On June 30, 2007, (as in all past reunion, it is always the last Saturday in June.) There were 239 pre-registered who attended the luncheon. However, 305 former military and civil service personnel and their families, showed up for the 12th Perrin Air Force Base Reunion in the New CWL building at Grayson County Community College, 6101 Grayson Drive, Denison, Texas.
Guest speakers were: Congressman Ralph M. Hall, State Representative Larry Phillips, Grayson County Judge Drue Bynum, Airport Board President Phil Reother, Major General Gary Blair and Brigadier General Raymond Klosowski.
One of the important parts of any reunion is for old friends to see one another again. For instance, Major General Gary Blair of Helena, Montana met Brigadier General Raymond Klosowski or Duluth, Minnesota for who they had not seen one another for more than 40 years. Then there were Brigadier General John M. Elkins of Sherman re-connected with Master Sergeant Welby Smith of Lubbock, Texas. They served at Carswell AFB, Texas in 1961, some 46 years after they worked on the Convair Super sonic B-58 bomber.
Awards were presented to those who drove the longest distance and more than a dozen drove 1000 miles or more to get to Grayson County-Perrin Airport, Denison, Texas. Retired Chief Warrant Officer James W. Farris and Brigadier General John M. Elkins were present awards for their volunteer work at the Perrin AFB Museum. A scrumptious lunch was served at noon at the Grayson County Community College's cafeteria following the general meeting. At 1 pm, all moved to the Perrin AFB Museum at 4575 Airport Drive for touring the display at the museum and special aircraft parked on the flight line.
One of the most important aspects was the Perrin Air Force Base museum with almost 5,000 square feet of display. Attendees found wall to wall displays of memorabilia from Perrin's legacy. Much of it brought in and/or sent to the museum by those attending the reunion.
Many came in a few days before the Saturday general session and visited old places where they lived and sent their children to school. Some had a chore trying to find the house and/or apartment they lived at.They were in awe of how Grayson County has changed. The museum was also open all day Sunday for those remaining in town for the weekend.
As stated in the 2005 11th Reunion report, it was supposed to be the last reunion. However, requests kept coming in to have one more before we all get too old to travel. After due consideration and a few "gung ho" volunteers, on December 2006, once again we were off and running for another fellowship of comrades. In spite of the awesome task of planning, coordinating and praying for helping hands, it was reported that this # 12 one was the best.
Photos taken by John M. Elkins B. Gen. (Retired)
12th Perrin Reunion general session at Grayson County Community College's new CWL building, east campus. Room was filled to capacity with 240 Perrin Reunion attendees.
Brigadier General John M. Elkins at left with Master Sergeant Welby Smith of Lubbock, Texas meet after 46 years. Sergeant Smith and General Elkins worked together at Carswell Air Force Base, Texas. They were both assigned to Strategic Air Command's 43rd Bombardment Wing on SAC's newly acquired B-58 Hustler supersonic bombers. Bombers were built across the runway at the General Dynamics Fort Worth, Texas plant.
Major General Gary Blair of Helena, Montana and Brigadier General Raymond Klosowski of Duluth, Minnesota, lunch together at Grayson County College cafeteria during the 12th Perrin AFB Reunion. General's Blair and Klosowski served together more than 40 years ago flying F102 delta darts and received their training at Perrin AFB, Texas