We Lost a Dear Friend

 

On January 18, 2021, we lost our dear friend and fellow musician, William F. "Toby" Hughes. Toby and Dick first met at George AFB, California, in 1967. They were both learning to fly the F-4 Phantom in preparation for their air combat tours of duty in Southeast Asia. They performed together for the first time as members of the Incountry Group. First came the Incountry album, followed by Austin City Limits with Kris Kristofferson hosting.

Toby was an excellent singer, songwriter and musician. In addition to his "Fast and Low" CD, Toby worked with Dick on several albums preserving the songs and stories of the Vietnam War. 

In May of 2018, Toby joined Dick, Irv LeVine and Chip Dockery at Maxwell AFB to present an evening of songs as the culmination of a paper on the military/warrior music history. It was at this concert that "The Light In The Window" was first introduced which later became the title song on Dick's #32 CD. "The Light In The Window" is about the wives and families who waited at home while their husbands and fathers were away in the military. As part of the dedication on that CD Dick wrote: "I've known some pretty good fighter pilot lyricists through the years, Bobby Middleton, Thud Jock, Irv LeVine, also a Thud Jock and Chip Dockery who has flown the Phantom and a bunch of other stuff. But the warrior song-writing talent of Toby Hughes are unmatched by any of us. If there is a heavy thought you want to leave to posterity and you don't know how to say it, check with Toby."

On February 9, 2021 Toby was laid to rest with full military honors at Ft. Sam Houston National Cemetery, San Antonio, TX.

Toby, we will miss you now that you have "Flown West".

34th FS "Rude Rams" Reactivation Celebration

     

     The 34th FS "Rude Rams" Reactivation Celebration was filled with memories. Many of the old & new squadron members were in attendance. Stories of Rosco and others were shared. The memorabilia from the squadron that had been "kept safe" was brought to the event so that it could be returned to the squadron for display.

     

     Ralph Rothstein joined Irv & Dick for the 

performance on 17 July. A good day was had 

by all. 

Sentry Eagle 2015, Kingsley Field, OR

Sentry Eagle was a great weekend. Dick & Irv Levine met new and old friends and shared many stories. Slick Harper hosted us and as usual did a superb job. Dick and Irv sang for the group and received many Thank You's for coming.

Irv & Dick performing on Friday, 31 July.

At the Open House on Saturday, 1 August, several Air Guard units were present. This one from AZ was getting some engine work done.

Upcoming Events - 173rd Fighter Wing of the Oregon Air Guard - Sentry Eagle

July 31st will find Dick Jonas and Irv LeVine participating in the 173rd Fighter Wing of the Oregon Air Guard Sentry Eagle 2015 at Kingsley Field.

Dick and Irv will be performing during the 50th Anniversary of the Vietnam War program on July 31st.

The Sentry Eagle 2015 open house is August 1st from 9 AM to 3 PM. So if you are interested in attending the Vietnam Anniversary program including Dick Jonas & Irv LeVine, be certain to mention their names and July 31st when you contact the 173rd Fighter Wing at Kingsley Field, Klamath Falls, Oregon.

Upcoming Events - 34th FS Hill AFB Reactivation

July looks to be busy for Dick Jonas & Irv LeVine.

They have been invited by the 34th FS "Rude Rams" of Hill AFB to participate in the squadron's Reactivation ceremony in anticipation of the arrival of the F-35.

This is special to Irv because he was a Rude Ram during the Vietnam War.

Dick & Irv will be performing at Hill on July 17th. For more information about their performance place and time contact the 34th FS at Hill AFB.