Dear Members and Friends,
Our upcoming distinguished speaker, World War II Ace, Rear Admiral E.L. "Whitey" Feightner, is truly an american icon. Having the opportunity to chat with him, hear him recount his challenges and exploits first hand and being an eye witness to his wide range of knowledge, and skill is definitely worth the experience.
We are pleased to have MG Joe Anderson, USMC (Ret.) moderate our May Speakers Luncheon with RAdm. "Whitey" Feightner, USN (Ret.).
We are pleased to have MG Joe Anderson, USMC (Ret.) moderate our May Speakers Luncheon with RAdm. "Whitey" Feightner, USN (Ret.).
I am looking forward to seeing you when you join us on this unique occasion. Semper Fi, Ron
Silver Wings Over Washington
Ron David, President; RAdm. Whitey Feightner, USN (Ret.), Vice President; Joan Stalk, Treasurer; Ray Kester, CW04 USN (Ret.), Secretary
Board: MG Joe Anderson, USMC (Ret.); Col. Randy Brandt, USAF (Ret.); Col. E.P. Deatrick USAF (Ret.); Steve Craven; Debbie Gallaway; Pete King; Capt. Bud Orr, USN (Ret.); Capt. Zip Rausa, USN (Ret.); Col. Charles Stallworth USAF (Ret.)
Our mission is to provide an educational foundation 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"
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The May 2014 Silver Wings Speakers Lun cheon Serie
is scheduled for THURSDAY, MAY 22nd, 2014
at the Army Navy Country Club
and
and
Our distinguished keynote speaker
RAdm. Edward L. "Whitey" Feightner, USN (Ret.)
will address our members and guests
Topic: Remarkable Untold Sea Stories
.
World War II Ace Rear Admiral E.L. "Whitey" Feightner
Rear Admiral Edward Lewis "Whitey" Feightner is a retired United States Navy officer who fought in a number of significant battles in the World War II Pacific Theater of Operations. During two combat tours, he shot down nine enemy aircraft to become a flying ace.
He was an early member of the Blue Angels flight demonstration squadron and flew the lead "solo" position. His work as a test pilot included aircraft, electronic systems, and operational tactics such as developing techniques for delivering nuclear weapons from small fighter aircraft. He commanded increasingly larger air units including VF-11 and Carrier Air Group Ten as well as training organizations that helped the Navy transition from propeller to jet aircraft. He commanded two Navy ships, served as the head of Navy Fighter Design, and was a key contributor to fighter studies that resulted in the development of jet aircraft that as of 2011 are still in active service.
Feightner was the only pilot to land the Dash-1 variant of the Vought F7U Cutlass aboard a carrier. He led VF-11 to become the first Atlantic fleet unit in which every pilot received the coveted "E" award in a single exercise. Since retiring from the Navy, Feightner has continued to promote aviation and share his experiences with others.
Early life
Feightner was born on October 14, 1919 in Lima, Ohio, a small town in the northwest part of the state, to Amos and Mary Feightner. He attended Findlay College in Findlay, Ohio and learned to fly in the Civilian Pilot Training Program (CPTP). The CPTP was a flight training program sponsored by the United States government to increase the number of civilian pilots and thereby create a pool of trained aviators from which the military could draw. By 1940, Feightner received his private pilot license. He graduated from Findlay College in 1941.
World War II service
With war approaching and because of his strong desire to fly, Feightner attempted to sign up with the United States Army Air Corps. But he faced an eight-month delay before acceptance since the Army flight program could not cope with the large influx of people. When Feightner found that the Navy would accept him immediately, he made up his mind to pursue naval aviation. On June 16, 1941, Feightner enlisted in the United States Navy Reserve and entered the Naval Aviation Cadet Training Program. He completed flight training at Naval Air Station Corpus Christi, Texas, on April 3, 1942 thereby earning his commission as an ensign and designation as a naval aviator. He finished advanced carrier training at Naval Air Station Norfolk and received orders to VF-5 aboard the USS Yorktown. Yorktown, however, was sunk by the Japanese at the Battle of Midway before Feightner could arrive. Feightner was reassigned to VF-3 at Naval Air Station Pu'unene on Maui, Hawaii. VF-3's commanding officer was Edward "Butch" O'Hare who had recently returned from a combat tour in the Pacific as the Navy's first fighter ace. O'Hare gave Feightner the nickname "Whitey" for his inability to tan despite hours in the sun during the squadron's many spearfishing trips.
VF-10 Grim Reapers
In October 1942, Feightner was assigned to VF-10, the Grim Reapers, aboard the USS Enterprise (CV-6) flying the Grumman F4F Wildcat. The commanding officer of VF-10 was James H. Flatley whom Feightner described as "a true leader [who] epitomizes what you think of as a squadron commander." The Enterprise lef t Pearl Harbor on October 16, 1942 for the South Pacific as part of Task Force King. Less than ten days later, Feightner performed his first night carrier landing after the search and attack group for which he provided cover became lost and did not return to the carrier until after dark. On October 26, 1942, during the Battle of the Santa Cruz Islands, Feightner shot down his first enemy aircraft—an Aichi D3A dive bomber that was attacking the Enterprise. He was also credited with a probable kill of another aircraft. Feightner was awarded an Air Medal and gold award star for his actions that day.
"You're a fighting fool, aren't you!"
J. Flately, VF-10 CO to Feightner after shooting down three planes in one day
After several weeks of repair, the Enterprise sortied to oppose an Imperial Japanese battle fleet that was threatening the Solomon Islands. The Japanese convoy included eleven transports with over seven thousand soldiers headed down the "Slot" to Guadalcanal to retake Henderson Field. On November 14, 1942, Feightner protected U.S. dive bombers and strafed enemy vessels during the strikes that destroyed seven of the troop carriers—a significant event in the Naval Battle of Guadalcanal. After the attacks, VF-10 remained at Henderson Field on Guadalcanal to reinforce the 1st Marine Division and deal with the Japanese ships and troops from the remaining transports that had intentionally beached themselves. Conditions on the island were primitive and dangerous. Many of the service men came down with malaria. Japanese soldiers hid in trees and waited to ambush the Americans. Sleep was disrupted by night bombardment. Fortunately, Feightner had to endure the hazardous conditions on Guadalcanal less than a week, as VF-10 left their old aircraft at Henderson Field and returned to the Enterprise on November 25, 1942, where they received new F4Fs.
On January 30, 1943, the second day of the Battle of Rennell Island, Feightner shot down three Mitsubishi G4M "Betty" torpedo bombers in a single engagement. In this engagement, a force of twelve "Bettys" approaching the Enterprise were intercepted by VF-10 aircraft. The "Betty"s turned away from the Enterprise and went after the USS Chicago (CA-29), a heavy cruiser that had been disabled the night before. VF-10 destroyed six of the "Betty"s before they could reach the cruiser, but the remaining aircraft released their torpedoes with devastating effect—the Chicago sank within minutes. Two more of the "Bettys" were dispatched by the pursuing VF-10 Wildcats as they passed the ring of destroyers that had been protecting the cruiser. Flatley shot down another and the remaining three fell to his wingman, Feightner, who had been delayed due to a balky engine but arrived at just the right time. Feightner was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and an air medal for downing three aircraft on that day and ended his first combat tour with four confirmed kills.
VF-8
In May 1943, Feightner received orders to VF-8 flying the Grumman F6F Hellcatat Naval Auxiliary Air Station Pungo—a satellite airfield near Naval Station Norfolk. This second squadron to be designated VF-8 was established on June 1, 1943 and led by Lt Cdr. William M. Collins Jr. who would himself become a nine-victory ace. Fighting Eight was initially assigned to the new carrierUSS Intrepid (CV-11) that that been launched just weeks prior. During theIntrepid's sea trials in the fall of 1943, Feightner performed initial takeoffs, landings, and catapult shots flying the F6F.
In March 1944, Carrier Air Wing Eight began operations from the USS Bunker Hill (CV-17). Part of the Fast Carrier Task Force TF 58 commanded by Vice Admiral Marc A. Mitscher, the Bunker Hill participated in a series of attacks against Japanese positions in the Pacific Theater of Operations. VF-8 saw their first combat during a two-day strike on Palau. On the first day of the raid, March 30, 1944, Feightner became an ace when he shot down a Mitsubishi A6M "Zeke" over the island of Peleliu. The Palau battle also marked the first combat use of the 'Berger' Gradient Pressure Suit—an air inflatable G-suit that allowed a pilot to maneuver his aircraft more aggressively without blacking out. The '"Z-suit" proved so successful that all but three of the VF-8 pilots chose to wear the equipment.
As TF 58 followed the U.S. strategy of leapfrogging toward Japan, Feightner participated in strikes at the Yap coral atoll of Woleai helping to isolate the Japanese garrison there. At the end of April, the task force returned to Truk in the Caroline Islands. Once a major Japanese stronghold, Truk had been badly damaged during Operation Hailstone earlier that year, but the Japanese had since reinforced the island with aircraft from Rabaul. On April 29, 1944, Feightner shot down a "Zeke" over Truk raising his total to six aircraft destroyed.
In June 1944, the U.S. initiated the Mariana and Palau Islands campaign. Feightner flew during the Battle of the Philippine Sea that was better known to American pilots as the 'Great Marianas Turkey Shoot' due to the overwhelming losses inflicted upon the naval air forces of Japan. He fought in a series of actions over the next few months including the Battle of Saipan, the Battle of Guam, strikes on Okinawa, and the Battle of Tinian.
As U.S. forces pushed toward the Philippines, the fast carriers of Task Force 38 (TF 38) moved to subdue Japanese air power on the island of Formosa—known today as Taiwan. During the Aerial Battle of Taiwan–Okinawa, VF-8 destroyed thirty aircraft near Taien Airfield. Flying in this battle on October 12, 1944, Feightner shot down three "Zekes" (although at least one source states the aircraft were "Oscars") bringing his total to nine aircraft destroyed. Feightner continued to fly missions with VF-8 until the Bunker Hill returned to the United States for an overhaul in November 1944.
Fighter Instructor
Upon returning to the United States in November 1944, Feightner was assigned as a fighter instructor with VF-98 at NAS Los Alamitos in Orange County, California, and later at Naval Air Facility (NAF) Thermal in Thermal, California. Near the end of World War II in 1945, Feightner was assigned as gunnery officer to VF-21 at NAS San Diego in California.
Victory credits
The following table summarizes Feightner's aerial victories and provides the date, number of aircraft destroyed, types of aircraft destroyed, and the battle at which the victory occurred. In total, he was assessed with 9 destroyed and 4 probables. However, another source claims two probable kills for Feightner.
Lt. Feightner with nine official victories
Date | No | Type | Battle/Location | Aircraft flown | Unit |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
October 26, 1942 | 1 | D3A "Val" | Battle of the Santa Cruz Islands | F4F Wildcat | VF-10 |
January 30, 1943 | 3 | G4M"Betty" | Battle of Rennell Island | F4F Wildcat | VF-10 |
March 30, 1944 | 1 | A6M"Zeke" | Raid on Peleliu | F6F Hellcat | VF-8 |
April 29, 1944 | 1 | A6M "Zeke" | Raid on Truk | F6F Hellcat | VF-8 |
October 12, 1944 | 3 | A6M "Zeke" | Aerial Battle of Taiwan–Okinawa | F6F Hellcat | VF-8 |
9 |
Post-war service
Flight test
After serving for several years in staff assignments, Feightner received orders to attend the U.S. Navy Test Pilot School at NAS Patuxent River in Maryland. He graduated in July 1949 with the school's second class and served with the Flight Test Division at the Naval Air Test Center where he flew a variety of aircraft including helicopters and the Navy's largest transport, the Lockheed R6V Constitution. Feightner also tested the Grumman F8F Bearcat, the Vought F4U Corsair, and the Grumman F7F Tigercat. When Colonel Charles Lindberg came to evaluate the Tigercat, Feightner, as F7F project pilot, provided the pre-flight instruction.
Feightner was assigned as the Navy's project pilot for the Vought F7U Cutlass, a carrier-based jet fighter-bomber with swept wings and an unusual tailless design. From July 23 to August 14, 1951, he performed carrier suitability tests of the Cutlass on board the USS Midway. Feightner survived a number of near-fatal incidents in the Cutlass. During a test using the NAS Patuxent River air field catapult, an engine exploded and caught fire on takeoff. Unable to eject at such a low altitude, Feightner made use of a low spot in the river bank to turn the aircraft and return safely to the field where firefighters extinguished the burning engine. On July 23, 1951, he performed the first (and only) carrier takeoff and landing of the Dash-1 variant on the aircraft carrier USS Midway (CV-41). Landing the Cutlass was hazardous due to the extreme nose-up attitude that restricted visibility forward and below. Feightner was unable to see the flight deck and relied on the Landing Signal Officer (LSO) to provide the indication to reduce engine power. Despite assistance from the LSO, Feightner landed short of the desired position and nearly struck the ramp. Although the fleet received the improved F7U-3, the Cutlass did not live up to its potential and remained in service less than four years.
Blue Angels
In January 1952, Feightner received orders to the U.S. Navy's flight demonstration squadron—the Blue Angels. The squadron had been directed to add the Cutlass to their performance although neither Feightner nor Blue Angels commander "Butch" Voris believed the aircraft was ready for formation flying. The F7U was the Navy's first operational aircraft fitted with a hydraulic flight control system and reliability was still poor. In the event of failure, the mechanical backup system required eleven seconds before control was restored. The solution was to fly the F7Us separately from the rest of the team thereby creating the diamond and solo roles that remain to the present day. Feightner recruited former Blue Angel Lt. Harding C. "Mac" Macknight to fly the second Cutlass.
At the start of the 1952 show season, fuel control problems grounded the team's Grumman F9F Panthers leaving the Cutlasses to put on the primary demonstration between March and June. During a show at Saufley Field in Florida, Feightner experienced a total loss of hydraulics on a full afterburner takeoff and steep climb. While trying to gain enough altitude for ejection he was able to stay with the aircraft until the back up control system engaged. He clipped trees on the end of the runway, causing the left engine to flame out. With hydraulic fluid streaming back in a bright flame, he made a hard turn and got the plane back on the runway, much to the excitement of the crowd. Feightner and Macknight performed maneuvers that showed off the best attributes of the F7U. The two solos would approach each other from opposite ends of the runway and, after passing each other, would roll the aircraft, deploy speed brakes, and light afterburners. In Feightner's opinion, "There just is not an airplane like it anywhere."
Maintenance issues and additional near-fatal accidents put an end to Blue Angel Cutlass performances. While traveling to an airshow at Naval Air Station Glenview in Chicago, Illinois, both F7U's experienced in-flight emergencies. One of Feightner's engine's failed shortly after takeoff, but before he could land, Macknight's right engine caught fire and the left engine quit soon after. Although Feightner called for him to eject, Macknight stayed with the burning aircraft and landed at Glenview. With the runway closed, Feightner was redirected to make his landing at Chicago's former Orchard Airpark, which had been expanded and renamed O'Hare Airport. The runway had just been completed and was covered with peach baskets to prevent aircraft from landing until it was opened. Feightner was told to ignore the baskets and land on the new runway. As a result, Feightner's F7U became the first aircraft to land on the new runway at Chicago's O'Hare International Airport. After yet another in-flight emergency resulted in a forced landing at Naval Air Station Memphis, the F7Us were given to the station's training center.
Return to testing
In September 1952, Feightner returned to flight test as the development officer for Air Development Squadron Three (VX-3). VX-3 was located at NAS Atlantic City, New Jersey, and was responsible for testing fighter aircraft, systems, and munitions. In this new role, he tested aircraft systems (rather than the airplanes themselves) and determined what tactics would most effectively utilize those systems.
On December 3, 1953, Feightner participated in the first public demonstration of the steam catapult chosen to launch heavy jet aircraft from the short decks of aircraft carriers. Flying a propeller-driven AD Skyraider at the Naval Air Material Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Feightner described the steam-powered launch as "much better for the pilot" due to the relatively gentle start that eliminated the shock of other catapult techniques.
Feightner contributed to the development of weapon delivery tactics for the McDonnell F2H Banshee. The F2H-2B was modified for the attack role and had strengthened wings and pylons to accommodate a heavy weapon such as the Mark 7 or Mark 8 nuclear bomb. The F2H-2B testing on which Feightner worked included the longest non-stop, round trip flight from a carrier with weapon delivery at the midpoint of the flight—2,873 miles. He also participated in an 18 hour, low-level, non-stop, round-trip flight from a carrier with weapon delivery in a Douglas AD-3 Skyraider.
Aviation commands
VF-11 Red Rippers
In January 1955, Feightner assumed command of VF-11, The Red Rippers, at Naval Air Station Cecil Field. Flying the McDonnell F2H-4 Banshee, he led VF-11 to top honors in toss bombing during the annual fleet competition in 1956. All fourteen VF-11 pilots received the Navy's Battle Effectiveness Award for precision accuracy with this unusual and difficult technique used to deliver nuclear weapons. With this award, VF-11 became the first Atlantic fleet unit to have all of its pilots receive an "E" in the same exercise.
In August 1956, VF-11 embarked as part of Carrier Air Group Ten on the USS Coral Sea (CV-43) and deployed to the Mediterranean. Just two months into the cruise, the Suez Crisis provided tense moments for all personnel as the carrier prepared for battle and to evacuate American citizens that might be caught in the conflict.
In February 1957, Feightner was assigned as officer in charge of the Jet Transitional Training Unit (JTTU) at Naval Air Station Olathe in Gardner, Kansas. Established on April 4, 1955, the mission of the JTTU was to train pilots of propeller-driven aircraft to operate jets and to provide refresher training for aviators transferring from shore to sea duty.
Carrier Air Group Ten
Feightner received orders in February 1959 to relieve the air wing commander of Carrier Air Group Ten (CVG-10) on the USS Forrestal (CV-59) that was deployed in the Mediterranean. He continued to serve as CAG-10 when the air wing embarked on the USS Essex (CV-9) the following month and returned to the "Med" for another tour. From March to July 1960, Feightner served on the staff of Carrier Air Group Four. In July 1960, he was selected to attend the Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island and graduated in 1961.
Fighter Design
In July 1961, Feightner was assigned as the project officer for the F4H-1 Phantom II at the Bureau of Naval Weapons in Washington, D.C. A year later, he was selected as the head of Navy Fighter Design where he supervised and directed all Navy fighter project officers. From August 1963 to November 1964, Feightner served as operations officer to the Commander of Carrier Division Three aboard the USS Enterprise.
Senior Leader
From 1964 to 1967, Feightner served as captain of two U.S. Navy ships—the fleet oiler USS Chikaskia (AO-54) and the amphibious assault ship USS Okinawa (LPH-3). Chik askia deployed to the Mediterranean in 1965 and provided underway replenishment to many ships including the USS Forrestal (CVA-59) and USS Shangri-La (CV-38). After learning the techniques of amphibious operations at the Naval Amphibious Warfare School at Little Creek, Virginia, Feightner commanded Okinawa during a tour of the Caribbean in 1966. At the conclusion of this deployment in 1967, he brought Okinawa to Naval Base San Diego, where she became part of the U.S. Pacific Fleet.
Feightner attended the Defense Weapons Systems Management course at the Air Force Institute of Technology, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio in March 1967, and in June 1967 was assigned to the office of the Deputy Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) for Air in the Pentagon. In this role, Feightner was responsible for supervising and coordinating the efforts of CNO air warfare program officers. Between 1969 and 1970, he also served as the director of Naval Aviation Weapons Systems Analysis Group. In June 1970, Feightner was selected for promotion from captain to the two-star rank of rear admiral.
In September 1970, Feightner served his final tour with the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) where he participated in several fighter studies that resulted in the development of the Grumman F-14 Tomcat and McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornet. He also served as assistant commander for Logistics/Fleet Support responsible for incorporating test program modifications into production aircraft, ensuring the fleet obtained maximum effectiveness of air assets, and supporting the aircraft throughout their operational life. On May 20, 1972, former VF-11 skipper Feightner delivered introductory remarks at the Red Rippers change of command ceremony commemorating 45 years as the Navy's oldest continuous fighter squadron. After 33 years of service, Feightner retired from active duty on July 1, 1974 with 8,610 flight hours and 874 carrier landings.
Later years
Feightner remained active in aviation after his retirement from the Navy. He shared his flight experiences at many events including:
- Battle of Midway Commemoration—A keynote speech held on June 4, 2004 at Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Willow Grove to pay tribute to one of the most decisive sea battles in world history.
- A Virtual Flight Down Memory Lane—A luncheon speech with Silver Wings Over Washington where Feightner discussed flying the F4U Corsair. This event was held on March 22, 2007.
- A Conversation with Whitey Feightner—A speech at the National Air and Space Museum where Feightner shared the experiences of his Navy career. The event was held on November 16, 2007 and was one of the Donald D. Engen Lecture and Flight Jacket Night lectures held that year at the museum.
- Memoirs from an Aviator's Logbook—A speech at the National Air and Space Museum where Feightner recounted his experiences as a fighter pilot, an early Blue Angel, and a Navy test pilot. The event was held on May 24, 2011 and was the Charles A. Lindbergh Memorial lecture held that year at the museum.
- 100 years of U.S. Naval Aviation—A discussion where Feightner and fellow panelists RADM George M. "Skip" Furlong, Jr., Mr. Hill Goodspeed, Capt. Robert "Hoot" Gibson, Capt. Kenneth Wallace, and RADM Patrick McGrath discussed the past, present, and future of naval aviation. The panel was part of the National Aviation Hall of Fame's presentation of the 2011 Milton Caniff "Spirit of Flight" Award to the Blue Angels on July 15, 2011. The Milton Caniff "Spirit of Flight" award recognizes exceptional contributions to the advancement of flight.
Feightner served as chairman of the board of directors of the Early and Pioneer Naval Aviators Association from 2004 to 2006. Better known as the "Golden Eagles," the association was founded in 1956 to provide a living memorial to early naval aviators. Feightner remains an emeritus member of the organization.
As of 2011, Feightner was a member of the honorary board of trustees of the International Midway Memorial Foundation dedicated to honoring and preserving the memory and values of the Battle of Midway. He also served as president of FMS, Inc., an energy management controls company in Washington, DC. Since 2005, Feightner has been vice president of Silver Wings Over Washington, an aviation-related association in the Washington, D.C. area.
Honors
Decorations
Feightner was awarded the following decorations for his military service.
United States Naval Aviator | |||||||||||
Legion of Merit with one bronze star | Distinguished Flying Cross with three bronze stars | ||||||||||
Air Medal with two silver and one bronze star | Commendation Medal | Combat Action Ribbon | |||||||||
Presidential Unit Citation with three bronze stars | China Service Medal | American Defense Service Medal | |||||||||
American Campaign Medal | Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with three bronze stars | World War II Victory Medal | |||||||||
Navy Occupation Service Medal | National Defense Service Medal with one bronze star | Philippine Liberation Medal with one bronze star |
Distinguished Flying Cross citation (first of four)
For heroism and extraordinary achievement in aerial flight as Pilot of a Fighter Plane in Fighting Squadron TEN, attached to the U.S.S. ENTERPRISE, during action against enemy Japanese forces in the Solomon Islands-Area on January 30, 1943. Participating in a combat patrol which engaged a group of twelve heavily armed, twin-engined Japanese torpedo bombers in the vicinity of Rennel Island, Lieutenant (then Ensign) Feightner pressed home his attack and personally shot down three of the hostile aircraft, despite heavy antiaircraft fire and powerful enemy aerial opposition. His courage, skill and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Other honors
On October 7, 1998, Feightner was inducted into the Carrier Aviation Test Pilot Hall of Honor. He is also an Honorary Fellow of the Society of Experimental Test Pilots. For his work on the International Midway Memorial Foundation, Feightner was made an honorary member of the United States Naval Academy (USNA) class of 1942. The class of '42 had 79 members at the Battle of Midway—more than any other Naval Academy class. (Courtesy Wikipedia)
Rear Admiral Edward L. Feightner (’41) was honored as a 2013 Distinguished Alumnus May 10, 2014, in Arlington, Va., where he was recognized for his extraordinary military career as a World War II fighter ace, test pilot, aviation innovator and commander. The University of Findlay’s President Katherine Fell, Ph.D., invited his family, colleagues and retired Army and Navy pilots to a luncheon and ceremony to honor Rear Adm. Feightner as a Distinguished Alumnus of The University of Findlay. The luncheon and ceremony took place at the Army Navy Country Club.
(Courtesy University of Findlay)
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The 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 www.silverwingsoverwashin gton.blogspot.com
Agenda for Thursday, May 22nd, 2014
2014 Silver Wings Speakers Luncheon Serie
East Gate: 1700 Army Navy Drive, Arlington, VA 22202
West Gate: 2400 South 18th Street, Arlington, VA 22204
Parking: Complimentary Parking
Area: Fort Richardson Room
Cost: $33.00, paid at the entrance
Date: THURSDAY, MAY 22nd, 2014
1100: Doors Open, Networking Time
1150: Pledge of Allegiance
1155: Blessing
1200: Lunch served
1250: Moderator: MG Joe Anderson, USMC (Ret.)
1250: Moderator: MG Joe Anderson, USMC (Ret.)
1255: Introduction of our Speaker
1300: Speaker: RAdm. E.L. "Whitey" Feightner, USN (Ret.)
1345: Questions from the Audience
1400: Conclusion of the May Speakers Luncheon
We need a firm count by Monday, 3pm, May 19th, for the ANCC. The ANCC charges for each walk-in an additional $4 per person, so save the ANCC fee and RSVP as soon as possible. Your membership dues ($25) may be remitted at the SWOWF Speakers Luncheon, o r by snail mail to our Treasurer: Joan Stalk, 6103 Dominican Drive, Springfield, VA 22152.
RSVP with: Ron David, 202.333.8707, or e-mail: rondavid@gmail.com
Joan Stalk, Treasurer, 703.451.4181, joans .hangar1@verizon.net
Please post on your calendar the following 2014 Speakers Lunche on Serie events at the ANCC: January 23rd; March 26th; May 22nd; July 31st; September 25th; and November 20th, 2014.
Join us on Thursday, MAY 22nd, 2014 and let's have a great turn out!
Cheers,
Ron David
President, Silver Wings
rondavid@gmail.com
www.rondavid.com
skype: metopower
WDC: 202.333.8707
President, Silver Wings
rondavid@gmail.com
www.rondavid.com
skype: metopower
WDC: 202.333.8707
Cell: 202.425.0358