On behalf of the Eighth Air Force Historical Society Board of Directors:

More than 200 members, families, and friends of the Mighty Eighth gathered in San Antonio, October 14–18, for our 52nd Annual Reunion. Fittingly, we opened on October 14, the 83rd anniversary of “Black Thursday,” the second Schweinfurt mission of 1943.

Were you in San Antonio? Tell us what worked and what we can improve as we plan for 2027. The survey takes about 5 minutes.

Take the 2026 Reunion Survey →

Unfortunately, we had only one World War II veteran with us this year. Fortunately, we had one World War II veteran with us this year. Having him in the room reminded every one of us why this Society exists and why preserving the Eighth’s legacy matters so much. Every handshake, every story, and every photo with him was a gift.

Our speakers were outstanding, and hearing from three generals was something special. Their talks were out of this world, literally.

Our President, Brig. Gen. Paul W. Tibbets IV, USAF (Ret.), opened the reunion. General Tibbets is a combat veteran with more than 4,000 flying hours, including in the B-1 and B-2 bombers, and there is no one better to connect the Eighth’s past to its present.

At Thursday’s dinner, Maj. Gen. Ty W. Neuman, Commander, Eighth Air Force, and Commander, Joint-Global Strike Operations Center, showed us how the command our fathers and grandfathers built over Europe carries on today as the nation’s bomber force. He shared first-hand accounts, as much as he could tell us, of what the Airmen under his command have been doing. The room was riveted. Make no mistake: the Eighth Air Force is still mighty.

At Saturday’s Gala Dinner, Lt. Gen. Thomas K. Hensley, Commander, Sixteenth Air Force; Commander, Air Forces Cyber; and Commander, Joint Force Headquarters-Cyber (Air Force), took us into a battlespace the men of the Mighty Eighth could never have imagined. He made it clear that the men and women he commands today stand on the shoulders of giants and carry the same spirit those crews showed in the skies over Germany. The evening concluded with a preview of Jimmy, the new film about Jimmy Stewart’s service as a B-24 pilot in the 445th Bomb Group. Actress Kara Killmer, who portrays Stewart’s wartime friend Lady Julia, and screenwriter Justin Strawhand presented the preview. What a treat!

Dr. Hattie Hearn joined us all the way from England, from the American Air Museum at IWM Duxford. Her presence was a powerful reminder that the bond between the Eighth Air Force and the people of East Anglia remains as strong as ever, more than 80 years later.

Dr. Vernon Williams brought Black Thursday to life with his presentation on the October 14, 1943, raid on Schweinfurt, when the Eighth lost 60 B-17s in a single day. It was a sobering and moving afternoon.

We also received an update on the Bomb Group Historical Data Project, “Preserving the Mighty 8th,” a partnership with the National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force to safeguard the bomb group websites that veterans, families, and volunteers have built over the years. If your group’s website holds mission reports, crew rosters, diaries, or photos, please reach out to dataproject@mightyeighth.org.

Beyond the program, members toured the National Museum of the Pacific War in Fredericksburg and took in San Antonio on a city tour that included Mission Concepción, San Fernando Cathedral, and the River Walk. The Memorabilia, Authors, and Conversation Room stayed busy all week. Friday’s Rendezvous Dinners and group meetings brought together families from 30 bomb and fighter groups, and the Second Air Division Heritage League held its meeting on Saturday. Our General Membership Meeting kept everyone up to date on the Society’s work and direction. Shannon Muchow was elected as the newest member of the Board of Directors.

A heartfelt thank-you to Board Vice President Steve Snyder and the team at Armed Forces Reunions, Inc., and to everyone who presented, volunteered, and attended. You made this one special.

Now, about next year. On January 28, 1942, the Eighth Air Force was activated in Savannah, Georgia. From those beginnings it grew into the largest air force ever sent into battle. Some 350,000 Americans served in the Mighty Eighth, and more than 26,000 gave their lives.

In October 2027, we return to where it all began to mark the 85th anniversary of the Eighth Air Force, at the National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force in Pooler, just outside Savannah. This will be a once-in-a-generation gathering, and you will want to be part of it. The Museum is completing a 20,000 square foot addition with new exhibits and a B-24 added to the collection.

If your bomb or fighter group is looking for a home, or a second home, we would love to have you. The Eighth Air Force Historical Society is a growing organization where families, friends, historians, and anyone with an interest can gather to share the stories and memories of the men and women who, no exaggeration, helped save the world. Join us now and join us in Pooler next year. More details on the 2027 Reunion to come.

Join or Renew Your Membership →

SAVE THE DATE
53rd Annual Reunion · Celebrating the Eighth Air Force’s 85th Anniversary
October 13–17, 2027
National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force, Pooler, Georgia

See you in Pooler!
The 8th Air Force Historical Society