The Billy Sparks Pack held their latest TC on 23 Mar 19 at Hangar 5 on Bowman Field. Over 18 people turned out and were treated to a wonderful video and narration by pack member Tim "Sparky" Sparks. He brought a video of flying the EA-6B Prowler off the USS Saratoga during Desert Storm. Man - O - Man...how many guys can they fit in those carrier sleeping rooms! Crazy. A big SH goes out to Aggie for donating the Bearno's pizza for the evening.

With April being the River Rat national reunion, our next event is looking to be a road trip TC with guided tour in May, at the Museum of the US Air Force in Dayton. BS Pack member Bruce Dobbs has offered to give us a guided tour of the museum. We will have more details on doing a 1-day and possibly a 2-day tour of the museum. Once we get some dates, we will send them out to pack to see who can make it and we'll go from there to make sure we can have maximum participation by the Billy Sparks pack. If you haven't been to the museum lately, this will be a must attend event.

 Our next local TC will be in June and we are working on another great guest speaker, so stayed tuned.

Pack member Terry Phelan's father passes away

Our deepest sympathies go out to Kentuckiana Pack member Terry Phelan after the passing of his father, Thomas J. Phelan, Jr. at the age of 85. Terry's father was a  retired Air Force Colonel and a decorated fighter pilot who flew 100 missions over North Vietnam as an F-105 Wild Weasel. We are hoping that Terry can someday share stories about his father at an upcoming TC.      
 Nickel On The Grass.

Just in time for the Charleston reunion, the Billy Sparks Kentuckiana Pack introduces the River Rat Bottle Opener challenge coin. After getting feedback from a lot of Rats that it would be nice to have something that represents the “Fun and Camaraderie” that we like to have at TC’s and other gatherings, this design is not only useful at TC’s but has more of a “Fun” look as a bonus. Based off of the updated River Rat challenge coin, this bottle opener is open on the bottom half and can be used as a bottle opener in addition to being a challenge coin. Most other elements of the standard challenge coin are still in place. So start having more “Fun” at your next TC! 
 
The minimum accepted donation for the Bottle Opener Challenge Coin is $18.00 (includes s&h). Additional openers are $12.00 each (or in person). Donations greater than the minimum required amount are greatly appreciated. All Challenge Coins coins can now be purchase by visiting the Billy Sparks Pack website.