Lou Tronzo (standing) holding his military history and accomplishments book and a replica model of the Fokker DR 1 triplane
Ken Minichiello
Men’s Drop-In Tennis started 2025 with the celebration of four January birthdays. As usual, Sig Mueller provided his very special baked cake and pastries for the occasion. Celebrating birthdays this month were Dennis Daniel, Mike Brady, Rellen Jones, and Lou Tronzo. Lou was presented with a specially prepared history book by Dennis DeFrain about Lou’s 30-year military history and accomplishments, as well as a replica model of the “Fokker DR 1 triplane” flown by the famous Germany’s Manfred von Richthofen, also known as the Red Baron, during World War I.
Although the Red Baron became to be known throughout the world as the most officially credited fighter pilot of his time, Lou’s drop-in tennis friends surprisingly learned, at this birthday party, of how he also was officially credited for more than 100 missions over North Vietnam in which he was also awarded several combat air medals. He’s now not only known for his skills on the tennis court, but also for his accomplishments as a fighter pilot!