WWII WEEKEND 2017

This was an amazing year for the AAFCG. We have finally established a real identity and an actual fixed base operation consisting of a tent fly, pup tent and a great assortment of WWII engine parts and components. The group now identifies itself as the 496 Air Service Squadron attached to the 15th AAF based in Torretto, Italy in 1944.

L-R Ed de Jong, Atena de Jong, Don Reed, John Rupple and Tim Shanteler

Work detail with Captain Atena De Jong in charge.

 The group has expanded to five active members. Don Reed CO, Tim Shanteler, Staff Sergeant, John Rupple, Captain, Ed de Jong, Major, and Atena de Jong Captain. Don, now living in Ohio, flew to Manchester, NH to rendezvous with Tim and John for the trip down to Reading, PA while Ed and Atena drove up from Miami, FL. From Thursday to Saturday the weather was great. On Sunday the clouds came in and light rain began to fall.

The airshow was terrific with the star of the show being a freshly restored P-63 King Cobra which flew together with the FM-2 Wildcat on Friday making an exciting opening for the weekend.

John, Tim and Ed

Tim soaking up the WWII atmosphere.

John and Tim

The Work Crew

Don, John and Tim

Sarge inspecting Atena's

beautifully restored WWII era bicycle

"Victory Girl"

Don and a couple of  the dolls visiting the airfield.

The officer's desk with lots of WWII items.

2016 Events

For 2016 Army Air Force Composite Group has introduced a new WWII impression. One of our members' dad was in a Mediterranean Theater of Operations 15th AAF Air Service Squadron. We have adopted this impression going forward. We are looking forward to the 2017 WWII Weekend in Reading, Pa. Where we will for the first time have our own camp complete with tents, furniture and a jeep.

Please enjoy some photos taken this past year including our first event as the 496th Service Squadron.

Our new tent fly.
Don Reed, John Rupple and Tim Shanteler

Loading the Ben Hur for the Battle for the Airfield

Our little camp with the pup tent.

Collings Foundation Battle for the Airfield 2016

Tim Shanteler "Sargent" and Don Reed "Colonel"

John Rupple "Captain"