“Yellow Rose” Stars at Open Cockpit Day!
 Unquestionably the best crew at Midland for Open Cockpit Day !
Photo from Grant Lannon
|
 Katy Daw in the "Yellow Rose"
Photo by Kay Crites
|
 Face painting and flags were the order of the day.
Photo by Kay Crites
|
CAF Opens Cockpits to
Visitors
By Kay Crites, Publications Director,
Headquarters
Almost 600 men, women, and children
climbed into the cockpits of rare World War II airplanes Saturday, April 19,
2003, at the Commemorative Air Force (CAF) hangar at Midland, Texas. Open Cockpit Day, held at CAF Headquarters,
provided a rare opportunity to get a pilot’s view of historic aircraft, such as
the B-29, SB2C, P-51D Mustang and the B-25.
Also on display were more modern military airplanes, including the F-14A
Tomcat, FB-111A and the AH-1 Cobra helicopter.
“This is a really unique opportunity,”
said CAF Director of Marketing and Communications Tina Corbett. “It gives visitors a personal feeling and a
perspective of what it was like to be a pilot during World War II. Visitors to the American Airpower Heritage
Museum are not normally allowed to get in the planes.”
Stationed at each aircraft were volunteers prepared to lend a
hand and answer any questions. “Can
these planes do rollovers?” asked 8-year-old Steven Hagist about the CAF’s B-29
Fifi. Col Mark Blodgett was ready with the answer. “Anytime it was doing any rolling over, they
were going down.”
For the Daw
family of Midland, this was their first time to attend Open Cockpit Day. Mother, Kimberly Daw, waved to
daughter Katy, who was – at the moment –
riding in the B-25 Yellow Rose. “My husband is the one who really loves the planes,” explained
Mrs. Daw, but from the look of things, Katy (above photo) may have been starting
a love affair of her own, leaning out the co-pilot’s window to smile and wave
at the less fortunate stranded below on the ground.
In addition to the airplanes, an Easter egg hunt was
held. CAF employees and volunteers
spent 45 minutes hiding approximately 2,000 eggs and pieces of candy in the
Jimmy Doolittle Memorial Garden. It
only took the eager hunters about five minutes to pick the garden clean. Other attractions for children included
balloon creations and face painting.
LEADER’S
WORDS
By
Grant Lannon
We are trudging through the airshow
season and the Rose stays operational.
We had a successful appearance at Burnet and made it to “Open Cockpit
Day” in Midland, which was to benefit the American Airpower Heritage Museum
there. In May, we have Temple,
Barksdale, EAA Southwest Regional Fly-in at New Braunfels, and Little
Rock. That means almost every weekend
in May is committed. Meanwhile, we are
solving some on-going problems with the airplane with the help of volunteer
maintenance workers.
We have started selling posters and are
experimenting with the proper price for selling the greatest quantity at a good
profit. It is a balance between the
money tied up in inventory and good cash flow.
I urge all of you to buy one poster and put it somewhere so people can
see what it is like and possibly generate other sales. We have sold some for $20 and a couple at
$18. If you would like one to display
as a sales promotion, we can adjust the price for you.
Also, all but ten of the models are
in. You can pick them up at the CENTEX
PX (there are seven left there at the moment).
The actual price, including shipping, came to $84. All those who have picked up their models
have agreed to donate the extra $16 to the Squadron. This extra money will be used to produce the new T-shirt, which
is a dynamite design. We are getting
bids to produce the shirts now and they will be ready for the Temple Airshow.
Finally, I would
like to urge everyone to get a new member for the squadron. If you know of someone who is sitting on the
fence, tell them now is the time because we will be going to a lot of airshows
and will need helpers—plus, they get to fly there on a B-25. The money will help with PX inventory and
parts to keep the Rose flying.
Say
a prayer for our troops!
Till next time -
Grant
Minutes of the APRIL 8th, 2003 Meeting of the Yellow Rose Squadron
By Dave Howard
The regular squadron
meeting was held at San Marcos in the Centex Hangar Ready Room. Grant called the meeting to order at
1806. Officers present were CO, XO,
Treasurer, Maintenance, Adjutant, PX, and PR.
Eighteen members attended.
Minutes from the March meeting were approved as printed in the
newsletter.
Reports
Operations:
Howard was absent to complete preparations for the Burnet Air Show the
following Saturday. Crew for that show
would comprise Dietes, Martin, and Liles.
Grant reported that the Fredricksburg appearance is off due to failure
of part of their runway. Our next
event is the Open Cockpit day at Midland on the 19th. Dyess has been postponed. It is likely that we will attend the EAA
Regional Fly-in at New Braunfels May 16-17th instead.
Finance: March's beginning balance was $12,987. The net of deposits and disbursements was
$678 leaving an ending balance of $13,664.
April activity to date has cost $383.
Payables are $710, so the projected April ending balance is $12,571.
Maintenance: We are in the process of cleaning and
painting the cockpit floor, so if the mats are not in place, please don't walk
on it. The cowl Dzus fastener parts are
on order. The nose gear hydraulic leak
is still resisting our efforts to eliminate it. Our fast-paced schedule requires that a/c cleaning occur during
the week, (HELP!)
PX: There are no more Raiders calendars
left. Tom and Brenda will drive the PX
to Fredricksburg to represent us and see if they can generate some sales even
though the Rose can't land there. YR
caps are in stock. Grant and friends
promise quick work on a new T-shirt design before re-ordering. Finally, it was requested that members who
sell merchandise out of the lockers in the hangar be careful to replace it in
the proper air show boxes, so that our new loading system is not defeated by a
scrambled inventory.
Safety: Grant reported from sad personal experience
this week that in spite of daily practice moving a/c in and out of the hangar,
it is still possible to damage one.
Always use spotters, and check for ground equipment or other a/c out of
place.
Announcements
William Foster is a new private pilot.
Congratulations to William and Howard!
Chuck and Julie
Clayton are celebrating their 48th anniversary. Cheers from us all!
Jerry Taylor is
our newest full sponsor. Yes, he's the
same guy who produces and funds this newsletter (do not delete). Several members remarked that the last issue
was better than ever. He's using two
hands to help keep the Rose aloft.
Thanks Jerry!
The Rose models are in! Receipt holders should arrange to pick
theirs up.
Bob Jones dropped
by and donated his headset extension cable to the Rose. Communications hardware lives a hard life on
the Rose and replacements are always appreciated.
The meeting was adjourned at 1841.
AIRCRAFT
SPONSOR PROGRAM
(continued)
By Jack Reeves
The
Sponsor Program has made the dream of the founders and members of the CAF a
reality, with the Ghost Squadron collection of World War II aircraft today
numbering over 140 planes. The
program's goal is now one of completing the task of restoring and maintaining,
in flying condition, this collection for future generations.
Any member of the CAF may participate in the Sponsor Program
at one of three levels, with each level allowing participation in the operation
of their favorite aircraft. You do not
have to be a pilot or mechanic to become a sponsor or member of the aircraft
team.
The
highest level of aircraft support is the Flying Sponsor, who for a donation of
from $1,500 to $10,000 becomes a full sponsor of a chosen aircraft and is
eligible for selection as a pilot-in-command or other flight crew member, if he
is qualified. The specific costs of a
Flying Sponsorship depend on the type of aircraft, and a table of current
sponsorship costs is included (Table 8-1).
Many non-pilots chose to become full Flying Sponsors to express their
support of a favorite aircraft, realizing the expense of keeping them flying.
A
second level of support is the Restoration Sponsor, who for a donation of from
$750 to $5,000 shows his significant support for the restoration or continuing
maintenance of a CAF aircraft, and may be upgraded to a full Flying
Sponsorship, thus making it possible for some sponsors to help restore aircraft
and then fly them.
The
Supporting Sponsor is the third level in the Sponsor Program, and allows
members to support and aircraft with donations from $150 to $1,000, again
depending on the specific aircraft type. Supporting sponsors may be eligible to
serve in non-pilot crew positions, such a Crew Chief, Navigator, Bombardier or
Scanner on some aircraft, and Mechanic or Support Crew on all types, depending
on their training and qualifications and the need for additional crew
members. Supporting Sponsorships may be
upgraded to a Restoration or Flying Sponsorship.
NOTE: Supporting and /or Restoration Sponsorships
may be upgraded to Restoration or Flying Sponsorships provided the initial
donations equaled or exceeded 10% of the funds required and the upgrade is
requested within a two year time period from the date of the initial donation.
CONTINUED NEXT MONTH
MEANINGFUL MISSION
Submitted by Howard Martin
I first met David Cleaver at the San Marcos air show. He was inquiring at that time about the
possibility of getting a ride in the "Rose".
It did not work out that weekend.
I received a call some time later about doing an ashes scattering flight
for the mother of a good friend of his, Marie Genaaro. She was a WASP pilot and ferried B-25s
during WWII. I indicated to him it would
be possible, but would have to wait, as we were taking the airplane down for
inspection.
Through several conversations it was determined that the trip to Burnet
would be a mutually convenient time to accomplish the mission. At the same time , we could use the venue of
the introduction of honored guests at the Burnet Air Show to honor Marie
Genaro, as well.
Don Luttrell, a long time CAFRer and friend accompanied us on the trip
and assisted the family with the actual scattering of the ashes. Based on the comments from the participants,
it was a successful mission and meaningful to the family. The "Rose" is proud to have
participated. Could it be that Marie
actually flew the "Rose" on her delivery from the factory?
I asked the participants on the trip to record their impressions for the
Squadron. Those responses follow.
Impressions
by David Cleaver
This past weekend, I had a truly incredible experience. One of my very best friends, since seventh
grade, lost his mother recently. She
was like a mom to me as well, and was quite an amazing lady. In short, she had her pilots license before
her drivers license, knew Jackie Cochran personally, was one the original
WASp's and flew B-25s from the factory to various shipping points around the
US. She logged many hours in the B-25s,
and she never lost her love for the great blue yonder.
My friend and this three sisters wanted to do something for their
beloved Mom, something unique and special.
I have always had a love for vintage WWII aircraft and it only made
sense to do something with regard to her aviation past. I had recently met Howard Martin, of the San
Marcos wing of the CAF, at an air show and his famed B-25 Yellow Rose. A finer gentleman and overall 'good guy' are
few and far between. I contacted Howard
about the possibility of taking the ashes of my friends mother, and scatter
them out of the B-25 in flight. I was
expecting some funny looks for sure,, but that wasn't the case at all. They were not only very understanding of the
idea, but were enthusiastic and wanted to do it! We made our arrangements and the 'mission' was planned for April
11th.
We showed up in San Marcos at 9:30 that morning, and the site of the
Yellow Rose sitting out on the tarmac 'ready to go' was awe inspiring. Howard and the crew met us with open
arms…..and immediately put us to work.
I can't say enough about Howard Martin and his crew, and in particular,
Don Luttrell. Don road with us in the
back section of the aircraft and his demeanor and professionalism made the
flight even more enjoyable. Our job was
to help turn the props to oil the cylinders, nine complete turns on each
side. Then it was load up and go. The engine start-up was incredible, the
noise, and you could feel all of those 3,400hp in your bones. We taxied up to the end of the runway and
prepared for take-off. Don handed me
some ear plugs, but no way did I want those, the engines were making beautiful
music. As the plane took off down the
runway, I was surprised as how hard I was pinned against my seat, this old bird
is a hot rod! As the plane lifted off,
and rather quickly I might add, I couldn't help but notice how amazingly safe I
felt. I guess the old song "they don't
make 'em like they used to" would apply here, and to think was late 1930's
technology…..WOW! Oh, and the noise, it
really got loud, very loud indeed - but I never reached for those
earplugs. We leveled off at about 500
feet and began the mission we were there for.
Don took off the side escape hatch, and out the ashes went. We landed about 30 minutes later and the
flight was over all too soon. I could
go on and on, but this newsletter would look like a big city phone book.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank Howard, Don, and the
entire crew who made this possible. For
the family of my friends mother, nothing in this world could be a better
epitaph for their mother's life and love of flying. None of us will ever forger this incredible chance of a lifetime.
Impressions
by Ray Janes
Well Howard - in retrospect and especially after reading David Cleaver's
account of the flight, the same feeling keeps coming to me. There aard damn few things in life where the
anticipation of the event equals the reality of it. Even fewer when the reality is far greater. But this is the rare one that fits the
latter.
I had concentrated on the 'mission' for my good friend Michael Genare,
to help him with the closure of his mother Marie's parting. And I wouldn't conceive of doing this
without my favorite war bird buddy -
David Cleaver. But the Yellow
Rose firmly exerted her personality on the experience and stole the show in
many ways. I felt as if the history of
the B-25 was making itself known to me…..to even imagine combat - much less the
Doolittle Raid - I was in awe of the generation that flew them.
Many thanks to you Howard, Don Luttrell for being so patient and the
rest of your crew who "carries on" with this vintage bomber! Looking forward to volunteer to work soon
with the CAF - I've been enjoying your arishows since the 60's. Now it's time for me to contribute and
introduce my son to the cause.
2003 Yellow Rose B-25 Squadron
Staff Officers
Executive Officer -
Jack Reeves
Madjac2@aol.com
Finance Officer -
Judy McMillan
heyjude@texas.net
Adjutant - Dave Howard
Dave.howard@baesystems.com
Operations Officer -
Howard Martin
bigbad@tstar.net
Maintenance Officer -
Ron Dietes
Dietes.ron@heb.com
Safety Officer - Phil
Lockett
dlockett@itouch.net
PX Officer - Thomas
Koepke
koepke@ctesc.net
2003 Airshow Schedule
May
3-4 Temple Airshow*
Temple, Texas
9,10,11 Barksdale AFB
Bossier City, Louisiana
7-18 EAA SW Regional Fly-In
New Braunfels, Tx
31-1 Little Rock AFB Airshow
Jacksonville, Arkansas
June
7-8 3rd Coast Squadron Airshow*
Alice, Texas
13,14,15 Sheppard AFB '03 Airshow*
Wichita Falls, Texas
21-22 2003 Regional Air Fest
Cape Girardeau, Missouri
July
4 4th of July Airshow
Bay City, Texas
18,19,20 Wings Over Angel Fire*
AngelFire, New Mexico
August
15,16,17 KC Aviation Expo
Kansas City, Missouri
September
5,6,7 Airshow Oklahoma Fnd.
Mukogee, Oklahoma
20-21 Autumn in the Air
Wichita, Kansas
27-28 Airsho 2003
Midland, Texas
11-12 Amigo Airshow
El Paso, Texas
18-19 Wings Over Houston 2003*
Houston, Texas
November
1-2 N'awlins Airshow*
NAS New Orleans, LA
* Indicates Confirmed Appearance