From Air to Space... Finding The Sweet Spot

Silver Wings Over Washington

Officers: Ron David, President; Adm. Whitey Feightner, USN (Ret.), Vice President; Joan Stalk, Treasurer; Ray Kester, CW04 USN (Ret.), Secretary

Board: 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, 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"

The Silver Wings Speakers Luncheon Series

THURSDAY, JULY 25, 2013

at the stately new Army Navy Country Club

Please join us to welcome our distinguished speaker:

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

                                                               

"Lt. Gen. Spence M. "Sam" Armstrong, USAF (Ret.) headed NASA's Aeronautics and Space Transportation Technology Enterprise at NASA Headquarters in Washington, DC, from May 11, 1998 to December 31, 2002. Ending a career of public service that spans nearly half a century.

Armstrong's extensive career includes experience in flight testing and astronautical engineering as well as command at five different levels within the U.S. Air Force.  He has served as NASA's Associate Administrator for Human Resources and Education since September 1991. Prior to that assignment, Armstrong served as director of program architecture for the Synthesis Group, White House-chartered, from 1990-1991 to develop long-range program architectures for the U.S. human space flight program.

As Associate Administrator, Armstrong was responsible for strategic planning, requirements definition and budgetary formulation of NASA's aeronautics research and space transportation technology activities.  Armstrong's duties included overall responsibility for each of NASA's four aeronautical research centers -- Ames, Moffett Field, CA; Dryden, Edwards Air Force Base, CA; Langley, Hampton, VA; and Lewis, Cleveland, OHIO.

"General Armstrong has served this nation with exceptional distinction during both his military and NASA careers," said Administrator O'Keefe. "In NASA, he has shown a real ability to lead diverse programs, from aerospace technology to workforce and education. The agency will miss his leadership."

Armstrong is a retired U.S. Air Force Lieutenant General and command pilot with over 4,500 hours (including 100 missions over North Vietnam in the F-105) flying time in 50 different aircraft.  He was Vice Commander of Air Force Systems Command from July 1987 to April 1990, and prior to that was Vice Commander in Chief, Military Airlift Command.

From July 1983 to July 1985 he was Chief of the U.S. Military Training Mission to Saudi Arabia.  He also served as Commander, Air Force Military Training Center, San Antonio, TX; Deputy Chief of Staff for Technical Training, Air Training Command; Deputy Director for Space and C3, DCS Research, Development, and Acquisition, Headquarters USAF, the Pentagon; Assistant Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations, Air Training Command; Commander, 80th Flying Training Wing, Sheppard Air Force Base, TX; Base Commander and, later, Deputy for logistics, 12th Flying Training Wing, Randolph AFB, TX.

He graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy, Annapolis, MD, with a BS in engineering. Armstrong also received master's degrees in both astronautical and instrumentation engineering from the University of Michigan.  He also attended Harvard University's Senior Managers in Government Program; Columbia University's Executive Program in Business Administration; the USAF Aerospace Research Pilot School, Edwards Air Force Base, CA; and the Air War College.

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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. 
Visit our web blog: www.silverwingsoverwashington.blogspot.com 

Agenda for THURSDAY, JULY 25th, 2013

Silver Wings Speakers Luncheon  

   

Site:      Army Navy Country Club 703.521.6800
             East Gate: 1700 Army Navy Drive, Arlington, VA 22202
             West Gate: 2400 South 18th Street, Arlington, VA 22204
             Parking: Complimentary Parking
Area:      Arlington Fort Richardson Room 
Cost:      $33.00, paid at the entrance
Date:     THURSDAY, JULY 25th, 2013
1100:    Doors Open, Networking Time

1150:    Pledge of Allegiance

1155:    Blessings
1200:    Dining served: gourmet entree,  complemented by a delicious dessert
1250:    Introduction of our Speaker
1300:    Speaker:Lt. Gen. Spence M. "Sam" Armstrong, USAF (Ret.)
1345:    Q & A

1400:    Conclusion of  Speakers Luncheon

Please RSVP now with me at 202.333.8707, rondavid@gmail.com; or, with Joan Stalk, 703.451.4181 joans.hangar1@verizon.net.

Note: We need a firm count by Monday Noon, July 22nd 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.

Membership dues ($25) may be paid on July 25th, or mail to our Treasurer: Joan Stalk, 6103 Dominican Drive, Springfield, VA 22152.

Let's have a great turn out for Lt. Gen. Spence M. "Sam" Armstrong, USAF (Ret.)

Ron

Ron David

President, Silver Wings

rondavid@gmail.com
www.rondavid.com

skype: metopower

WDC: 202.333.8707

Cell:   202.907.3241

Spotlight: Become a Pilot Day and Solar Impulse

News Solar Impulse Expected at National Air and Space Museum 2013 "Become A Pilot Day" Prototype Aircraft Flies Day and Night Powered by Solar Power The "Become a Pilot" family day and aviation display, held annually at the National Air and Space Museum's Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Va., is expected to feature a star attraction this year: Solar Impulse. The innovative aircraft, now on a pioneering tour -- "Solar Impulse Across America" -- is anticipated to land at nearby Washington Dulles International Airport in time to be on public display Saturday, June 15, the day of the event, and the following day,Sunday, June 16. Public viewing will be from 10 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. both days. Due to weather conditions, the aircraft's arrival may be delayed, but updates will be posted on Solar Impulse and the museum's website and through social media.A media advisory will be sent when the plane's arrival is confirmed. Founded in Switzerland by Bertrand Piccard, a psychiatrist, explorer, and aeronaut who made the first non-stop around-the-world balloon flight, and André Borschberg, an engineer by education, entrepreneur, and pilot, the Solar Impulse project focuses on flying without fuel by using renewable solar power to demonstrate the huge potential of clean technologies. The HB-SIA prototype airplane, which has the wingspan of a jumbo jet but is as light as a small car, is the first aircraft to fly day and night powered solely by the sun. It has set five world records, including a historical 26-hour non-stop flight. While it is on public display on the grounds of the Udvar-Hazy Center, members of the Solar Impulse team will be on hand to explain the aircraft and its technology. Full press release

Events and Activities

To plan beyond the current month, see the online calendar.

Spotlight Our spotlight event this month is the Udvar-Hazy Center'sBecome a Pilot Day and Aviation Display on Saturday, June 15, from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm. See dozens of visiting recreational, vintage, and homebuilt aircraft, plus Solar Impulse (weather permitting). Talk to pilots and find out what it takes to fly. Bring the kids inside the Center for hands-on activities and story times. New this year are indoor and outdoor kite flying demonstrations. Admission is free; parking is $15.This event is made possible by the generous support of Booz Allen Hamilton; AFCEA International and the Washington Metro Chapters; and these others ponsors.

One Museum, Two Locations

On the National Mall 6th & Independence SW Washington, D.C. Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center 14390 Air and Space Pkwy. Chantilly, Virginia Both locations are open every day from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. except December 25. See the schedule for extended summer hours through September 2.   Admission is free. Udvar-Hazy Center parking: $15, free after 4:00 p.m.    For information call (202) 633-1000. Plan a Visit airandspace.si.edu

Captain William Stewart "Bud" Orr, USN (Ret.) and co-author Fran E. Orr

Silver Wings Over Washington Fraternity

After the successful and well attended event of the March Speakers Luncheon with Capt. "Red" McDaniel, USN (Ret.) as our distinguished  speaker, we have planned a diverse and entertaining address for this upcoming May 23rd event. 

Please join us to welcome our eclectic and entertaining Speakers
Captain William Stewart "Bud" Orr, USN (Ret.)
and his charming and beautiful co-author
Fran E. Orr

Bud Orr was born in Grants Pass, Oregon in 1943.  He attended the University of Oregon where he earned a Bachelor’s Degree from the School of Journalism in Public Relations and Advertising graduating in 1965. He was commissioned an Ensign in the Navy in August 1965 and began US Navy Flight training in Pensacola Florida. After receiving his wings in February 1967 he flew A-4 Skyhawks in Viet Nam and later transitioned to the A-7E. He had several tours in the A-7E after which he was selected to be the first US Navy pilot to fly the AV-8 Harrier on exchange duty with the USMC. From there he attended the USAF Command and Staff College in Montgomery AL during which time he concurrently earned a Masters Degree in Counseling and Guidance from Troy State University.

AV8A Harrier

Returning to fly the Corsair II, he completed several squadron tours including Squadron Command. He also Commanded the A-7E training squadron where he was selected for Captain and detailed to attend the prestigious National War College in Washington DC. During that tour he was selected to be a Carrier Air Wing Commander in the new “Super CAG” program. During that tour he flew five types of jet aircraft including the F-14 and FA-18 day and night from the carrier as well as three types of helicopters. His last tour in the Navy was in the US Senate as Principal Deputy for Senate Liaison reporting to the Secretary of the Navy.

Upon retirement from the Navy, Captain Orr was selected by President George H.W. Bush to be the Executive Director of the Presidential Commission on Women in Combat.

After completing the Commission Report to the President, he joined the Honorable H. Lawrence Garrett, former Secretary of the Navy, as Vice President in the Rolls-Royce Military Engines government affairs office. During the next 14 years he managed three separate English Aerospace and Defense Washington Government Affairs offices, Lucas Aerospace, Smiths Aerospace and Cobham Aerospace, two of which he started from scratch. Mr. Orr’s last position was President of Omega- Air-Refueling Inc. Omega flies civilian aircraft configured as tankers and provides in-flight-refueling to US Navy/Marine fighters and other allies on Navy contract. He retired from Omega in 2012 and presently he is the President of WSO consultants in Washington DC.

Married to Fran E. Orr for 37 years, they have three children and six grandchildren and reside in Alexandria, VA where they have lived for the past 24 years.

About Bud and Fran 

"Bud Orr spent twenty-seven years in the U.S. Navy, flew combat in Vietnam, amassed more than 1,000 carrier landings, and flew numerous aircraft including the AV-8A Harrier, F-14, FA-18, and B-1 Bomber. After retirement he spent more than twenty years managing several Aerospace and Defense Washington Government Affairs offices. His co-author and wife of 37 years, Fran was described by Senator John Warner as the "good Navy wife." Fran was a partner in an exclusive boutique in Virginia Beach and has a successful real estate career. She also is a published author of children's books. Love at First Flight - Adventures, Exploits, Sacrifices, Risks & Rewards is their first book together. Bud and Fran are completing Fran's memoir titled "Dusty Memories," the story of Fran's pilgrimage as a child of the "dust bowl" born into poverty and deprivation." 

About Love at First Flight

Here is a review on amazon.com: "This book is the memoir  by two outstanding Americans: a courageous naval pilot, Bud Orr, whose career spanned twenty-seven years, and his loving wife, Fran. This volume is an honest, beautifully crafted story of Bud and Fran's inspiring relationship, a testament to their deep love and service to their country. It is a page-turning account of a sterling military career, complete with adrenaline-filled descriptions of a daring pilot flying many dangerous missions in advanced warplanes. Love at First Flight is a powerful reminder about the real sacrifices that men and women in the Armed Services must make to preserve a relationship, and the incredible rewards that come with that sacrifice. Like a catapult launch off an aircraft carrier, Bud and Fran's story will propel readers through recent history—from the Vietnam War to current day America." A tender, moving, and inspiring volume, Love at First Flight  will be available for purchase at our luncheon.

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About Silver Wings Over Washington Fraternity

The Silver Wings Over Washington 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 a list of previous speakers addressing our Speakers Luncheon series, visit our web blog. 

Agenda for Thursday, May 23rd, 2013

     2013 Silver Wings Speakers Luncheon Serie

Site:      Army Navy Country Club,  703.521.6800

              East Gate: 1700 Army Navy Drive, Arlington, VA 22202

              West Gate: 2400 South 18th Street, Arlington, VA 22204

              Parking: Complimentary Parking

Area:     Arlington Fort Richardson Room 

Cost:     $33.00, paid at the entrance  

Date:    THURSDAY, MAY 23rd, 2013

1100:    Doors Open, Networking Time

1150:    Pledge of Allegiance

1155:    Blessings

1200:    Dining served: a refreshing first course, followed by a gourmet entree,  and

              complemented by a delicious dessert   

1250:    Introduction of our speakers

1300:    Speakers: Capt. William Stewart "Bud" Orr, USN (Ret.)and Co-author: Fran E. Orr

1345:    Q and A

1400:    Conclusion of Speakers Luncheon

Please note we need a firm count by May 20, Monday Noon, for the ANCC.  Walk ins are welcome; however, the Army Navy Country Club charges an additional $4 per person.

We are looking forward to your joining us and welcome our speakers,

Ron
Ron David
President, Silver Wings
rondavid@gmail.com
www.rondavid.com
skype: metopower
WDC: 202.333.8707

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

 The 2013 Silver Wings Speakers Luncheon Serie 

Please join us to welcome our distinguished speaker on

FRIDAY, MARCH 22 , 2013

at the elegant Army Navy Country Club

Let's honor Capt. "Red" McDaniel, USN (Ret.) for his meritorious 
and extraordinary achievements.

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

On May 19, 1967, while on his 81st combat mission over North Vietnam, Eugene B. “Red” McDaniel was shot down while flying his A-6 Intruder aircraft. He was listed as “missing in action” until 1970, when the Hanoi government acknowledged that he was being held prisoner. A POW for six years, McDaniel was released 4 March 1973, after the Vietnam cease-fire.

Red McDaniel was one of the most brutally tortured prisoners of the Vietnam War. This torture resulted from his active role in camp communications during an organized escape attempt by his fellow prisoners. He is the author of Scars and Stripes, a book telling about his six years in a communist prison.

When Red McDaniel returned home from Vietnam, he was awarded the Navy’s highest award for bravery, the Navy Cross. Among his other military decorations are two Silver Stars, the Legion of Merit with Combat “V”, the Distinguished Flying Cross, three Bronze Stars with Combat “V”, and two Purple Hearts for wounds received at the hands of the North Vietnamese torturers.

Captain McDaniel resumed active duty and served as Commanding Officer of USS NIAGARA FALLS and as Commanding Officer of the aircraft carrier USS LEXINGTON. He also served as Director of Navy/Marine Corps Liaison to the U.S. House of Representatives before retiring from the Navy in 1982.

Following retirement, Captain McDaniel founded the American Defense Institute, a non-profit organization to increase public awareness of the need for a strong national defense national defense. Captain McDaniel and his wife Dorothy reside in Alexandria, Virginia. They have three grown children, nine grandchildren, and one great grandson.

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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. 

Agenda for FRIDAY, March 22, 2013

Silver Wings Speakers Luncheon 

   

Site:      Army Navy Country Club, 703.521.6800
            East Gate: 1700 Army Navy Drive, Arlington, VA 22202
            West Gate: 2400 South 18th Street, Arlington, VA 22204
Parking: Complimentary Parking
Area:     Arlington Fort Richardson Room 
Cost:     $33.00, paid at the entrance
Date:    FRIDAY, MARCH 22, 2013
1100:    Doors Open, Networking Time

1150:    Pledge of Allegiance

1155:    Blessings
1200:    Dining served: gourmet entree complemented by a delicious dessert
1250:    Introduction of our Speaker
1300:    Speaker: Capt. Eugene "Red" McDaniel, USN (Ret.)

1345:    Q & A
1400:    Conclusion of  Speakers Luncheon

We need a firm count for the ANCC by March 19 , Tuesday Noon. ANCC charges an additional $4 for each walk-in.

For inquiries call me at 202.333.8707 or e-mail me at rondavid@gmail.com.

2013 Silver Wings Speakers Luncheon Serie: MG Joe Anderson, USMC (Ret.), Jan. 24, 2013

The elegant, new Army Navy Country Club is open and our Silver Wings Speakers Luncheon will be held on THURSDAY,  January 24th, 2013!

Please join us to welcome our dynamic speaker

MG Joe Anderson, USMC (Ret.)

Joseph T. Anderson is the former Deputy Director of the Smithsonian Institution National Air and Space Museum. He served 33 years in the United States Marine Corps, flew 219 combat missions, and commanded at every echelon of Marine Aviation.

He served as Director of Operations, Director of Command, Control, Computers and Intelligence (C4I) and was also Vice Commander of the Naval Air Systems Command. He completed his career as a Major General in command of the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing in Japan.

After his service, Anderson was Vice President for Business Development at Advanced Navigation and Positioning Corporation in Hood River, Oregon and then Corporate Vice President of the Dalcorp Advisory Group in Ashburn, Virginia. Joe has served on the Boards of the Navy Federal Credit Union, Peduzzi Associates Ltd, the Congeree Group, OperationVetsHaven, Digital Reasoning Systems Inc and Draken International. He has served three terms as Chairman of the Board of Directors at the Army Navy Country Club in Arlington Virginia. He has also served on the Board of Directors of the Navy League and founded NASM on the Road, an outreach utilizing the artifacts of the National Air and Space Museum to generate quality opportunities for recuperating service personnel and Veterans. He was a member of the Board of Advisors for the National Museum of the United States Air Force and is a member of the Marine Corps Aviation Association and the Early and Pioneer Naval Aviation Association (Golden Eagles). He is also a member of the Society of Experimental Test Pilots and has served as a consultant to the Secretary of the Air Force Science Advisory Board. He remains a current airshow pilot with an Acrobatic Competency rating and is current in the L-39 and is one of two pilots worldwide current in the world's only civilian owned Harrier.

Joe earned a BS in Engineering from the U.S. Naval Academy and an MS in Systems Engineering from the University of Southern California. His military education included U.S. Air Force Flight School, U. S. Naval Test Pilot School and the National War College.

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.

Major General Joe Anderson, USMC (Ret.)

Don't miss this opportunity to hear General Anderson's exploits and adventures during his remarkable career in aviation.

Join us, dine with good friends, and share our unique camaraderie!

USS Enterprise (CVN 65)

Photo by: Steve Helber

A Navy officer salutes during the inactivation ceremony for the USS Enterprise, the first nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, at Naval Station Norfolk on Saturday, Dec. 1, 2012, in Norfolk, Va. The ship served in the fleet for 51 years.

_____________________________
Brock Vergakis | December 2, 2012  (AP)

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NORFOLK, Va. — The world's first nuclear-powered aircraft carrier was retired from active service on Saturday, temporarily reducing the number of carriers in the U.S. fleet to 10 until 2015.

The USS Enterprise ended its notable 51-year career during a ceremony at its home port at Naval Station Norfolk, where thousands of former crew members, ship builders and their families lined a pier to bid farewell to one of the most decorated ships in the Navy.

"It'll be a special memory. The tour yesterday was a highlight of the last 20 years of my life. I've missed the Enterprise since every day I walked off of it," said Kirk McDonnell, a former interior communications electrician aboard the ship from 1983 to 1987 who now lives in Highmore, S.D.

The Enterprise was the largest ship in the world at the time it was built, inheriting the nickname "Big E" from a famed World War II aircraft carrier. It didn't have to carry conventional fuel tanks for propulsion, allowing it to carry twice as much aircraft fuel and ordnance than conventional carriers at the time. Using nuclear reactors also allowed the ship to set speed records and stay out to sea during a deployment without ever having to refuel, one of the times ships are most vulnerable to attack.

"Nuclear propulsion changed everything," said Adm. John Richardson, director of Naval Reactors.

Every other aircraft carrier in the U.S. fleet is now nuclear-powered, although they only have two nuclear reactors each compared to the Enterprise's eight. The Enterprise was the only carrier of its class ever built.

It was only designed to last 25 years, but underwent a series of upgrades to extend its life, making it the oldest active combat vessel in the fleet

The ship served in every major conflict since participating in a blockade during the Cuban Missile Crisis, helping earn its motto of "We are Legend."

Enterprise was headed back to Virginia following a regularly scheduled deployment when the Sept. 11 attacks happened. As soon as the ship's captain saw the attacks he turned around without orders to steam toward southwest Asia, where it later launched some of the first attacks against Afghanistan. The ship's captain was Adm. James A. Winnefeld, who now serves as the vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

It has been returning to that region of the world ever since then, including during its 25th and final deployment that ended last month.

"She just served on the cutting edge at the tip of the spear when she returned here in November," Chief of Naval Operations Jonathan Greenert said. "It's shown that the aircraft carrier can evolve as a platform with many payloads relevant for five decades and will be part of our national security for the foreseeable future as we bring on the Gerald Ford to replace the Enterprise."

The Gerald R. Ford will be the first of a new class of aircraft carriers, but it will be several more years before it joins the fleet. Temporarily reducing the number of aircraft carriers to 10 required special congressional approval. Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Jonathan Greenert said the Navy would closely watch how the increased operational tempo will affect sailors. In February, the USS Abraham Lincoln will begin a four-year refueling complex overhaul in Newport News, Va., which will also take it out of rotation.

Greenert said the Navy wants to continue having two aircraft carriers operating simultaneously in the Middle East through March, but he said he wasn't sure if that would continue past then.

While the Enterprise was inactivated Saturday, it will be several more years before it is fully decommissioned. Its nuclear fuel must first be removed by punching gigantic holes in the ship, rendering it unfit for service or turning it into a museum. It will eventually be towed to Washington state for scrapping.

The nuclear-powered aircraft carrier was the eighth U.S. ship to bear the name Enterprise, but it won't be the last. Navy Secretary Ray Mabus said in a video message that a future aircraft carrier would be named USS Enterprise, after the delivery of the USS Gerald R. Ford and the USS John F. Kennedy.

Mabus' announcement drew a standing ovation from those on hand at Saturday's ceremony. Current and former crew members have lobbied heavily to preserve Enterprise's name so its legacy will live on.

"It just seems to be a neat name for a ship. It's better than being named for a politician," said Larry Kosnopfal, one of the ship's original crew members, who now lives in Chadfield, Minn.

When the future USS Enterprise joins the fleet, its commanding officer will be handed a 200-pound time capsule filled with Enterprise memorabilia that includes notes from sailors, insignia and small pieces of the ship. The time capsule was delivered to Greenert for safekeeping until that future commanding officer is chosen.