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American Collaborator

Friends who love Vintage Gliders

Donald Huggins in Florida 2023  

  November 1963 Misawa, Japan news hit the whole world that JFK had been assassinated in Dallas, Texas. We were sent home from school, the world had changed instantly. The Great Alaskan earthquake occurred while we were there too. We all piled in the family cars and drove 3 miles to the Pacific coast to watch the wave come in. It was 4 foot taller than existing waves. No major damage thank God or I would’ve been killed. We flew home via Alaska on a military transport plane full of kids and Moms. The planes engines reversed only on one side upon refueling stop in Anchorage causing my Mom to yell “We’re gonna die!” We didn’t but they had to replace the damaged tires. Fast forward to current times and I joined the Misawa Facebook page and met Shin Shin my new friend. We established our connection on interest in flying history and I jumped at the chance to help with his research. Japan has a restricted internet access and I was happy to help. I hope this research encourages future generations to appreciate the amazing history of the glider community. Live long and prosper! Donald Huggins 70 years old.