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B.O.T.N.A. |
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B.O.T.N.A. |
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THE HISTORY AND ACTIVITIES OF BOTNA
The BUDDIES OF THE NINTH ASSOCIATION (BOTNA) is a British based non profit-making group composed of aviation enthusiasts and others with a special affinity to the Ninth USAAF of World War II. BOTNA became a formal organisation in early 1981, having operated for several years on a casual basis and growing from a small group of enthusiasts led by Bob Mynn. With occasional help from other members, and the assistance of his late wife Olive, Bob has conducted BOTNA affairs from their humble beginnings to their current far-reaching cogency. He continues to lead, but as a Chairman of a voluntary Management Team, democratically elected from, and by, the membership, able to give help and guidance when required. The post of Secretary is currently held by member Phil Whiting. Following Olive's demise, the position of Treasurer/Membership Registrar is also held by Bob. The well known USAAF expert and author, Roger Freeman, has honored the Association by accepting the position of President.
Every year many members attend the Memorial Day Service at the American Military Cemetery, Madingley, Cambridgeshire, where they join others to pay tribute to those who lost their lives on active duty. BOTNA provides a wreath to the memory of Ninth AF fallen, whilst individual members present personal floral tributes to those Ninth AF groups or units with which they are specifically interested. The quarterly newsletter, BOTNA BULLETIN, is produced from personal accounts by Ninth AF veterans and also contains news, views, anecdotes and illustrations with a Ninth AF theme. Much other input is direct from members. It is mailed to all members who are unable to attend the BOTNA meetings which are held at roughly quarterly intervals. The meetings are normally held in the Staff Social Club at Stansted Airport, Essex, the converted Operations Block building on the former Ninth AF Stansted Mountfitchet airfield. However, a new regular venue is The Squadron on North Weald Airfield, Essex. Used occasionally, an alternative site is at Kelvedon, Essex, where a privately-owned Nissen hut formerly on Rivenhall airfield serves as a nostalgic meeting place. Meetings comprise general discussion on Ninth AF subjects, film and video presentations, and to hear guest speakers. Very many Ninth Air Force veterans grace the membership roster. BOTNA is honored to have them and grateful for their generous support. If you honor them too, JOIN TODAY. See the form below or contact the Chairman Robert B Mynn
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Want a good read? Go on, treat yourself or your buddy to a copy of the BOTNA BOOK. Maybe not in the same class as A Journey Through the Ninth but it is a heck of a lot cheaper. You can slip it in your pocket to read at the dentist (better than those out-of-date magazines!) or browse while in the John waiting for a great happening. Stories from "those who were there" and more. A bargain not to be missed. Just a trifling £8 including post and packing or for our friends across "the pond" just $15 inclusive. Dollar bills preferred. Send your order to Robert B Mynn at the address below. |
JOIN BOTNA TODAY
Buddies of the Ninth Association (BOTNA) Membership Application
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Sorry, but BOTNA is unable to process membership applications on line. Please print out the form below, complete the details and mail it to the Chairman 7 Shetlands, STANTON, Suffolk, IP31 2XH, England |
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Buddies of the Ninth Association (BOTNA) Membership Application With the consent of the committee, I wish to become a member of the Buddies of the Ninth Association and confirm that I will endeavour to do all I can to further the aims of this worthy organisation. My particular World War II interests are:- ................................................................................................................................. ................................................................................................................................ ................................................................................................................................ FULL NAME....................................................SIGNATURE....................................... ADDRESS.............................................................................................................. ................................................................................................................................ ZIP/POST CODE...................................TELEPHONE................................................ EMAIL..............................................................DATED........................................... OCCUPATION.......................................................................................................... If you are a WW II veteran, would you please give a brief indication of where and how you served........................................................................................................................ ............................................................................................................................. ............................................................................................................................. Please return completed application form, together with your annual fee of £7 (US $15 Dollar bills preferred due to high cost of converting checks) to Treasurer (Dept 9WS), R.B.Mynn 7 Shetlands, STANTON, Suffolk, IP31 2XH, England Cheques and postal orders payable to "BOTNA". Your membership card will be forwarded upon your acceptance. Form # JayVee-9AAFweb |
