COMMEMORATIVE AIR FORCE

The

C MPASS
M ISSOURI W ING JULY 2012
4TH
OF

P.O. Box 637 St.Charles, MO 63302 St. Charles County Smartt Airport 636-250-4515 Fax 636-250-4515 www.cafmo.org

MISSOURI WING

E XECUTIVE S TAFF
WING LEADER Col. Patrick Kesler 28 Confederate Way St. Charles, MO 63303 636-928-5687 636-250-4515 Wing wingleader@cafmo.org ADJUTANT / PIO OFFICER Col. Rick Rea 6854 Ardale Drive St. Louis,MO 63123 314-960-4927 col.rickrea@charter.net EXECUTIVE OFFICER Col. Bob Lawrence 111 W. Essex Ave. Kirkwood, MO 63122 314-494-7539 cell 314-894-3200 x103 work FINANCE Col. Steve Gossett 4 Limerick Lane O'Fallon, MO 63366 636-474-9763 314-306-5021 OPERATIONS OFFICER Col.Craig O'Mara 1085 Graywolf Court Fairview Heights, IL 62208 618-632-6113 home 618-558-7211 cell craigo777@juno.com MAINTENANCE OFFICER Col. Pat Fenwick 6 Heather Drive St. Peters, MO 63376 636-441-2856 SAFETY OFFICER Col. Chris Herrmann 309 Clearwater Drive Belleville, IL 62220 618-233-4782

JULY PARADE CREW

July 13-15 Heart of America Wing Air Expo, Olathe, KS B-25 LHFE Rides July 14 General Meeting - 1:30 pm July 21 Warbirds Over Whiteside, IL B-25, Px, LHFE Rides August 2-7 Whitefish, MT Trip B-25 August 11 General Meeting - 1:30 pm August 17-19 Wing Over Halls, TN Airshow B-25, TBM, Px Aug. 24 - 26 Defender of Freedom, Offutt AFB B-25 August 31 - Sept. 3 Quad Cities Airshow B-25, TBM, PX Sept. 7-9 Little Rock AFB, AR TBM, Px Sept. 8 General Meeting - 1:30 pm

U PCOMING E VENTS 4

Sept. 15

Hangar Dance

Sept. 15-16 Sept. 22-23 Sept. 29 Oct. 5-7 Oct. 12-13 Oct. 19-20 Oct. 27 Dec. 8

Scott AFB, IL B-25, LHFE rides, TBM, L-3, PX Camdenton, MO B-25, LHFE Rides, L-3, PX STL Regional Airport (Alton, IL) Fly-In B-25, TBM, L3, PX Terre Haute, IN B-25, LHFE rides Clarksdale, Mississippi - B-25, LHFE Rides, PX Mt. Vernon, IL B-25, TBM, PX, LHFE Rides Smartt Field & Wing Open House, Pumpkin Drop Wing Christmas Party HO! HO! HO!
Compass in color at cafmo.org

Saturday - July 14 - General Meeting - 1:30 pm

WING LEADER'S REPORT

Wow! Its hot! Kids are enjoying the Summer, hoping it stays real hot so they can enjoy swimming that much more and I keep praying for rain and cooler temps. Funny how lifes little wishes change as we age. One thing that doesnt change is the amount of work many of our active members put in come rain or shine, freezing temperatures or blazing heat. These guys just dont let up except for the slightly more occasional 15 minute break to discuss mechanical issues, new medications, or the latest trip to the hardware store. Its an honor to be amongst them! Our three Warbirds have been pretty active this Spring and early Summer participating in a myriad of events and airshows. Just take a look at the current COMPASS front page and any of the past issues and you can see just how busy weve been. Future adventures will occur in Kansas, Illinois, Montana, Tennessee, Nebraska, Iowa, Arkansas, Indiana, Mississippi, and even Missouri. Our PX will be motoring to many of these locations and my hat is off to Col. Bob Lawrence who has taken this mobile market to most of the past PX-supported activities. Kudos go to him and the many crewmembers who have added excitement and memories to these shows and events. Bob is also engaged in giving the PX trailer a whole new look and has been re-organizing the contents and displays. Checkout the latest T-shirts and other new items. I wish I had half the energy and ideas this guy has. Hes amazing!!! Guess what In just a couple months, we will be hosting our annual Hangar Dance! Over two and a have decades ago, someone had the idea of clearing out the big WWII hangar, putting some tables and chairs up, finding a 1940s-type dance band and selling tickets. It blossomed into what is now our biggest event of the year and we are looking forward to another great one. Go online ( www.cafmo.org ) and take a look at the new flyer (click on Annual Hangar Dance underneath The Hangar). Plan on coming out and helping out and youll have a great time. Please mark Saturday, September 15th on your calendar. Col. Bill Wehmeier has taken the bull by the tail, looked the situation in the eye, and taken the initiative to rock the weeds. He is in the process of covering the area between the Museum and meeting room with plastic and laying down white rock in order to accomplish two missions. The first is to eliminate a possible fire hazard because the grass and weeds grow up against the buildings and wood hangar. The other reason is to enhance the appearance of the area and provide a possible beginning foundation should we choose to move the T-33 out front. Plans are to also rock the grass area on the other side of the meeting room and the area in between the two hangars. Bob Lawrence has been able to secure the remaining rock needed for these areas and were now looking for a cheap rental dump truck. Or, we could have all the members with pickup trucks meet at the quarry and make multiple trips to the Wing. I think the dump truck is a better idea. If you know of any cheap dump trucks/ drivers, please contact Bill or Bob. Have a great July and please spend some time at the Wing if possible. If you have any ideas for articles or want me to expand on some particular item, send me an email or give me a call. Im at your service Enjoy the Summer, stay hydrated, and remember this! - With your help We can Keep Em Flying and have a great, rewarding time in life while doing so. Its always great to make new memories especially when they are associated with the memories of that Great Generation. Respectfully submitted, Col. Pat Kesler, Wing Leader

XO REPORT

What happening? If there is one thing that I can say I like the most about the Missouri Wing is the group of guys and gals that make everything happen. I firmly believe that we are a text book organization of great volunteers that does everything possible to ensure that we deliver on our mission statement. I am six months into this Executive Office / Membership position and I love every moment of it. With the help of members we are getting projects completed that have been lingering for sometime. I would really like to spot light a few: (in no specific order) Tom Wagoner has gotten the paint for the office area donated and is ready to paint. July 1st the office was emptied and prepped. Furniture moved out, books and wall hangings removed and all the holes plugged. My hope is that by the time you read this the walls all have a fresh coat of paint. John Coffey has been busy at working on new PX items including a new Challenge Coin for the TBM, a new t-shirt for the TBM and some designs for additional B-25 shirts. With his design abilities on all of our print media I am sure this will be spectacular! Tim Dexter has accepted the pristine title of lead BBQ guy for the dance. With this years dance being the same date as the Scott AFB show I will be tied up with the PX. All it took was a, Hey Tim, can you head the BBQ at the dance this year? and without a hesitation he stepped up. Lou Tacchi had a great idea on getting banners made for the deuce so this years parade participation people would have a better of idea of who we are and how to find out more about us. These new banners highlight the all the Missouri Wing aircraft! Jack Seeman, we all know lives in the museum. With new display cases and a new retail area coming this fall he has shown great interest and excitement in being part of the new set up and remodel. Don Huster you might not have all met yet. Don is a newer member and has a good amount of knowledge on older cars. He has been working hard over the last month to get the Staff Car ready for the 4th of July parade in downtown St. Charles. Everyone that comes out to the parades has experienced the hand burning sensation as we pushed the car along once it over heated. Well no more! Don thinks that we might just have that behind us! And to hit on a few more: Sarah Hinds has been working hard on our Facebook and Twitter accounts John and Cecilla Holechek have been working on further promoting our wing as well as securing grants to help acquire needed items Pete Casey sharing ideas on how to re-decorate the meeting room Jordan Brown, Bob Cushman, Hubert Looney, Shane Roden and Greg Vallero all working hard to get certified and checked out in the TBM and/or L-3. Bill Wehmeier protecting the hangar by getting the dry grass covered with rock and avoid any bad fire issues. Oh yeah, and stepping up in finance to help $teve! Buddy Welshs ability to paint and to somehow get a 1944 plane to look like it was freshly painted Why this is just a sampling I think it screams out to all of the type of members that we have. If I missed anyone please dont read into it, my capacity for remembering everything that I want to at the right time doesnt usually happen. The main point is every time something has to be done, or an idea is generated the members step up and for that I want to thank all of you! Col. Bob Lawrence

WEB ARTICLE

Has everyone met the new members? Kevin Cotter, John Fester, Sam Graves, Bob Kalal, David Lee, Ronald McKahan, John Schonhorst, TR Proven, Mike Bond, Sean Cantor, Brian Williams, Jim Cunningham and welcome back Gordon Glodo With new members comes responsibility. Its the responsibility for all Wing Members to make sure that the new members find a place. Whether it is working on the B-25, TBM or L-3 Working on one of the many projects finding ways to promote and share who we are and why we do what we do There is always something. So old guys help the new guys A reminder to longtime as well as new members: When at the wing it is important that you sign in and log what you are working on as well as the time you were there. The staff uses this for multiple purposes including identifying wing participation, what each member likes to do and where they spend there time. Generally as you all know we are a Thursday and Saturday group; however there are other days when work is done. By signing in on those days it allows us to know who has been in and out. If you are a member that either is working on a privately owned vehicle or aircraft please list your time as non-wing project or something similar again this just helps us see where everyone is working. I have chosen to host the website gallery offsite on flickr.com. The exact site address is www.flickr.com/photos/cafmo I am hoping to get from the members older images that I can start posting. If you have any of these that you can share please let me know. I will scan them and then return them; you only have to part with them for a short time.

MEMBERSHIP ARTICLE

SAFETY ARTICLE

WEAR

It always surprises me when I read about an automobile accident in which serious injury or death happens, and the occupants werent wearing seat belts. You would think that after decades of studies and experience in which it has been proven that wearing a seat belt can save lives and/or reduce serious injury that everyone would buckle up, every time. It also surprises me when I see some bike riders of all ages not wearing a helmet while riding a bike. Maybe they think its hot (it is), or too dorky looking (true, but everyone wearing one looks dorky), or theyre riding slowly on a nice flat surface with no gravel or ruts so they dont need one (doesnt matter), or they only ride once in a while (it only takes once), or its just a short ride (it can happen anywhere). It cant be because a helmet is too expensive because you can get one for under $30. A couple of weeks ago I was slowly riding on a nice flat trail without any gravel or ruts. Going down a slight, short hill, I braked too hard using my new brakes. Immediately I flew over the handlebar and wound up nose to asphalt and partially on top of my bike. Due to a double fracture in my elbow, a broken hand, and a torn ligament I couldnt get up by myself. Luckily, I was with my Honey who helped me get up and back to the car and then to the hospital. After the initial embarrassment and pain, I realized how lucky I was. Because I fell on a flat trail and went straight forward, cushioning the fall with my arms, I never hit the ground with my head or helmet. However, if I had fallen down an embankment, hit a curb or big rock, or fallen sideways or landed on my head the results could have been pretty bad if I had not been wearing a helmet. For your personal safety, always buckle up when driving and put on the helmet when biking. No exceptions. Col. Steve Gossett

HELMET

Technology is great, But!!!! A friend of mine moonlights as a Cirrus instructor in Texas. The other day he had the opportunity to fly with a student on his first real cross-country flight. My friend met with him briefly a few days prior and listed good airports to go to, asked him to pick one and plan the trip. The student asked if he could use his iPad. My friend replied, Yes. He usually doesnt allow this, but he thought this was a good opportunity for both of them to learn something. The day of the flight the student showed up with a flight plan with one point...his destination airport. They discussed the reasons why that was a bad idea, picked some better points and ran the numbers. (Well, the student hit Enter and the iPad ran the numbers.) His iPad didnt have GPS capability, but he still wanted to use it for the Sectional and the flight plan information. My friend said fine, but also said the student couldnt use any of the GPSs in the airplane, as this was a VFR cross country. The first leg was easy, they flew out of San Antonio, and over a close, familiar airport where the flight plan started. The student then flew IFR (I Follow Roads) to the next point. After hitting his turn point, he turned to his planned heading, re-hacked his clock, and adjusted his speed. This leg was a bit tougher, and anyone who has flown in South Texas knows that theres a lot of stuff out there that looks a lot like all the other stuff. Within 5 minutes on this new leg the student was questioning himself. He nervously scrolled through his iPad, looking at his watch, staring for the oil field he was looking for. (Yea, not many oil fields in Texas.) The student stated he really wished he printed out his flight plan. My friend was doing some instructing, but was really letting the student work it out. The entire time, the instructor had a paper sectional in hand and was turning and folding it as they flew. Soon the student looked over at my friend and said, Can I just look at your chart? He put the iPad down, and they started talking about how to locate their position. The student stopped looking for the little circles on the ground (oil field) and saw there was one big lake on the paper chart, which looked just like the one about 10 miles at 10 oclock. And a big yellow spot was that city at 2 oclock. They werent lost at all; their next point was right in front of them. So what can we learn from this? Why is this important to our ops? When we go cross country, we fly VFR and rely on the Garmin GPS the PIC checks outs. My observation is that we usually enter direct to our destination. This is fine, but how are we backing up the GPS? We are required to carry sectionals that cover our route of flight. Is the pilot not flying tracking progress on the sectional? Is the front end crew using other available navigational aids to back up the GPS? My personal technique is to have a nearby navaid dialed in for situational awareness and I keep the pilot flying abreast of what I have dialed in. I update this throughout the flight. I also track our progress on the sectional by map reading. The chart wont fail in flight. Clock to Map to Ground is a staple for chart navigation (if you dont know what this means, ask me). Another good technique is for the front end crew to route study before departing. As a minimum, the study should identify major en-route check points (visual and navaids), en-route obstacles and alternates for emergencies.

Fly Safe!
Technology is grand, but! Tools are simply ways to make your job easier, but they can also make it harder if you dont know the basics. Also, tools can fail. While Im a huge fan of technology, I am a bigger fan of knowledge.

WE NEED YOU!!!

NO TICKET / NO WRISTBAND / NO ENTRY

As in all prior years, we thank all the members who buy tickets to support the Wing and then offer to help before, during, and after the Dance. This support enables the Dance to be as successful as it always has been and makes each member proud to be a part of this memorable evening. Each year our patrons who attend this great event simply rave about it and thank all of us for putting it on. Again this year, everyone who buys a ticket will be presented a wrist band. This will enable us to see, even from a distance, that each person has paid to attend. Yes, it is sad to believe that, in past years, we have had a large number of people who attended but did not pay for a ticket. To avoid confusion, our members will also wear their wristband to show that they have also bought a ticket in addition to helping during the event. This should eliminate the possibility of anyone entering the function without buying a ticket. Dont forget that getting tickets online is as easy as One, Two, Three!

With just a few weeks to go before our biggest event of the year, Id like to mention a few things: Consider donating items for our silent auction or door prizes. Read the Hangar Dance packet you received in the mail and the August COMPASS inserts. Please volunteer to help with at least one of the listed activities. Buy your tickets early and invite some friends & relatives. Theyll love you for it! Look at the pre-dance schedule and help us out on Thursday, Friday or Dance Day. Plan on having fun, making some new friends and acquiring an acute feeling of satisfaction for doing something great for our Wing and Community. Col. Pat Kesler

HUNGRY?
No, its not gourmet food but - Boy! Its hard to beat a grilled hamburger or hot dog at the Dance. In addition, there is popcorn, nachos, bratwurst, and other goodies to fill that little void during all the dancing, socializing and partying. The food is good, the service is fast and friendly, and its all prepared by and served by some of the most handsome and beautiful guys and gals in the worldwell, at least in this area

ONE-TWO-THREE, ONE-TWO-THREE, ONE-TWO-THREE

This might remind you of the cadence of the Color Guard or the rhythm of the dancers or the tempo of the orchestra, but it is also a reminder how simple it is to order your tickets for the Dance on the internet this year. ONE: go to our website: www.cafmo.org TWO: click on Annual Hangar Dance under The Hangar tab THREE: follow the simple directions and your tickets are mailed to you. Theres no need to send for tickets through snail mail or drive out to Smartt to pick them up when all you have to remember is One-Two-Three, One-Two-Three, One-Two-Three!

SILENT AUCTION

Looking for a bargain? How about an unusual or collectible item? Be sure to check out the many items available at our Silent Auction while at the September 15th Hangar Dance. These items are donated by friends, members, and various businesses to help fund our activities. (If you would like to donate an item, please let us know so we can include it on our list). Take a few moments to stop by and see what is available and select what items you would like to take home. Some have a minimum bid required, but many are simply up to you. Oh yes, we do accept credit cards as payment. Its a lot of fun, so give it a try.

EVER HEAR

OF A

This is always a lot of fun. Simply stop one of our members selling the tickets and wait for your number to be called at one of the intermissions. The winning number is entitled to half of the money collected for the drawing. Thus the name 50-50. Oh, did I mention that this is given out in cold, hard cash! Give it a try!

50-50 DRAWING?

IT'S NOT TOO LATE

TO

UNIFORMS

AND

One of the highlights of the Dance is watching all the people who come dressed in various military uniforms or apparel of the Big Band Era. This is probably the only local event where you have a chance to dress as someone from the past and even receive an award from a group of judges. Why not plan on joining the fun this year and show up in your favorite outfit?! Visit the Wing website for some photos of past dances and get an idea of who (or what) you might want to be.

COSTUMES

Its definitely NOT TOO LATE TO DONATE any items you or a friend may have that could be used in our Silent Auction at the Hangar Dance. Books, models, aprons, gift baskets, vintage items, pictures, crystal, or anything someone would find interesting or unique is what were looking for. You wouldnt believe some of the special stuff Ive seen laying on the auction tables in the B25 Hangar during past Dances! Im sure Col. Bob Moore could tell you some interesting stories about what he has seen being bid on (silently). Many $$$$$$s have been brought in to the Wing because the right someone found that very special piece of memorabilia or perfect thing they thought no longer existed. Dig deep into your closets, basements, footlockers and garages. Make your better half happy when you tell her or him that youre finally relinquishing ownership of that one-of-a-kind tool or cherished memory from high school. You can make their day by finally clearing out those dust-collecting articles that have been just lying there, waiting for new TLC and admiration. Do it! Break the bonds and move on with your life! Let someone else be responsible for care giving to that once prized possession. And guess what? Ill provide a Federal Tax form that you can use to document your thoughtfulness and generosity. Please bring at least one item to the Wing and feel good about what youre doing for mankind. Besides, it will get you interested in looking at what others have brought and you can perhaps find a special item to take the place (and space) of your donated one. Its called perpetual motion Col. Pat Kesler

DONATE!!!

ST. CHARLES 4TH

OF

JULY PARADE

We did it again. Our three vehicles loaded with new parade personnel became one of the highlights of the St Charles 4th of July parade. So many of the Wing personnel showed up that I will not name any of them at the risk of leaving out critical names. In short, there were about 13 adults and 6 kids. What a turnout!! Thanks to those who participated. We assembled at the Wing at 0800 to decorate the vehicles with 4th of July paraphernalia (mostly flags). Then, following the Parade Chairman orders, all personnel mounted the vehicles and we moved out sharply. The Staff car, yes you heard me THE STAFF CAR made the trip on its own, without help from Huberts trailer, and arrived first at the parade staging location!! Unfortunately, the parade chairman got that position wrong and with bated breath, we turned the car around to drive it to a more inferior parade position. After about an hour delay we moved out sharply behind a candy throwing float. Some of our personnel opted to walk (march?) in the parade close to the candy The parade proceeded slowly from Blanchette Park, before a huge crowd of spectators, down Kings Highway, left on Clark and right on Main Street. Slow operation violates the specifications of the Staff Car. Yes, with considerable anxiety the driver Bill Whemeier reported an increase in coolant temperature. That eventually led to vapor lock, and engine failure. No problem, the parade chairman had anticipated such a problem and positioned the Jeep directly behind the Staff Car. After some manual propulsion (see picture 1), the Jeep driver Lou Tacci reluctantly performed a perfect docking maneuver (see picture 2) and pushed the car the rest of the way. At the end of the parade, the car cooled down, started, and made a perfect transit, on its own, back to the wing. See you all again Labor Day Weekend! Col. Nick Talarico, Parade Chairman

GRASSHOPPERS

L-Birds (for Liaison) were originally designated with an O (for Observation) and were a new concept for the Army. Information received from the war in Europe in 1940 highlighted the need for an aircraft that could land and takeoff in short distances from unprepared landing strips. Even though some of the various LBirds had specific names assigned to them they eventually became known as a group as Grasshoppers due to their STOL ability. Grasshoppers proved invaluable for spotting enemy troops, enemy supply concentrations, directing artillery fire, transport duties, short range reconnaissance, ambulatory service, land/sea rescue, delivering supplies, and primary pilot training. There were six aircraft that served in WWII in the O/L/Grasshopper group. Except for the L-1, to the untrained eye they looked very much alike. All were high- wing, rigid V-strut braced monoUR planes with welded steel tube fuselage, fabric covering, 2 place Our L-3E Grasshopper, Lil Show Me, was originally a civilian tandem seating, similar specs. Many existing civilian versions were AERONCA 65 TAC Defender, manufactured in October 1941. It pressed into service by the military. was commandeered by the Army, like many other civilian aircraft L-1 (O-49) Vigilant by Stinson: This was earliest and by far and spent most of the WWII war years at Meacham Field in Ft. the biggest of the group, a development of the civilian Model 74. Worth serving as a primary trainer. Heavily influenced by the German Fieseler Storch, it had great After we got it, it was a hangar queen for many years and STOL capabilities with its full-span wing slots, drooping ailerons there were even discussions about possibly turning the plane and flaps, and powerful engine. It could stop within its own length over to a different CAF Wing. Finally, several of our members, and fly as slow as 31 mph. Besides the usual liaison duties, the Laided by other people and organizations, plus financed with part 1 also could tow training gliders, drop light bombs, and be fitted of our endowment, decided it was time to restore it to flying for water take off/landings. condition once again. Starting in early 2006, the plane has been As good as its STOL capabilities were, the Army knew it had completely rebuilt. Beginning with making all new wing spars to downsize this type of aircraft after it found out that the L-1 and ribs and ending with a new paint job on its engine cowling, could not fit very well into some confined spaces. Thus began the the end result is another aircraft that our Wing can take pride in. next generation of Grasshoppers. The restoration was finished around September 2011, and cost L-2 (O-57) Grasshopper by Taylorcraft: It had a fabric roof about $28,600. over the cabin and fuselage which was replaced midway to the Since completion we have been getting certification of tail with a transparent panel for increased vision. It had spoilers airworthiness and training of pilots. . And now, unless the show on its wings on later models to help train future glider pilots. L-2s is cancelled, our L-3 is scheduled to appear at its first air show did not see combat, staying in the U.S. to train pilots how to fly on 9/15/12 at Scott AFB. and observe. Military contract versions were models A, B, and M. Here is a list of Wing members that put in hundreds of hours Civilian models in service were C thru L. of work on the project (listed alphabetically, not by hours spent L-3 (O-58) Grasshopper by Aeronca: If the L-1 was the on the restoration): Goliathof the group, the L-3 was the David. The cockpit/ob* Col. Joe Bodziony * Col. Bev Cushman server area was covered in Plexiglas. Although it served in both * Col. Bob Cushman * Col. Frank Doerr the European and Pacific theaters, its numbers in combat were * Col. Everett Feltham * Col. Pat Fenwick limited due to the more numerous and capable L-4s and L-5s. * Col. Hubert Looney * Col. Ed Michelsen Most L-3s served as trainers. Military contract versions were * Col. Steve Newcombe * Col. Bill Wehmeier models A thru C. Civilian models in service were D thru J De* Col. Shane Roden and wife Shannon fenders. In addition, here are others that provided valuable service L-4 (O-59) Grasshopper by Piper: Probably the best known and advice, without which we couldnt have done without: of the group due to its popular civilian Cub model. This was the * Camdenton Airport personnel highest produced model of the group. The rear of the cabin was * Jim Miller (Aircraft Technical Support) redesigned with greater window area. Some versions had ba* National Air and Space Museum zookas strapped to its wing struts, and some even launched from * Bill Pancake (EAA) aircraft carriers. Military contract versions were A, B, and H. Ci* SWIC ( South Western Illinois College) vilian models were C thru G. Thanks to all that were involved in restoring this plane. This Grasshopper has the distinction of the final aerial victory Cols. Gossett and Cushman in Europe, the crew firing their .45 pistols at a German Storch, convincing him to land and surrender. Grasshopper Specs (different sources give different numbers)

L-5 (O-62) Sentinel by Stinson: Sometimes referred as a flying Jeep, it was the first of the group to be designed and built as a true military liaison aircraft. The engine was almost 3 times more powerful . It was the second most produced of the L-Birds.. The B model was adapted to carry one stretcher or cargo up to 200 pounds and could also be fitted with twin floats. The L-5 served in both theaters of the war and even remained in service until 1955. Some L-5 crews were known to shoot at the enemy with .45s and carbines and drop hand grenades in their midst. L-6 (O-63) Grasshopper by Interstate: Developed from the civilian S-18 Cadet. Not as popular as the L-4 (J-3 Cub) because it was 3 times more expensive, it was, however, a better plane. Unfortunately, it had overheating problems that were never completely solved. It never served overseas, and was the least-produced L-Bird. Col. Steve Gossett

L3

Engine HP Wingspan Length Weight, empty Weight, gross Range, miles Ceiling, feet Speed, max Produced for military

L-1 295 50' 11" 34' 3" 2,670 3,400 280 12,800 122 324

L-2 65 35' 5" 22' 9" 875 1,300 250 12,000 105 1,800

L-3 L-4 L-5 65 65 185 35' 0" 35' 3" 34' 0" 21' 10" 22' 6" 24' 1" 831 740 1,472 1,260 1,220 2,158 169-218 210-260 420 10,000 11,500 15,800 87 87 130 1,400 5,700 3,800

L-6 115 35' 6" 23' 5" 1,103 1,650 540 16,500 105 250

July 5th Mike Anderson brought in 3 Tora planes for fuel and sandwiches while on their way to Dayton, Ohio. There was a good crowd from the membership.

TORA, TORA, TORA

CALL TO ORDER PLEDGE OF ALLIGIENCE ROLL CALL OF STAFF: WL __ ADJ __ EXEC __ OPS __ MAINT __ FIN __ SAFE __ PIO __ RECOGNIZE VISITORS AND GUESTS MINUTES OF LAST MEETING (in COMPASS) INFIRMED MEMBERS COMMITTEE REPORTS: Compass John Coffey Gasoline Sales Jim Lammert/$teve Gossett Web Site Bob Lawrence Museum Jack Seeman PX Bob Lawrence Recruiting & Membership Steve Newcombe Air Shows Matt Conrad LHFE Bob Moore Hangar Dance Pat Kesler

GENERAL MEETING

- 1:30 PM, June 9, 2012

OLD BUSINESS CLASSIC CARS & WARBIRDS and WING OPEN HOUSE Saturday, May 19th Good event. Thanks for everyone that helped Rick Rea. NEW BUSINESS STAFF REPORTS: MAINTENANCE__ EXECUTIVE__ OPERATIONS__ SAFETY__ ADJUTANT__ PUBLIC INFO__ FINANCE__AIR SHOW__ LHFE__ > AIRCRAFT STATUS: B-25 Glide Slope inop TBM A/W L-3 A/W > PX IN BOONEVILLE, MO - Bob Lawrence & Bob Moore (MO pilots ASSN event). > PARADE CHAIRMAN Col. Nick Talarico. July 4th coming up. See COMPASS articles, 3 scheduled so far. > SCOTT AFB HERITAGE EVENT Friday, June 15th Chris Herrmann > DAN SCOTT/DC-3 AILERONS Thanks to everyone that helped and learned about doing fabric work. Sold him old paint and he made a donation on top of that. Hubert Looney. > DONATED BOOKS Anyone want to be in charge of sitting up book case library? > BRIEFING ROOM TIP-TANK TABLE Anyone have a better idea? > STAFF CAR Col. Don Huster is continuing work on it and bringing it up to speed. > GRASS AREA ROCK Plans - Bill Wehmeier Meeting Adjourned @2:40pm

TBM TRAINING

Col. Jordan Brown all smiles after practice flight.

COMMEMORATIVE AIR FORCE

MISSOURI WING P.O. Box 637 St. Charles, MO 63302-0637

JULY 2012

Hangar Dance Tickets on Sale NOW !!!

"With this weather sales are hot!"

You never know what you'll see out at the field.

SUMMER MAINTENANCE

AT THE

BASE ~ LOOKIN' GOOD

Col. Tom Wagoner

Col. Tim Mohr

Col. Buddy Welsh

Jerry Kelly (5) Dick Hyde (7) Norval Seeley (8) Tee Baur (8) Hubert Looney (12) Jim Naumann (13) Joe Shea (18) TR Proven (18) Hezekiah Kemp (18) Wanda Weaver (19) Mike Anderson (21) Cecilia Holechek (23) Jack Seeman (24) Lloyd Wiley (24) July y s ! Ron Anderson (24) Joe Racine (25) Nick Talarico (26) Stephen Lewis (27) da James Peltekis (29) Rich Ceglinski (30) Lou Tacchi (30) Lennie Kratzer (31) Birth Compass Deadline: August Newsletter - Need info by July 26 September Newsletter - Need info by August 23