John Appel ’56 – Oct. 25, 2012

Hi Tom,
I hope all is going well with you and your looking forward to a snowy winter. As with any ancient warrior minor medical problems continue to annoy. The latest was a knee but after a series of injections it is improving so I hope I can avoid surgery for a while at least. Following are some items you might use for the Theta Data.

I am currently in my third and final term as Vice President of the Distinguished Flying Cross Society. Our organization membership is approaching 6,000 and composed of individuals of all ranks and from all Military services who have been awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. The officers and Board of Director members are all volunteer. Our only paid staff are an office manager and a part-time accountant. Anyone interested can go to our web site, dfcsociety.org.

This will be my thirteenth year as a volunteer Guardian ad Litem. We are appointed by the judge in cases involving children caught up in the court system due to abuse, neglect, or in cases involving custody disputes. When I started I was amazed to learn that there are over 3,000 children in my county in this situation. As officers of the court, the Judge directs us to investigate all aspects of the case and talk to all people involved. We then report back to him/her with our recommendation as to how he/she should rule with an outcome that will result in the best interest of thechild or children. It’s a very frustrating job but also can be enormously satisfying when the results literally save the life of a child.

Hoping to celebrate my 56th year as a pilot in December but I was afraid I would not pass my annual physical due to some eye problems. I have an appointment with my eye doctor soon so I still may get my license renewal.