80th Fighter Squadron

Lampasas, TX Mini-Reunion

3-5 March 2000

(Click on each "Thumbnail" picture for more detail)

This "Mini-Reunion" was put together in just a few weeks by Kirby and Penny Wilson.  Its purpose was so we could visit with them, meet Penny, who helped so much in getting Kirby back on his feet after heart surgery this past winter, visit with Lt Gen Robbins and his family, and to generally have fun with those Headhunters that could make it to Kirby's hometown on short notice.  Many had to cancel out at the last minute due to pop-up commitments beyond their control, but we still had about 20 people there who had lots of fun for that great weekend.

Kirby & Penny

Our "mini-reunion" in Kirby's hometown of Lampasas, TX, this past weekend of 3-5 March was superb.  Both Kirby and Penny put together a great time for the 20 or so people that could make it.  Our special thanks to Gen Jay Robbins and wife Ina for driving up with son Robbie from San Antonio to be with us for a few hours on Saturday.  Paul and Sue Murphey also came up for the weekend from their ranch.  Unfortunately, a few members had to cancel out at the last minute due to pop-up commitments that were beyond their control; however, we knew they were there with us in spirit!

Penny was presented with a plaque to honor her as an Honorary LifeTime Headhunter for all her care she unhesitatingly gave to Kirby in his critical time of need.  She, was of course, overwhelmed.  She wrote this in a message yesterday:

"It was a pleasure to meet you and some of the other Headhunters.  My initial
impressions were quite correct...you are all indeed a great bunch of folk.
The camaraderie, laughter and relaxed companionship was pure pleasure, and it delighted me to see Kirby so happy, full of smiles and wit.   He called a
moment ago for a talk and said he was delighted with my 'award' as it
managed to shut me up for a while....!!

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for the honor in making me an
Honorary Headhunter.  It touched me more than you will ever know, and I
regard it as an honor and will treasure it.  Thank you, to you and any
others who played a part in that plan.  (whose idea was it anyway ? )
HOWEVER......I will not forgive you for making me nearly drop my guard and
get all emotional, snively and choking me up...!!  At least Kirby enjoyed
that part as he has never seen me at a loss for words."

Kirby was also surprised with a plaque that honored him for his 56 years of dedication to our 80th Squadron and his 20+ years as the "Head Headhunter."  Between the two presentations, it was an eye-watering experience for us all!

(L-R) Seated: Warren Lewis (dark shirt--WWII Ace from the 35th FS); Kirby (White shirt); Lt Gen Robbins; Whitey Freberg
(L-R) Standing: Paul Murphey; Robbie Robbins; Jon Casello; John Shannon; Jay Riedel

(L-R) Jon "Monster" Casello; Kirby; John "Brumby" Hodges

Lt Gen Jay T. Robbins, wife Ina, and son Robbie

"Who, ME?"
Four WWII Aces (L-R): Warren Lewis (35th); Kirby; Murphey; Robbins

JayBird presenting plaque to Kirby for 57 years of dedication to our 80th Fighter Squadron, and for founding our Headhunters Association as the "Head Headhunter" for over 20 years.

(Photos above by Penny Wilson)

(Photos below by John "Brumby" Hodges)

Kirby's Plaque

"Tex" Ritter; Sue Murphey; & Rita Griffith

Doc Methner (C) with Warren Lewis (L) and John Shannon (R)

Paul Murphey talking with Rita; Tex solving world problems with John Shannon;  Paul's wife, Sue far left.

Rita & Kirby

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