LEADER'S WORDS

By Grant Lannon, Squadron Leader

Judy and Grant circa 1983

We continue to chug along on the airshow schedule and as small, sometimes medium, problems occur on the Rose, we seem to have the right people show up at the right time to volunteer their time to solve them. Meanwhile, the people behind the scenes put in a lot of effort to make sure that information, marketing, merchandise, and money continue to flow. What a great group!

NOW, at the next meeting we are going to have a little fun. During one of our happy hours at the Angel Fire condo, we were talking about how much our appearances had changed from some of the old pictures that we have. Ron Dietes happened to have one in his wallet. We are going to title our next squadron meeting the "Oh My God" meeting. This was the most common comment from looking at Ron's picture of him and Letti (and I am not meaning to pick on them). SOOOOO, bring a picture of yourself, yourself and your partner, or you in an airplane, military ID, etc, etc, THAT IS AT LEAST 20 YEARS OLD. (See photo above) When we go upstairs to the CENTEX meeting and continue sharing, we ought to get them wondering what the hell we are doing!! See you there.

'till next time, Grant

MAINTENANCE MATTERS

By Ron Dietes, Squadron Maintenance Officer

We made a lot of progress on the little items that were hanging around waiting to be done this month. Jim Liles got the new tube installed in the spare main wheel and Bob Gardner and Mike Francis cleaned and painted the wheel hub. Looking good, Guys. The new seals and snap rings for the spare main gear also arrived from AeroTrader. It was decided to order an overhauled main gear actuator from AeroTrader in an attempt to resolve the intermittent drip of hydraulic fluid from the left main gear actuator. More pushrod tube hoses have also been replaced in an attempt to reduce the constant oil drips from the engines. It seemed to help as there seemed to be less on the nacelles when we landed in Midland for fuel on our way to Angel Fire.
I think we had better plan to change all the pushrod tube hoses on the "B" inspection. That seems to be the only way to effectively stop the oil seepage. But, remember the last time we did it, we spent about 175 man hours per engine to change them. And that was with folks that that had experience doing it. We will probably be changing some cylinders in an attempt to reduce the oil trail at the end of the runway when the throttles are brought up to take off power. If I had to guess, I'd say we will be changing at least four or five cylinders. We had a small intercom issue with the Flight Mechanic intercom while on the Angel Fire trip that Grant corrected. If I remember correctly it was just a broken wire. Thanks Grant! The right cowling actuator cylinder also developed a leak after the airshow on Sunday. But for some strange reason, it stopped leaking just as mysteriously as it started. So last week we removed the actuator and installed new packings and "O" rings plus replaced the hoses since one was really badly frayed. After the Centex Fly Day, we'll do the same thing to the left cowl flap actuator. As I write this article, we are cleaning the Rose for the Centex Fly Day and then we have the Dyess AFB airshow. The Fly Day will already have happened by the time you read this, but Dyess hasn't, so please come to the hangar and help get the Rose ready for the trip. Even with 5 or 6 folks, it still takes about three hours to wash her down and clean the glass. That does not count the time it takes to load the PX or put in any needed fuel and oil.

Fourth of July Activities

By Grant Lannon

Everyone was up early on that Friday for what was supposed to be a full day of flying. Bill Powers led a three ship in his Yak with the T-6 and John Boede's Yak on the wing. While airborne, we discussed whether the combination of scattered low scud and surrounding thunderstorms were going to allow us to make a low pass down the Fredericksburg main street in the middle of their parade. The clouds cooperated and we managed two passes. The later feedback was positive. John does not have the extra fuel tank in his plane so he landed at the Fredericksburg airport to refuel while the other two ships held over Canyon Lake waiting for our TOT over Canyon Lake Village for their ceremony on main street. The P-39 and Kate (with Ron Iberg at the controls) took off from HYI while we were holding and did their Japanese shoot down routine. Meanwhile, John had returned and made us a three ship again while Ron Dietes got lots of good formation practice in the holding pattern. I am sure the people at the campground got tired of all the noise since we had to hold about 45 minutes. The Kate mysteriously resurrected itself from destruction and took the lead of what was now a four ship. We made two passes over the Canyon Lake ceremony, the last of which was a missing man and then returned to HYI for our final landing.
Next on the agenda was for the Rose to join the Joe Nemer's A-26 and the Devil Dog for a 3 ship bomber flight over 6 Flags Fiesta Texas in San Antonio. Joe was the first to cancel because he did not think he could get through the thunderstorms he could see on weather radar between Waco and San Antonio. Billy and I were talking on the phone and kept the possibilities alive until shortly before our TOT when he decided the radar picture looked too bad. They didn't want a single ship and if we changed the TOT, they would've had to go back to the FAA for a deviation on the waiver they had received for a formation flight over densely populated areas (Thanks a hell of a lot Mohammad Atta!!!). We all lost a significant fee for that appearance. Of course thirty minutes after the TOT, the thunderstorms had dissipated.

We waited until the weather looked reasonable to the East and loaded up in the B-25 for the last appearance at Bay City We were the only bomber and we joined the Tora group (3 Zeros, a Kate), the P-39 and the O-2 in a mini-show. Sandy flew over in formation with us in the P-39 and William Foster got some great pictures from the tail. The weather stayed good for the mini-Pearl Harbor attack, B-25 bombing demo, and O-2 routine. The return trip home was the best smooth air all day.

At the end, my beer holding hand had a severe cramp and there are some days where you have had enough, even though it was great flying all day. I have to admit, never in my wildest dreams did I imagine I would be spending my July 4ths in such an unusual way and I am grateful. Here's to those who died so we could live in such a great nation that appreciates it's a national holiday!

MINUTES of the July 8, 2003 Meeting of the Yellow Rose Squadron

By Dave Howard, Squadron Adjutant

The regular squadron meeting was held at San Marcos in the Centex Hangar Ready Room. Grant Lannon, squadron leader, called the meeting to order at 1800. Officers present were Squadron Leader, Executive Officer, Maintenance. Twenty-three members attended. Minutes from June meeting were approved as printed in the newsletter. Visitors present included Carolyn and Cory Leist and Tim Black's son-in-law, Nathan Ross.

Reports

Executive Officer: No report.

Adjutant: No report.

Finance Finance officer not present. Grant will e-mail current finance report to Adjutant for inclusion in minutes.

Operations: Operations officer not present but airshow schedule was e-mailed to members. July 4th Fiesta Texas fly-over was cancelled due to weather. Fiesta Texas PR person has been invited to "Fly Day" on the 26th. We will have the opportunity to show her what we can do for her.

Maintenance: "A" Inspection is done. VOR's have been aligned. New tube installed in the spare main. Bob Gardner and Mike Francis will paint the rim. New seals and rings are here. Hydraulic reservoir still needs to be looked at because it is still leaking. We are out of oil but will call contact in Austin who will give us a good price.

PX: Didn't unload the PX in Bay City due to time constraints. Sold minimal cockpit tours and posters.PX is currently loaded and ready for Angel Fire.

New Business/Other Announcements

Grant read a letter from headquarters regarding the upcoming election and encouraged members to participate in the election. The letter described voting procedures. Jerry will publish letter in our newsletter. Grant suggested all vote absentee. Absentee ballots must be requested before Airsho. There are 5 people running for 3 positions.

Grant described the "Adopt an Airport" organization. Asked for opinion from membership. Tim Black motioned to join the organization. Jack Reeves seconded. The Squadron unanimously voted to join the "Adopt an Airport" organization.

Bruce Sansing approached the Yellow Rose Suadron and asked that we take a look at the items stored in the back to see what we want to keep or trash. Ron will take a look on Saturday or next workday to determine items that are salvageable.

Ed Mcafferty is posting the newsletter on our website.

John Parrish is recovering from triple by-pass surgery.

Meeting adjourned at 1829.

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Yellow Rose Squadron

NEW MEMBERS

By Judy McMillan, Squadron Finance Officer

The Squadron gained two new members on the excursion to Oklahoma for a funeral fly-over. Kelly Stout of Norman OK is a new member. Kelly served 15 years in the USAF and is skilled in avionics repair. He is a computer technician in the Norman Schools.

Rayda Santrach teaches at St. Michael's Academy and lives in Austin with her spouse, Jon Paul. She also served in the USAF and has a pilot's license and 200+ hours of flying time.

Bill Sugarek joined the Squadron on June 1. Bill is the owner of Integrity Communications in Corpus Christi where he lives with his wife Sharon. Bill is a pilot with a lot of tail dragger time. He is in the process of purchasing an AT6 and of course is acquainted with Grant Lannon. We welcome BIll to the Yellow Rose Squadron and hope to see him around San Marcos soon-or at an airshow on the road.

Ian Yanagisawa of Houston is, if you've been paying attention, the brother of Steve who rejoined last month. Ian is an environmental engineer for El Paso Corporation of Houston, and like his brother, has been an aviation buff all his life. It's always amazing to me to meet someone who knows the names of as many airplanes as Grant! Welcome Ian.

Paul Moore of the Highland Lakes Squadron is the latest new member. Paul flies the l-17 and l-4 for them. Paul lives in Horseshoe Bay, TX, and is a familiar face at the CAF Hangar in San Marcos.

Angel Fire, New Mexico

As told by the Yellow Rose

Interpreted and Transcribed by

Letty Dietes, Yellow Rose Squadron Member

When the gates open at 0630, you gotta be there

Trying to keep the engines running at 12,000 feet density altitude.

Visions of a Wells Fargo piggy bank.

Photos submitted by Grant Lannon

Something special was about to happen. I could feel it in my wings. My crew members had been primping me all week and that can only mean one thing - that we were headed for the sky. They were about to take me somewhere and show me off.

Thursday, July 17, 2003 - It was about 11:00a.m. and I was feeling claustrophobic. There are so many other planes in the hangar invading my space. But then the hangar doors opened and I realized that today was the day that something special was going to happen. Ron, Grant, Ed, Bob, Letty, Brenda, Tommy, and Jim. They all showed up in their green Yellow Rose shirts. Yes, today's the day! And since today was Thursday, I bet this will be a 4 day trip! I can't wait! I was pushed out into the nice warm sun. They fueled me, loaded all of their luggage, and somehow there was enough room for the PX. Off we went. It felt good to stretch my wings. Everyone was smiling and in a good mood. But I still didn't know where we were headed. Before I knew it we were on final for Midland . But today was Thursday …….surely we aren't going to spend 4 days in Midland ! ! ! ! Thank goodness we were only stopping for fuel. About 1 hour and 45 minutes later I climbed over a ridge of mountains and it all became clear to me. We were headed for Angel Fire, New Mexico. We were about to have some mountain fun.

Friday, July 18, 2003 - Today was a day for practice and PR rides. Most of my crew stayed in a ski lodge last night. Tommy and Brenda stayed with Gene Puckett, a friend from last year's show. There was time for a relaxing breakfast and a hike up the ski slope to enjoy the view of the city. Everyone showed up in time for an 11:00a.m. pilot briefing. Ron and Grant convinced the Air Boss that I didn't need practice. Heck, I can do the "Doolittle Popup" in my sleep. So while Ron, Grant and Jim were in the pilot briefing, the rest of us all hung out together at the airport, admiring me, until the people showed up for the PR ride at 3:00p.m. I don't know who the folks were but they were very nice and even helped wipe me down after their ride.

Gates were open to the public from 4:00p.m. until 10:00p.m. Today's events focused around the balloonists. The main event was a "Balloon Glow". After sundown, eight balloons lined up in a row and "started their engines" which caused the balloons to "glow" in the dark. For the life of me I couldn't understand what all the excitement was about. But everyone else thought it was great. We sold minimal PX and cockpit tours.I was not the center of attention today but I was having a good time anyway. I overheard a lot of talk about a surprise appearance by Grant Lamar. I have no idea who he is, but there was much excitement about the whole affair. I was hoping he would tour my cockpit so I would get to meet him.

My crew was obviously very tired when 10:00p.m rolled around. I have to admit I was ready for some sleep myself. The night air felt nice and cool. Temperature ranges were 44 degrees in the a.m. to 90 degrees in the afternoon.

Saturday, July 19, 2003 - My crew showed up at 6:30a.m. to set up the PX. I was glad to see them. We had a long day ahead of us. Gates opened to the public at 7:00a.m. ( that balloon thing again). Some of the names of the balloons included "Joker", "Breeze Lightening","Pretty Fantastic Too", and my favorite, "Miss Piggy". PX sales began immediately and stayed steady. Tours were also fast and furious. The attention was slowly easing my way. I figured I'd have the crowd wrapped around my little finger by noon (I wasn't too far wrong.).

I was scheduled to fly at 10:30a.m. I was in seventh heaven as we took off and did our briefed routine. We did 2 photo passes as part of our routine. I was so excited to be in the air that I could barely see straight. Ron and Grant tipped my wings over and all I saw were smiles, cameras and waves as I flew passed the crowd. Bob and Ed were set up at the end of the runway, which offered a perfect angle for picture taking. ( and as most of you know, I'm very photogenic).

My crew took turns during the day with the PX and tours. We were all having a great time. Miss New Mexico made an appearance. I was impressed by how pretty she was. She'll probably look as good as me when she turns 60. Ron made sure she had a yellow rose.

To be fair, I must list the other aircraft at the show. Those included the H101 Salto Glider, Fury Helicopter, TBM, Extra 300, British Sea Fury, T34's, T6's, C45, and the Airforce Academy Skydivers. The B2 also made a fly-by appearance.

Gates closed at 3:00p.m. My crew buttoned me up and prepared me for the long night ahead. They went back to their lodges to enjoy some Fat Tire beer and each other's company.

Sunday, July 20, 2003 - The last day. 6:30a.m. wakeup call again. The skies didn't look quite as inviting today. There seemed to be some weather in the area. Ron, Grant and Jim took me to the sky at 10:00 for my performance. They were showing me off. Everyone in the crowd had their eyes on me and I didn't let them down!

The rains came at 1:00p.m. It was inevitable - for this is monsoon season. Gates were scheduled to close at 3:00 today so when the rain started, the crowd all but vanished. My wings provided shelter from the rain for those that remained. I was already fueled. We just waited for the rain to stop. Once it did, my crew loaded the PX and their luggage and we headed home.

It was a great trip. We made some good money. I'm glad, because I know that I am a high-maintenance gal. It had felt good to stretch my wings. I was not looking forward to being put back into the hangar. As the hangar doors closed and my friends drove away, I knew that they were thinking the same thing that I was……..how lucky we are for the friendships we have with each other.

See ya next time.

2003 Yellow Rose B-25
Squadron Staff Officers

Squadron Leader - Grant Lannon

Glannon@texas.net

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

 

Commemorative Air Force Elections

To: All CAF Colonels

 

From: Neils Agather

Chairman - Nominating Committee

 

Date: July 3, 2003

 

Your nominating committee, consisting of Colonels Bob Reiss, Jake Tryon and Neils Agther, met today and evaluated various highly qualified Colonels to place in nomination at the general membership meeting on September 26. There are three positions to be filled on the General Staff. Set forth below are five candidates for your consideration:

 

Colonel Gary Barber

Colonel Hugh Hunton

Colonel Scott Park

Colonel Tom Rush

Colonel Bob Thompson

 

The candidates have been asked to run spirited, but positive and constructive campaigns. This election process is about the CAF, not the candidates. It is not about winners or losers, but rather it is about providing voting Colonels with choices. I strongly urge everyone to participate in the election. Be involved. This is your CAF.

 

Following are the steps toward election:

1)                On 10 July or shortly thereafter, short biographies of these candidates will be posted on the CAF members only website. These biographies will also be distributed via email to Unit Leaders, who in turn will be encouraged to distribute these to members of their units.

 

2)                            On or about 10 August an election notice will be sent via first class mail to all CAF Colonels. This notice will include the biographies of the candidates and instructions for participating in the election.

 

3)                            Requests for Absentee ballots must be postmarked and mailed no later than 26 September

 

4)                            On 26 September, at the General membership meeting, the election of officers will be held in accordance with the bylaws.

 

5)                            Absentee ballots, with all nominees will be mailed to those Colonels who requested them.

 

6)                      All ballots will be counted and the three candidates with the most votes will be announced as the incoming members of the General Staff.

 

Keep'Em Flying

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2003 Airshow Schedule

 

August

15,16,17 KC Aviation Expo
Kansas City, Missouri
Expo is on, Airshow is out

16-17 Dyess AFB*
Abilene, Texas

23 Memorial Flight*
Galveston, Texas

September

5,6,7 New Braunfels Air Show*
New Braunfels, Texas

20-21 Autumn in the Air*
Wichita, Kansas

27-28 Airsho 2003*
Midland, Texas

October

3,4,5 Aerospace America*
Oklahoma City, OK

18-19 Wings Over Houston 2003*
Houston, Texas

November

1-2 N'awlins Airshow*
NAS New Orleans, LA

* Indicates Confirmed Appearance

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