Attachment 18 - Special Events

Meeting 24 February 08 with ADM Keating and his wife on the JPAC barge

In the ongoing series of coincidences that seem to follow (or lead) the BentProp Project, it turns out that this four-star Admiral, currently Commander of the U.S. Pacific Command, is an old friend of Flip’s from his Naval aviation days. While the BentProp team met with the JPAC team on the barge, Flip went off with the Admiral and his wife and discussed “old times”. The Admiral exchanged challenge coins with Flip – so we know what a four-star’s challenge coin looks like, as we each received one! We also had a chance to meet and talk with JPAC’s local celebrity, LT Andrew “Andy” Baldwin from the TV "reality" show “The Bachelor,” who also happens to be the MDSU-1 team physician. Although folks were lining up for a photo op with Andy, I did have a chance to discuss his medical interests, physician-to-physician, particularly in third-world settings. I can assure you that Andy has more going for him than a “pretty face” and it was a professional experience to meet with him.

 
Left: The MDSU dive unit working with JPAC on recovery operations for the B24 ‘453 site, © R. Joyce, 2008.
Right: Andy "The Bachelor" Baldwin giving Grover his due © Flip Colmer, 2008

Flip with ADM and Mrs. Keating and his (no, the Admiral's) airplane,
Photographer unknown,2008

Meeting 27 February 08 with Governors from Ngatpang, Ngeremlengui, Aimeliik, and Koror to explain P-MAN X mission

Ms. Rita Ulsudong, of the Historical Preservation Office, had our permit waiting for us. In addition, she recommended our ongoing effort to meet with the Governors of the states we planned to visit. With the tremendous assistance of Mr. Shallum Etpison in making introductions and arrangements, we met with the governors. The P-MAN X team made a presentation, with handouts, explaining the mission to Governor Yoshitaka Adachi of Koror, Governor Leilani Reklai of Aimeliik, Governor Takemura Erungel of Ngatpang and Governor Wilson Ongos of Ngeremlengui along with several Chiefs from these states. Independently, we also met with Governor Vicky Kanai of Airai, Mr. Billy Kuartei and our own Charge d’Affaires Mark Bezner. After these meetings we received appropriate written and verbal permits on a national and state level.

 
Left: Meeting with the governors. © L. Regan 2008
Right: Meeting with President's Chief of Staff. © G. Harms 2008

JPAC Dinner 01 March 08 at close of JPAC mission

We overlapped with the JPAC team for the first week of our mission this year, working closely with Rich Wills, the JPAC anthropologist in charge of the search element of their mission. As has been our joint tradition over the past few years, we had a small going-away gathering – this year, JPAC invited us. After a great Indian meal at the Taj (recommended when you are in Palau!), JPAC had a ceremony, presenting various awards to members of the JPAC team. Then CPT George Mitroka surprised the BentProp team with a certificate of appreciation, which we value greatly. Finally, through a wonderful donation from the BentStar Project, we handed out to every JPAC and MDSU-1 member a BentProp bandana – which was very well received. Before handing out the bandanas, I read the verse printed on the bandana - the same verse that we read during our private flag ceremony over every site where the BentProp teams find remains:

“They shall not grow old as we that are left behind grow old, Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn; At the going down of the sun, and in the morning, we will remember them”
(from “For the Fallen” by Laurence Binyon)

As I started reading this verse, every JPAC team member stood at attention. Very special. We were sad to see JPAC and MDSU-1 depart Palau: we feel they are part of our family.

JPAC presents the P-MAN X team with a Certificate of Appreciation © L. Regan, 2008

Presentation 06 March 08 of Last Flight Home at Sam’s Tours

As has happened for the past several years, Sam Scott invited the team to make a presentation. Once again, we had a large crowd and, after the video presentation, we had fun answering questions. Often, we pick up new leads as a result so we appreciate this opportunity.

BentProp team presenting Sam Scott with Bandana and Certificate of Appreciation
© F. Colmer, 2008

We have been visiting Palau for enough years to witness several Presidential elections. This year we witnessed the Palauan Presidential campaigns, meeting with each of the three candidates, including:

• Senator Surangel Whipps
• Vice President Elias Chin
• Ambassador Johnson Toribiong, now President Toribiong

We met with each candidate to update them on our efforts in Palau and presented each of them with a BentProp bandana. Ambassador Toribiong, who ultimately won the election, was very gracious in his appreciation of our efforts and we look forward to meeting with him in Palau, in his new role in this exciting new democracy.

With Senator Whipps. © Reid Joyce 2008

With Vice President Chin. © Reid Joyce 2008

With Ambassador (now PRESIDENT) Toribiong. © Laura Regan 2008

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