COMMEMORATIVE AIR FORCE

The

C MPASS
M ISSOURI W ING

P.O. Box 637 St.Charles, MO 63302 St. Charles County Smartt Airport 636-250-4515 Fax 636-250-4515 www.cafmo.org

MISSOURI WING

E XECUTIVE S TAFF
WING LEADER Col. Patrick Kesler 28 Confederate Way St. Charles, MO 63303 636-928-5687 636-250-4515 Wing wingleader@cafmo.org ADJUTANT / PIO OFFICER Col. Rick Rea 6854 Ardale Drive St. Louis,MO 63123 314-960-4927 col.rickrea@charter.net EXECUTIVE OFFICER Col. Steve Newcombe 708 Kent Drive Wentzville, MO 63385 636-332-6397 FINANCE Col. Steve Gossett 4 Limerick Lane O'Fallon, MO 63366 636-474-9763 314-306-5021 OPERATIONS OFFICER Col.Craig O'Mara 1085 Graywolf Court Fairview Heights, IL 62208 618-632-6113 home 618-558-7211 cell craigo777@juno.com MAINTENANCE OFFICER Col. Pat Fenwick 6 Heather Drive St. Peters, MO 63376 636-441-2856 SAFETY OFFICER Col. Tim Mohr 2301 Ambtose Imperial, MO 63052 314-291-6474 tgm01@sbcglobal.net

MISSION COMPLETED!!!

OCTOBER 2011

First flight of L-3 after complete restoration. Congratulations to everyone!

Pat Fenwick with Chris Hughston, CAF pilot, from Harlingen who was sent up from HQ to test fly the L-3.

U PCOMING E VENTS
Oct 1 Oct. 8 Oct. 8-9 Oct. 15-16 Oct. 29 Nov. 12 Jefferson City, MO Open House, History Flight Event B-25 & PX General Meeting - 1:30 pm CAF AIRSHO 2011 B-25 & TBM L-3 was flown Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Camdenton, MO LHFE Flights B-25 Serveral other pilots were checked out by Chris. Corvettes & Warbirds 10 am - 3 pm Pumpkin Drop at St. Charles Flying Service, B-25 participating! General Meeting - 1:30 pm - Wing Chili Contest before meeting

Saturday - October 8 - General Meeting - 1:30 pm

WING LEADER'S REPORT

October! One of my favorite months Autumn, football, fireplaces, candles, pumpkins, the World Series, getting ready for the upcoming Holiday Season, colorful leaves, pumpkin carving, clear/unlimited visibility days and crisp evening temperatures, caramel apples and hot apple cider, memories from Halloweens gone past and pumpkins dropping from the bomb bay of our B25! Thats right! Screaming orange, un-carved Jack-O-Lanterns hurtling themselves downward towards the ground and a possible future pumpkin patch We did it once last year and will do it again on Saturday, October 29th together with the Corvettes & Warbirds event and the St. Charles Flying Service Open House. Come on out and participate in the festivities. I have been assured that Cols. Mark Statler and Lou Tacchi have developed a new Double-Barreled Pumpkin Delivery System. Last years highlyclassified, innovative design was designated the SPLASH Special Pumpkin Low Altitude Sequencing Harness. It was somewhat successful, but was hampered by two stubborn pumpkins that decided to lodge themselves together in the delivery sleeve and prohibit the dispersal of six of their buddies. This years design is still highly-classified, but guaranteed to deliver the spheroids on target. It has been a busy Summer numerous Air Shows and LHFE flights, Wing visitations, and the Hangar Dance. This years 29th annual dance was another success do to the hard work of many members and beautiful weather. Col. Mike McEntees stage work was aided by Bob Lawrences generous loan of an amazing piece of equipment. It took the place of Macs famous Antique Road Shows, one-of-a-kind, 40 foot, wooden, A-frame, vertical extension ladder. It was comforting to see him aloft on a firm, safe platform as opposed to watching him perform his high altitude circus-like, balancing act on the swaying wooden top rung. Modern technology and a Scissors Lift made us all less concerned while watching him perform his magic again this year. Thanks Bob! And thanks again Mac for a flawless and professional stage production this time around. The lights and sound were amazing! The County repaired the meeting room roof in September and is currently working on the interior ceiling and walls. We will be doing some re-decorating when theyre finished. We also plan on doing the Office area rehab soon now that the dance is over and things seem to be settling down. Well, I could rattle on, but I know there are some great articles in this Months newsletter and need to allow time for you to peruse them. Enjoy the cooler weather and enjoy the details of what our Wing members have been doing Make sure you scan the upcoming events schedule on the other side of this page and the website. There are a lot of exciting times still ahead this Fall, and the more you get involved the better chance you have of creating new friendships and great memories. Remember - with your help We can Keep Em Flying and have a great, rewarding time in your life while doing so. Its always great to make new memories especially when they are associated with the memories of that Great Generation. Respectfully submitted, Col. Pat Kesler, Wing Leader

A VISIT

FROM THE GATESWORTH Col. Tee Baur and his lovely mother Flo visited the Wing along with a group of her friends from the Gatesworth Senior Living Residence on Saturday afternoon, September 17th. They toured the Museum, visited with the many Wing members setting up for the 29th annual Hangar Dance, and watched as engines were started on the B-25 and L-3! What a nice group of people. It was an honor and pleasure to show them around. Many of them were WWII veterans and spouses and asked some pretty amazing questions. We hope to schedule an event in the near future so more of our members can meet them and absorb some of their great enthusiasm and spirit. Thank you Tee for organizing this memorable visit! Col. Pat Kesler

WHILE

THE PILOT'S AWAY... Cols. Matt Conrad and David Thompsen were the pilots on the Sept 9-11 trip to Lincoln, Nebraska for the Guardians of Freedom Air Show. David and his lovely wife, Jennifer, live in Clifton, Illinois just south of Chicago. Rather than drive 250 miles to Smartt Field, he graciously flies his own aircraft to and from the Wing in order to participate in Air Shows and Wing functions (like the recent Hangar Dance). While he was away in Nebraska, our mechanics decided to perform some much-needed maintenance on this Target of Opportunity - His aircraft. Of course, David knew nothing about this volunteer effort. While conducting my general surveillance of the premises, I happened upon the happy hands of our mechanics and was able to document some of their effort Col. Pat Kesler

WING STAFF ELECTIONS

IN NOVEMBER Wing Staff elections will be held at the November 12th General Membership meeting. The following positions are open for nomination: 1. Unit/Wing Leader 2. Executive Officer 3. Finance Officer 4. Maintenance Officer 5. Safety Officer JOB DESCRIPTIONS: Unit/Wing Leader: At least two (2) years as a CAF member in good standing, background in military or business management, ability for good public appearance, adept at public speaking and preferably have a background in aviation. He/she shall be responsible for providing overall leadership and direction for the unit. Specific duties: current knowledge of CAF rules and regulations, preparation of Unit meeting agenda, serving as chairman at meetings, appointing various committee members, etc. Executive Officer: Assistant to the Unit Leader and will act in his place during his absence. Specific duties include current knowledge of CAF rules and regulations, meeting facilities, Unit socials, and other duties as may be assigned by the Unit Leader. This officer may be appointed on an annual basis by the Unit Leader and serves as a voting member of the Unit Staff. However, if the Unit Leader chooses to appoint the Executive Officer, the Unit Leader sacrifices his regular voting privilege and can vote only in the case of a tie. If the Executive Officer is duly elected, the Unit Leader retains his usual voting privileges. Finance Officer: Shall have charge of all Unit funds collected, keep accurate records of such funds and is responsible for Unit compliance with all CAF regulations, policies and directives that relate to financial matters. He shall submit to CAF Headquarters, in a timely manner, all required reports. This officer insures that all monies and property donated shall become the property of the Commemorative Air Force, Inc., and used in accordance with General Staff policies. Specific duties include coordination of membership files with collection of dues, and payment of approved Unit debts. He/she shall determine voting eligibility of members prior to unit elections. He oversees finances of all Unit projects and submits Unit records for audit on an annual basis and communicates with CAF Headquarters through the Secretary Treasurer. His signature plus one more authorized unit staff officers will appear on all Unit checks.[See the Unit Finance Guide for detailed information]. Also, see Para. F. of this Section Unit Financial Policy, on page 2-13. Maintenance Officer: Should be a FAA licensed A&P or IA. He is responsible for proper care and maintenance of all aircraft assigned to the Unit and for ground equipment. He shall schedule and direct restoration of all CAF aircraft assigned to the Unit. He shall oversee activities of Unit aircraft project officers and disseminate status reports of all Unit restoration projects to HQ and the Unit membership on a current and timely basis. He shall clear all restoration work with the CAF Director of Maintenance/ Quality Assurance prior to implementation. He shall clear all planned expenditures through the Unit Staff. Specific duties include ensuring that all aircraft are in airworthy condition prior to flight, maintaining proper records and log books, ordering parts and supplies and training aircraft crew chiefs and ground equipment personnel. He shall submit a monthly maintenance and/or restoration report to Headquarters. Communications with CAF Headquarters will be initiated through the office of CAF Vice President of Safety/Maintenance/Operations. Safety Officer: He/she works directly with the Maintenance Officer. He is responsible for all ground control during flight activities. Specific duties include placing fire extinguisher on aircraft and ground equipment (both hand and engine) and implementation of escape procedures from aircraft emergency exits. He should be well versed in all aircraft ground operations, including startup, taxi and shutdown. Hand signals utilized in aircraft ground operation shall be well known by this officer and taught to those who will perform that duty. Headquarters contact concerning specific questions may be initiated with the Vice President of Safety/ Maintenance/Operations at headquarters CAF.

According to regulations; The Nominating Committee will be made up of three (3) or more Unit members in good standing, which will offer a slate of officers. This Committee shall place into nomination the names of those members who are chosen. Nominations from the floor shall be recognized if the nominees meet eligibility requirements and prior agreement to serve is obtained. Also; The Election Committee will be made up of three (3) Unit members in good standing and will conduct the annual Unit Staff elections each year. The Election Committee members duties are to conduct the election, mail the absentee ballots (if used), tabulate and report the results of the balloting and hold the absentee ballots. The Election Committee members must not be involved in the elections in any form, except as eligible voters. They cannot be members of the Unit Staff, Unit Nomination Committee, or a candidate for election to the Unit Staff. If you want to be on one of these committees, please contact me or any other staff member. Col. Pat Kesler

A BIG THANKS

The Wing thanks the following for their generosity in sponsoring our dance with money and / or articles for sale. Every dollar helps and is appreciated. Phil Bamberger Gerald Carpenter Pete Casey Dave Ceglinski Coffey Automotive and Tire Tracey Coffey John & Connie Coffey Bernie Crouch Ed Bockholdt Estate Bud Eberhardt Fairwinds Rivers Edge Senior Center Everett Feltham Pat Fenwick Frito Lay Steve Gossett Dick Hendrix JJs Restaurant KJs Place Pat Kesler Len Kratzner Longshots Saloon Hubert Looney Dutch Meyerpeter Mississippi River Trading Post Tim Mohr Bob Moore Palisades Yacht Club Betty Pearce/Southwest Airlines Rick Rea Robert Rutledge Jack Seeman Skylink Aviation Service St. Charles Flying Service Bob Willhauk I know there are others out there and I will give thanks later but I have to get this in time for the Compass deadline.

2011 PRELIMINARY DANCE NUMBERS

I know you are all curious as to how we did at this years dance. The following are preliminary revenue figures only, not profit, since I dont have all the expenses in yet. Also, they do not reflect donations/sponsors as I havent finalized those either. Generally speaking, we did about the same as last year. The total revenue (w/o counting donations / sponsors) was $262 higher than last year. We sold 540 tix this year vs 542 last year, only 2 less. The PX, Silent Auction, beer, and 50/50 were a little higher. The food and soda (tips) were a little less. Total revenue this year was up from last year Since there were several differences in expenses from last year I am anxious to see how our profit comes out. Col. $teve Gossett

CLASSIC CARS & WARBIRDS

As OPR for this event it is my pleasure to write an article about our Wings participation in and the wonderful responses from the reunion attendees during Labor Day Weekend 2011. After many emails and phone conferences between yours truly and the reunion coordinators Diane Brauer and CAF Col. Jim Bina, a very nice agenda was put together. Our participation began Friday evening, September 3rd at the Reunion Opening Reception. Cols. Dick Hyde, Bud Eberhardt, Bill Wehmeier and $teve Gossett attended. Word was it was quite a nice affair! Saturday afternoon, September 4th our B-25J Show Me was the lone aircraft for a flyover of Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery for the 345ths Memorial Service at 1430 hours CDT. The staff at the cemetery planted 7 American Flags near headstones of 345th members that paid the ultimate price for our freedom. 2 busloads of reunion attendees were in attendance and it was quite a moving ceremony. It began with a reading of the names and squadrons of the deceased by a cemetery staff member. I watched as 2 members of Captain (USAF Retired) Vic Tatelmans family held him by both arms during the ceremony as members of one of his B-25 crews names were read. Vic could hardly contain his emotions remembering his crewmates. Right on cue Show Me came in from the northwest with Cols. Dave Thompson (PIC) Craig OMara and Jim Bina and LHFE riders and crew, made a pass to the east, did a beautiful 180 degree teardrop turn and overflew the cemetery departing west. Sunday afternoon 60 70 reunion attendees came out to the Wing in a bus at approximately 1:00 p.m. Col. Bob Moore was already processing Vic Tatelman and his fellow LHFE riders for their flight. The reunion attendees watched Show Mes crew start engines and waved in unison as Show Me taxied out for run-up and departure. Upon arrival back at Smartt Airport the crew performed a beautiful flyby and precision landing. After engine shut-down the right engine began to leak oil more than usual and was severe enough to cancel the scheduled LHFE flight per Pilot Cols. Craig OMara and Julie Thomas. The reunion attendees had a great time watching air ops, touring the B-25 and museum. Col. Jim Bina presented a book autographed by the reunion attendees to Col. Craig OMara for our museum in gratitude for our participation in the reunion. Thanks to the pilots, crew and mechanics that helped make it a great day. Special thanks to Col. Dick Hyde for selling souvenirs during the visit. Sunday evening Col. Peter Sherwin, Peters wife Kristine and I attended the 345th Reunion Banquet. Kristines father was dropped onto Normandy during the D-Day Invasion in a glider. It was a great evening highlighted by a presentation on the search for a downed B-25 that ditched in the waters off Cadiz City, Philippines due to heavy battle damage. One crew member was unable to escape before the aircraft sunk and the search for his remains was the subject of the presentation. Peter, Kristine and I had the good fortune to sit with retired Lt. Col. Don Buzz Wagner and Dons sons at dinner. We were fascinated with Buzzs stories of his exploits having flown over 5,000 hours in 24 different aircraft during his service. The banquet was the culmination of a fantastic show put on by our Wing Membership. Lest We Forget. Col. Rick Rea / PIO, ADJUTANT

345TH BOMB GROUP NATIONAL REUNION

On Saturday, June 25th the Wing hosted one of our unique events Classic Cars and Warbirds. Approximately four car clubs were represented: Show-Me Mustangs, A Camaro Club, A Boss Mustang Club, An AMC Club and a one-man club with a Dusenberg. Through Dan Kellys (Show-Me Mustangs) car club recruiting efforts and Sarah Hinds full-color flyer this event gets bigger each year. The weather was great and the owners of the show cars took advantage of multiple opportunities to take group and individual pictures and videos of their cars with our B-25 and other aircraft parked on the ramp. We served 100 gourmet lunches at noon. The Wing cleared over $300 on lunch and we flew a LHFE mission in the B-25 so Col. Steve Gossett was smiling widely (we like to see him smiling!) Everyone had a great time and looking forward to Classic Cars & Warbirds 2012. Thanks to all the Wing members who helped make this a success and special thanks to Cols. Chris and Angie Herrmann , Col. Tim Mohr, Col. Steve Gossett and special, special thanks to Col. Tim Dexter for helping me with this event. The next car show will be Corvettes & Warbirds on Saturday, October 29th. See you there! Col. Rick Rea / PIO, Adjutant

345TH BG MEMBER PROFILES TATELMAN/WAGNER

Captain Victor Tatelman, USAF, a pilot in the 499th squadron, completed a 50 mission tour with the 345th in March 1944 and was reassigned to Eglin Field, Florida where he studied radar and radar countermeasures. Following his studies, Vic returned to the Southwest Pacific in 1944. After working for several weeks in a special intelligence section Vic convinced his superiors at the 5th Air Force to let him equip a B-25 with electronics which could home-in on Japanese radar sites. Vic found a retired B25D and overhauled it to include a special navigators table for the electronic equipment he needed that the new B-25Js didnt have. He took the B-25D to Biak for the overhaul and installation of a B-25H solid-nose gun kit. Vic named the new B-25D-3 Dirty Dora II after the plane he piloted on his first tour and was reassigned to the 499th for support and maintenance. Vic began flying radar missions in March 1945 and twice successfully located and photographed Japanese radar installations. As the Japanese positions deteriorated Vic and his aircraft were detached to the 499th and he finished out WWII as a flight leader. Donald Buzz Wagner, Lt. Col. USAF (Retired) served in the Army Air Corps, Army Air Force and U.S. Air Force from 1940 1965. As a command pilot Buzz accumulated 5,000 flying hours in 24 different aircraft. He flew 43 WWII missions in eight major campaigns and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Air Medal and AFCM. His total hours flying B-25s allowed him to immediately transition into flying P-51 fighters in combat (his first love) without advanced training. Buzz also flew the F-84, F-86, F-100 and F-104. Following his military career Buzz was a successful businessman/consultant and is currently President of the 500th Squadron of the 345th. After the flyover on Saturday Vic and Buzz asked me if our B-25 pilots were on oxygen while flying so high over the cemetery. After I asked what begged the question they laughed and said that their squadron commanders would chew their butts if they flew their B-25s above treetop level on their missions. What a privilege it was to have met these men. Lest We Forget. Col. Rick Rea / PIO, ADJUTANT

ot

COMMEMORATIVE AIR FORCE

MISSOURI WING P.O. Box 637 St. Charles, MO 63302-0637

OCTOBER 2011

Public Notice
2011 HANGAR DANCE ANOTHER HUGE SUCCESS!

Reservations are now being accepted for the final Living History flights of 2011 in the B-25 Show-Me. Available dates are October 22 & October 29. If interested register on www.cafmo.org or call 636-250-4515. Five passengers per flight. Jean Slough (1) Paul Gardner (1) Lou Niederberger (2) Peter Sherwin (10) Pat Fenwick (10) Vern Reece (16) Art Hoffmann (17) Bud Eberhardt (22) John Lohmar (26) Al Gruer (26) Compass Deadline: November Newsletter - Need info by October 25

October Birthdays!

December Newsletter - Need info by November 23

OCTOBER SAFETY BRIEF

Oct. is Fire Prevention Month 10 Home Fire Safety Tips The U.S. Fire Administration reports that fires kill more than 4,000 Americans each year and approximately injure 20,000 more. U.S. fire departments respond to nearly 2 million fires each year, with three-quarters of them occurring in residences. A home is often referred to as a safe haven. This month, make sure your home is protected from (and your family is prepared for) a fire. Here are 10 simple tips to help you avoid fires and reduce the risk of injury should one occur: 1) Smoke Alarms These are still a very important addition to your home. Smoke alarms are widely available and inexpensive. Install a smoke alarm on every level of your home and test it monthly. 2) Prevent Electrical Fires Dont overload circuits or extension cords. Cords and wires should never be placed under rugs or in high traffic areas. Avoid loose electrical connections by checking the fit of the plug in the wall outlet. If the plug loosely fits, inspect the outlet right away. A poor connection between the plug and the outlet can cause overheating and can start a fire in minutes. 3) Keep Plugs Safe Unplug all appliances when not in use. Follow the manufacturers safety precautions and use your senses to spot any potential disasters. If a plug is overheating, smells strange, shorts out or sparks the appliance should be shut off immediately, then replaced or repaired. 4) Alternate Heaters Make sure there is ample space around any portable heating unit. Anything that could catch fire should be at least three feet away. Inspect your chimney annually and use fire screens to help keep any fires in the fireplace. 5) Fire Safety Sprinklers When combined with working smoke alarms, home fire sprinklers greatly increase your chance of surviving a fire. Sprinklers are affordable and they can increase property value and lower insurance rates. 6) Create An Escape Route Create and practice your escape plan with your family from every room in the house. Practice staying low to the floor and checking for hot doors using the back of your hand. Its just like a routine school fire drill but in your home. Also have a meeting place outside to account for family members. 7) Position Appliances Carefully Try to keep TV sets, kitchen and other appliances away from windows with curtains. If there is a wiring problem, curtains can spread a fire quickly. Additionally, keeping your appliances away from water sources (like rain coming in from windows) can help prevent wiring damage which can lead to a fire. 8) Clean Dryer Vents Clothes dryers often start fires in residential areas. Clean the lint filter every time you start a load of clothes to dry or after the drying cycle is complete. Make sure your exhaust duct is made of metal tubing and not plastic or foil. Clean the exhaust duct with a good quality dryer vent brush to prevent blockage & check for lint build up behind the dryer at least twice a year. 9) Be Careful Around the Holidays If you fill your home with lights during the holiday season, keep them away from anything that can easily catch fire. Check all of your lights prior to stringing them up and dispose of anything with frayed or exposed wires. 10) Conduct Regular Inspections Check all of your electronic equipment and wiring at least once a month. Taking a little time to do this each month can really pay off. Following these simple tips could potentially save your life or the life of a loved one. Pass this list on to your friends and family and make this fire prevention month count! Not just at home, but any place you spend time! Dont Learn by Accident Col Tim Mohr, SO

Sep 10, 2011 1:30pm < CALL TO ORDER < PLEDGE OF ALLIGIENCE < ROLL CALL OF STAFF: WL __ ADJ __ EXEC __ OPS __ MAINT__ FIN __ SAFE __ PIO __ < RECOGNIZE VISITORS AND GUESTS < MINUTES OF LAST MEETING (in COMPASS) < INFIRMED MEMBERS Everett is doing well. COMMITTEE REPORTS: Compass John Coffey Gasoline Sales Jim Lammert/$teve Gossett Web Site Bob Lawrence Museum Jack Seeman PX Dick Hyde Recruiting & Membership Steve Newcombe Air Shows Matt Conrad/Craig OMara LHFE - Bob Moore Hangar Dance - Pat Kesler OLD BUSINESS BRIEFING ROOM Roof is done. Working on ceiling & interior. BACK LATRINE Use as primary when able. Work to begin soon on Ladies RR. CLEANING See something on the floor that doesnt belong there? Pick it up and put it in the trash can. LABOR DAY WEEKEND ACTIVITIES 345th BG Reunion went well. 3 full LHFE flights (1 cnx for oil leak). Parade in Forest park. B-25 fly-bys at Forest park and Jefferson Barracks. Thanks a bunch to Col. Rick Rea for coordinating everything. NEW BUSINESS AIRCRAFT STATUS: B-25: a/w TBM: a/w L-3: done awaiting test flight. STAFF REPORTS: MAINTENANCE___ EXECUTIVE___ OPERATIONS____ SAFETY___ ADJUTANT___ PUBLIC INFO___ FINANCE___ AIR SHOW___ LHFE____ SILVER SWALLOWS REUNION Today. Be nice CORVETTS & WARBIRDS Oct 29 10am-3pm ST. CHARLES FLYING SERVICE OPEN HOUSE Oct 29 Pumpkin Drop HANGAR DANCE Next Saturday!!! o Hangar cleaning next Thursday o Bring Silent Auction items from home or neighbors. o Need door prizes o Volunteers for various areas needed. See sign-up list. Meeting Adjourned @ 2:30pm

GENERAL MEETING MINUTES

NEW MEMBER
John Holechek Our association with the CAF Missouri Wing began very recently when my wife purchased a ride for me on the B-25J for my birthday. She was aware of my long time interest in WWII era aircraft and thought it would make the perfect gift, and it did. After the flight, it seemed only natural to join the CAF and become part of its effort to educate, preserve, maintain these wonderful aircraft for future generations. My fascination with WWII aircraft began when I was a kid listening to my Dad tell stories about his experiences as an aviation mechanic in the Pacific. He served with a Marine Corsair fighter squadron during the Peleliu invasion in 1944. Its an honor to be able to serve with such a dedicated group of volunteers in their effort to keep these wonderful old warbirds flying. Cecilia and I are looking forward to assisting in any way we can to help the CAF carry on this important work.

The theme of this years VP Parade over the July 4th weekend was A Night Out and the Missouri Wing really delivered! Saturday, July 2nd was a beautiful bright day (albeit a bit on the warm side) for a parade, the perfect setting for a bunch of somewhat wacky Wing members, children, wives and significant others to don flower leis and grass skirts and wander down the streets of wartime Honolulu, oops St. Louis, on weekend passes for a long awaited Night Out. The happy group consisting of Col. John Eskew, Col. Bob Lawrence and Stephanie, Col. Chris Hermann, wife Angie and son John, Col. Bob Moore, Col. Bill Wehmeier, Col. Nick Talarico, Col. Delia Greer, Col. Lou Tacchi, Col. Tim Dexter, Col. Tom Wagoner and wife Mary, Col. Rick Rea and Col. Dick Hyde along with Col. Moores 1942 staff car and Col. Tacchis jeep gathered at the Wells Fargo lot at Market and Jefferson. Grass skirts (actually paper skirts), flower leis (actually paper leis but they looked pretty!) and American flags provided by Col. Wagoner and Col. Lawrence were distributed to all for the fun night, er morning, ahead. The vehicles and participants made it to the parade start on Washington Street (though a couple of the guys had to hitch a ride with the Wells Fargo security guard to get there in time). With Col. Lou at the wheel of the jeep and Col. Bill, well seasoned by last years parade, at the wheel of the staff car, the group started down Washington Street towards the parades start lineand miraculously, this year we kept moving, no vapor lock or overheating (at least for now!). Thunderous cheers (well, at least polite applause) greeted us as we turned onto 4th Street with most of the folks walking beside the jeep and staff car greeting the crowd with waves of the flag and shouts of Happy 4th. The real hits were our fabulous females, Stephanie, Angie, Mary and Delia, who went the extra mile to connect with the crowd. Many of the younger female parade watchers were rewarded to their delight with flower leis given out by our happy group. T he turn up Market Street was successfully navigated and the large crowd was most appreciative of our antics. Then, a few blocks up Market, the unexpected happened (or maybe it wasnt so unexpected!)the staff car stalled and Col. Bill couldnt get it started again! One of the parade marshals instructed us to move it off to the side but we replied that we couldnt do that. Our better conditioned members responded to the call by getting behind and alongside the car and started to push! Fortified by a stop at the two beer stations along the way set up by the parade folks, the pushing continued all the way to parades end without significant pain. Somehow we had made it and our Night Out came to an end much too soon. We inexplicably passed by the beverage and burger stand provided by the VP parade sponsors but Stephanie, Angie and Mary promised that there would be plenty of food and suitable beverages next year, just for us. We can hardly wait! Col. Dick Hyde

WING MEMBERS BRING "HAWAIIAN TREAT" JULY VP PARADE CROWD DOWNTOWN

TO

"SHOW ME" RETURNS TO OFFUTT AFB DEFENDERS OF FREEDOM SHOW AUGUST 27-28

FOR

With the intrepid all-United Airlines crew of Col. Craig OMara and Col. David Thompsen at the controls (and a former United Airlines attorney closely watching their every move!), Show Me departed Smartt Field on a pleasant late August Friday afternoon bound for Offutt AFB near Omaha to take part in the Defenders of Freedom air show for the second consecutive year. Accompanying Craig and Dave were crew members Col. Rick Rea, Col. Tom Wagoner, Col. Bob Moore, Col. Angie Hermann, Col. Dick Hyde and new Wing member Col. Ken Stricker. Upon arrival at Offutt, the crew headed straight into the hangar for a thirst quencher (or two!) at the ever present beer truck. The Air Force provided their usual excellent accommodations for the crew members. Large crowds milled around Show Me on a beautiful Saturday with crew members answering questions of every size and shape about the aircraft and the good guys not surprisingly prevailed in the mock air show battle with the Japanese. On Saturday evening, the crew (minus Cols. OMara and Hermann) stumbled unknowingly on a famous Omaha steak house, Gorats, for an excellent dinnerit turns out that Gorats is the favorite of Warren Buffetts who, unfortunately, was not in attendance that evening. Storm predictions on Sunday put things on hold for a while but skies cleared and the air show went on, with the good guys again winning! Show Me was accompanied on the return trip by our Skyraider friend, who had substituted for the TBM at the show. Our flight crew adroitly dodged a number of rain clouds on the way home and brought us safely back to Smartt in the early Col. Dick Hyde evening.

2011 Hangar Dance

PX HAS SUCCESSFUL OUTING AT GUARDIANS OF FREEDOM SHOW IN LINCOLN, NEBRASKA, SEPT. 10-11

Early Friday morning, September 9, Cols. Bob Lawrence and Dick Hyde departed Smartt towing the PX trailer in Bobs vehicle headed for Lincoln, Nebraska and the Guardians of Freedom air show. The B-25 and TBM were scheduled to depart later that day and there would be a full complement of PX workers the next dayright? No wrong! After a long drive, made even longer by Missouri River flood detours, Bob and Dick arrived at Lincoln Airport around 6 and with the help of Nebraska Air National Guard personnel, parked the PX trailer and headed for the hotel and a welcome dinner. There was no B-25 or TBM in sight and we were informed that they had not even left Smartt due to low ceiling conditions but would be en route early Saturday. Saturday dawned bright and beautiful and Bob and Dick somehow managed to set up the PX, tent and all, just inside the show entrance.still no B-25 or TBM in sight! Suddenly, the throngs began entering the show grounds even before all the PX items had all been laid out. We were then informed that Show Me had sprung an engine oil leak and had landed at St. Joseph for a look see. PX business was nonstop for the whole day and with just two minding the shop until mid-afternoon when the TBM crew of Col. Ken Stricker and Col. Dave Ceglinski finally arrived and came to the rescue, it was an amazing day. Models and caps were huge sellers. Even without the dog tag machine in operation due to shortage of PX hands, sales on Saturday exceeded $2,000. Show Mes oil problem was finally solved and the aircraft arrived from St. Joseph after the show had shut down for Saturday. Anyway Sunday saw a full complement of PX hands, the dog tag machine was operating at full speed, and sales of other items were again brisk. The air show, which included stunning displays by the Blue Angels and our own B-25 piloted by Col. Dave Thompsen and TBM piloted by Col. Mike Anderson, was terrific. Thanks to all those pitching in under the direction of Col. Bob Lawrence, sales for the two days approximated was a record for the past few years. All in all, a good time for the PX and all who helped out! Col. Dick Hyde

A TRIP

Col. Angie Herrmann flight to Lincoln. Have you done this before?

OF FIRSTS On the weekend of September 9 - 11, 2011 the B25 and TBM went to Lincoln, NE and for me it was a weekend of firsts. The crews of both aircraft met at Smartt around 3pm for an approximate departure of 4pm. It was an overcast and rainy afternoon. Around 6:15 pm the decision was made to delay departure until Saturday morning (first number one, having a departure delayed due to weather). After a period of debrief, thanks to Dave Thompson, all parties departed for home or hotel. All parties met back at the wing starting at 6 am for departure at earliest opportunity. Due to weather again, we did not get into the air until 10:15 am. The flight went well until we were over western Missouri when it was noticed the right engine was leaking oil. The decision was quickly made to divert to Rosecrans Field in St. Joseph, MO (second first, mechanical problem in flight). After a successful landing, evaluation of problem and lunch, the problem was tackled and solved by the efforts of primarily Chris Hermann, Jim Lammert, Buddy Welch and an AP whose name I dont recall who agreed to come to the airport with supplies and knowhow to get us airborne again. We got to Lincoln finally about 7:30pm Saturday. Sunday all went smoothly at the show from my perspective in the PX making dog tags (not a first) and such. We loaded up to depart for home after assisting the pack up of the PX at around 6pm. After being held on the taxiways for what seemed like hours due to the departure of the Blue Angels, we finally took off for home. This trip home was a bit later in the day than I had experienced before (third first, later than normal flight home). After the successful trip home, the B25 was put to bed and all departed for home. I know the number of firsts may not sound like much unless you realize I have several trips to my credit in the 9 years I have been around. It was an interesting trip to say the least. Col. Tom Wagoner

I want to recognize and congratulate the whole Lincoln, Nebraska Air Show crew. We had a lot thrown at us that weekend including weather, mechanical issues, and a very busy PX that required everyone to pitch in. This was one of, if not the most, cohesive and focused crew I have ever had the pleasure to work with. Thanks for making a PICs job so easy! The Crew: Dave Thompson, Tom Wagoner, Brandon Gomer Bebow, Angie Herrmann, Chris Herrmann, Jim Lammert, Buddy Welsh, Bob Lawrence and Dick Hyde. Col. Matt Conrad, PIC

THANK YOU