Saturday, May 21, 2016

This is the untold crucial account of World War II most daring & secretive rescue behind enemy lines including the riveting escape full of suspense and political stratagem!

Silver Wings Over Washington
President: VADM Robert Dunn, USN (Ret.); Vice-President: MG Joe Anderson, USMC (Ret.); Treasurer/Secretary: R.N. Jurgenson

is scheduled for
Thursday, May 26th, 2016


Our Distinguished Speaker
Lt. Col. John Cappello
Air Force Attache' for the U.S. Embassy
Subject:" The Halyard Mission"

PRANJANI, Serbia —  Air Force Attache' for the U.S. embassy in Serbia Lt. Col. John Cappello, soldiers of the 1194th Engineer Company, and Marine Security Guards from the U.S. embassy attend the 65th anniversary of the Halyard Mission here Aug. 15 in honor of the Serbian people who saved the lives of over 500 U.S. Airmen and Allies during World War II. (Department of Defense photo by Sgt. Sean Mathis)

PRANJANI, Serbia — Air Force Attache' for the U.S. embassy in Serbia Lt. Col. John Cappello, soldiers of the 1194th Engineer Company, and Marine Security Guards from the U.S. embassy attend the 65th anniversary of the Halyard Mission here Aug. 15 in honor of the Serbian people who saved the lives of over 500 U.S. Airmen and Allies during World War II.
Photo: Sgt.Sean Mathis. DOD 





Dear Members  and Guests,

On May the 26th,  we are privileged to have as our  speaker Lt. Col. John Cappello, Air Force  Attache (AIRA), U.S. Embassy.  Our distinguished speaker will present the untold compelling and riveting account of the greatest daring operation of World War II.

This true story will keep you on the edge of your seat by the suspense: escaping from exploding airplanes, landing into hostile terrain, being caught in the midst of political intrigue and espionage, trapped and facing uncertain future!

The Chetnik Commander Draza Mihailovich was disposed to uphold an Allied friendly relationship and his army aided in the transport of the injured aviators and air crews, while the local Serbs displayed heroism in providing shelter, food and protection to the airmen. Creating and building an airstrip for the evacuation with simple courage, farm tools, and bare hands, for the C-47s was another wondrous achievement...



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The Lieutenant Colonel has also served as an associate professor of political science at the United States Air Force Academy. He has been published in a number of professional journals and was co­recipient of the Institute of National Security Studies Linhart Award for best research effort in 1998. Lieutenant Colonel Cappello returned to fly the B­1 with the 28th Bomb Wing, Ellsworth AFB, South Dakota,  in 1999, and later served as the operations  officer for the Military Liaison Team in Kiev, Ukraine. Prior to becoming an attaché, he was a  political military officer at Headquarters United States European Command, Stuttgart, Germany,  working extensively on European Command policies in the Balkans.  From 2007 to 2010 he  served as Defense and Air Attaché to Serbia and then as Air Attaché to Israel from August 2010  to December 2013.  Lieutenant Colonel Cappello retired from active duty on 1 January 2014.  


Congressman (Judge) Ted Poe (R-Texas 2) gave speech on the House floor to "commemorate one…

The Great Escape: For U.S. airmen trapped in Yugoslavia during World War II, building a secret airstrip was their only way out
The-Great-Escape-FLASH.jpgOperation Halyard was managed by the U.S. Office of Strategic Services’ Nick Lalich (front row, third from left) and radio operator Arthur Jibilian (back row, second from left). (Courtesy Debi Jibilian)
Click here to read Air & Space Magazine story.

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About Silver Wings Over Washington
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 contemporary and historical topics relating to aviation, space, and a variety of military accomplishments.

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

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The Silver Wings Speakers Events Serie
is scheduled for
Thursday, May 26th, 2016


Agenda for Thursday, May 26, 2016

         East Gate: 1700 Army Navy Drive, Arlington, VA 22202
         West Gate: 2400 South 18th Street, Arlington, VA 22204
         Complimentary Parking
Cost:  $38, pre-pay or pay at the entrance
Date:  Thursday, May 26th, 2016
11:00  Doors Open, Networking Time
11:50  Pledge of Allegiance
11:55  Blessing
12:00  Plated entree and dessert served
12:45  SWOWF President VADM Robert Dunn introduces David Vuich
12:50  David Vuich introduces our speaker Lt.Col. John Cappello
13:00  Speaker: Lt.Col. John Cappello
13:45  Questions from the Audience
14:00  Conclusion of the 2016 May Speakers Events Serie

We are looking forward to a great turnout, if you have any question feel free to contact me at 917.334.1526, or via text/e-mail at anytime. You can also contact Ron David rondavid@gmail.com

Respectfully,

R.N. Jurgenson
Treasurer/Secretary
Silver Wings