SQUADRON LEADER I had the privilege of participating in a flyover of a funeral in recognition of their service in WWII. You will see this in another area, but I just wanted to say that it was a wonderful thing that the squadron is able to do. The flyover was for a Navy pilot. We provided the PT-19 with Colonel Bobby Grantham and myself and another flight consisting of Colonels Gene and Dottie Hathorn in their Bonanza and Colonel Steve Richmond in his RV-8 were overhead at the prescribed time. On the second pass, Colonel Richmond performed a missing man pass and with his smoke on headed west. It was a thrilling sight for me and the feedback from Chris Turner was that everyone on the ground was very impressed that we were able to do this for them. We received the request via headquarters and were one of three units that were asked. We were the only ones to step up and perform this honor. I think it is also significant to note that there were Navy pilots in each plane. I know that it was an honor for each of us to be part of it. We hope to see one or more of Lt. Turner’s sons at an upcoming meeting. They have some of his military items that they would like to share with us. I sent to each of you the information that was recently released regarding the National Airbase proposal. We have included them again here so that those who don’t have email will be able to read the information. We will have a brief discussion on this at our August meeting. The most important thing that I need to get out to you is that every Coyote Squadron member needs to request an absentee ballot so that they are able to express their opinion on this. I recently had a discussion with one of the General Staff members. He indicated to me that of the roughly 6700 members with voting rights, only about 400 vote each year. That is just terrible that so few take the time to make their voices heard. It is easy to request an absentee ballot. You can send an email to Keith Lawrence (VP of Administration) at [email protected]and request that you be provided an absentee ballot. I have already done this and it was acknowledged. Short of that, I will have a form that you can sign at the meeting that will do the same thing. When the time comes, if you are not planning to be at the General Membership meeting in October, you will get your ballot that you can return via mail. It’s as simple as that. I would love it if we had 100% participation on this vote. I don’t care how you plan to vote on this, but at least make your voice heard. If you have a strong opinion one way or the other, your vote needs to be cast! Col. Dan Summerall, Squadron Leader XO REPORT Hope everyone has had a good summer so far. For the last six weeks I have been traveling through the Southeastern States. My plan was to visit several CAF Units and aviation museums. However as a result of weather issues, poor timing and just plain bad luck, none of that Coyote Squadron Officers Squadron Leader Col. Dan Summerall 903-467-7170 [email protected]Executive Officer Col. Tom Peters 817-2193802 [email protected]Operations Officer Col. Gene Hathorn 903-874-6223 [email protected]Finance Officer Col. Candis Wells 903-545-2993 [email protected]Adjutant Col. Joe Mclaughlin 512-721-6721 [email protected]Maintenance Officer Col. Tuck Edwards 903-641-0164 [email protected]Safety Officer Col. Ken Authier 903-641-9843 PX Officer Col. Dottie Hathorn 903-874-8293 [email protected]Public Information Officer Col. Mary Brown 903-257-8282 maryelizabethbrown@ yahoo.com Fund-raising Officer Col. Jim Wells 903-729-0386 [email protected]Newsletter of the Coyote Squadron Commemorative Air Force Corsicana, Texas AUGUST 2013
Transcript
SQUADRON LEADER I had the privilege of participating in a flyover of a funeral in recognition of their service in WWII. You will see this in another area, but I just wanted to say that it was a wonderful thing that the squadron is able to do. The flyover was for a Navy pilot. We provided the PT-19 with Colonel Bobby Grantham and myself and another flight consisting of Colonels Gene and Dottie Hathorn in their Bonanza and Colonel Steve Richmond in his RV-8 were overhead at the prescribed time. On the second pass, Colonel Richmond performed a missing man pass and with his smoke on headed west. It was a thrilling sight for me and the feedback from Chris Turner was that everyone on the ground was very impressed that we were able to do this for them. We received the request via headquarters and were one of three units that were asked. We were the only ones to step up and perform this honor. I think it is also significant to note that there were Navy pilots in each plane. I know that it was an honor for each of us to be part of it. We hope to see one or more of Lt. Turner’s sons at an upcoming meeting. They have some of his military items that they would like to share with us.
I sent to each of you the information that was recently released regarding the National Airbase proposal. We have included them again here so that those who don’t have email will be able to read the information. We will have a brief discussion on this at our August meeting. The most important thing that I need to get out to you is that every Coyote Squadron member needs to request an absentee ballot so that they are able to express their opinion on this. I recently had a discussion with one of the General Staff members. He indicated to me that of the roughly 6700 members with voting rights, only about 400 vote each year. That is just terrible that so few take the time to make their voices heard. It is easy to request an absentee ballot. You can send an email to Keith Lawrence (VP of Administration) at [email protected] and request that you be provided an absentee ballot. I have already done this and it was acknowledged. Short of that, I will have a form that you can sign at the meeting that will do the same thing. When the time comes, if you are not planning to be at the General Membership meeting in October, you will get your ballot that you can return via mail. It’s as simple as that. I would love it if we had 100% participation on this vote. I don’t care how you plan to vote on this, but at least make your voice heard. If you have a strong opinion one way or the other, your vote needs to be cast! Col. Dan Summerall, Squadron Leader
XO REPORT Hope everyone has had a good summer so far. For the last six weeks I have been traveling through the Southeastern States. My plan was to visit several CAF Units and aviation museums. However as a result of weather issues, poor timing and just plain bad luck, none of that
Newsletter of the Coyote SquadronCommemorative Air Force
Corsicana, TexasAUGUST 2013
happened. Suffice it to say is was very disappointed. However, I did learn one thing. If you go to an airport and ask the right questions, you can have a good time, including getting rides in some fun airplanes. My favorite was a Chinese ZLIN. Its the first airplane I have ever been in that had a bicycle styled hand brake. Was interesting getting it to turn since the nose wheel is not steered by the rudder pedals.Col. Tom Peters, XO Officer
MAINTENANCE REPORT The rear wobble pump handle has been rebuilt. All the linkage and handle has been installed. The rear wobble pump handle no longer “wobbles”.Keep the Faith! COL. TUCK EDWARDS, Maintenance Officer
SUPER CHEFS REPORT Menu for August meeting will be a Southwestern Taco Casserole with Tostitos, Skillet Green Beans and for dessert, Summer Sangria Salad. Bon appetite!!SUPER CHEFS, Colonels Charlie & Reva Horton
HEALTH REPORT Not much going on for the Health Report. Colonel Reva Horton had cataract surgery and all went well. Most of you know Colonel Joe McLaughnin is her son. He’s a big guy, about 6’6”, but not too smart. Seems he told Mama she looked like Robo Cop, how do you think that went over with mama bear???
GONE WEST ROBERT ALEXANDER “Bob” TURNER, Jr., passed away Friday, July 19, he was 91. He was an United States Naval aviator during WWII. He trained in the PT-17 Stearman and North American SNJ. He served in the Pacific Theater as a pilot of a PBM Martin Marnier flying boat. The PBM was a versatile airplane. It served inseveral ways, as a bomber, torpedo plane, submarine hunter loaded with depth charges and transport plane. The PBM also was used as a rescue airplane picking up downed Naval aviators. He was saluted by the Coyote Squadron with a three ship flyover at the grave site near Hillsboro. Colonels Bobby Grantham, Steve Richmond and Gene Hathornperformed the “Missing Man Formation”. Colonel Richmond pulled up and went west with smoke trailing. Bob turner had an aviator’s send off. Clear skies, Bob.
HIGH FLIGHTby JOHN MAGEE
Oh, I have slipped the surly bonds of earth, And danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings;
Sunwards I’ve climbed and joined the tumbling mirthOf sun split clouds – and done a thousand things
You have not dreamed of – wheeled and soared and swungHigh in the sunlit silence. Hovering there,
I’ve chased the shouting wind along and flungMy eager craft through footless halls of air,
Up, up the long delirious burning blueI’ve topped the wind-swept heights with easy grace,
Where never lark, or even eagle, flew;And, while with silent, lifting mind I’ve trodThe high un-trespassed sanctity of space,
Put out my hand and touched the face of God.
Warbirds On ParadeWe Are HONORING ALL VETERANS
Saturday August 31, 2013Lancaster Regional Airport, Lancaster Texas – Beltline and Ferris Road
R. V BurginWWII Veteran
Book signing – “Islands of the Damned”A Marine at War in the Pacific
N. G. BrownVietnam Veteran
Book signing – “Blue Max: Missions and Memories”Huey and Cobra Gunship Pilot in Vietnam
We are planning for the following: Warbirds, Classic Cars, Paratroopers, Reinactors, Helicopters,Cold War and Cavanaugh Museum’s Displays and a Drawing for Two Southwest Airlines Tickets,Food, Drinks, and other Displays in the Hangar. There’s Fun for Everyone. Bring your Relatives,Friends and Cameras. You may book Airplane Rides for flights after 4 PM or at a later date.
