The Lost Picture Part 2

Cathie was able to find Paul’s Top Gun class picture and called me a few days later, only to tell me of another stumbling block. She located his class picture on their wall, matted and framed with many other Top Gun class pictures, but the commander was convinced that taking it down might ruin the entire collection. So, he told her no.

My heart sunk! Cathie then went to the base photo experts to discuss the situation. She was concerned because many of the older class pictures were starting to turn color and there were no negatives earlier than 1990. Together they went to the commander and convinced him that not only would they not ruin the collection, if they didn’t take it down and scan the photos, they might actually lose it. The next week, she called me and said that she had put a CD in the mail for me---and an 8X10 print as well.

Paul was now getting home early from school during finals week and he was checking the mail every day. I was afraid this would ruin the surprise so I called our post office and enlisted my buddy Lennie to intercept the 2 packages before Paul got there. Two days later I called Lennie and they were there.

Since we were going to be gone on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, we opened our presents the day before. When I gave Paul the wrapped 8X10 photo, at first it didn’t seem to click with him. He had a puzzled look on his face when he unwrapped it, as if he was thinking, ‘Why is she giving me a picture of a bunch of guys?”

A few seconds later, I could see it sink in as his eyes filled with tears. He said he thought he would never see that picture again and it was the best present he’s ever received.

My Name Is Jade

My name is Jade and I'm 6 weeks old! I was a Christmas present to my mom from her daughter, Shannon!

My sister, Sally, lives with Amanda & Sean now!

I don't realize how tiny I am and I want to play with the cats. One cat, Sonny, thinks I am a larger-than-life mouse. I have to be very careful around him. I love sitting in my mom's lap and giving her that 'look'. She found out that by putting me on this down throw I go to sleep almost immediately. She's going to be easy to train. I think I'm going to love living in Hooterville!

The Lost Picture

In 1992, before Paul and I were married, I lost the negative to his Top Gun class photo. It was in my old Explorer in an envelope, and I tore that car apart trying to find it but it had vanished. I knew he was upset, and although he never mentioned it again, I never forgot.

In 2000, I found an email address for the Naval Air Station in Fallon, Nevada where Top Gun moved in the 1990’s from Fightertown (Miramar Naval Air Station), and sent an email asking for help in finding a copy of his class picture. When I got a response, it was a phone number for the duty office at Fallon. I called and the officer I spoke with was unable to help me. I kept the email but pretty much gave up. I had tried to research getting the picture through the archives in Washington, DC, but they needed a photo number. Another dead end.

When I switched my office and computer, I forwarded all my saved emails to my new PC in 2003. A few months ago, I was looking for an old email in that folder and came across the picture request once again. By this time, I had a lot more knowledge of the Internet and found the Fallon web site and the phone directory for the base. I found the phone number for a photo assistant on base and called him. I explained what I was trying to find and he said he couldn’t help me, but he transferred me to Cathie, the Top Gun secretary!

I told Cathie my story and asked if she could possibly get me a copy of the negative so I could get a print made. She asked me if I needed it before Christmas and I said I did. I wanted to surprise Paul. She said she would try and get back to me in a few days but things were hectic for her right now because they were in the middle of evaluations. We chatted for a few minutes and I was so thankful that she gave me her time. I had hope after all these years.

A week or so went by and we talked again. She was having trouble finding the picture. She said she had searched for any class picture from June 1980 and couldn’t find Paul. She asked me if I was sure he was there and I went downstairs to double check the date on his Top Gun plaque and read it to her: Top Gun Class 06-80. Well, it turns out that 06-80 didn’t mean June 1980 to Top Gun. It was the class number!

To Be Continued….

Happy Birthday Sis

September 1999

Today would have been Sharon's 62nd birthday.

Happy Birthday Sis!

I miss you so much.

Lukas Hates Santa!

Try as she might, Mommy couldn't get Lukas to even look at Santa, let alone sit on his lap and tell Santa he wants the Leapster L-Max more than anything in the whole wide world!

Something tells me that Santa knows anyway. Heh.

Christmas Stressssssssss!

Are you one of those neurotic people that finish your Christmas shopping by Easter? And your gifts are wrapped with paper you bought for a penny 12.26.04? I hate you.

Every year, it sneaks up on me. Every year. Here it is December again. How does this happen? I feel like I just had my birthday and it was in June!

I do have one thing easy. I buy the gifts and Paul does the wrapping. Of course he does it the night before Christmas. Right after I return from the Mall.