Silver Wings Over Washington Fraternity: Special thanks to Bill Readdy of Silver Wings Speakers Luncheon: Space Partners

Wednesday, March 25, 2009

Special thanks to Bill Readdy of Silver Wings Speakers Luncheon: Space Partners - NASA and his adventures in space.

This photograph was taken after our March meeting. L-R Carol Sue Coupland, Randy Brandt, Joan Stalk, Charlie Stallworth, Debbie Gallaway, Bill Readdy, Ron David, Admiral Feightner

Click here to check out all of Yasmin's photos from our March Meeting

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Abandoned and Little Known Airports

We begin this series with Loudoun County Airports, private and public, and invite anyone with stories to tell about these classic pea-patches to submit them for inclusion. Bill Glascock's field on Route 50 was a frequent stopping place for me. Harold Junkerman, a retired USAF Col. was the last regular user there. Here is the link to Loudoun airports. For Virginia public and private Airports by County, click here. Often, I used to land with my lady and the Stearman on Hickory Tree Farm landing strip (VA79), enjoy a picnic in Middleburg and take off just before sunset. Ron David

About Silver Wings Over Washington Fraternity

SWOWF Mission

Our mission is to provide an educational forum that inspires, advocates, and fosters a venue for learning through aviation for the younger generation; a forum for networking among members and colleagues with outstanding speakers and camaraderie across the board. "What's Past is Prologue"

The Executive Board

Officers

President: VADM. Robert "Bob" Dunn, USN (Ret.)

Vice President: MG Joe Anderson, USMC (Ret.)

Treasurer/Secretary: R.N. Jurgenson

Members of the Board

Col."Buz" Carpenter, USAF (Ret.), Astronaut, SR-71 Pilot, NASM Docent

Carole Sue Coupland, President, CCS

Col. Gene Deatrick, USAF (Ret.)

Debbie V. Gallaway, Aerospace Educator

Honorable B.J. Penn

Capt. Zip Rausa, USN (Ret.), Editor of Wings of Gold

Ron David, Ex-Officio

Airshow Commentator & Narrator - Wings (Discovery Channel TV Series), Government Documentaries, The Military Channel, National Geographic, etc.

SWOWF meets six times per year for our 2016 Speakers Events Serie at the Army Navy Country Club in Arlington, 1700 Army Navy Drive, Arlington, VA, (703) 521-6800.

2016 Speakers Events Serie:

January 28, March 24, May 26, July 28, Sepember 22, and November 10.

January 28, 2016 (Rescheduled to February 18):

Featured Speaker:

David Morgan North,

Former Editor-In-Chief of Aviation Week & Space Technology

2015 Speakers Events Serie:

January 22, March 19, May 21, July 23, September 24, November 19.

January 22, 2015

Featured Speaker:

Peter B. Mersky, Commander, USNR (Ret.)

2014 Speakers Events Serie:

January 23, March 26, May 22, July 31, September 25, November 20.

January 23, 2014

Featured Speaker:

Dr. Linton Wells, II (NDU)

March 26, 2014

Featured Speaker:

VADM R.F. Dunn, USN (Ret.)

May 22, 2014

Featured Speaker:

RADM E.L. "Whitey" Feightner, USN (Ret.)

July 31, 2014

Cancelled due to conflict with

the Oshkosh

September 25, 2014

Featured Speakers:

MG Joseph Anderson, USMC (Ret.)

Lt. Col. Art Nalls, USMC (Ret.)

November 20, 2014

Featured Speaker:

Col. Adelbert "Buz" Carpenter, USAF (Ret.)

2013 Speakers Luncheon Serie:

January 24, March 22, May 23, July 25, September 26, November 21.

January 24, 2013

Featured Speaker:

MG Joe Anderson, USMC (Ret.)

March 22, 2013

Featured Speaker:

Capt. "Red" McDaniel, USN (Ret.)

May 23, 2013

Featured Speakers:

Capt. Wm S. "Bud" Orr, USN (Ret.) and

co-author Fran E. Orr

July 25, 2013

Featured Speaker:

Lt.Gen.Spence M. "Sam" Armstrong, USAF (Ret.)

September 26, 2013

Featured Speaker:

Lt. Col. Art Nalls, USMC (Ret.)

Owner, operator and pilot of the World's only civilian owned and flown Harrier.

November 21, 2013

Featured Speaker:

William F. Readdy, NASA Astronaut (Former)

and founder of Discovery Partners International

For membership information contact:

Ron David, rondavid@gmail.com

About Silver Wings Over Washington

Our Silver Wings Fraternity is comprised of a wonderful group of remarkable individuals who have pioneered, excelled and contributed to the world of aviation. We encourage members to bring friends, guests, and introduce young people to the noteworthy exploits and achievements of our distinguished members and speakers. In the past we have hosted prominent speakers who presented both contemporary and historical topics relating to aviation, space, and a variety of military accomplishments. For up to date information visit our web blog silverwingsoverwashington.blogspot.com

Membership

Among our members you will find test pilots, combat pilots, air aces, airshow flyers, record setters, air traffic controllers, general aviation pilots, helicopter pilots, members of the aerospace community, a wing walker and even an astronaut or two. In short, we represent a microcosm of aviation and aviators.

Your Online Producer: Ron David, rondavid@gmail.com

Your Online Editor: R.N. Jurgenson, starfleet@starpower.net

Video Excerpts by Ron David of Veterans Reunion in DC

The first excerpt will transport you from the Capitol to the Vietnam Wall. It runs about four minutes. Click to view.

The second excerpt shows a fly-over of the Vietnam Memorial by two CH-46's from HMX-1. Click to view

Last Flight Over The Wall is an excerpt from an 80 minute documentary about a unique Marine Corps Veterans reunion in Washington, DC. HMM-262 had suffered 60 men killed in action in South East Asia during the 1960's. The documentary is entitled "Operation Rose"

When they convened in Washington in 2001 the "Old Tigers" invited all the known next-of-kin to join them and be honored. Participants were feted by the Deputy Commandant of the Marine Corps, Lt. General Fred McCorkle ... "Lt. McCorkle" back when he had flown combat missions with 262. Attendees met former Marine Ace Joe Foss, witnessed a Torch Light Tattoo at the Marine Barracks, visited the Vietnam Memorial Wall and watched in awe as two CH46 helicopters like the ones they had flown in Vietnam, flew over the Wall in Salute to the "Old Tigers", and the next-of-kin, courtesy of HMX-1.

If you enjoy this video also watch "A Good Time to Visit The Wall", the other excerpt from "Operation Rose",

Sincerely, Ron David - producer, narrator.

The Round-the-World Saga of the Pacific Clipper

The flight of B-17s that arrived at Pearl in the middle of the Japanese Attack weren't the only victims of bad timing on December 7th, 1941. A lone Pan American seaplane, the "Pacific Clipper" was confronted with a similar dilemma.

When Pan Am received news of the Japanese attack, it radioed an inbound Clipper to bypass Hawaii and, with its great range, to take it 12 passengers and crew to Auckland, New Zealand. Thence it was to return to Conus by "flying West".

Thus began the longest, and most perilous circumnavigation of the Earth in airline history. Click here to read the story.