Jack Nichols - My Father
By Nick Nichols
First, I would like to say thank you to all VETS. Thank you for making our country FREE!
My Father was on Tinian Island in 1945 and saw both atomic bombs being loaded to end the war of all wars. Yet, my father was a humble man as I remember one day when I called him on Veterans Day. He was all choked up and I asked what is wrong? He replied I saw a story tonight on TV about the Vietnam VETS's now those guys were more of a hero then we ever were.
The PICS: My Father, Jack Nichols, in front of the Tropical Queen second from the left and sitting on the second bomb to the right.
I went to many 6th Bomb Group reunions with my Father. Toward the end we had tickets to go to the Saint Louis, MO reunion. For some reason, I knew it would be his last! Five days before the reunion he called and said "I can't fly by myself". I live in Austin Texas and my Father lived in Canby Minnesota. So I changed my flight to MN. But the Day before he called and said "I feel better so why don't you fly to MN and drive me to the reunion in MO". So that is what we did and it was the best time ever. My father passed away about seven years ago.
The 6th Bomb Group had a reunion in Midland, TX this past October 23rd-26th. I rode my Dad's Harley there and took his photo album to share with the old guys. Out of 500 men there are 39 left. I saw his last remaining buddies who are still alive. If you ever get to Midland, Texas you have to see the WWII Commemorative Air Force planes. For those who would like more information on the 6th Bomb group, WWII, tryhttp://www.philcrowther.com/6bgmain.html for a great video.
In the TINIAN CULTURED VULTURE picture is my Dad with his best friend Kenny Meek. The day my Dad passed away I called Kenny to let him know. His wife answered and I said "can I talk to Kenny", she "said is this a joke"? I said "Jack passed away today", she paused and said "Kenny passed away today also". It was MAY 4th, 2002.