Don Lopez - 23rd F.G. Ace and Smithsonian Air and Space Legend Passes Away

[mayfair35]

Hello Mark,

My that was good news that you are who I thought you might be. Proves there are a few memories left between the ears. I hope the moderator will excuse this excursion from the purpose of this board, but that meeting in Minneapolis was a long time ago…1994!

I had the artist airbrush a copy of that painting for me also, and it hangs in my living room together with several other great paintings. As you know, Herky, Chet Sluder, and several others at that reunion have made their last flight. George Novotny does not answer his Emails so I worry about his health. There are now 4 aces still alive from the 27 we had. I keep more than busy but enjoy all the great information posted on this and the other boards of this site. I am truly amazed at the answers that appear here.

Barrie Davis (an ace) and I are in reasonable health, one other ace has been hanging on for many years but unable to participate in any activities, and George who has become difficult to contact are all that are left. Our last reunion (Des Moines) consisted of 18 people. Several were spouses, sons or grandsons escorting one of us former fighter pilots. Nothing like the Minneapolis reunion. We next meet in Portland, OR but we may be getting to the point of no return on attendance numbers and as many other fighter groups have done, we may also have to terminate ours too.

My best wishes to you and your family,

Cordially, Art Fiedler