If "Ma" is the same "Mom" that I recall from the next decade, I seem to recall an "ALNAVAIR" MSG that went out when Mom died (date unrecalled…late '70's?) announcing her death and giving a well-deserved tribute. Also seem to recall an Air Wing flyover from whichever CVW was at NFL at the time of her funeral. I wasn't there…but swear I saw photos.
R1, yes, I believe that was the same Mom you mention.
Another notable Casino/Squadron relationship was between Reno's Riverside Hotel owner Mrs. Jessie Beck, and the late LCDR Dick Perry of VA-164 in the mid-'60s.
LCDR Perry, a native Nevadan, met Jessie while on a Fallon deployment and he was sort of adopted, along with all his squadronmates, by the casino owner. As time went on, at a visit to the squadron at Fallon, Mrs Beck was honored at an all-hands ceremony presenting Dick Perry's
AE-407 with a large LADY JESSIE painted in VA-164 orange on both sides of the fuselage. Prior to their '67 combat cruise, many "GhostRider" all-hands social functions were hosted by Lady Jessie & the Riverside during their Fallon deployments.
Sadly, LCDR Perry was hit by a SAM on 31 August '67, and KIA. Lady Jessie later traveled to Lemoore to attend a memorial service for the fallen aviator. Following his loss, the LADY JESSIE lettering was transferred to A-4F
AH-401, and adorned the Skipper's Skyhawk until VA-164 disestablished in 1975.
There was another honored with an ALNAVAIR MSG…Celia...of the Cubi Point Officers' Club. Again, a very different time.
Yes, I fondly remember Celia, longtime Server in the Cubi Club, and the delicious Chicken Adobo, Lumpia, "painted label" San Magoo and Cubi Specials she served. I recall years ago, gladly contributing to a fund to help with her cancer treatment, in a battle she sadly lost.
BzB