LEADER'S WORDS

By Grant Lannon

The Rose had a great time at the Temple and Barksdale airshows (see articles). We also were the main attraction at the New Braunfels EAA Fly-in. Since Little Rock was a no-go on the 31st, Ron and the maintenance crew decided to fix some things before our next appearance at Alice on the 7th of June. After that it is Sheppard on the weekend of the 14th and Cape Girardo the following weekend. The Rose hasn't let us down yet.

Bob Gardner and I have discovered that offering a free t-shirt to new members works well. We have signed up five so far. I meant to talk about the posters at the last meeting but forgot. Bob is still selling them at appearances with the soft J sell. The rest of us need to take part. If you have ideas for getting them out there, please let us know at the next meeting. I think I will have Bob talk about what technique works for him. We also discovered at Temple that the new t-shirt with the green baseball cap is a great combination sell.

The Rose complains a little about her heavy schedule, but so far she hasn't "sat down" on us. I want to thank everyone who has been working so hard at all the appearances (not to mention the heavy maintenance work in the hanger). I am really proud of the "can do" attitude when we hit the ground for a new appearance. I think we have the best view of the airshow business. We take a great group with us and they work hard and make money, then they are ready to relax around the trough afterward. I cannot imagine what it is like to do a "static" by sitting around waiting for the next turn of the engine.

'till next time, Grant

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LETTER OF APPRECIATION FROM A GATOR

Thanks again for letting us out onto and around your planes while you were visiting Randolph. Sorry it took so long but here, finally, is one of our class patches. We will be the fourteenth class to graduate JSUNT (Joint Specialized Undergraduate Navigator Training) in 2003. We began this phase in November and will leave for our next phase of training in September. Our class has Navy and Air Force (active duty, Air National Guard, and Air Force Reserve). Our mascot is the gator (from Navigator) whose tail is coming out of the out-house and "Gator…" is our call sign.

Thanks again, 2Lt John Stockwell, 562^nd Flying Training Squadron, E Flight, Randolph AFB, Texas.

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From: Bob Rice
Sent: Friday, May 09, 2003 9:52 AM
To: AFewell4@aol.com
Subject: RE: Central Texas Airshow

 

Dear Mrs. Zimmerman,

 

   Your email did get to the right place! We of the CAF can't tell you how happy it makes us to receive a note from someone who has witnessed a CAF airshow for the first time. And for the experience to have been a positive one such as yours--believe me, you made our day.

   We are so pleased that your son has an interest in World War II. Historians say that World War II was a defining event in our nation's history--it is unfortunate that more time is not allocated to it in our schools. After all, it is true that the freedoms we enjoy today are the result of the tremendous sacrifice made by so many during that war of wars.

   As you can see, I have forwarded your note to many CAF members who actively participated in the Central Texas Airshow. They will send it on to others.

   On behalf of the CAF, thank you again for sharing with us your feelings about the airshow and the positive impact it had on your son. It sounds to me like he may well have the makings of a "warbird" pilot one of these days--his becoming a CAF Cadet is sure fuel his interest.

   Thank you again, and we hope you and your family can join us for AIRSHO 2003, in Midland, on September 27-28.

 

 Sincerely,

 Bob Rice

 Executive Director

 Commemorative Air Force

 

MAINTENANCE MATTERS

By Ron Dietess

The Rose continues to perform well with only a few nagging issues. The hydraulic leak in the left nacelle was traced to the main gear actuator cylinder.  The actuator has been removed and dis-assembled and with any luck at all, it will be repaired and re-installed on our next workday (Saturday).  Dave Howard is re-routing the intercom wire on the left side of the pilot's compartment so the sound insulation can be re-installed correctly.  If enough folks turn out for the workday, we'll start replacing the #13 cylinder on the right engine and remove the left wheel to install a new "O" ring in the inner brake assembly Hopefully, folks will be able to come to the hangar during the week and clean the oil and exhaust off the Rose in preparation for the 3rd Coast airshow on June 7 and 8.
My thanks to all for the hard work that was done in cleaning the Rose for the EAA Flyin. She looked absolutely marvelous.  Great job guys and gals!

 

Minutes of the MAY 13th, 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 1807. Officers present were CO, XO, Maintenance, Adjutant, and Safety. Seventeen members attended. Minutes from the April meeting were approved as printed in the newsletter. New members present were Art Barker, Ray Harper, and Don Lattrell (sp?). Visitors present were Carolyn and Cory Leist.

Reports

Adjutant: Currently there are 51 members in the squadron.

 

Operations: Grant presented the OPS report. The Little Rock show has been canceled. The EAA Fly-in at New Braunfels is this week, and Ron will be PIC. The Rose will depart Thursday afternoon and return Saturday afternoon. The next two weeks are open, followed by Alice on June 7^th.

 

Finance: April's beginning balance was $13,664. The net of deposits and disbursements was $1059 leaving an ending balance of $14,723. May activity to date has added $328. Payables are $2960, including insurance and PX stock, so the projected May ending balance is $12,091.

 

Maintenance: Parts are still back ordered. The fuel boost pump problem will be tackled after New Braunfels, along with the left main gear actuator leak.

 

Barksdale show: The show was well-attended, with an estimated 75,000 spectators on Saturday. We took in $500 in cockpit tours alone. PX receipts were about $1200, with model planes selling well.

 

PX: Tom was absent, but Grant read a message from him, and reported on the Treasurer's audit. The audit shows that profit last year was a healthy 36% of gross. Tom requested more latitude to purchase stock without approvals. There was no dissent to that request, and Cowden Ward proposed that Tom be given a budget within which to purchase inventory as he chooses. Grant will work out that budget with Tom and Judy, who indeed has the overall responsibility for squadron fiscal affairs. The new T-shirts and tank tops are in and selling well at $14.

 

Announcements

Most of the Rose models have been claimed. So far, everyone who ordered a model has donated the excess from the deposit to the squadron.

The Centex Wing will host a Young Eagles rally for the EAA at the hangar on the 24^th.

Don Lattrell has offered to produce squadron business cards in small quantities.

Grant will distribute a questionnaire soon to address strategic planning.

Beginning tonight, new members will get a t-shirt!

William Foster will research his proposal to create a Cadet program within the squadron.

 

The meeting was adjourned at 1854.

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AIRCRAFT SPONSOR PROGRAM

(Continued from last month)

 

The various sponsors on a particular aircraft are encouraged to form an AIRCRAFT SUPPORT TEAM. The leader of this team is the AIRCRAFT COORDINATOR, elected by the participating Flying Sponsors each year to act as the manager for the aircraft. He / she should be either a Flying or Restoration Sponsor of the aircraft, and his / her appointment will be confirmed by the CAF Headquarters Operations. If a Unit is the only Flying Sponsor of the aircraft, the Unit Staff will appoint the Aircraft Coordinator, whose appointment will be confirmed by CAF Headquarters Operations.

The principal duties of the Aircraft Coordinator, in addition to building and managing the Aircraft Support Team, include the following:

Coordination of all correspondence and other contacts between CAF HQ and all sponsors regarding the aircraft.

Coordination and authorization of all expenditures from the aircraft's account.

Coordinates the scheduling of air shows and other events for the aircraft, including the scheduling of flight crews. A rotation or bidding type of system should be used to schedule crews in a fair and equitable manner.

Ensures that all requests for information on sponsorship of any CAF aircraft, including that which he coordinates, are forwarded to CAF HQ for a proper reply and handling.

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NEW YELLOW ROSE MEMBERS

By Judy McMillan

After a few months without a New Member article, this month we have several new members to introduce to the Squadron. Art Barker brings his experience and skills to the Yellow Rose Squadron. Art is a pilot for Petroleum Helicopters. He was a test pilot and a maintenance officer for the Army until 1989. He has 15,000 flying hours and one of the types of aircraft flown was 'B-25.' He and his spouse Maria, live in Live Oak, TX. Be sure to say hello to Art when you see him at the hanger.

Don Luttrell of Midland is another new member. Don is also a member of the High Sky Wing and the Highland Lakes Squadron. His company, Luttrell Consulting, does marketing and advertising. He has been an active member of the CAF for 40 years. He is an aviation historian, writer, and airshow announcer among a long list of accomplishments. We are pleased to have Don as a member and look forward to the times he is able to participate in Yellow Rose Squadron activities.

Steve Yanagisawa of Austin is a returning former member. Steve is a busy architect at The Architects Office Corp., but has been an aviation buff all his life. He is willing to help out in any

way he can and has experience working in the PX at airshows from his earlier time as a member of the Squadron. I'm sure many of you will recognize Steve when he is at the hanger.

Joe Cowan of Wichita, Kansas is a new Yellow Rose Squadron member. Joe is a member of the CAF General Staff and gives rides at CAF air shows in his C-45. He has always been a fan of the Rose.

Saundra Sue Dunsworth, otherwise known as Beech Babe, helps Joe Cowan with the C-45 activities related to rides. She is a kindergarten teacher is Wichita, Kansas and also a Yellow Rose who recently joined the Squadron.

MAY ROSE TRAVELS

REPORT ON THE TEMPLE AIRSHOW, May 3 & 4

By Grant Lannon

Ron Dietes and Tim Black flew the Rose up to Temple for the weekend airshow Friday afternoon May 2^nd with a total of seven people on board. We also took up a CAF cadet (Mathew) from Corpus Christi who wanted to experience a Rose mission. His mother drove him to San Marcos and then she drove to Temple and stayed all weekend and took part in our activities. After we arrived, we discovered that the weather forecast was bad so we tied the Rose down and went off looking for our Motel Rooms. We immediately discovered a sports bar within walking distance of the luxury suites J designated for most of the crew.

     Next morning, after breakfast, we set up the PX and opened for cockpit tours. We had the new T-shirts and posters with us and were eager to see how well we did. We did sell quite a few. Tim and I flew the demo that day with the B-17 (Galveston’s, that Al Maxwell was flying), the A-26 from Waco, the Devil Dog (with Mike Burke and Billy Parker at the controls), and the C-45 in our part of the show. The Devil Dog, who was the star of the show (and beneficiary of the box office) got most of the pyro, but since we were right behind them, we got to fly through and above the smoke and flame. It was pretty spectacular flying as viewed from the cockpit. The ceiling never got above 3500 feet but it didn’t affect us. They had a hanger party that night with great barbecue. We took a lot of ribbing from the “Dog” crew about our how old our engines were and how inferior the Rose was to the “star of the show.” Earlier that day, when they were doing that I told them that Allah and the terrorists were with us so they better beware.

     On Sunday, the Devil Dog nose strut seal tore and the strut collapsed when they were towing it into position for start. Billy Parker came over as we were getting ready to mount up and asked if we had enjoyed the show, then pushed us aside and said, “We need your aircraft!” Anyway, the Rose was the only B-25 flying the demo that day and got all the pyro. I might add, the female members of the Blastards bought the new T-shirts the previous day.

     Our great crew of hard workers stayed giving cockpit tours and selling from the PX until the last person left the show, even though most of the other aircraft had left. As a result, we had over $2200 to deposit on Monday, which was good because they only gave us 300 gallons of fuel, car, and 3 rooms. Judy and others saw us flying back over MOPAC early Sunday evening after Approach diverted us West of I-35.

This is the first Temple airshow after the crash at Georgetown last year ended that show. The attendance was pretty good, especially on Saturday and as the new venue becomes better known, it will probably grow. The airport is more spread out and more airshow friendly than Georgetown was. I also think that Temple will appreciate having the show there more as the years go by and the attendance will improve as the word gets out.

BARKSDALE AFB, May 9-11

By Ron Dietes

Barksdale AFB is located in Bossier City Louisiana and I was really looking forward to this trip.  You see my first trip in the Rose was to Shreveport.  That was in August 1997.  Seems like forever ago.  Anyway, we were requested to be there on Thursday afternoon to ease the Friday rush of aircraft, so that's what we did.  Howard Martin, Jack Reeves, Chuck Clayton, Herb Welch, Tommy Koepke, Don Luttrell and me all boarded the Rose to make our 4pm take-off time and away we flew.  Gear in the wells right on time.  Absolutely amazing!  We had a slight tail wind so we arrived 11 minutes ahead of our planned flight time of 1 hour 31 minutes.  The Air Force guys and gals that met us sure know how to treat you.  Cold beer or soda and a van to take us right up to the aircrew check-in door. What service! They truly seemed glad we were there. But prior to checking in, we were given a tour of a B-52 that Jack Reeves remembered from his Air Force days. It was aircraft 0011 and she was absolutely great. So after the pictures were taken and we cleaned up, we went to a Road-house restaurant that the AF guys recommended.  They were right on as it was a really good dinner. By the time we left the restaurant we were all tired and ready for some much needed sack time. Friday morning came too quick, but we got up anyway, had breakfast and then went to Pilot briefing while the golf course on the base lured Don, Herb and Chuck to play a The rest of us hung out at the Rose talking to the Air Force folks that came to check the Rose out and when lunch time came we went to the Golf Club to have lunch and pickup Don. Herb and Chuck.   While we were in the golf club we met the DJ for the party at the "O" club.  So we gave him our Yellow Rose indoctrination and he said he would play some good 'ole Texas music for us. Tommy had ordered some models to sell and to save shipping cost, while we were busy with the Rose, he went over and picked them up and as Tommy and Don were pricing them, they were selling some right out of the box. We all hoped that would continue on Saturday. We stayed by the plane the rest of the day and tried to make as many friends as we could. Since Barksdale is a bomber base we had people around us the entire afternoon. By the time 5pm came around we were all tired and ready for the motel showers and the crew party at the "O" club.  It was outside and the weather was great, once the sun dipped behind the trees. The fare for the party was a crawfish broil, so Chuck and I watched although Jack was successful in getting me to try one. I guess you could say! Tastes just like chicken.  But, to me, crawfish seems like a whole lot of peeling and sucking for such a little piece of meat.  You have to eat a mound of them if you don't want to leave hungry.  True to his word the DJ did play really good
danceable music so, Chuck, Don, and I found us some willing ladies and proceeded to dance and have a good time before we went back to our rooms. Did I mention that we had rooms on Base. They were really nice too. Kind of reminded me of Randolph. There were some Mardi Gras beads on all the tables so we each took some. I threw mine in my suitcase and when I was unpacking, Letty wanted> to know where I got those darn beads. So, I told her I had to earn them and that was all I was going to say about that. Well!, needless to say, she laughed, and said Right... Anyway it was a topic of conversation until Julie told her how I got them. I think she suspected that all along.
     On Saturday morning we all went to breakfast at a small restaurant just outside the West gate. It was really good food, but the best part was the owner picked up our tab. So we passed out Yellow Roses and thanked them. Unfortunately, they weren't open Sunday morning so we could not give him a picture and patch for his graciousness on Saturday. Howard and I attended the pilot briefing while the rest of the crew opened up the Rose and started setting up our PX under the wing of the Rose. We worked cockpit tours and sold PX until 6pm and needless to say we were all really tired out. You see Pilot briefing was at 0730. It was a very windy day, plus it was hot. We did a brisk PX and cockpit tours business all day except for the time when the Thunderbirds were flying. We had a really good parking spot, but it would have been a little better if we would have been closer to the crowd barrier.  We missed most of the crowd as they left after watching the air show down where we were. But, we were still in a good spot since the Connie was right behind us and the U2 and F117 were just off our right wing.
      Since Barksdale cancelled the air show last year, it was jam packed with activity. I think everyone that came found something to like. After packing up the PX and closing down the Rose, we all went back to our rooms and cleaned up for the party that night. It was at the Horseshoe Casino and Hotel and the food and libations were superb. After the food and speeches we all went to the casino. Everyone wanted to try their luck. I didn't gamble so I was the only one that did not lose any money, but I was assured they had a good time loosing their dollars.  Then back to our rooms for some much needed Zs..
      Sunday was a repeat of Saturday, except the wind was not as strong and the temperature was not quite as hot, but it was still warm.  We stayed til the end, trying to maximize the PX and cockpit tour dollars We brought a cadet back with us since we had an empty seat and he was absolutely thrilled. Hopefully, we helped a youngster appreciate what we feel every time we strap in and launch into the wild blue.  I think if Barksdale does it again next year, we will surely be invited back. Who knows, we might even get to fly in the show. Many of the folks we talked to were a little disappointed that we did not fly.
     The flight back was uneventful, nice and smooth, although the visibility was not very good.  If you remember that is when the smoke from Mexico was heavy in the air.  It took us almost exactly 1.5 hours to get back to San Marcos and we even had time for Jack Reeves to get a little right seat time in the Rose. I think that was his first time and given the conditions, he did really well. I don't know about the other crew members, but I thoroughly enjoyed the trip. I was impressed with the crew and the way we worked together to get everything done and working smoothly. You guys make being PIC easy.
     And to the most important piece of the trip, The Rose. She did really well. Nothing but compliments from the crowd. My thanks to all that made the sacrifice to go to the hangar and wash her. She looked GREAT!

Another Viewpoint
BARKSDALE…BOMBS AWAY!

By Don Luttrell, CAF #6638

     May 9, 10 and 11, 2003 will forever hold a significant place in my memory bank. Those days were dedicated to a special Air Show at a very special place. It was my great pleasure to share it with a crew of guys whose singular purpose is to make a memorable “arrival” in a very special aircraft, and then display that aircraft to the multitudes in all its original glory.

The place was Barksdale Air Force Base…special because it is one of just two Air Force bases in the United States where the venerable B-52 still resides. Special, too, the dates because many of the crews deployed for the fracas in Iraq had just returned or were returning to find themselves embroiled in the largest air extravaganza in the South. One Lt. Col., mentioned to me that it was a little “I don’t think we’re in Kansas anymore, Toto” feeling for him to arrive back in the US from deployment three days earlier, and, then, to be on the “front lines” of a crowd- pleasing, air-head turning air show. Quite different from the “air show” he had just come home from.

     At 1600, Thursday, May 8, 2003, N25YR…. that, to the uninitiated, is the North American B-25 “Yellow Rose”…. departed San Marcos, Texas with its’ crew for the Northern Louisiana cities of Shreveport/Bossier City and an “arrival” at Barksdale Air Force Base. Invited to attend what turned out to be one of the South’s’ largest, ever, air shows, the crew and “Rose” found themselves making a low “pass” down the 11,000 foot main runway with goose bumps all around to the sight of a mile long flight line of magnificent B-52 Stratofortresses. We were told later that those airmen and women on the ground had the same “bumps” from hearing and seeing “Rose” make an overhead “break” for landing…then taxi into the parking area where B-25 and B-26 crews learned their jobs sixty years ago! Cool!

The “Rose” is special. Barksdale is special. “Rose” the bomber, was welcomed to Barksdale by people whose daily jobs are to see that modern bombers are ready, crews trained, and everything in place to protect America and Americans, from those who would change our way of life by terrorism or outright aggression. Lt. General Bruce Carlson, Commander of the 8th Air Force has every reason to be proud of his troops, his base, and the aircraft under his command. Everything sparkled! Aircraft, ramp area, the men and women of the 8th Air Force displayed to the public what they are about…and did so in a most significant and dazzling manner.

Ron and Howard (pilot and co-pilot) in the cockpit with “Mad” Jack (engineer) and “Cool” Chuck (bombardier) in the front; Tom and Herb (waist gunners) and Don (tail gunner) aboard…“Rose” was the star of the flight line. Not only is she a North American B-25 “Mitchell” medium bomber of some historical note, but “Yellow Rose” is becoming known everywhere aircraft are flown.

This story could go on for a few installments, however, let me just say that from thirty years of attending and being part of CAF supported events…Barksdale treated “Rose” and crew with more admiration and esteem than I’ve ever, personally, seen before, anywhere! The Thunderbirds, Snowbirds and the Aeroshell T-6 team were there to show 75,000 airplane fans all their capabilities on both Saturday and Sunday. Too-many-to-list flight demos were done by individual pilots flying everything from Cubs to Sukois. Then, there were fly-overs by modern and vintage war birds, a heritage flight by P-47, P-51, F-15 and A-10 (gulp!) and on and on and on…Did we have the time of our lives? Maybe…at least… so far!!!

EAA Regional Fly-In, May 16 & 17

By Julie Pulcipher

Doolittle Raider Dick Cole again signs the Yellow Rose

Photo by Bob Gardner

As usual the Yellow Rose made a visible impression on those that attended the 39th annual EAA Southwest Regional Fly-in at the New Bruanfels airport on May 16th and 17th. It was the first time this event has been held at the New Bruanfels airport and from all reports off of the EAA website the location was ideal and well received by the participants. On Saturday the FAA air traffic control verified over 1,800 operations (landings and takeoffs), making the New Braunfels airport the third-busiest airport in the land. They reported overall attendance over 4,100 and in excess of 700 aircraft over the two day event. The Rose was available to participate at New Braunfels after the Air show at Dyess AFB had been cancelled. The Rose arrived Thursday night thanks to Ron Dietes, Tim Black and Jim Liles. I was told that Friday was not only very hot but the Rose was not parked in the most ideal location to maximize expose. Attendees were shuttled from the new airport terminal to the main tarmac. Because of the heat and humidity few participants made the journey back out to the Rose parked at the end of the runway. This situation was remedied on the following day as the Yellow Rose was placed front and center, directly in the middle of all the action. Luckily, Saturday’s weather was more cooperative with less humidity but still very hot. The PX which was located under the left wing provided a retreat from the sun and a nice place to view some of the aircraft entering and leaving. The PX sales were steady throughout the day and posters sold well also. Attendees and participants alike took advantage of chance to get up close and personal with the Rose. Cockpit tours at a dollar were perceived as a real bargain that could not be missed. Tours remained steady throughout the day. Bob Gardner took the lead as the squadron’s historical educator, providing interested individuals with the historical significance of the B-25 and the Yellow Rose. Speaking of historical significance, the Rose was once again honored by the presence of Dick Cole who stopped by on Friday and re-signed the side of the aircraft. In addition to the opportunity to see all different makes and models of experimental aircraft the fly-in provided the opportunity to attend aviation education and workshop forums. I know that Dave Howard took advantage of the opportunity and attended one of the forums. The Fly-in started winding down at about 4 pm on Saturday. The Rose was returned to San Marcos by Ron Dietes, Howard Martin and Jerry Taylor. The weekend event proved to be financially successful and provided a nice public relations opportunity for the Squadron. Special Thanks to all those Squadron members who helped with this event.

I CAN’T BELIEVE WE MADE IT

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According to today's regulators and bureaucrats, those of us who were kids in the 30's, 40's, 50's, 60's, 70's or even the early 80's, probably shouldn't have survived.
Our baby cribs were covered with bright colored lead-based paint.
We had no childproof lids or locks on medicine bottles, doors, or cabinets, and when we rode our bikes, we had no helmets.
Not to mention the risks we took hitchhiking ..
As children, we would ride in cars with no seat belts or air bags.
Riding in the back of a pickup truck on a warm day was always a special treat.
We drank water from the garden hose and not from a bottle. Horrors!
We ate cupcakes, bread and butter, and drank soda pop with sugar in it, but we were never overweight because we were always outside playing.
We shared one soft drink with four friends , from one bottle, and no one actually died from this.
We would spend hours building our go-carts out of scraps and then rode down the hill, only to find out we forgot the brakes. After running into the bushes a few times, we learned to solve the problem.
We would leave home in the morning and play all day , as long as we were back when the street lights came on.
No one was able to reach us all day. No cell phones. Unthinkable!
We did not have Playstations, Nintendo 64, X-Boxes, no video games at all, no 99 channels on cable, video tape movies, surround sound, personal cell phones, personal computers, or Internet chat rooms.
We had friends! We went outside and found them.
We played dodge ball, and sometimes, the ball would really hurt. We fell out of trees, got cut and broke bones and teeth, and there were no lawsuits from these accidents . They were accidents. No one was to blame but us. Remember accidents?
We had fights and punched each other and got black and blue and learned to get over it.
We made up games with sticks and tennis balls and, although we were told it would happen , we did not put out any eyes.
We rode bikes or walked to a friend's home and knocked on the door, or rang the bell or just walked in and talked to them.
Little League had tryouts and not everyone made the team. Those who didn't had to learn to deal with disappointment.
Some students weren't as smart as others, so they failed a grade and were held back to repeat the same grade. Horrors!
Tests were not adjusted for any reason.
Our actions were our own. Consequences were expected.
The idea of parents bailing us out if we got in trouble in school or broke a law was unheard of. They actually sided with the school or the law. Imagine that!
This generation has produced some of the best risk-takers, problem solvers, and inventors, ever.
We had freedom, failure, success, and responsibility --- and we learned how to deal with it.
And you're one of them!

Congratulations!!!