint project we will need a fresh air hood for the painter and helper.

   Present today were Harmon Fischer, Art Bancroft, Ernie Daunis, Chappy Holbrook, Joe Douvillier, Dave Harrell, Brenda Martin, Agnes Zarkovi, Charles Monsted, Bert Esteves, Stan Amerski, Anthony Trapani and Tom Isbell.

   When we arrived today we discovered the the black "portable " air compressor was powered up with 220VAC and was working fine. Hopefully the main compressor will be wired by next week and we will be able to complete the air system. The overhead lights are wired except for the receptacles which we will probably have to do ourselves as we were told our electrician might be on his way to Iraq.

   Work on the mule is going well, only a few parts left to be removed then cleaning and re-assembly.

   Ernie and Dave worked on the old bead blaster and almost got a complete coat of Extend rust converter on the outside. After the Extend it will be painted with Rustoleum, white on the interior and red externally. Red being the color of choice.

   Chappy was authorized to purchase a pressurized sand blasting pot. This will be paid out of our bank account.

   Since I have been fighting allergy and cold I didn't do much other than take photos an sit and chat with Harmon whom I haven't seen for quite some time.

   As Dave said, "we are almost back to SQUARE ONE"!!!!!!---Tom

   Those present were Buddy Gossom, Phil VonDullen, Anselm Wetzka, Chappy Holbrook, Clark Zrakovi, Agnes Zrakovi, Harmon Fischer, Joe Douvillier, Art Bancroft, Charlie Monsted, Stan Amerski, Barbara Martin, Dave Harrell and Steve Esteves.

   Art is a new volunteer and this is his first work day with us. Steve came in to sign up as a volunteer.
Thank you Harmon, Art and Steve are here because of your efforts with the TP.

   Things really started to move forward, the "Mule" is is back in our "new" hangar (it is as old as most of us) and is being aggressively disassembled with lots of @#$%^&*persuasion and very many love taps with a delicate sledge hammer.

   Buddy removed almost all of the cutaways from the P&W R-2800 to be used on the replacement that will come from the USAF Museum. There were a few tender words there too. Corrosion and rust made both these projects very difficult.

   The SUU-16/A has been completely disassembled (more @$%~&* words used here too) and the main components were solvent/pressure washed and are now waiting for re-assembly and painting. Then the small internal components will be cleaned, painted and reinstalled to await the arrival of the M-61 Gatling gun from the USAF Museum.

   Apparently I have been supplemented as the prime coffee maker. Some members like to be able to see the bottom of a full cup and not have to hold the cup to keep it from turning while stirring.

Dave Harrell

   Those present were Tom and Lou Isbell, Cliff and Mary Peterson, Ernie Daunis, Gleason Carlini, Joe Douvillier, Chappy Holbrook and Dave Harrell. The cold weather seems to have reduced our attendance but we had a good meeting.

   Stan Amerski said this afternoon that some of the electrical work has been done on Bldg.56 and that he hopes that it might be completed by Wednesday.

   Chappy Holbrook has been working up specs on the PVC air lines so that when the compressor is hooked up we can start work on the smaller glass bead cabinet. Once it is working we can begin cleaning up the rusted hand tools. We have a $100 donation in the works for the PVC material.----Harmon Fischer

   Phil Von Dullen called to tell us that his nephew, a C/M/Sgt in the 159th motor pool, has arranged to pick up our tools that C/M/Sgt Randall Volpe of the 156th Maintenance is donating to the 122nd BSRG. These tools, lockers and benches will be delivered this Wednesday. Please be on hand to unload. This is a real windfall and now all we need is electricity and a project.---Dave Harrell

   There were seven members present today plus Stan Amerski and Sherrie Pugh. Bill Monsted, son of Col. Bob Monsted, paid a visit and brought some of Col. Monsted's personal records from time of active duty. Dave Harrell conducted a very informative business meeting in the absence of Arthur Alberti.

We actually began re-restoring the Vulcan 20mm Cannon. It seems to have survived the flood better than most artifacts. We also set up another computer replacing the one lost in the flood. In the photos below I have included some shots taken in the controlled environment building where salvaged artifacts are stored. On the walls you can see some of Stan Amerski's paintings.

   Those present were: JBMM's Stan Ameriski, Art Alberti, Agnes Zrakovi, Harmon Fischer, Chapman Holbrook, John Cordero, Buddy Gossum, Joe Douvillier, Charles Monsted, Jim Holshouser, Ernie Daunis, Phil Von Dullen and Dave Harrell.
And a new volunteer Richard Greythem.

   Richard is an electrician and really wants to work so we gave him a very warm welcome aboard. Richard was able to sort out a problem with one of our generators and then have it up and running driving our recently donated air compressor.

   Today was a photo shoot by the Times Picayune, which was arranged by Harmon Fischer. They took pics of the troops in the bay and at the airpark. I didn't get their names due to running an urgent errand to get new batteries for the starter in the space heater. Chappy read the instructions on the heater and actually got it started while I was gone. We replaced the butane bottle and probably had some air in the pilot line which had to be purged.

   Communication with ICI paint company for 10 gals. of floor epoxy seems to be progressing. We should know in a week or so. Further contact was made with Entergy for them to consider donating a surplus bucket boom truck. At this time there are none in La. to go to the surplus auction block. I have suggested they make a 501(C)3 donation and obtain a better value than at an auction. This would greatly aid our efforts in restoration in the bay and also in the air park.

   Art has suggested that I take his duties as Chairman while he undergoes medical treatment. I accepted and can only hope for his full recovery. He will attend as many meetings as possible.

   There were six members and Stan present today. More work was done getting the shop and tools up and running. When electricity is installed I have a computer ready to go. Hopefully I will soon be able to attend the meetings again.--Tom

   We had a great turn out and it proved to be most needed. John Cordero couldn't straighten out the local TV weather person to get us good weather, it rained and rained etc. The area where we worked had 2+ inches of standing water. Some pics attached.

   Those in attendance were: Jim Holshouser, Art Alberti, Ernie Daunis, John Cordero, Gleason Carlini, Chappy Holbrook, Phil Von Dullen, Stan Amerski and Dave Harrell.

   All the machinery was stored in two Conax containers along with B/L's inventory and a lot of stuff had to be moved before we could remove ours. This being said, the bulk of the equipment was relatively easy but the &*@#$%^(I might have misspelled that one.----Tom) SHEET METAL SHEAR was the heaviest and furthest back and the most difficult. But with lots of elbow grease, pry bars and many chosen words we finally got it on the truck.

   The truck and driver were loaned to us from Johnstone Supply, arranged by Chappy, we owe them a letter of thanks from JBMM.

   Finally we were able to offload the machinery at Bldg. 56 to complete our day. It was a difficult task and the elements didn't help, thanks for your great effort. The following is a list of tools that we received: (from a 73 yr.old memory).-----Dave

   There were nine regular members and one new member present today.
We installed a wall on the bare studs of the compressor room.
Removed bearings from the old bench grinder.
Helped Stan empty the Conax.
Reviewed the Huey cleaning done by Stan to apply to the T-11, Cobra, A-26 and other equipment.
Rearranged some of the bay to allow further wall cleaning and sort of swept the floor and a little clean up.
Holbrook and I met with Cordero's friend Ms. Corrine M. Titus, C.E.O of Baker-Lyman to review equipment that they want to donate to us. What a find! A basic list is: A vertical air compressor about 3hp, band saw, metal plane and router, a real lathe, sheet metal shear, 40ton vertical press, a drill stand, bench grinder and more. We have to coordinate with Stan to provide a truck, fork lift and man power. All will be donated to JBMM.

   Harmon generously donated money to purchasesome needed tools, pliers, combo box/end wrenches and a set of screwdrivers which were picked up at Sears.

   Today we had 12 show up, looking better every week. There were several projects going on simultaneously.

   We removed the compressed air delivery pipes and 122nd sign as well as the JBMB/122nd emblem from building 207 and relocated them to building 56. The pipes were stored in our "new" location and the 122nd sign was installed on the building. The emblem needs repainting and I am going to give it a try. It is a large decal and all the yellow stuff peeled off due to the elements. The red background is OK and has the outline of the Flour De Leigh and lettering so this might help.

   Finding a ladder tall enough to reach the emblem was not as hard as raising it to the proper height. It took four of us to get it on and off the forklift and to rig it.

   Most of our equipment was moved to the north side of the bay to make room for washing the south wall in preparation for wall and floor painting. Stan implied that if we accomplish this the necessary paint and tools will be there.

   Getting back to square one looks like it will be a while and we need to have a little patience and lots of perspiration.

   Harmon Fischer is going to try to obtain from Wright Patterson another P&W R2800 to replace our storm damaged one. All the magnesium determination from salt water has not stopped even after two pressure washings.

   Chappy has started some basic renovation on our blue forklift and I have contacted Clarklift to obtain parts and drawings.

   Stan gave us a very good update at lunch and we have a pretty good understanding of the JBMM recovery program.-----Dave----See photos below-----Tom

   Today we had 8 show up and accidentally found lots of work.

1 Cleaning area on side of our bay to receive the Conex storage pod.

2 Moving the Cobra to the side of the bay for cleaning prior to bringing it inside to resume restoration. We had to park it on the main road in front of the Stable building until Stan and crew brought the pod and placed it in the rear of the area. We can store tools and other equipment under lock now.

3 After the pod was in place we then continued moving the Cobra to the cleaning spot. We can start solvent/pressure/brush washing the Cobra next week and then bring it into the bay for restoration.

4 We have resolved Harmon's problem of not being able to stand for long periods of time to work on the R-2800. "Fischer"s work platform." See photos below.-----Dave Harrell

   Today we continued cleaning and securing building "56". As soon as it is ready we will move into it the tools and equipment necessary to begin restoration projects.

   Things are getting better, we now have coffee, thanks to Harmon Fisher supplying the pot, water, coffee cups etc. We have an extension cord that can run 2 fans, the coffee pot and a little B.S. Also at our command are two folding tables, several folding chairs and a pressure washer. After finding water in the next bldg. we were able to start cleaning our walls. Unfortunately 50 or 70 years of paint decided that it wanted to be removed and slowed the operation. We have enclosed air conditioned toilet facilities and lunch break room (not in our bay), a far cry from the his/hers porta-potties.

   If you come in to J.B. from N. Claiborne Ave. you will notice that many of the old damaged buildings have been removed. Our Bldg. 207 is scheduled to come down in the next week or so and therefore we are asking Stan to have the J.B 122nd emblem and the Eckelmann dedication sign removed from the entrance wall and placed in our bay.---Dave Harrell

   Ten members met today at building 56 to begin work. There wasn't too much we could do as we don't yet have the neccessary tools. We were able to bring parts for the second mule from outside into the shop. We worked on the side doors of the shop as they are still rusty and hard to close. Harmon brought a new coffee pot which we set up in the air conditioned section of the building. I have posted a few photos below. Its good to be back.--Tom

   Three of us were able to meet with Stan today to try to set up a timeline for the future. We shared many ideas and then went over to look at Building 56. This could very well be our shop location in the near future. You can see by the photos that a great number of aritifacts have been moved from our present shop. This building is to be taken down although we don't know when, hence the move to Building 56.

   We want to encourage everyone who possibly can to report to work next Wednesday, 5 July, as we hope to begin working again. Although we don't yet have electricity we do have water so we can begin washing the aircraft.

   In addition to the photos of Building 56 I am posting some I took in the Museum today. Chappy is standing in the entrance to the theater and you can clearly see the water marks on the walls. The theater was severly damaged. The clock is very interesting.

   Today we began removing the metal plates, molded plastic, etc. from the wood of trophies, plaques and awards so that the wood could be discarded. They were identified, photographed and placed in envelopes to later be cleaned and remounted on a new wood base. We then began to identify and tag the many aircraft parts, instruments, etc.

   When we arrived at JB today we met Lynden Couvillion, Andy Watson and Jody Weseman, from Alabama who were working with Stan. It was a pleasure working with them as we continued sorting and tagging artifacts.

   Members of the Restoration Unit have been working with Stan sorting the many artifacts from the Museum. After this is completed we will be able to determine what can be salvaged and what will have have to be discarded.

   We went to the museum to remove some of the many paintings from the storage room. The wood frames fall apart when they are disturbed but we managed to get them ready to move to the restoration building. You can tell by the photos below that a difficult task lies ahead.

   Museum Curator Stan Amerski opened the meeting today at the restoration building. Twelve members of the Restoration Unit were present. The building has been gutted and cleaned and all wood structure has been removed. Artifacts from the museum will be stored here until the Museum is repaired. All vehicles at J.B. have been moved to Camp Bouregard. When the weather is warmer we will pressure wash all aircraft inside and out. In the meantime we will meet at the Restoration Building helping Stan with his restoration of museum artifacts. Next Wednesday we will identify and tag artifacts. We will also list the tools we will be needing.

   There is still no electricity at J.B. so we have to use generators. Looking at the photos below you can get an idea of the enormous task that lies ahead. If it is at all possible, please come out and lend a helping hand.

   Today we gathered at the shop for our last work day before lockdown. There were twelve members, Stan Amerski and four National Guard troops. We finished the inventory, removed the last of the damaged photos and took the A-26 model down for safe keeping. We spent some time just "hanging out". It was kind of sad and we were reluctant to leave. We had our last photo shoot until the shop in repaired and we can return. We will find a place to have our monthly business luncheon and when we do we will contact everyone and I will post it on this web site.--Tom

   Having completed the cleanup and inventory phase of our shop, tools, equipment, etc., we move on. Our first Business/Luncheon meeting was held Wednesday 11 January at Smilie's Restaurant. There were 19 members present. It was good to be together again and there were many things on which to catch up. Many members lost everything and are still trying to piece there lives back together after Katrina. It was decided that we should meet at Smilie's for our regular monthly meetings until the Flight Deck is up and running (if ever).

   Stan Amerski called and wants all who are able to meet at Jackson Barracks on Wednesday 18 January 0900 to see the progress made and to make plans to return to work.

   When we arrived at the shop today we found a large spread of soggy manuals, various soft materials and wet rusty parts to be invetoried. The Guard had done a good job cleaning out the tool room and getting everything ready for us. We were able to open the last two tool boxes. They were just as bad as the others. Also, we were greeted by a CNN camera crew ready to interview us for a spot on their Veterans Day Special. It was a pleasure working with them and we are looking forward to seeing the show.

   Clean-up and inventory continues. We were able to open the tool room and some of the tool boxes, not good.

   Today we begin clean-up and inventory.

   We returned to Jackson Barracks today and were able to enter the shop. I won't make any comments as the photos below speak for themselves. The last photo says it all. (Note) The week before the storm the large model of the A-26 that was hanging in the display area was moved to the loft area for protection from spray painting of the Cobra helicopter to begin the following week. It suffered no dammage.--Tom

   I visited the shop today and although I couldn't enter the building there was a hole in the damaged front roll-up door through which I could reach with my camera. The inside was total darkness and I couldn't see anything but the camera did a pretty good job. Notice the high water marks on the walls; the display case for the models is nowhere to be seen and the hanging model of the A-26 is gone. If you look carefully you can see other things that are missing.--Tom