Christmas, 1942
Photo from the collection of Sgt. Jack Kotlovker, U.S. Army Here is a glimpse at what one Squadron, the RCAF 111(F), now approaching six months in the Aleutians, was up to on December 24th & 25th, 1942. By this time, they had been relieved of their duties on Umnak and were now, just newly stationed, […]
A WW2 Thanksgiving, 1942
As we sit down to enjoy the feast and family of the season, let us keep in mind those who came before us to make the celebration of this day possible. Our world would look so very different if it were not for those brave enough to sacrifice themselves in order to protect our way […]
Veterans Day- All Day, Every Day
2016 Veterans Day has come and gone and many of you may be wondering where my standard Veterans Day post is. The fact of the matter is that November 11th is most certainly a day worth celebrating but I can’t help but feel that every day there are veterans deserving of a celebration, recognition and […]
We’re On Facebook!
It is official- Florida Beaches To The Bering Sea is now on Facebook!! You will get more up to date information about what I have been doing in my quest to bring honor and recognition to those who served in the Aleutian Campaign during WW2. LIKE us on Facebook!! There are so many incredible things […]
Snippets From A Squadron’s Diary
I am supposed to be working on my next post, researching the 111(F) squadrons initial flight up to Elmendorf Air Force base in July of 1942 but easily got myself sidetracked and enthralled with reading every darn day of the Squadron diary up to their arrival in Alaska. Here are a couple of diary entries […]
2017 Aleutian Tour Dates!
I am so excited to tell you that the dates for Valor Tours- 2017 Battle of the Aleutians trip has just been announced! Next year is a very special year as it marks the 75th Anniversary of the bombing of Dutch Harbor, Unalaksa which began the Aleutian Campaign. We would love for you to join […]
The Other Forgotten Story
Before I begin to recount to you the incredible and most memorable experience I had following in my grandfathers footsteps through the forgotten battlegrounds of the Aleutian Islands in June, I think it is important to start at the beginning, and for me, the story of WW2 in Alaska begins before any bombs were dropped. […]
Sea Lion on Kiska.
Still working on my next post… In the meantime, this is one of my favorite non war highlights of the trip. This was taken at the beach in front of the World War Two Japanese submarine base in Kiska Harbor. It was a nice break to the heaviness of emotion that was surrounding us as […]
Where Do I Possibly Start?
Where do I possibly start with a trip that held so much sentiment as this one did for me? At the beginning? Nah… Way to predictable. View from atop a hill over looking Umnak’s two WW2, still functioning, airstrips. I had held it together until this point. The second last stop of the trip- Umnak […]
One Hell Of A Layover…
How fitting as I finish the last post of my first trip to Anchorage on the first day of my second trip…. I left Kodiak the next morning with contentment and excited to one day return, for there are still things left to be done there. As I sat in the airport I wondered where […]