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THE 456th FIGHTER INTERCEPTOR SQUADRON |
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THE PROTECTORS OF S. A. C. |
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Who We Are & Why We Are Here |
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The first 456th FIS, 2001 Reunion was originally conceived in 2000 by Bruce Gookin (Victorville, CA) and Jim Arnold (Morton, IL) who were F-106 crew chiefs. They conducted the reunion in July at the Castle Air Museum, located at the site of the old Castle AFB, in Merced / Atwater California, where the 456th was assigned during its reincarnation in 1954 - 1968. Bruce and Arnie had been working with the museum since 1999 about acquiring an F-106 for display and gathering historical squadron items for the museum.
Attending that first reunion were over 80 people from all over the country including officers and enlisted, as well as spouses, guests and children. Four former Commanders were present. Click on the "PAST REUNIONS" page of this web site and see some pictures of the reunion. Click on this link to visit the Castle Air Museum. http://www.elite.net/castle-air/ .Our next reunion is May 30-31 and June 1, 2003 at CAM. Contact any of us for details.
At the 2001 reunion, Pat Perry (Flower Mound, TX) and Bob Justus (Columbus, OH) became involved, and the four decided to form the 456th FIS Alumni Committee, with the following objectives:1) Find and preserve as much squadron history, mementos and memorabilia as possible for display at the museum.2) To locate as many 456th FIS squadron members as possible, regardless of when they served.3) To renew as many old friend ships, and make as many new friendships as possible.4) To help Castle Air Museum (CAM) acquire an F-106 Delta Dart from the Air Force for permanent display.5) To create a 456th FIS web site that covers as much of the history of the squadron as possible.John C Marcotte (a.k.a. Big Bad John from Merced, CA) was the last Commander of the 456th FIS and was "drafted" into service by the Alumni Committee when he demonstrated his exceptional skills at fund-raising.The 456th FIS Alumni Committee has been entirely self-funded. We have spent our own money on telephone, postage, copying, web site and other incidental expenses.The Save-A-Six Fund at CAM received the majority of its support from our fund raising efforts through the 456th Alumni.
We plan to continue supporting the non-profit CAM Foundation,We have located 240 former squadron members, a couple going back to 1944 and Bob Justus has built this web site. So enjoy the site and don't forget to sign the guest book!! And don't just sign it, leave a story from your days at the 456th.
Reminder to all:
Castle Air Museum is still accepting tax-deductible donations .Please send your check to:
Castle Air Museum
5050 Santa Fe Drive
Atwater, CA 95301If you have any squadron or F-106 memorabilia or items that you would like to donate to The Castle Air Museum, please contact museum curator at (209) 723-2178 or at the CAM mailing address above.Thank you and God Bless America!Bruce, Arnie, Bob, Pat and John
