Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph Public Affairs
8/22/2013 - JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-RANDOLPH, Texas -- World War II veterans and members of the 381st Bomb Group (Heavy) Memorial Association observed pieces of aviation history during their visit to Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph Aug. 9.
"We visited JBSA-Randolph's historic buildings and learned about the current mission," Dr. Kevin Wilson, group historian, said. "Many 381st veterans served at JBSA-Randolph either before or after their deployment to England (During WWII)."
After visiting the historic Taj Mahal, Chapel 1, 560th and 99th Flying Training Squadrons, the day concluded with a luncheon hosted by Col. Gerald Goodfellow, 12th Flying Training Wing commander.
At the luncheon, Goodfellow spoke about current Air Force bomber operations overseas, and throughout the day, the veterans shared personal stories, lessons and experiences - relating past missions to current Air Force operations.
"My counsel is to be attentive, take care of your fellow men and know what is right and wrong," Alexander Strohmayer, 381st BG and WWII veteran, said.
At one point, when the group was still active, more than 8,000 service members served with the 381st BG, 619 of whom were killed in action, Wilson said.
The memories of the group are currently shared by 750 members, which include veterans, descendants and friends.
"There are great lessons to be learned from these men," Goodfellow said. "There are lessons of courage, how warriors should act in combat and the importance of honor in what these veterans have done. They faced tremendous odds, resulting in many fighters not returning home; but those who are here now and those who have passed will always be great examples."
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