|
WELCOME TO THE HOME OF NEANG PHANTOM INC.
(Incorporated under the Nebraska Nonprofit Corporation Act)
This is the Homepage of the NEANG Phantom Inc, an affiliation of individuals who flew the McDonnell Douglas RF-4C Phantom II with the Nebraska Air National Guard. This site is dedicated to the perpetuation of the legend, history, traditions and camaraderie associated with the greatest fighter aircraft ever built.
Nebraska Phantoms Inc. is a non-profit, non-political, IRS 501(c)(3) Tax Exempt organization incorporated under the laws of the State of Nebraska. Nebraska Phantom Inc. recently held a fund drive to relocate a former Nebraska ANG Phantom Jet back to Nebraska. The jet was recently delivered to the Strategic Air and Space Museum in Ashland, Nebraska and is currently under renovation before being placed on permanent display. We are pleased to be able to share the stories, pictures and history of this project with the general public.
As a courtesy to all of the Pilots, Weapons System Officers (WSO's) and Flight Surgeons who flew the RF-4C while assigned to the 155th Tactical Reconnaissance Group in Lincoln, Nebraska, we have kept your email and contact information private and require a login in order to access it.
Hi-Res Phantom Photo Now Available
Big thanks to Sue and Chuck Ranta! They have graciously created and donated a beautiful hi-res photo of our last gathering. Simply click on the link below to download your photo. If you'd like to have an 8 x 10 or larger photo printed, I suggest that you download to your desktop, then send to the nearest WalMart or Walgreen's Photo Center.
Right-click here and select "Save Image As" to begin downloading your free photo
Phantom Reunion II Is A Big Success!
Friday, October 31 & Saturday, November 1 2008
Friday, 31 October Lincoln ANGB Event (1:00PM): We had around 40 former members and their spouses visit the base. Attendees were briefed by Col Rick Evans on status of the Nebraska Air Guard and 155th Air Refueling Wing. Lt Col Mark White, the 170th Group Commander at Offutt AFB, was also introduced and discussed his unit. Karen Jordan-Anderson, the 155th Wing Family Program Coordinator, was also on-hand to help answer questions on TriCare. The group toured a KC-135R, with crew and crew chiefs answering questions. many visitors also walked through the Wing History Hallway. Many were also able to view the Retiree Memorial on the Mall. Comments on this event were positive and all seemed to enjoy themselves.
Friday, 31 October Evening Event (4:00PM): After the Lincoln ANGB event, about 60 folks showed up for cocktails and stories at Luckie's Lounge. Everyone seemed to enjoy themselves and the get together. The last stragglers left Luckies around 9:45PM. Since it was verified that Larry Reynolds, Sheldon Otto and Don Fogal were headed to the Top Hat, no one is sure how late some were out partying!
Saturday, 1 November Banquet (6:00PM): The Main Event had 108 people registered to attend and 103 actually attended. A couple of folks had to cancel due to late changes in their schedule. During the Cocktail Hour people were able to view the RF-4C on display and socialize. Phantom II videos were also playing. Around 7:10PM General Lempke welcomed everyone to their seats and kicked of the formal festivities. After the Pledge of Allegiance and Dinner Prayer, food was served. Country Catering did a great job and everyone complimented that the food was excellent. Rumor has it that Barry Bruns was seen at the dessert table multiple times eyeing the chocolate cake and carrying a briefcase to protect his share! As you would expect, Jim Ryan had the bar fully-stocked and all tables were furnished wine. The bottles of Jeremiah Weed were passed around at the end of the dinner hour, with several commenting rhetorically "how could anyone drink that stuff." After a short intermission, Jim Ryan talked about how 903 was procured. This included the status of NEANG Phantom Inc. and a recap on fund raising. He recognized the donors, who were also listed in the program. Special recognition was given to the Mach 2 Club Donors ($2,000+), Jim Carrier, Dick Stemm, Bob & Sue Privett, Tom McGuire and Mike Adams. Then Mark Hamilton from the Museum staff discussed how the jet was restored after arrival, while slides showed the jet being reassembled in the background. After a little long RF-4C slide show, General Lempke closed the formal event with some historical context and facts/figures. The attendees then gathered for group photo's;one with the RF-4C crewmembers and a second with the maintenance specialist in attendance. Sue Ranta will have the official photo's available for purchase at a later date. Folks hung around talking and gawking at the jet until around 10:30PM. Most agreed that "the jet looks flyable." More than a few crewmembers started running their checklist when they hopped in seat. Harold Kolb and Mike Dalton turned in a X-C Request, which Chuck Ranta promply disapproved. All-in-all, this was a great event. The setting was outstanding and the Museum was thanked for allowing us to have it for free.
Thanks to everyone who attended and those who put the event together for us all. Everyone is already looking forward to the next event, perhaps in late 2009.
|
