January 2, 2005

Sue,
Hello. My name is Felva Collie Luck and I'm the granddaughter of John Lowell Burkhead, the belly gunner of your Uncle Jack's B-24. My mother Johnnie Jean Burkhead Osborn is John Lowell's only child. My grandmother Felva was pregnant when he was killed. My grandmother Felva is the one who wrote to your Grandmother. Telva was a nickname that John Lowell called her sometimes. "Telva" was his wife not his mother. His mother was Ruby Burkhead. My grandmother passed away in November of 2003. She did remarry and have 2 sons but she told me she never forgot John Lowell. My mother never knew her father and has always felt that loss. A couple of years ago my mother and grandmother were able to take a ride in a B-24. It made them feel close to John Lowell. My mom has wanted to get as much information since about her father. My grandmother didn't talk about it much and often said she couldn't remember what they said happened over Germany. I think it was easier to "forget" than remember. I don't think she ever forgot.

I don't know what made me decide to put in John Lowell's name into my search engine today, but I'm glad I did. My mother would love for you to call her as she doesn't have a computer. Any information/pictures you have of John Lowell you have or could give us would be appreciated. If you have a scanner could you send a copy of the original letter sent by "Telva Burkhead." Having lost my grandmother recently, it was like she was talking to us. We would love to have a copy of that for our records.

Thank you so much for your website. It has provided us a link to our past, and we are truly grateful.

Collie Luck

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