The good people of Hunstanton will never forget Reis and the Squadron.
Later this year the Squadron will be granted the "Freedom of Hunstanton", the first time ever that this ancient honour has been bestowed on a single USAF Squadron.
"Real lives reunited" on BBC1, Wed 15 Jan 14 featured Reis' story and concluded with a meeting betweeen Kathy (Reis' second Wife), Michael (Reis' Son), Debra (Reis' Daughter) and Hunstanton resident Neil Quincey. Neil, his Wife, two Daughters and infant Son were all rescued by Reis and were the only complete Family to survive the Hunstanton floods. Also amongst the first group to be rescued by Reis was a USAF crew from a Weasel Amphibious vehicle which was swamped and sank from under them whilst attempting to get to Neil's house and his stranded family. They ended up holding on to what was left of Neil's balcony until Reis appeared out of the darkness some hours later.
It is also worth noting that of the 31 people who died in the flooding 16 were USAF Airmen and their Families who were based at Sculthorpe and housed in Hunstanton (4 entire Families).
SJG