This afternoon, after a morning of much needed rest while John and the group toured Norwich, I took a taxi to the village of Salhouse to see the dearest people, friend David Hastings and his wife, Jean.

David was just a 12-year-old kid when he was adopted by a crew of the American 467th Bomb Group. He would ride his bike seven miles to the base to watch his crew come in. Never missed a mission. Later, he served in the RAF then on the board of governors for the Second Air Division Memorial Association and was honored by the Queen for his service.

Such an appreciative person, and Jean is so lovely. I last saw them in 2007 and may not see them again. Both are 92 and in poor health, but the day brightened for all of us when he opened the door.

David has always been very interested in the Kassel Mission and was for many years a member of KMHS. His interests span different areas of the war, however, and I ponder the meaning all of this has had on his life. In some ways, his experience in the war certainly defined him as a man. He became a pilot only after he left military service, befriending 445th BG copilot David Patterson, fellow governor of the 2AD Memorial Association. Together, they toured the U.S. in a Cessna in 7 days, even saw a UFO over the Mojave Desert. He made friends everywhere he went, at reunions in the States as well as RAF reunions in the UK. I am honored to call him and wonderful Jean “friend.” God has blessed us all.