NAVY GLADIATOR REUNION GROUP
About Us
Who We Are
EXECUTIVE STAFF (elected)
APPOINTED STAFF
Chaplain ................................... Ron MEECE
Chief Editor ............................. Henry KARDYS
Freedom Box
Chairman ...... Jim TRIPP Jr.
Assistant Historian ............... Michael KILBOURNE
Membership Chairman .......... Arnold "Bud" HUUKI
Photographer .......................... Ken WALDO
Sunshine Fund ....................... Linda GLUM
Chairman & Purser
Membership Chairman .......... Arnold "Bud" HUUKI
Photographer .......................... Ken WALDO
Sunshine Fund ....................... Linda GLUM
Chairman & Purser
Sunshine
Fund ...................... Jane MEECE
Webmasters ............................ Henry KARDYS
Webmasters ............................ Henry KARDYS
Gene
GLUM
Store Keeper............................ Walt HULSE
Communications Officer
Historian
Hank Kardys
Hank Kardys
YEAR COMMANDING OFFICER REUNION LOCATION
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
Jacksonville, FL
Jacksonville, FL
Pensacola, FL
Charleston, SC
Jacksonville, FL
Branson, MO
Corpus Christi, TX
Jacksonville, FL
Washington, DC
Tucson, AZ
Branson, MO
Lexington, KY
Ed KNAPP
Ed KNAPP
Ed KNAPP
Ed KNAPP
Ed KNAPP
John KNOTT
John KNOTT
Monte TOON
Bob COE
Bob COE
Bob COE
Bob COE
Commanding Officer
Walt HULSE
Walt HULSE
Executive Officer
Doyle BELL
Doyle BELL
Administrative Officer
Gene GLUM
Gene GLUM
03-31-2025
One of the most popular and successful projects initiated by the Gladiator Reunion Group has been our "Freedom Box" project that distributes USO type boxes to our military men and women overseas. Since its inception in April 2003, we've distributed over 162 Freedom Boxes directly to the front lines, with the average retail price being close to $100.00 per box, including shipping. We have sent boxes to Afghanistan, Greenland, South Korea, Djibouti, Kuwait, Qartar, Okinawa Japan and to many sailors serving aboard ships.
Here is how it started; In May 2003, our Gladiator Newsletter reported that some of our members wondered what could be done to show support to our troops overseas as the war in Iraq intensified.
Here is how it started; In May 2003, our Gladiator Newsletter reported that some of our members wondered what could be done to show support to our troops overseas as the war in Iraq intensified.
It was decided to send USO boxes directly to the front lines. A donation from our Special Purpose Fund and the Sunshine Fund was approved by the executive Board along with personal donations from some of our members. The plan quickly went into action spearheading the project with reported donations of $515.00 (Less expenditures of $479.40) for 7 boxes with the first box sent to U.S. Army Platoon Sergeant Kristen Parks, who was on the front line in Iraq and a very close family friend of one of our Executive Staff. Hence, the Freedom Box Project started. Each box contained a letter from the Gladiators' chairman to let them know they are in our thoughts and prayers. Overall, the response has been heartwarming as letters of appreciation, along with occasional photos, are received from the recipients. Then in 2005, our members unanimously voted to send shipments every month starting in January 2006.
Most of the names of service men and women who we send boxes to are supplied by our members. However, when in need of names, our Freedom Box Chairman also takes advantage of the Internet and searches such websites as "AnySailor.com," which is a site where a service member can add their name, provide information about themselves, their group and any needs or likes they might have. There is also a site for every branch of the armed forces.
Most of the names of service men and women who we send boxes to are supplied by our members. However, when in need of names, our Freedom Box Chairman also takes advantage of the Internet and searches such websites as "AnySailor.com," which is a site where a service member can add their name, provide information about themselves, their group and any needs or likes they might have. There is also a site for every branch of the armed forces.
A standard box would contain items such as body wash, body lotion, lip balm, Neosporin, razors, shave gel, deodorant, toothpaste, toothbrush, disinfectant wipes, a game such as cribbage or dominoes, a DVD movie, disposable camera, energy bars, microwave popcorn, peanuts, cookies, crackers, jerky or slim jims, sunflower seeds, drink mixes to add to water, coffee, coffee creamer, individual servings of Mac n' cheese, ravioli, spaghetti, packages of ninety-second rice, chewing gum, skittles, licorice, and hard candy. We also include a Gladiator pin and a post card addressed to our Freedom Box Chairman to give to someone else that would like to receive a box. They just have to fill in their name and mail it. A letter, printed on special blue paper with red and white stars along the borders is also inserted into each package to explain who and what the Gladiators are.
BothThe Freedom Box and the National Flight Academy Projects are totally funded by donations from our members along with some of the proceeds from our silent auction and raffle held at our annual Gladiator Reunions. If you would like to donate to this worthwhile project, please contact our Treasurer by clicking on the link below.
The National Flight Academy is a subsidiary of the Naval Aviation Museum Foundation. The Academy is an educational activity authorized but not endorsed or financially supported by the United States Navy. Their Mission is to inspire and educate future generations of leaders through positive exposure to naval aviation; by blending the culture and excitement of aviation with 21st century technology and core competencies in an exclusive, entertaining and engaging immersive environment to provide a best in the world learning adventure.
Located adjacent to the National Naval Aviation Museum in Pensacola, Florida, the National Flight Academy is a 102,000 sq. ft. four-story structure designed to be fully and intensively immersive. The NFA’s adventure begins on their landlocked, virtual aircraft carrier, AMBITION (CVT-11). Each deck of AMBITION is designed scenically and theatrically to simulate a modern aircraft carrier.
In 2017 our members voted to support the National Flight Academy each year with a sponsorship of three students for a three-day cruise program. To qualify students (either male or female) must be in the 5th to 12th grade.
During their Three Day Cruise, students form teams and work together to complete various missions, including immersive, theme park-like thrills and flying a simulated aircraft. This introduces them to several principles of aerodynamics – including thrust, hovering and target drops. It also encourages students to build up their knowledge of meteorology, math, physics, bathymetry (measurement of water depth) and ballistics, as well as to work on those essential 21st-century “soft” skills of technological comprehension, communication, innovation, teamwork, problem-solving and critical thinking.
For more information about the National Flight Academy, click on the following link:
Located adjacent to the National Naval Aviation Museum in Pensacola, Florida, the National Flight Academy is a 102,000 sq. ft. four-story structure designed to be fully and intensively immersive. The NFA’s adventure begins on their landlocked, virtual aircraft carrier, AMBITION (CVT-11). Each deck of AMBITION is designed scenically and theatrically to simulate a modern aircraft carrier.
In 2017 our members voted to support the National Flight Academy each year with a sponsorship of three students for a three-day cruise program. To qualify students (either male or female) must be in the 5th to 12th grade.
During their Three Day Cruise, students form teams and work together to complete various missions, including immersive, theme park-like thrills and flying a simulated aircraft. This introduces them to several principles of aerodynamics – including thrust, hovering and target drops. It also encourages students to build up their knowledge of meteorology, math, physics, bathymetry (measurement of water depth) and ballistics, as well as to work on those essential 21st-century “soft” skills of technological comprehension, communication, innovation, teamwork, problem-solving and critical thinking.
For more information about the National Flight Academy, click on the following link:
Jacksonville, FL
Walter HULSE
2019
Founded in 2000 by Mr. Ed Knapp, the GLADIATOR REUNION SQUADRON membership is composed of the Officer's, Pilots
and Enlisted men who
served with U.S. Naval Fighter Squadron Sixty Two (VF62) or U.S. Naval Attack Squadron One Hundred
Six (VA-106). Our history
began in the Pacific during WWII and continued with award winning service to November, 1069. We
served on many of our nation's
finest aircraft carriers in waters all over the world.
Our mission is to unite all Gladiators through our quarterly newsletters and
annual reunions, insuring the camaraderie and friendships we established during our years of service in the United States Navy continues
to be a valued treasure in each of our lives.
The Executive staff is elected for tow-year terms. Membership dues are paid yearly.
Annual reunions, normally held in October, are held in various locations as voted upon by the members. In 2005 we originated
our "Freedom Box" project. Since it's inception we have shipped boxes of assorted items to active duty members serving in our
nation's military. On October 07, 2024, our Gladiator Reunion Squadron was Disestablished.
Mr. Ed Knapp
March 13, 1938 - December 22, 2004
Over the years many of our shipmates attempted to establish contact with each
other. In the late 1990's our founder, Ed Knapp, began a concentrated effort to assemble a listing of as many Gladiators as
possible with the ultimate goal of a major reunion. Through the use of computers the listings grew rapidly. It seemed
each Gladiator was in contact with at least one other Gladiator. The circle grew larger resulting in over 350 Gladiator shipmates
found. Today, our search continues with "New Finds" being added to our membership role periodically.
In September, 2000
we hale our first GLADIATOR REUNION in our homeport area of Mayport Naval Air Station.
Ed Knapp served as our first Commanding
Officer until his death in December, 2004. His dedication and devotion to his Gladiator Shipmates exemplified his focused mission
of joining all of us together in reunion activities. He served us well, we honor him and the accomplishment of his worthy mission.
Canceled due to COVID-19
Charleston, S.C.
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
Walter HULSE
Walter HULSE
Walter HULSE
Walter HULSE
Walter HULSE
Canceled due to COVID-19
Branson, MO
Jacksonville, FL
On October 07, 2024 after twenty-four amazing years of gathering with shipmates of VF-62 and VA-106 thru our annual reunions and frequent
newsletters, the Gladiator Reunion Group was disestablished due to the economy and travel difficulties of our members.
The disestablishment
ceremony had taken place at the "Chapel of the High Speed Pass" at Cecil Field, Florida. This was a fitting place for our disestablishment,
since Cecil Field was our home base. In attendance were our XO, Doyle Bell, Communications Officer, Hank Kardys, former CO,
Monty Toon, our Chaplain Ron Meece and a handful of Gladiators and guests. Absent from our ceremony, due to illness, were: Our
CO, Walter Hulse and our Admin. Officer, Gene Glum. We covered several points of how we came to be, how we formed our organization
and leadership. We also paid tribute to our founder Ed Knapp, our present Officers and Staff and recognized our "Lady Gladiators",
that helped in many ways to make our reunions a hugh success. The moving and somber ceremony ended quietly with a lot of hugs
and tearing eyes.
For 24 years, many of our members have been gathering in various cities throughout the United States for our
"Annual Reunions". We will certainly miss the camaraderie and friendships we established during these reunions. The late
night meetings at the bar and the stories we shared are priceless and the memories will be galvanized in our minds forever.
As
we set sail on new adventures, may fair winds and following seas guide all our Squadron Mates towards success and happiness.
Our Disestablishment