September 2016
At our September meeting we had the distinct honor to have Dr. James Rohde provide a presentation of his father’s WWII service, from infantry in the SW Pacific to a B-17G co-pilot with 748th Squadron, 457th BG, 8th AF.
Introduction of Jim was made by Mark Rossmann, during this introduction a presentation by Bernie Kugel and Bob Maderich was made of a 1/72 scale B-17G called "Queenie", the aircraft Ken flew in. The model was commissioned by the club, provided by Bob Bailey and built by the capable hands of Bernie. He provided a brief summary of how the kit was built, painted and finished with markings from homemade paint masks, as no decals of this aircraft were available. Bernie also built a very nice wooden carrying box so the model could be safely delivered to Ken in Ft. Meyer’s . Bernie thanks for a job well done.
Jim brought along copies of his father’s book, "The Last of The Four R’s", which was handed out to each person at no charge. Jim also brought in an 8th Air Force flag that was provided to Ken by the 8th Air Force association in 2013. At this convention Ken was interviewed about his service, this 50 minute interview was shown to us by Jim, which provided an insight to Ken’s service, a reading of the book will give many more stories and details.
I would like to thank the T.C.A.H. club for the opportunity to bring in this guest speaker, to Dr. Rohde for taking the time to be with us, guest Retired Captain Ken Volker VF-51 and especially to Retired Captain Ken Rhode U.S.A.A.F. for his heroism and service to this country.
Respectfully submitted,
Mark L. Rossmann
T.C.A.H.
