Sampson AFB Vets Assoc

A group of Sampson vets met at Denny's Restaurant, in Warwick, RI on Friday August 28, 2009 for the purpose of forming a Rhode Island squadron. At a second meeting held on Tuesday October 20, 2009 it was agreed that future monthly meetings be held at this location.
The vets in attendance enjoyed the get together, exchanging stories about their experiences while at Sampson and other Air Force assignments.

Our meetings are held at Pinelli’s Cafe 701 Quaker Lane, Warwick, RI on the fourth Tuesday of every month.

We invite all vets to come and join us.

Pictured are some of the RI vets who attend the monthly meetings: GIulio Ciafrei, Donald Crout, Robert Dalton, Robert D'Amario, Carmine Delmonico, Walter Dickman, Robert Diner, RI Squadron Commande John Eastman , Anthony Fonseca, Daniel Hogberg, Mike Kowal, Joseph Lamoray, Antero Martins, Leo Meunier, Carl Sherblum, Roger Simone, Raymond Vernon, Sherwin Zaidman, SAFBVA Co-webmaster and NE MA/SE NH Squadron Commander Norm Morency, and New England Squadron Co-ordinator, and NE MA/SE NH Squadron member Phil Pender.

Lunch/Meeting held on Tuesday 24, 2012

The Rhode Island Squadron, SAFBVA met today (1/24/12). Fifteen members were present. Don Crout chaired the meeting in the absence of John Eastman. Just prior to the meeting, a gentleman came in and introduced himself to Don as "Dick West". He gave Don a business card that simply said "Dick West", along with email address and cell phone number. He also gave Don a program booklet and other papers describing the dedication of the Sampson Veterans Cemetery, on July 30, 2011. Before he left, he indicated that he would like to have the booklet returned, and that he had spoken at the dedication ceremony. After he left, a quick perusal of the Dedication Ceremony program revealed that this gentleman was REAR ADMIRAL Richard West, the Keynote Speaker at the ceremony. It turns out that Admiral West has a particular connection with Sampson - he was BORN THERE , when his father was stationed there as a Naval Officer during World War II. A biography of Admiral West can be found on www.nysenate.gov/print/107811.

We discussed the out-of-date information on SAFBVA Squadrons listed in the most recent edition of "Roll Call", which once again omitted the Rhode Island Squadron. We also received a Treasurer's Report from Dan Hogberg, with a Total Balance of $1,252.14. To this balance will be added $53.00 in excess payments for today's luncheon bill.

Respectfully, Don Crout, RI Squadron Vice Commander