Written by Rachel Riley
The 357th Fighter Group Association was Bill’s lifeline to people he had known as long as he had known Nita. As I reminisce about the reunions while I continue to excavate my archives, the people, and the events made the Association reunions like a family reunion.
My participation began in 2000, when we went to the Association reunion in San Antonio, Texas. It was a nicely structured event, full of fun experiences and friends. Eddie Gregory came with us. His stepfather was a crew chief in the 357th FG and Bill’s long-time friend.
We arrived in San Antonio and visited the hospitality suite in the host hotel. The hospitality suite was where everyone gathered to reconnect, chat, and share memories. The suite was hopping even in the early afternoon. Lots of smiles and laughter greeted us when we entered. You could feel love in the room. I remember visiting the Alamo with the group before dinner on the Riverwalk. Jurassic Park was playing in the IMAX theater at the hotel, but we didn’t want to spend our precious time watching it.
As that was my first reunion, I was a little apprehensive and wondered if I would fit it with the group. I didn’t need to worry. Pilot Joe Cannon, MD’s wife, Josephine (Jo), grabbed the seat next to me on the tour bus and made me feel welcome. As time went on and I attended more reunions, I felt like family. The veterans and their wives “adopted” me and we started communicating between reunions. Attending the 357th FG reunions was one of the biggest honors of my life.
The serious-minded Uncle Bill I knew was not quite the same man as the one who showed up at the reunions. The minute Bill joined other former pilots and crew members, his face brightened. Then the storytelling and jokes began. I loved seeing him like this. I attended many other reunions, some of which we talk about in the book. A few of them meant a lot to me like the one in Peoria, Illinois. My son Bill Riley was able to attend that reunion.
I enjoyed the reunion in Nashville, Indiana because it is home to an art community with fun things for visitors to do including artists’ shops and displays.
Photo: left to right: Eddie Gregory, Frank, unknown, John Bacon, Bill Overstreet, unknown, Bill Riley sitting on floor, Joe Cannon in suspenders, Jesse Frey and two other unidentified gentlemen.)
Bill Riley lent a hand when the vets needed anything and served as photographer of the group.
Another bonus to some of the reunions was that they were held on weekends when organizations sponsored air shows. Bill loved having the opportunities to sit in vintage airplanes like the Stearman and P-51s.
Photo: Bill sitting in the cockpit.
The Gathering of Mustangs and Legends in Columbus, Ohio
Not only did Uncle Bill and I attend many 357th Fighter Group reunions, but we also attended air shows and other gatherings over the years. The former pilots and ground crew loved meeting people and answering questions from the public.
The Gathering of Mustangs and Legends in Columbus, Ohio was great for greeting people. Bill and other vets provided comprehensive answers to questions, happily signed documents, other items and clothing. One of my favorite autograph sessions included Bill signing an antique blue car! At the Nashville, Indiana reunion there was a photographic studio that offered pictures of customers wearing “old time” clothing, hats, and other accessories. Bill and I had a good time representing a banker and his daughter.
Photo: Bill signs blue car in Columbus, OH
The reunions were opportunities for Bill and me to have one-on-one time together. I am so glad that we took these trips – some by car, some by air. The pictures I have will help me to cling to these special memories.
© 2026 William B. Riley and Rachel M. Riley
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