March Newsletter

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BRIEFINGS
March, 2005	The Yellow Rose B-25 Squadron Newsletter	Vol. 08-03

HOWARD MARTIN, LONG TIME PILOT AND INSTRUCTOR AT THE BURNET, TEXAS MUNICIPAL AIRPORT, DIED FRIDAY MORNING ENROUTE TO MIDLAND FOR A MEETING AT THE COMMEMORATIVE AIR FORCE HEADQUARTERS. HE FLEW SEVERAL AIRCRAFT OF THE CAF AND WAS A PILOT/CREW MEMBER OF THE NORTH AMERICAN B-25 “YELLOW ROSE” AT SAN MARCOS, TEXAS. HOWARD WAS SQUADRON LEADER OF THE HIGHLAND LAKES SQUADRON OF THE CAF FOR MANY YEARS AND WAS AN ESCORT OFFICER FOR THE AMERICAN COMBAT AIRMAN HALL OF FAME.

Obituary

     Howard Wayne Martin was born in Houston, Texas on November 13, 1942 to Howard W. and Valerie Martin.   He grew up in Houston and after graduating from Spring Branch High School, attended Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, graduating Cum Laude in 1964. He was a member of Sigma Chi fraternity and played football for the Commodores.

     His career in the oil and gas industry spanned over 30 years where he worked both domestically and internationally for Exxon, Purvin & Gertz, Kerr McGee, and American Central Gas Company. In Tulsa, Oklahoma he began a second career, attaining his life-long dream of flying. He achieved his license(s), worked through the system and became an accredited FAA Flight Instructor with a Goal Seal approval.

     His activities with the Commemorative (formerly Confederate) Air Force have encompassed stints as Operations Officer and Squadron Leader of the Highland Lakes Squadron in Burnet, Operations Officer of the B-25 “Yellow Rose” Squadron in San Marcos and an involvement with the American Combat Airman Hall of Fame.   His love for flying was second only to his family. Survivors include two sons, Kit Martin of Carlsbad, California and John Martin of Hawaii; his mother, Valerie of Houston; sisters Marilyn Sharp of Houston and Ruth Martin Cain of Canyon Lake, Texas; his "surrogate kids", Ben Loggans and Chad Osterhaut of Tulsa, OK., and Amber Paresa of Santa Barbara, CA.; other relatives and many close friends.

   The family requests, in lieu of flowers, that memorials be directed to the Highland Lakes Squadron of the CAF, P. O. Box 866, Burnet, Texas 78611.

The above obituary was submitted by Don Luttrell and used with permission.

A LETTER TO MY FRIEND HOWARD MARTIN
By Rusty Hall. Used with permission.

Re: Thoughts reflecting my friend Howard Martin

  In reflecting about life, some people feel their purpose for existence here on earth is to “leave this world better off than they found it”.   Other philosophies direct, as a means to that end, that ”He climbs highest who helps another up”. While I didn’t discuss these ideals with Howard, my good friend, if one examines his life, one would see that his ”walk” certainly validated the above.

     His only purpose for going to Midland was to help others in CAF market their a/c insuring their future existence as flying historical symbols of freedom.

      Howard died doing the 2 things he passionately enjoyed. Flying and serving others.

     Howard was experiencing difficulty breathing as we climbed to our assigned altitude that I chalked off to allergies. 30 minutes or so into the flight, Howard said to me, Rusty, we need to turn around and go back, I’m having difficulty breathing, and I think I’ve waited too long this time. He called for an amendment to our flight plan and received it. What you don’t know is, he died thinking about others, namely my safety. We started our turn toward home. I asked if he wanted me to fly the a/c, and he gave the a/c to me to fly. As I made the necessary adjustments to get “on course in the solid” in the soup” conditions and gain control of the Partially in control a/c”, I pointed to the GPS since I didn’t know the function buttons on his GPS. Howard tuned the GPS to give us the correct course heading to get us home. Within seconds, I noticed him attaching the hand microphone and lay it over my yoke. I knew then he was more serious than I originally thought and called for and immediate vector to an airport with EMS services waiting and declared a medical emergency. We headed for Llano direct ahead. The third and final act that my friend did to save my life, knowing unselfishly that he was about to meet his maker, was to remove his feet and hands from the proximity of interference with the controls of the a/c thereby allowing me the opportunity to pilot the a/c home. Because of my friend’s unselfish “last Acts” I’m alive today. He is truly my hero and deserves to be honored as such.

     Howard gave his life while involved in flying and serving others.

   One intellectual remarked early on my life, “That you’ll be the same person in 10 years that you are today, except for the books you read and the people you meet”.

   Yes, I’m a better person today because my life was blessed by knowing Howard Martin, my friend .

     Howard, May God bless your flight.

Your friend,

Rusty

FROM HOWARD'S SON, KIT

Howard Wayne Martin was born in Houston, Texas, on November 13, 1942, and died in his airplane somewhere near Burnet, Texas, on Friday, February 18, 2005. After graduating from Spring Branch High School in Houston, he attended college at Vanderbilt University, graduating Cum Laude in 1964. He was a member of Sigma Chi fraternity and played football on the Commodores’ freshman team.

Howard’s first career was in the oil and gas industry where he worked for over 30 years--beginning with Exxon then moving on to other well known companies such as Purvin & Gertz, Kerr McGee, Crystal Oil, and finally, American Central Gas Marketing, which took him to Tulsa, Oklahoma. It was in Tulsa that Howard began his second career and attained his life-long dream; he achieved the F.A.A. Certification of Flight Instructor and began teaching students how to fly.

In 1993 he moved his base of operation to Burnet Municipal Airport>. He became very active in the Highland Lakes Squadron of the Confederate Air Force and held the position of Squadron Leader for several years. Howard also felt it a great honor to be involved with the North American B-25 based in San Marcos, Texas, also known as the Yellow Rose. Acting as Operations Officer and Flight Crew member for the past 3 years, Howard made sure that Rose was able to perform at near 100% of the air shows in which she was booked to fly. He was also an Escort Officer for the American Combat Airmen Hall of Fame, as well as holding the Certification of Federal Aviation Administration Gold Seal Instructor.

Howard loved flying airplanes almost as much as he loved his friends that flew with him. Howard will be missed and always loved by his family and friends. I love you Dad and I will always be your little buddy.

Love, Kit

MY FRIEND - HOWARD MARTIN
By Grant Lannon

I can’t remember when I first met Howard but I am sure it was soon after he decided to come down to San Marcos and check out the Rose. When we were talking about Howard after the memorial ceremony in Burnet, we all decided that when you met Howard, it was like you had always known him. He soon signed up for every trip he could take on the Rose as crewmember/copilot after earning the right by working on the airplane and helping as an officer in the squadron. One time I asked him if he was going to be a left seat pilot on the Bluebonnet Belle and he looked at me like I had lost some brain cells. He said that he planned on being a left seat pilot on the Rose. He loved the Rose as much as the rest of us. He was willing to work at any job when we were on trips and he obviously had rapport with the customers. So much so that he took the lead on scheduling the airplane. He wanted to be an airshow boss and was working to put together a complete airshow package, including him as airboss. He was always a lot of fun, always smiling, didn’t mind being the butt of a joke and could make the shaking right hand cramp sign with the rest of us at the end of a hard day of flying. After his first heart incident, when he asked me if I would take over his pre-solo students, there was no doubt (as far as I was concerned) that I would. After all he had done for others, it wasn’t even a real question. We are all really deeply saddened by his sudden death. There is a hole in the squadron membership that will never really be filled. Kit is asking if we can drop his ashes from the Rose. That is not a real question either!

MINUTES of the February 8, 2005 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. Squadron Leader Ron Dietes called the meeting to order at 1811. Other officers present were XO, Maintenance, Adjutant, Finance, and PX. Eighteen members and guests were present. Susan Newkirk, wife of new member Paul Newkirk, was introduced as a guest. Minutes of the January meeting were approved as printed in the last issue of Briefings.

REPORTS

Adjutant: Dave reminded that membership renewal is now in progress. So far we have 40 renewals out of 72. Next month we will purge the e-mail and Briefings lists, so please renew ASAP.

Finance:       The January beginning balance was $27,971. Net income and disbursements cost $9,684, including aircraft insurance, 6-months’ hangar rent, and propeller overhauls. This left a January ending balance of $18,287. There has been no February activity to date. Payables are estimated at $8,887, including $2,500 for repairs and $5,800 for revised ANUAC (up 45%!). Projected February ending balance, including payables, is $9,400. Balance in the “hands-off” accounts is $46,276. Judy also reported that she filed for an avgas tax refund this year and we got a check for $739!

Maintenance:       The props are back on. The right engine cowl ring needs re-riveting. The left engine needs a vacuum exhaust tube. Work continues on the elevator cable system, and on the co-pilot’s window rollers. The right main brake needs rebuilding. The left engine rocker covers are ready to go back on. Both engines’ magnetos need timing checks. The hydraulic reservoir needs service. The left engine cylinder head temp system appears to have a wiring problem. Other than that, … she’s good to go!

PX:    Greg has been locating local suppliers and ordering items. We now have about 40 Rose hats, and Crew versions are on the way. He also has about a dozen tan ball caps with eagles. He has ordered more pins, and plans to order wings. Judy suggested collecting source contacts at the Winter Staff Conference. Greg also reported that we sold about 100 nose art posters last year. He also solicited ideas for merchandise or PX operation from the members.

Adopt-An-Airport:      Mike Colaluca reported that the Adopt-an-Airport project has now received credit for our work from the Airport Commission.

SICK CALL

Tommy Koepke has completed another surgery to repair his shoulder.

Jack Hart, contributor of multiple Rose sponsorships, is ill. Ron will monitor his progress through Charles Grenke.

The meeting adjourned at 1842.

PX NEWS
By Greg Young, Squadron PX Officer

With the airshow season just around the corner, I am making the final preparations and orders to get the PX ready for the road and airways ahead. I've contacted suppliers and found all of them willing to continue to do business so it is apparent that Tommy kept everything up as all of the suppliers spoke highly of doing business with the Yellow Rose. There is a fresh supply of hats including a supply of "Crew hats" which are in the PX locker in the hangar. Jim Liles also has a contact who has supplied some sharp looking American eagle type hats which will be new for us this year.

As I write this it has been several days since we lost Howard. My memories of Howard on some of my first Rose trips will always be there and I certainly enjoyed watching Howard fulfill his flying dreams. I know that our squadron members will continue the Rose tradition that Howard so well represented. Happy landings.

SAFETY FIRST
By Jerry Taylor, Squadron Safety Officer

       Unlike the pilots and aircraft operations, no regulations are put out to officially guide us in our unit ground safety programs. CAF headquarters stresses the fact that the unit represents the entire CAF to visitors and members alike. The problem is that each unit is different and operates under different circumstances. Our unit concern is that we protect our members and visitors and not be a hazard in and of ourselves. In a world where pilots can be grounded for making decisions to protect the plane and passengers but conflict with the thinking of the powers that be, we face no such penalties. The only thing we face is harm to ourselves, others, or the irreplaceable aircraft we are privileged to have.

      Our home for the Yellow Rose is the Centex Hangar. This is a working hangar and at any time there may be building projects going on as well as aircraft maintenance.

      A few rules we need to remember are (not all inclusive):

     Not all danger areas are marked with hazardous markings.

     Children and inexperienced guests need to be supervised.    If your bring someone to see the hangar and its contents, you need to take the responsibility for their safety.

     Additionally, guests come in who want to see what is going on. Take the initiative and see that they do not wander around without supervision. Many times this will take you away from your purpose in being in the hangar, but one of our purposes is to educate people about the reason for our preserving and flying these aircraft

     Walk with care. There will be extension cords and air hoses strung across the floor.

     Watch for those working above eye level. Tools and parts have a habit of falling.

     Do not smoke in the hangar!!

     Know the fire alarm procedures for the hangar and the steps to follow in case of fire.

     Do not be a distraction to those working on projects. Do what you have to do and get on with it.

     If you are using power equipment, know how to use it and make use of the proper personal protective safety equipment.

     Know where the first aid supplies are and how to reach emergency personnel (911).

      Digressing from safety to a sadder note, I want to say that it has been my privilege to have known and consider Howard Martin my friend. His presence at our events was always an addition to whatever activity he was involved in. He was always happy and had a cheerful word for everyone that he came in contact with.

      He so looked forward to the year 2005 because he could devote his efforts to the Yellow Rose. He felt that he had been distracted in the time that he was involved with his other CAF activities.

      Howard, I will miss you. You added to my life and knowing you made my life better. Thank you!

LEADER'S WORDS

By Ron Dietes, Squadron Leader

     I want to express my thanks to all the Yellow Rose members that braved the cold and windy weather to attend the Memorial Service that was held for Howard Martin in the CAF hangar in Burnet. Looking around at the large crowd of people makes you think about how many people were touched by Howard. He was a very large force in the Highland Lakes Squadron and he was just as influential in the Rose Squadron. Many air shows were on our schedule because of the contacts he had over his CAF years. I think anyone that knew him was impressed by his demeanor and honesty. He was truly a people person and I think his absence will be felt for a long time. Personally, I will miss him every time I climb into the left seat of the Rose.

     Another month has gone by and the Rose is still in maintenance. However, a considerable amount of progress has been made on the “B” inspection. If all goes according to plan, the Rose will be airworthy for the Brownsville air show on March 12 and 13.

     Grant Lannon, Jim Liles, Dave Howard, Mike Renck and I represented the Yellow Rose Squadron at CAF Winter Staff conference held in Midland and Clint and Linda Epley, Bill Powers and Mike Francis represented Centex. As usual, the weather on the trip to Midland proved a challenge, but once there it was not that bad. The temperature was just a little cool on Friday while Saturday turned out to be a beautiful day. At least the little we saw of it. Dave Howard and I attended the Leader and Adjutant sessions while Grant attended Finance and Operations. Jim attended the Maintenance break out sessions. We picked up current copies of some of the CAF regulations and I also was given a CD that contains the regulations and also some TIF files of CAF logo’s and shields. So if you need one, let me know and you can borrow the CD or I can email what you need to you. My thanks to Mike Renck who generously volunteered his U-11 so we could fly for two hours instead of spending six hours in an automobile.

     Twenty two members attended the Yellow Rose annual ground school that was held last Sunday (Feb 27) at the hangar. We briefly covered aircraft systems, CAF regulations, Safety, Cockpit Resource Management, Flight Mechanic information and we also related real life events so that all could learn from our experiences. I think we had a really good class and after the classroom portion was over Jim Liles led a tug/tow bar class on the ramp. We also did a walk around of the Rose discussing things we had mentioned in the class. My thanks also to Jim for arranging the pizza and cookies and to Letty for the pastry and additional cookies.

Notes from the Winter Staff Conference
By Grant Lannon

     At the introductory meeting, 19 paid staff members were introduced by Bob Rice. As they marched to the front of the room, an anonymous voice from the center of the audience said, “No wonder we are broke.” This generated some laughter from those who heard the comment. Bob announced that they were hiring two new positions: A marketing manager and a safety/operations manager. The marketing manager is to raise the level of recognition of the organization and (I got the impression) help units market the aircraft to events. The Safety/Operations Manager will develop a new safety program, liaison with the units, oversee flight operations and training standardization. There was a question of duplicate positions with the new positions and Bob said there would be some adjustment of jobs after the new people were on board.

Other Meetings:

     I have some detailed notes from other meetings but am going to summarize relevant (in my opinion) information to the most people and send the detailed information to staff members for their roles.

Ground Safety meeting:

      It is important to have a hanger emergency action plan. That is a good idea. After the ground school last Sunday, we trooped into the fire valve room and had only a vague idea (before Jim Liles showed up) on how to activate the sprinkler system. We should be doing drills every so often and they should be “no notice.” Fully fueled aircraft are less hazardous to the hanger than partially fueled aircraft. Some of our members only refuel before they go flying.

Flying Safety:

     Doug Rozendaal previewed a DVD that is going to be sent to the units to promote discussion of safety issues and facilitate communication on flying safety within the units. CFIs were reminded that they needed to take the security training on line and get a certificate if they are currently instructing. The FAA can ask for the certificate. PILOTS ARE REMINDED THAT THEY ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR UPDATING THEIR FILES BY SENDING ERIC CURRENT PHYSICALS, FORMATION CARDS, ETC.    It is not Eric’s job to make sure that the files are current.

PX:

     Dave Watson gave some good information that I will detail to Greg. One bit that I had not heard before is that if the PX Officer wants to e-mail Dave and ask if a particular item he is considering buying is selling well in Midland, Dave will answer with the information. I also learned that Thunderbirds and Blue Angel vendors cannot intimidate you into not selling models of those aircraft, they do not have a legal leg to stand on. Vendors with exclusive rights to an airshow are another matter, but you may be able to finesse that also. What’s out and what’s in: Out—T-shirts, denim, polos; In—Hawaiian shirts and snap together models. Keep membership applications on the PX table so if someone wants to join, you can capture the moment. 2007 is the 50th anniversary of the CAF and there will be a commemorative book published by the CAF.

2005 Yellow Rose B-25
Squadron Staff Officers

Squadron Leader - Ron Dietes

dietes.ron@heb.com

Executive Officer - Tim Black

tangblack@austin.rr.com

Finance Officer - Judy McMillan

heyjude@texas.net

Adjutant - Dave Howard

dave.howard@baesystems.com

Operations Officer - Vacant

Maintenance Officer - Jim Liles

james.liles@tstr.net

Safety Officer - Jerry Taylor

james_j_taylor@msn.com

PX Officer - Greg Young

tbolt52@hotmail.com

Publicity Officer - Bob Gardner

bob@rhga.com

Mar 12-13	Brownsville, TX *
Mar 19-20	Luke AFB, AZ Cancelled
April 9	Burnet, TX *
April 16-17	Holloman AFB, NM *
May 7-8	Temple, TX *
May 14-15	Tyndall AFB, FL *
May 21-22	San Marcos, TX *
June 3-5	Minden, LA
June 18-19	Oklahoma City, OK *
June 25	Dyess AFB, TX
July 2	Bay City, TX *
July 15-17	Angel Fire, NM
July 23-24	Whiteman AFB, MO
Sept 10	Cannon AFB, NM
Sept 24-25	McConnell AFB, KS
Sept 29	Tucumcari, NM
Oct 1-2	Midland, TX *
Oct 8-9	Little Rock AFB, AR *
Oct 22-23	New Orleans, LA
Nov 5-6	Randolph AFB, TX