WELCOME
NEXT MEETING – In-Person Program – May 14, 2024, 11:00 Social, 12:00 Business Meeting – Jennifer Hayden of the National Museum of Nuclear Science & History.
John P. Anthes
Outgoing President 2023
Unprecedented 4th Term
The Board of Directors are planning for a return on 14 May for our Members Monthly meeting at Tomasita’s Mexican restaurant located at 4949 Pan American Fwy NE, Albuquerque NM 87109. Unfortunately, our 3-Way meeting with Sandia Labs representative John Zepper, 377 Force Security Squadron Commander Lt. Col. Patton , and 377 DD Civilian Dave Koch has now been scheduled for 14 May 2024. Mr. Zepper was called to Washington DC in conflict with our previously scheduled 3-Way meeting on 25 April 2024.
Is it possible to regain access to KAFB?
Since the abrupt termination of Coronado Thunderbirds’ KAFB access, many people have been working “behind the scenes” to reinstate KAFB access for Coronado Thunderbirds Club members. Contact has been made with Senator Martin Heinrich; Col. Jason K. Okumura, Commander, 377th Mission Support Group; and Lt. Col. Patton. All are in favor of reinstatement. Deputy Director 377, David Koch, and a small team have actively been working toward this goal. Mr. Koch’s goal, complimenting our own, is in reinstating Coronado Thunderbirds’ access, but also to reinstate access for other civilian retirees, including those who retired from DOD, etc. We have also coordinated with Sally Uebelacker, Colonel USAF (Ret) Director Retire Activities Office 377th Air Base Wing, Advising and Assisting Military Retirees. We were pleased to inform these attendees over the previous two years of the Military Retiree Appreciation Event. The 3-Way Team Members are interested in finding on-Base contacts who might also be interested in adding their organization’s “Voice” to our goal. The team requests Club members who are retirees of groups on Base to share with us to help our awareness of anyone currently on Base who could assist. Example of club members we are aware of previously include: Sandia Labs, Los Alamos Labs, DOE, NNSA, DTRA, Air Force Research Labs, Doctors/Nurses from the Veterans Hospital, and others. The outcome may then increase the voice of other retirees who are also impacted by the recent memorandum excluding our continued access to Morale, Welfare, and Recreation facilities. Let me reach out to all Coronado Thunderbird members to make this appeal. Can we collectively offer contacts with all senior representatives of those additional US Government Agencies? These contacts can be included in our efforts on 14 May going forward to increase the voices of all USG retirees on KAFB. Can you help? Please advise on possible contacts.
Best Regards, John Anthes, President, Coronado Thunderbirds (505-370-3438)
The Coronado Thunderbirds is a social club for people retired from Federal Agencies and their Contractors — including Sandia National Labs, Los Alamos National Labs, DOE, NNSA, FAA, and the Military. Our Club monthly activities include our Member Monthly Meeting on the second Tuesday of the month (except December). Our monthly member meetings are currently held in-person at TOMASITA’S RESTAURANT at 4949 Pan American Freeway NE on the west side of I-25 and south of Jefferson Street. You have an option to purchase a $14.50 – $16.50 lunch. We start with social time and lunch (at 11am), followed by a Business Meeting (12 Noon) and the program immediately thereafter.
After our Business Meetings, get ready for a great presentation. Our programs are chosen based on members’ interests in order to inform or entertain. Sometimes, the programs accomplish both!
- the emergence of telemedicine
- improving the environment of Albuquerque
- artificial intelligence
- beekeeping
- the impact of Spain on the Revolutionary War
- singing and choral groups
- square dancing
- ballooning in New Mexico
- the history of Albuquerque
- railroading in New Mexico, including AT&SF 2926
- Col. Eric Felt, AFRL and US Space Force
- the movie, “Hugo,” automaton restoration
- Old Town Ghost Stories
We distribute a monthly newsletter and occasional updates to keep our members informed of our programs, activities, and KAFB information. The newsletter is sent via email and “snail mail,” and we also maintain contact with a Calling Committee.
We would love to have you be a part of the fun!