The story behind the photo
461st Bombardment Group Reunion
2021 Albuquerque. Sheraton Uptown Hotel. The man on the right is John M. Billings, a WWII heavy bomber pilot and hero. After flying a tour of combat bombing missions, he was selected to fly "black ops" night missions dropping spies and supplies behind enemy lines. He went on to have as long a career in commercial aviation as long as FAA regulations would allow. After retirement he flew 462 Angel Flight missions in his private Cessna. John is 97 in this picture and along with a co-pilot flew his Cessna from Virginia to this reunion. John passed away several months after this was taken. He piloted various aircraft for over 80 years and racked up very nearly 30,000 hours in his flight log. John 'was a truly amazing man and I miss him sorely. The man on the left is Mr. Bill Johnson, aka Bob Hope. He is a gifted entertainer and goes a wonderful tribute to Mr. Bob Hope, plus he's a really good guy. Look him up on the MRN website and book him. You'll be glad you did.