It is with great reluctance that the Board of Directors of the Berlin Airlift Veterans Association (BAVA) has decided to cancel the planned 2020 reunion in Wichita KS.  The impact of the Covid-19 virus on the country is felt nationwide with most activities cancelled.  As this is written in late June the country is slowly coming back after almost three months of lock-down, however the risk is still prevalent.  Our veterans and most of our members are in the high vulnerability category.

Meeting again in Wichita in 2020 would have been a first for the BAVA.  Except for the reunions in Berlin every five years this is the first city to be visited back to back.  Our 30 year history shows a different city every year for our reunions, always held close to the anniversary of the last flight of the Berlin Airlift on September 30, 1949.

The 2019 re-union in Wichita was unique.  We were welcomed by the representatives of the State, Sedgwick County and City Mayor Jeff Longwell was with us several times.  Our schedule included being luncheon guests at the Museum of World Treasures, a fantastic day trip to McConnell Air Force Base plus a Saturday with members visiting various interesting venues. The Holiday Inn East was a superb facility with a wonderful staff. 

Our highlight was the monument dedication in the beautiful Veterans Memorial Park where the Berlin Airlift was recognized and took its place among  the other world shaking events honoring our servicemen and women that paid the price for the freedom we enjoy.  American Legion Post #4 and the City of Wichita resources played a large part in a very memorable day.

The Berlin Airlift Veterans Association members found a true spirit of welcome in Wichita,. wonderful hospitality and friendly people. So much so that our members were talking of returning even before our concluding banquet on Saturday evening. Acting on this response plans for 2020 went forward only to be tabled until 2021. We look toward to re-visiting Wichita next year.  

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