WJlSl'

NEWSLETIER
Vol. IV
WAFS Secretary - MRS. ADELE SCHARR

Editor- MARTY MARTIN WYALL

JUNE 1968

NANCY BATSON CREWS purchased an old Taylorcraft airplane which was stripped and recovered in her garage. This was something NANCY has wanted to do for a long time. The daughter of BARBARA ERICKSON LONDON and Jack London was honored at the first annual International Exposition of Flight in California the summer of 1967. Terry London was awarded the first Godfrey-Clausan Youth in Aviation Award. She is an active pilot with a Commercial License and the youngest member of the Aerospace Aviation Teachers Association Seminar group which traveled throughout Eu rope after the Exposition. Congratulations to the entire London Familyl BETTY GILLIES opened her friendly and beautiful home to an informal "birthday" luncheon for the contestants of the 21st Annual Powder Puff Derby last July. The international women were the honored guests. (See article on the Powder Puff Derby in this issue,) DE L SCHAR R has been active in the Air Force Reservesthese many years since WAFS and WASPs were given the opportunity to become part of the AF Reserves. Del was Directorate of Information at MAC Hdqrs. at Scott AFB until her retirement August, 1967. She also teaches eighth graders at Lowell School, and takes additional courses at Harris Teachers College and Washington University in St. Louis. 43-1 Secretary - MRS. DOTTIE YOUNG MARY LOU COLBERT NEALE has the distinctive record of being the last active WASP to fly December 20,1944. She was taking her instrument rating test after sundown at DPL, California. Also, MARY LOU was the first trainee signed for the WASP program aside from the original WAFS. Training was began at Municipal Airport, Houston. Texas November, 1942, MARJOR IE M. G RA Y is an active reservist in the Air Force, and proudly wears her WASP wings on her uniform. After her tour of duty with the WASPs. MARJORIE operated the MARJORIE M. GREY, INC. Flight School at Teterboro, N. J. until 1951. She was also a Flight Examiner at Teterboro during this time. As a member of the Aviation Writers Association. MARJORIE has now made writing her chosen field in aviation. For 7 years, she was associate editor of Flying Magazine, and is currently a documental analyst for Kollsman Instrument Corporation. In 1956, MARJORIE was awarded the Lady Hay Drummon-Hay Trophy for "Outstanding Achievement in Aviation" by the Women's International Association of Aeronautices. She joins a group of distinguished women who have received this yearly award, some of whom are also WASPs: KAY BRICK, JACQUELINE COCHRAN, DORA DOUGHERTY STROTHERS, GLORIA HEATH, and SELMA CRONAN (who received this award August, 1967), MARJORIE's Reservist assignment the summer of '67 was handling press coverage of the evacuation of Air Force dependents from the Middle East during the Israeli.Arab conflict. EVEL YN S. GREENBLATT works extensively as a Wing Scout Leader and Command Pilot for the CAP (since 1945). EVE LYN has owned and operated aviation-related companies in Atlanta, Georgia. She presently owns a 0-18 twin Beechcraft and Flightways, Inc. at Atlanta Airport. BYRD HOWELL GRANGER teaches at the University of Arizona, but her side interests keep her occupied most of the summer and weekends. BYRD teaches Folklore and writes tour guides to various Arizona landmarks. CLAI RE CALLAGHAN is employed at the FAA Aeronautical Center at Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Note on a lost Fifi: MARION FLORSHEIM. Headquarters knows only that MARION is living in New York City area, and would appreciate any information from the NYC WASPs if you know her address. DOTTIE YOUNG has contributed so much to aviation and has been a

pioneer in many areas, that is hard to find a woman with more experience. In 1967, DOTTIE received another first - she is among the first ten women to receive a Gold Seal Certificate. The FAA Gold Seal Program was originated 1966 to identify superior flight instructors in the U.S. To be recommended, the flight instructors must be superior pilots in their own proficiency, and possessthe ability to inspire their students to become qualified rated pilots. 43.2 Secretary - MARION SCHORR BETZLER GERALDINE ULMER MICKELSEN has an interesting hobby of raising and racing Samoyed dogs. GE RRY is a teacher in the Sacramento California city schools. JARY JOHNSON RUDOLPH is an engineering writer in Los Angeles, and is interested in the skills of skiing and soaring. FLORENCE KNIGHT own and operates the Pet and Tropical Fish Center in Ossining, New York. GERI MASINTER HILL is working on her MA degree from Long Beach State College and is sti II teach i ng. IRIS CUMMINGS CRITCHELL and husband, Howard, operate a flight school under the aupices Claremont College. The only word Fifi Hdqrs. can obtain about ELLEN GERY is that ELLEN may be deceased. Her last known address was Reading, Pennsylvania. Does anyone know? (Ed.) 43-3 Secretary - ESTHER POOLE BERNER LAURINE RENE NIELSEN has been a flight instructor and charter pilot since 1945. She flies most all the "small ones" on wheels, skis and floats. RENE lived in Alaska 19 years, but since selling her homestead is dealing in real estate in Grant's Pass,Oregon. Her hobbies are woodworking and lapidary work. (Ed. note - Anything to sell through the newsletter?) MARY AHLSTROM SMITH had the distinction of participating in the dedication ceremonies of a plaque honoring former Texas Governor Allen Shivers in Woodville, Texas. ELSIE DYER MONACO is with the FAA in Purerto Rico. LOIS HOLLINGSWORTH ZILER is a transplanted Texan. While stationed at Biggs Field as a WASP, LOIS bought a piece of Texas near Guadalupe Pass. Her small farm is now part of an irrigated farming community. LOIS began teaching in the local high school in 1957. and husband, Doyle. runs the farm. , KAY MENGES BRICK was royally welcomed in Australia late in 1966. She flew the trans-Pacifi,: trip as co-pilot on a Beech Queen Air, which was converted into an Air Ambulance (a project promoted by the Australian Ninety-Nines), As an interesting sidelight, KAY interviewed eye witnesses to Amelia Earhart's visit to Australia prior to her fatal disappearance in 1937. KAY's personal observations and the speculative views of Fred Goerner's The Search for Amelia Earhart were discussed in an article in Business & Commercial ~n Magazine, June, 1967. KAY was the recipient of FAA's Certificate of Commendation in late 1966: "In recognition of exceptional leadership of the All-Woman Transcontinental Air Race, which not only has demonstrated the safety and utility of general aviation, but which further has reflected the major contributions of women to the progress of AMERICAN CIVIL AVIATION." (See Powder Puff Derby Article in this issue.) IN 1967, KAY was the recipient of the Boston University Sargent College Alumni Special Award for "outstanding Contribution to Humanity in a specific field." JEAN ROSS HOWARD has been a busy gal in 1967. JEAN had the tremendous job of president of the American Newspaper Women's Club. Being in the nation's capital makes her duties doubly interesting and exhausting. JEAN was on the hostess committee of the Ninety-Nines International Convention in Washington. Later in the Summer, JEAN was in London, England and had dinner with Sheila Scott the world circling English aviatrix.

DORA DOUGHERTY STROTHERS has been appointed as chairman of the Ninety-N ine's Amelia Earhart Scholarship Fund. This is a permanent trusteeship made up of five members: PATRICIA GLADNEY, BETTY H. GI LUES, Broneta Evans and Alice Hammond. DORA is also chairman of the FAA Women's Advisory Committee (since June, 1966) and a member of the National Safety Council's General Aviation Safety Committee. 43-4 Secretary - FAITH BUCHNER RICHARDS & MADGE RUTHERFORD MINTON VI RGINIA CLAI R is working for the Air Force as a civilian instructor at Sheppard AF B, Wichita Falls, Texas. CONNIE COLBY KAFKA and her husband, Philip, have permanently settled in Jacksonville, Florida. As an Air Force Pilot, Phil was a member of the first glider squadron used in World War II. He now operates a photo lab for processing technical air work. CONNIE proudly states that their oldest son has just received his appointment to West Point Military Academy to be accepted upon his high school graduation this spring. They have two other children, 9 and 13 years. NANCY LEE BAKE R has something novel which is being made available to all Fifis. NANCY's natural wanderlust eventually led her to Alaska in 1950. She first worked with Wien Alaska Airlines as a tour guide, then as an university student, part-time flight instructor, and now as a traveling area salesmanager for Realsilk, Inc. Through NANCY's traveling job, she gained personal contacts with the isolated Eskimo families especially the women. The craftsmenship of the Eskimos' original, hand-made garments fascinated NANCY, and she conceived the idea to make them available to interested persons. These garments are parkas which are water repellent cloth with NO fur, and are known as Eskimo Maid: (See "Articles for Sale" section of this newsletter.! EDNA PEDLAR BISHOP is currently working on her master's degree at the University of Southern Mississippi. She is a reading teacher in the Hattiesburg City Schools, and especially interested in working with the culturally deprived children. EDNA has four children and a husband at home. Yet, almost apologetically, she states that "it looks as if I've done so little." FRANCES ROHRER SARGENT holds ground & instrument ground school instructor position in the Aerospace Department of Miami Dade Jr. College in Florida. She is also working on her Master's degree at the University of Miami. FRANCES has lived in Florida 11 years. LAURETTA FOY is a new member of the FAA Women's Advisory Committee. LAURETTA started flying in' 1939 and has logged over 2,700 hours in helicopters alone. In 1949, LAURETTA won the Powder Puff Derby (seearticle in this issue, Powder Puff Derby). VI THOMPSON MASON had an article published in PLANE & PILOT MAGAZINE, March, 1967 - "Overland by'Floatplane". In it, VI related a ferry trip that she and her husband made in a Cessna 195 floatplane from Seattle, over the mountains, to Michigan in territory where seaplane basesDO NOT exist. Adventure has always been a part of VI's existance. While stationed in Alaska as an FAA Airport Traffic Controller (1945-1962), VI was a mission pilot for the CAP Search and Rescue.One of her hobbies is skeet shooting. MARTHA LAWSON VOLKOMINER lives in the "big-sky" country of Montana where her husband is with the FAA. MARTHA has not flown anything since 1950, and is an ex-physical ed instructor; however, she is very active in the Camp Fire Girls Program. Through her efforts, MARTHA was awarded the Wakan Service Award and the Earnest Thompson Seton Award in 1966 & 1967 respectively. MARTHA has 3 children. No doubt, MARTHA and HELEN TURNER HOLLAND, 43-5, have crossed paths during their Camp Fire Girls activities. 43-5 Secretary - MARGARET RAY RINGENBERG VI RGINIA STREETER CUTLER is a counselor at Millikan High School in Long Beach, California. She and her husband share the hobby of sailing at the Long Beach Yacht Club. CELIA HUNTER & GINNY HILL WOOD, 43-4, reports Alaska recorded an unusually wet summer and the worst flood in the history of

Interior Alaska. From July 24th through the rest of the season,Camp : Denali operated at lessthan half capacity, even though booked solid. The roads were either washed out or flooded to make traveling impossible for tourists. The Camp was fortunate to be 10% located on high ground, so loss of businesswas much better than inundation. (See44-3 ISABELLE G. McCRAE). HELEN DETTWEI LER, who was MISS COCHRAN's assistant during the latter part of the WASP program, has been a professional golfer since 1945. Her most famous pupil was Dwight D. Eisenhower to whom HELEN gave daily golf lessonsat Palm Springs. Since 1963, HELE[\I has owned and operated a woman's sportswear shop called "HE LEN DETTWE I LE R's" in Palm Desert, California. MARION STEGEMAN HODGSON accompanied her husband to Europe the summer of 1967, and then was confined to bed "flat on my back" in October with a reoccurance of a ruptured disc. In spite of her many distractions, MARION has finished one of her pet projects, the COLLEGE KID'S COOKBOOK. It is being offered for sale through the Order of Fifinella (seeorder sheet in this issue.) MAR ION's ability to write has been used in many facets, one being her P-R Agency. This agency has the sole purpose of writing scientific papers for the American Urological Association in the southcentral section of the U. S. It is very time consuming, but happily only comes annually. Her P-R Agency took MARION and husband, Ned, to Mexico City in 1966. SHIRLEY SLADE TEER & MARJORIE SANFORD THOMPSON were featured in an article, "The Ladies Were Bomber Pilots", in the Sunday supplement, TEXAS MAGAZINE (October 23,1966). Both Fifis were classmatesand B-26 pilots towing targets for gunnery students Flying is only a memory for both women, who now live in Houston as busy mothers and junior leaguers.The article' was written by MA RION STEGEMAN HODGSON. . DOROTHY EBERSBACH is the field supervisor for Public Health Nursing in Tampa, Florida. HELEN TURNER HOLLAND has been active in community service almost since her WASP deactivation. HE LEN joined the American Red Cross and served on a hospital ship in both theaters. HELEN met her husband, John, while attending the professional writing school at the University of Oklahoma. (John has written a book, LEARNING TO FLY). HE LEN has taught school, been a newspaper reporter, State Committeewoman for the Republican Party, servesas Chairman of the Board of Regentsfor the Oklahoma Colllllie of Liberal Arts, served on the Mental Health Board, and is also on the National Committee of Camp Fire Girls. HELEN still insists that her main interest are her children arid family fun. They go camping eVery summer at Allenspark, Colorado. , MARGARET RAY RINGENBERG for the past 11 years has been a contestant in the Powder Puff Derby. . GERALDINE HARMAN JORDAN has one daughter married, one working in California, one son in college, one daughter in high school, three daughters and one son in grade school plus a toddler at home. NINE in alii GERALDINE's claim to fame is that she took and passedthe commercial written exam with her 6-week old child on her shoulder. Congratulations, GERRY!!! Now, get Ed to purchase a family type airplane is her next monumental maneuver. ANNABELLE KEKIC ROTBART owns and operates an unusual gift shop of world imports in Cleveland, Ohio. Look for the "Annabelle" at 4051 Superior Avenue. JULIA E. LEDBETTER is Lt. Colonel in the U.S. Army. JULIA is Chief of WAC Recruiting and lives in Newport News, Virginia. She is the only WASP who is on active duty for the U.S. Army; there are eight other women who remained on active duty for the U.S. Air Force. JI LL McCORMICK Attended the Air Traffic Control School sponsored by the FAA in Oklahoma City the summer of 1967. As an instructor in Purdue University's synthetic and simulator trainer lab, JI LL must be the "controller" for the simulator pilot. JI LL has been accepted as a team member of the recently formed Pylon Racing Association. ANNE SHIE LOS attended and received her graduate certificate from the Lycoming Service School in Williamsport, Pennsylvania. 43-6 Secretary - ELIZABETH McGEORGE SULLIVAN MI LDRED McLELLAND CHRISTIANSEN is the administrative assistant

of the Muskegon County Airport which borders the beautiful Lake Michigan shoreli ne. MI LLI E's absorbing interest in rock-hounding has made her an expert historian and lapidarist. Numerous reports have appeared in rock club magazines. MARTHA SMITH BULLOCK is interested in knowing whether ex.WASPs

GENE SMITH

WAKELEY

was a B-25 pilot,

who married

a B-25 pilot

and

as a result had to resign as a WASP. GENE does her flying now through her son's activities, as well as her son-in.law, who are both commercial airplane and helicopter pilots. One of the young men was stationed at Ft. Walters at the same time JENN IE BROWN LONGACRE was instructing there (see 1967 Newsletter on WhirlyGirls). GENE's hobby is painting in oils and pastels, which has become more than just a hobby. Her paintings have won many awards and sell quite consistantly! 43-8 Secretary - LOIS DOBBIN AUCHTERLONIE DODIE ASPELL WARFIELD sent Fifi Headquarters a note of her whereabouts after a long futile search for her. DODIE was retired from active duty in the Air Force with the rank of Major (1964). While stationed in Okinawa during the post-war days, DODI E was matron of honor at MARGE FOSTER MUNN's, 44-5, wedding. In 1963, DODIE married an Air Force Pilot. While Bill is presently flying in Vietnam, DODIE is a full-time student at Our Lady of the Lake College in San Antonio. RUTH HUMPHREYS BROWN owns a Cessna 320 with her husband, but is content to be the wife-eo-pilot. David is president of the Aspen Skiing Corporation. IRIS HEILLMAN SCHUPP was another lost Fifi who turned up in Hawaii. However, IRIS should be back on the Mainland by the MAJOR time you receive this letter. DOR IS D. WI LLiAMS, USAF, is Chief of the Air Traffic Services Division, Eastern Communication Region (AFCSl. and has been their chief since 1964. Her present duty involves staff supervision of ATC Facilities from Thule, Greenland to Homestead AFB, Florida and AFB's in Puerto Rico, Bermuda and the Azores. After many years of this highly specialized work, DOR IS is the only WAF Air Traffic Control officer on active duty with the USAF. JOALENE SNODGRASS FOSTER had a harrowing experience April,

are still able to join the Air Force Reserve Program. (Could you Reservist have any information for MARTHA? - Ed. note). MARTHA is still teaching ground school for the Atlanta Aviation Course (see the 1967 Newsletter). MI LDRE D CALDWELL is head of the Woman Physical Education Departmenl at Bradley University. MILDRED was a reservist until 1955 in the Air Force. Way back in 1949, she owned a midget racer, and flew it in South Miami, Florida. At that time, MI LDRED was machanic, instructor, and test pilot at the local airport. EVE L YN STEWART JACKSON and her husband are cattle ranchers at Mesa, Arizona. CAPPY WHITTAKER JOHNSON was lost through the years because of her husband's Air Force assignments. The only thread of her whereabouts was an ancient West Virginia address. By chance, two post office employees were discussing what to do with the 1967 WASP Newsletter, when a former neighbor overheard CAPPY's name mentioned, and offered to send it to CAPPY's mother ... who in turn forwarded it on to CAPPY. The Johnsons have permanently settled in Fair Oaks, California where Lyall is a stockbroker and retired A F Col. They have twin sons. MARGARET HELBURN KOCHER has traveled extensively throughout world with her family. Husband, Eric, is a Foreign Service Officer for the U.S. Government. Since 1964, MARGARET has studied linguistics, and is presently working at the Center for Applied Linguistics in Washington, D.C. They have four children. KATHERINE KUPERBERG KORNBLUM is an artist by avocation the

and a

member of the Westchester, New York Art Society. LOLA PERKINS RICCI flies her own plane to many of the West Coast activities as governor of the southwest section of Ninety-Nines, Inc. MAXINE STEWAR D SMITH was very active flying and racing during the 1950's. However, in 1962, MAXINE's interest was diverted to the awesome accomplishment of being accepted into the California Bar Association. She is now a practicing attorney in San Diego. Last October, MAXINE took a refresher checkout ride with Don Clifford, Jr., the 22'year old son of INSTRUCTOR DON CliFFORD. 43.7 Secretary - MARY H. BURKE CARO BAYLEY BOSCA was acclaimed recognition in the aerobatic circles from 1945-1951. She owned an aerobatic bi.plane, the Pitts, and participated in the All-Woman Air Shows in 1947 & 1948. (see Powder Puff Derby article in this issue). In January, 1951, CARO reached an altitude record of 30,203 feet in a Piper super cub. Later that year CARO was married and quickly had four children, during the 50's. In the past 3 years, she has started flying again, but in a more relaxed manner "sans" the helmet, goggles, and whistling MARY BURKE noise of the strut wires. and her co.pilot placed fourth in the annual Skylady Derby

1967. JO rode out a tornado in Grand Rapids while crouching under her rec-room bar. Her home was completely distroyed. JO is an active golfer and immediate past president of the Women's City Golf Association at Grand Rapids, Michigan LOIS DOBBIN AUCHTERLONIE had a bus\( summer as chairman of the AII-Woman's New England Air Race (AWNEAR), held October MARY 7, 1967 at Norwood, Massachusetts. ESTI LL FEAREY is more than just a back-yard gardener, she qualifies as an International Judge. MARY's home and garden contains growing plants throughout both residences in San Antonio and New Braunfels. However, her magic touch is also seen in such creative endeavors as sculpture, painting, and needlework. Even MARY's spare moments are spent in active fun: horseback riding, hunting and fishing. (see Hemis Fair in this issue). 44-1 Secretary - ALBERTA HUNT NICKOLSON DOROTHY KRASOVEC EBY found us, so we put her on the roles. She is married to a Pan-American Captain and they have 2 sons. DOROTHY is still current in a Cessna Skylane and has her I nstrument Rating. ADE LE F. BEYE R is an office manager and commuter programmer in Los Angeles. Her somewhat unusual hobby is carpentry. HARRIET KENYON CALL and her husband are fixed base operators near Pittsburgh. HARRIET has been a flight examiner since July, 1965. ALBERTA HUNT NICKOLSON is having a ball teaching the fundamentals of aviation and taking tours with her Air Explorers Scouts. MAR DO CRANE's book FLY DOWN OF THE WASP is a very accurate account of the WW II women service pilots and has sold with much success through the efforts of the Ninety-Nines and the Order of Fifinella. MARDO is now working on another book: THE GI RLS OF THE POWDER PUFF DERBY. Among her hobbies are sculpture, Cairn Terriers, rock.hunting and lapidary. (see Powder Puff Derby article in this issue - order sheet in this issue).

at Meacham Field, Fort Worth, Texas in 1967. SAMMY CHAPIN HASSAN is one of the few women who went on to get her ATR after receiving her WASP training. For ten years SAMMY was chief pilot for Essex Wire Corp. flying a Lockheed Lodestar. She ANN now enjoys pleasure flying only in the family's Cessna 310. R. HOLADAY uses their family Cessna 210 to fly to ski areas in the winter and to Mexico in the summer. As a diversion she also paints in oils and water colors. In 1966, one of her paintings was featured in the San Antonio Art Review. They have two daughters: 16 and 21 years. FRANCES THOMPSON HUNT and her husband are ranchers in Arizona. They are somewhat isolated from school facilities, but FRAN is teaching MARIE in a small rural school 50 miles from their ranch. The the Youngstown high school BARRETT is 75 miles away for their children. MARSH lives only 10 minutes from

Ohio Municipal Airport and welcomes a "hello". MAR I E teaches shorthand in an adult evening class. She and John are parents to 7 living children, including one set of twins (one child was killed in an highway accident in 1966.)

CATHERINE

MURPHY

is the city Treasurer

and Personnel

Director

for

the City of Arcadia, California. GENE SHAF FE R F ITZPATR ICK is a free lance writer

and in 1967 covered

the terminus of the Powder Puff Derby in California. MARY JERSHIN O'ROURKE has been in the Air Force since 1944 as wife wife to the same guy for 22 years. They have two daughters: Linda, 20, born in Austria and Toni Clair, 17, born in Georgia. The O'Rourkes have had three tours overseas. While in Europe, JERSH visited FRANNY JOHNSON, ex-44-1, in Italy. FRANCES L. JOHNSON, "Franny", now lives in Sierra Vista, Arizona. ANN HOPKINS WHITE is living in Pensacola, Florida. Her husband, Lt. Col. Tom White, is Director of Training at the Naval Air Station. ANNE BARTHOLF FAWLINGS is still moving around with her husband, Col. John Rawlings, Jr., USAF. They have two children and are presently living in New Mexico. JANE O. ROBBINS, C.S. is devoting her full time to the public practice of Christian Science healing. She is now on tour throughout the United States.

in Balboa Park. She is a public health nurse at Mount Miguel High School and has just received her AB degree from San Diego State College. Her only son, Mike, is in Medical School. VIVIAN GI LCHRIST NEMHAUSER is a busy mother and civic leader. VIVIAN and physician husband, Gustave, have three teenagers. At the present time, she is chairman of the Committee for the Preservation of Tompkins Square Park in NYC, and a former Girl Scout Commissioner. EUNICE BOARDMAN embarked on a long sea voyage in April, 1967. (see Fifi Portrait Article in this Newsletter.) Her yacht Renegade has been leased to another captain during her absence. 44-4 Secretary - GREY ALLISON DUNLAP MAJOR JEANNETTE C. KAPUS is stationed in Pashawar, Pakistan. In 1952 JEANNETTE transferred from the Reserve Program to Active Service as a WAF advisor in the personnel office. In 1947, JEANNETTE set the spin record in light aircraft - an incredible 64 spins. (How high must you go, and how much altitude did you lose? - Ed.) RUTH SHAFER FLEISHER is busy with part-time jobs at the AFB in Air Traffic Control and also flight instruction at the local airport in Homestead, Florida. Her husband is back from Vietnam and is due JEAN to retire soon from the Air Force as Lt. Col. McCART is administrative assistant to the president of Metlox Potteries, a large dinnerware manufacturing company in California. MILDRED DAVISON DALRYMPLE is married to an F.B.1. agent.

44-2 Secretary - MARGE GI LBERT STEWART DORIS ELKINGTON HAMAKER is married to Navy Commander William Hamaker, and are presently living in Naples, Italy. They KATE have five children. LEE HARRIS ADAMS is living in Houston, Texas. Her husband,

Robert, is production engineer for Continental Oil Company. They are the parents of two children. (see Picture Section) ANNE LLE HENDE RSON BU LECHECK owns and operates an advertising agency. She has derived many years of experience through department store, newspaper, radio and TV advertising in Louisiana. BETTY M. LeFEVRE lives in Delmar, New York. She has three children: Gregg, a senior in Boston University, Michell, a freshman at Ithaca College and Lesley 12, at home. BETTY is in the real estate business, JEAN and occasionally rents a plane to keep current. MOORE SOARD, MARGE GILBERT & MARTY MARTIN WYALL had lunch one day in August in I ndianapolis while JEAN was visiting her sister. JEAN's oldest son, Tommy, is a licensed pilot. (see picture in 1967 Newsletter.) SAUNDE RS WI LLSON was Tommy Soard's flight instructor at

MI LDRED & Edwin have three children and live in Bellaire, Texas. MI LDRED sent Fifi Headquarters the sad news about the death of SUZANNE IRVINE JONES, 44-10, in 1966. MERIEM ROBY ANDERSON is breeding registered Appaloosa horses, Mexican Burros, Cattlow (cross between buffalo and cattle), peacocks, pheasants, and other types of fou I. As if that isn't enough in the corral, she also has no less than 8 dogs from Great Danes on down, plus 16 cats. ROBY handles most of the animals herself, because husband Harry is still in the Bank and son, Roby, is going to St. John's Military School at Salina, Kansas. MERIEM is an active pilot and member of the 99's. Her address is "Dead End" Ranch, which is somewhat misleading .. it should be "Rumpus Valley" Ranch because ANN things are usually in an uproar. GI FT DULA organized the Tulare County Humane Society several years ago, and is still the executive manager and secretary of the society. Through her efforts she has obtained the help of dedicated citizens to build outstanding shelter buildings, excellent equipment and well-trained workers. ANN's hobby is animal portraits and photography of her extensive travels. Her most unusual flight was in 1956 while flying a Twin Beech. She had a forced landing in Baja California, made a safe landing but waited 5 days for the rescue. LOUISE BRAND HYDE has served on the Women's Advisory Committee on Aviation (WACOA) since its inception in 1964 by President Kennedy. You can always find LOUISE "where the action is" (sailing, riding, soaring, air races), and this year was no exception. LOUISE made a 42-hour ferry flight with Betty Miller first woman to span the Pacific solo, to Sydney, Australia in a Cessna 320. HAZEL STAMPER HOHN made a trip to New York and Europe with her wee daughter and husband during Christmas of 1967. HAZE Lis involved more in writing children's books than in flying, even though HAZE L keeps current her land and seaplane ratings. The University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg has a complete collection of HAZE L's published works. FRANCES STANDAFER ACKER's comment for 1967 is "WHAT A SUMME R!" Through FRANCES' tireless efforts, she conceived the idea, procured Travis AFB and personally attended to all the details for the California WASP Reunion June 23-24, 1967. One out-come of the reunion, FRAN's 21-year-old son, John, started flying. He now has his private's license and has applied to Air Force for training. (see Article, CALIFORNIA REUNION, 1967). Baymates: FLORA BELLE SMITH REECE, ALYCE STEVENS ROHRER, FRANCES STANDAFER ACKER AND FRANCES ROULSTONE REEVES spent New Year's Eve weekend together at FRAN REEVES' home. The 4 of them (plus husbands and children) had a gay time together and hope to make it a yearly event.

SANDY

Herndon Airport at Orlando, Florida. ROSE REESE is believed to be with the FAA in Florida. Fifi headquarters has not fou nd her yet. I f anyone knows, please send us her JEAN address. HASCALL educational COLE is working with the Arizona 8, in Phoenix State University as secretary during

TV station,

Channel

the daytime and going to school nights for her BA degree in Education. JEAN and husband Jerry have 5 children including a set of twins which makes life around JEAN's household busy, busy, busy. JEAN last year completed an university course (8 hours credit) entitled "Commercial Pilot's License". She thought other WASPs may want to investigate their local colleges for similar course credits. (see Picture Section) ESTHE R NOFF KE's place of employment, the Pal-Waukee Airport near Chicago, received national news in 1967. The FAA is manning the control tower which is the first time that FAA has served a privately owned airport. ESTHE R has her ATR and is the administrator of operations at Pal-Waukee. KA Y B. C LE VE R L Y instructs fashion design for the Trade Technical Junior College in Los Angeles, and going to school nights working toward her masters degree. It is all very exciting and challenging to be working with young people and fitting them for the serious part of life. 44-3 Secretary - JEANNE WAGNER SIMPSON ISABE LLE G. McCRAE was selected to be the medical Civil Air Patrol Encampment southern an actual never got is also on to Alaska in an Air Force plane with

officer

on the from

in Alaska this summer.

They flew up

other CAP members

California. The training encampment turned out to be emergency, because floods hit the area and ISABELLE a moment's rest. (see 43-5 CELIA HUNTER) ISABELLE the Board of Directors of the San Diego Aerospace Museum

44.5 Secretary - JEN HI LL MOSEL Y LIZ WATSON is a geologist for Union Oil Company of California. The Southern Cal. WASP's had a get.together in January, 1968. LI Z was one of the lost Fifis who was located in time to attend. Skiing is her consuming hobby. HARRIET TRAIN BLAKE has her master's degree in journalism and is a journalist in Savannah, Georgia. MARGOT HARVEY WORTHINGTON is still traveling as an Air Force wife of Col. Joseph Worthington. During 1960-62, MARGOT was stationed in Rome, Italy and visited BERNICE DANNEFER PI NKERTON living there. (see picture section in newsletter.) PATRICIA KENWORTHY NUCKOLS had an unusual flight. On her honeymoon years ago, the newlyweds were flying to Bermuda via Pan American, and BETTY HAAS (Pfister) was hostess on that flight in the late 1940's. PAT AND BETTY hadn't seen each other since their buddy-riding days in Sweetwater. 44-6 Secretary - JEAN HIXSON JE R RY TRI BBLE VICKE RS is attending San Fernando Valley State

44-8 Secretary - JOAN GOUGH FROST LOIS McMURDI E is an expert on Japanese Floral Art "I kebana". LOIS studied 4 years in Tokyo while her husband, Lt. Col. Richard McMurdie was stationed in Japan. The McMurdie's home in Cherry Hill, N. J. is tastefully furnished with many pieces from England and Japan. During the summer, LOIS uses her talent for loveliness & beauty through her flower garden. This particular type of floral art is distinctive and very difficult to master. There are many floral art forms in Japan. I kebana is one of the most ancient (beginning around 1500), but lends itself to Western culture with its 3-dimensional feeling of depth. LOIS holds the title of "Professor of Ikebana". When she is not lecturing and demonstrating, LOIS is selling real estate in Cherry Hill. PEGG Y DAIGE R TREGO married the city editor of the Reno Nevada newspaper. Both retired from journalism (1957) to a quaint ghost town to write, tend 12 acres of apple trees, pets and various types of poultry, and operate a seismograph station for the University of Navada's USAF Aerospace Research Program. PEGGY says, "Delighted to see any WASPs who saunder our way - only the last 5 miles is unpaved road. If you turn at Imlay off U.S. 40, Unionville is 20 miles southeast. ANNE DAILEY MARSHALL suggests that the 1969 WASP 25th Reunion should be voted upon by the entire membership. We took her suggestion, now it is up to everyone to return your comments for '69. ARLINE BAKER co-chairmaned the First Northwest Section Air Race (a Ninety.Nine sponsored Project) which was held in August, 1967, with starts in Montana and Oregon and terminating in Pocatello, Idaho.

College as a sociology major. GERRY found BETTY WHITE DYBBRO (a member of the "Squirt Squadron" - S.S.) BETTY WHITE DYBBRO has married again since the death of her husband, Bob. The Dybbroes are living in Newburg, Oregon. SUE BOOTH HUFF is a department manager at Macy's of California in Palo Alto. LAURA RUTLEDGE GILMER is Radar Air Traffic Controller for the FAA at Davis-Monthan AFB in Tucson, Arizona. LAURA did not complete the program due to a crash in the BT.13 with MARY SHAW on May 19, 1944. "We were still hospitalized in San Antonio when the program deactivated ... I would like to know the whereabouts of MARY SHAW now MRS. RICHARD RICE." Ed. note - Fifi headquarters is looking too! BARBARA HART KENNEDY was a Pan American Stewardess in 1946-47. She is now married to a dentist in Sacramento, California. BA RBARA has just written a cook book on casseroles (1967). MARY RETICK WELLS (member of the "S.S.") has retired from all her teaching duties to relax with golf & painting. BETTY THOMPSON SHARR is living in the mountains near Bakersfield. BETTY was found by TOMMIE THOITS, 44-10 44.7 Secretary - BETTY PETTITT NICHOLAS was delighted to have found a long lost

PAT GLADNEY and MARGARET V. STANDISH went to Wichita, Kansas this summer (1967) to pick up the GLADNEY's new Cessna 182. 44.9 Secretary BETTY - BETTY STAGG TURNER MARTIN RIDDLE met BEVERLY FRISBY CARRUTH, 44-7, at a Clipped Wings (ex-United stewardess) luncheon way back in March, 1967. It was the first time BE VE R L Y had met a F ifi for years. BETTY has reinstated her instructor's rating and has a few students at the Greater Rockford Airport. ANNE HOYT KURTZ is now stationed at Glasgow AFB, Montana as wife of Major George Kurtz. Major Kurtz is Base Deputy Civil Engineer who returned from his 2nd tour of duty in Vietnam namely building (or rebuilding) AF Bases. LAMM BARTLETT is living in New Jersey. Her husband, Walter, is the Flight Manager of United Airline in New York City Office. teacher in Dayton, Ohio. a Her husband, Francis, is a retired L6AF Lt. Col. They have built new home and Col. Nagle continues to work at Wright-Patterson AFB. ELIZABETH "Hoot" Gibson VAN der LINDEN is secretary Laboratories. "I am just a typical suburban housewife mother of son and daughter a WASP trainee." DUSTY DAVIS RANSOM

MARY

JULIA

MURI E L RATH

REYNOLDS

bay mate from Avenger. MURIEL is a physical education teacher and housewife. She suggests that a compilation of amusing WASP experiences (such as losing shirts through open hatches on landings) should be started for the WASP Scrapbook. Ed. note - Fine idea! Send them in, pronto. PATRICIA J. BLACKBURN after deactivation was in Alaska for a while with the CAA communications, then worked as a stewardess for Pan American Airlines in the Far East & Alaska. Since 1950, PAT has been connected with the radio and TV station in Qunicy, Illinois. She is now secretary to the General Manager. MARY BARNES STURDEVANT leads the f'omad life of a typical Air Force family (Lt. Col. Philip and their 3 children). What makes them different is that they also transport their German Shepherd dogs and saddle horses. The STURDEVANTs are presently living near Sheppard AFB in Wichita Falls, Texas. PETTITT NICHOLAS flew to Expo '67 from Indianapolis, Indiana with her husband, Ted, in their Cessna 150. On their way home, they circled home via the Adirondacks and New Jersey. It was a lovely summer vacation. BETTY is the executive secretary to the president of College Life I nsurance Company in their home office at I ndianapolis. Headquarters just received the sad news that BETTY's husband, Ted, was stricken February 18th with a heart attack and died. They were visiting BETTY's mother and sister at the time. BETTY STREFF air races. REED is actively flying and participates restored Stearman, in the summer

NADI NE CANFI E LD NAG LE is a Kindergarten

at the Fromm and proud

in college. It seems a dream I was ever 9th grade teacher in civics.

is a dedicated

Dusty says "I have the last crack at these kids before they become high school dropouts. They will still go out and vote, and I have to at least give them something to relate to. DUSTY has one daughter who is a champion swimmer and her son, John, is aspiring to become an airline pilot. He is a licensed pilot and enrolled in aerospace technology Clearwater, Florida. BETTY PHI LLIPS WHITING course in the local college at in the plant publication of

BETTY

was featured

Applied Technology, Inc. in Palo Alto, California. BETTY joined ATC in January, 1965 and is now executive secretary to the president. BETTY and George have three teenage children, and hasn't flown for 20 years. Camping and bowling as a family makes life interesting for the Whitings. (see picture section) PENE LOPE PEl RCE GAR RETT is secretary-receptionist at NORAD Offices in Colorado Springs, Colorado. 44-10

BEE FALK HA YOU has sold her lovely the family's Cessna 310.

and now flies

Secretary

- SARA

PAYNE

HAYDEN

,./-

RUTH

REES PHilLIPS

had surgery in August,

1967 and wasa long time instructor in

recuperating in the San Antonio hospital. BETTY STABLE R SHAFE R is an active 99 and swimming

operations in San Diego (one at Gillespie Field and the other at Brown Field) under the name of BREISE and Johnson Flying Service, Inc. INSTRUCTOR RIGDON EDWARDS is still flying at Avenger Field, and has originated an excellent idea. "I wonder if the Order of Fifinella would be interested in some kind of a memorial or display of the WASP Story at the Airport Terminal Building."Ut sounds like an idea for our Order of Fifinella to sponsor. See comment sheet.) INSTRUCTOR GYP OLDHAM has been in Saudi Arabia with his family for about 15 years flying for RAMCO. MR. OLDHAM is retiring and coming home to live in Abilene, Texas. INSTRUCTOR CHET ST. PETER went with TWA after the WASP program was deactivated. He flew the North Atlantic 968 times, and retired to Tennessee to live. He and his wife own and operate the Southern Boat Dock at Rutledge, Tennessee. "We love this kind of life and enjoy the climate here. If any of the Fifis are ever in this area, we would love to have you stop in." DR. RICHARD l. CASSEll, a friend of the WASPs, has sent to the Order of Fifinella a years' subscription of Soaring Magazine. He hopes to stimulate interest in this different and challenging part of aviation to all WASPs. The issues are available on loan to any one who will write to Fifi Headquarters. Dr. Cassell was stationed at las Vegas AAF in 1944 and would appreciate a note from any who remember him. Write: Richard l. Cassell, DDS, 10911 Weyburn Avenue, Suite 207, los Angeles, California 90024 CLAI R LEE WALTERS, almost a WASP, was recently featured in the Ninety-Nine News. CLAI RE has been flying for over 26 years, and has logged over 20,500 hours (which is a record probabiy). During World War II, she wanted to join the WASPs. On the day of her acceptance, the program was closed to all new trainees so "that opportunity was down the drain". CLAI R was the winner of the Powder Puff Derby in 1961.

Williamsport, Pennsylvania. JOAN F RETE R UHAl T met her husband, Joe, while stationed at Avenger. He was stationed at Big Spring AAB. Joe is now Flight Commander on a B-52H stationed at Kincheloe AF B, Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. Their son, Jay, is a sophomore at Colorado State. The family goes skiing together, whenever possible. R. CHARlYNE CREGER isa registered nurse anesthetist at Shreveport, louisiana. CHARlYNE has lived there since 1951. Soon after 1944, she joined the Army Nurse Corps until retirement in 1951; even spent a little time in london, England as an exchange nurse observant. PAT VAN SCYOC SIMMONGS has gone from Kansas City Control Tower Operator (1952) to the position of Assistant Trust Investment Officer in Glendale, California. PAT is now a CFA Designator (Chartered Financial Analyst.) HENRIETTA SPECKE lS SPROAT is a medical laboratory technician in North Hollywood, California. She is close enough to have had lunch several times with DOTTIE NAGE l IRELAND. MAJOR NINA K. MORRISON ("CAPPY" sounds a little strange after

MAJOR), is a Fifi with versatile talents; to quote from some clippings which are in the Order of Fifinella files: "NINA K. MORRISON is apparently the feminine answer to the 'jack-of-alltrades'. The background r<Jles are: a graduate of lamar Jr. College in Beaumont and a BS degree in biology from the University of Houston, WASP, WAVE, nurse, lab technician, school teacher, flight instructor, aircraft radio mechanic, and only woman attending the 1962 session of the Command and Staff College at Maxwell AFB ... In her work in Aerospace Medicine, Captain Morrison has performed a lot of research in protective equipment and is responsible for the design of three seat cushions. One of which she holds the patent is pulsating seat cushion that reduces fatique on long flights. With this device, three B-17 pilots stayed aloft more than 80 hours." CAPPY is also an excellent hostess for anyone visiting the Hawaiian Islands. Better JERRY make it soon, she may be transferred. PHI LIPS BADGER has four daughters into flying MARTY again. She has joined is a certified Midland, Texas. MARTIN WYAll and is starting to get back

the Ninety-Nines ATCO,

and lives in FIFI PORTRAIT of aviation -- EUNICE BOARDMAN, Eunice 44-3 Boardman's

Air Taxi and Commercial The world is as far away from life as the thought of her being without the sea. Since 1944 Eunice has been drawn to the love of sailing. Through her travels to Europe and Saudi Arabia. Finally, EUNICE acquired a yacht in Germany and sailed around nothern Europe for several years, then across the Atlantic to the West I ndies. For eleven years, all around the island of St. Thomas, the Renegade and Eunice, as skipper, were a familiar sight.

Operator, and flies both freight and passengers in a Cessna 182. VI RGINIA HASH carries on the family tradition being a practicing attorney in Phoenix. One of her pet projects is supporting Girls' Ranch in Arizona. MARTHA GAUNCE and her daughter, International lOUISE MAGOON

Jane, are still racing in both the Headquarters in

Air Race and the AWTAR. THOKEY and family came to Fifi

June, 1967 for a brief visit. However, it was haying time with thunderstorms all around, and the guests were "in there pitching" along with the Wyall's. They didn't even get a chance to go to the are hopefully planning airport for an aerial view of the area. CAROLYN lUMPP GROWCOCK and Frederick

The Renegade is a very able and agile 50 ft. 4 inch steel ketch. Constructed in 1954, the Renegade can be handled single-handedly with ease. It is complete with double life-lines, stainless steel rigging, and a roomy plush interior In January, changed the tranquil of natural woods. happened for EUNICE. which First,

to spend his sabbatical leave in Spain doing research and writing. Dr. Growcock is on the faculty at the University of Texas. Their three children will remain in Austin attending school. TOMMI E THOITS has spent over 2 years in Berlin as Recreation Director for the Air Force. TOMMI E is now in California trying to decide whether to plant roots or continue her traveling career in Special RUTH Services. KUTNER JURNECKA lives close to DOTTIE NAGEL IRELAND & HENRIETTA SPRECKlES SPROAT. The two sons of RUTH and Joe are away at college: one at M.I.T. and one at the University of California. Their 2 daughters, 14 and 7, are at home.

1967 a series of circumstances life of Caribbean existance

eleven years is a long time to be in the same spot and second, EUNICE found a most efficient skipper to care for Renegade which made it possible for her to get away. Third, "I received an invitation to go to Greece to help sail the Yacht CARLOTTA to California."

The anticipation of sailing 11,000 miles of open ocean on a 100 ft. staysail schooner looked huge in comparison with any other vessel EUNICE had sailed before. She accepted the invitation of Charlotte and Robin MacFadden, the owner and skipper of Carlotta. By the end of March, 1967 EUNICE and Rennie (the dog) left for Vouliagmeni, Greece. any extended cruise requires more than a month of

UNClASSI FlED SELMA CRONAN has a new series of books being published for beginning readers. The first book was a "A Helicopter Can Be" and the second one titles "What Is An Airplane?". This year, SELMA has been traveling! And all for the benefit of aviation. First to the Bahamas for the Treasure Hunt (she flew back with BEE HAYDU in BEE's 310). then attended the Aviation Writer's Convention in las Vegas, and to the AOPA the fall. INSTRUCTOR FRED H. BREISE Clinic in Wooster, Massachusetts in

To undertake

preparation, such as rigging, plumbing, electrical and mechanical work. A month was not enough time for the crew to set sail, but the political disorders in Greece at that time were disturbing and uncomfortable. No ships were allowed to leave Greece (several tried and were fired upon and forced to return). The radio kept repeating "anyone on the streets after 6 P.M. will be shot without warning." Soldiers patrolled the dock 24 hours a day, and everyone became very uneasy. Finally, the Carlotta crew received permission to sail to the Greek island of Crete on April 25th. Needless to say, ready or not, they cast off the dock and once clear of the coast, the Carlotta out of Greek territory. changed direction toward Malta

spent over three years in Sweetwater,

Texas as flight instructor and check pilot on primary, basic and advance trainers. FRED says, "I have a lot of respect for the WASP's bravery and eagerness to learn. I was fully made good pilots." the FAA FRED BREISE convinced that they examiner base for has been a flight

for over 21 years, and operates two large fixed

The yacht is a comfortable luxurious ship with six double staterooms, some with private baths, four heads, a large di ning saloon, deck saloon, deep freeze, refrigerator, four bunks in the foc'sle for the crew. It takes ten crew members to handle her, especially voyages. The mainsail weighs well over a ton. on long

The first six days to the Island of Malta had no heavy weather, just minor mechanical problems that are always expected when a boat has been out of commission for some time. In contrast with Greece, Malta is greatly fortified and the color of beige blenus into the earthy surroundings. rocks. The Carlotta stayed in Malta six weeks doing a multitude of things that included the painting of the hull's bottom. Several of the amateur crew members decided sailing was not for them, and the new members included one amateur Englishman, one professional cook, one Irishman, one German, and Hazel Parry from Vermont, a dear friend of EUNICE who has sailed with her a great many times. The Arab-Israeli War prevented the Carlotta from visiting Algeria and Tunisia. They sailed directly to the Rock of Gibralter, a distance of 1,000 miles. "EUNICE describes Gib as interesting not only as a "well-fortified Rock, but also because of the ape population who are protected and cared for by the Ruyal Artillery." The old superstition is that when apes leave Gib, the English will go too. Legend says that Churchill cabled for reassurance of the ape population before the British started the African campaign during World War II. After about a week in Gibralter, the crew sailed for the Canaries in perfect weather. The Grand Can aria Island is 1,000 miles westward and another seven days. This was the last chance to replenish supplies, take a hot bath, and rest before tackling the 3,000 mile voyage across the Atlantic. On a sailing vessel, life is not as easy as the lovely picture portrayal of sail boats from a distance. I t is bristling with activity and traditional workchores for all members aboard. There were two concerns facing the crew at this time. Mainly, the hurricane season altered their course more southerly than westerly; and the chance of being becalmed if they ventured too far south near the Sargasso Sea. Neither of these threats materialized. They had soft light winds all the way across, making their average distance of 125 miles per day. However, sailing downwind creates a constant roll, which becomes tiring, irritating and sometimes maddening because you cannot walk or relax without bracing yourself. landfall was sighted. Beautiful Greece is dotted with stark white buildings against grey

MARY

ESTI LL FEAREY.

43-8

WHY NOT VISIT THE HEMISFAIR VIA EASTER ISLAND THIS YEAR? Early in 1967, Texas, especially San Antonio, was buzzing with planning and promoting a new concept in Inter-American communications. MA RY ESTI LL PORTER, 43-8, has been involved since the HemisFair WlS merely on paper. MARY was also part of the first tourist expedition to Easter Island a promotion of the Lan-Chili Airlines to open regular service to this tiny spot 2,000 miles west of South America. The trip alone was excitement enough for MARY to anticipate, but Texas citizens had other plans for her. She was delegated by her enterprizing husband, Pete, to be the convincing Chili's participation in the 1968 HemisFair. MARY memorized all the pertinent emissary and obtain

details from the ten pounds

of information kits she carried to Santiago, Chili. Not knowing what to expect or how to approach the proper people at the opportune moment, MARY was ready to cancel all plans the morning she left. However, the many connections and South American friends of the HemisFair Board Members had attended to the preliminary details Members had attended would be fun. MARY to the preliminary details and assured her it informthe flight to Santiago. at the needed only to draw on all the HemisFair in her mind during

ation she had assimilated It was actually

The crossing took

23 days before

a very thrilling

and exciting

dinner-reception

Carlotta eased quietly into a sleepy harbor on the island of Barbados. After all of the water they had crossed, Barbados was only a little over half-way from Greece to San Diego. Barbados toward the Panama Canal touched

Union Club in Santiago that night on April 5, 1967. MAR Y had presented the facts and the Chilian officials "convinced themselves" to participate in the 1968 HemisFair. The flight to Easter Island the following morning was another

Their course from

the islands of St. Lucia, and Aruba, and Cartegena in Columbia. They hugged the west coast of Mexico all the way to California on iheir final leg of the journey. EUNICE had a brief glimpse of the Renegade while passing through West I ndies water. Before you Fifis desert your husbands or throwaway your sectional charts, E UN ICE is quick to emphasize that sailing is more a test of patience than adventure, of endurance rather than a relaXation. When not at the wheel, members of the crew clean, polish, sand, paint and perform many other back-breaking jobs to sail the "montrous beast". The work goes on whether you are in port or at sea, with one difference: every movement takes 10 times the effort while under sail. The love of sailing consumes your whole being, and you crave to be with people who share these feelings that cannot be duplicated or imitated in any other form of activity. Every time you lift anchor, you are in a different environment and immediately become a match of man's ability to test his skills against the foreboding mysterious magnificent oceans of our world. about this dual with the elements You are much too busy to think until it becomes a memory. In -

fascinating phase of MARY's journey. She met 57 other travelers who were curious as well as anxious to be counted among the first to participate in this momentious occasion.

Easter Island had a contingent of 58 U. S. Air Force personnel studying atmospheric conditions. The men were quite surprised by the sight of the American travelers. Until the Lan-Chili Airline's maiden flight, there was no plane service and only one ship a year. The Americans received their mail by air drop and balloon pick up every 42 days.

The visit lasted 6 days, and it resembled a camp-out holiday, because no facilities had been completely finished. The plane was parked at the end of the runway until their visit was over. Despite the remoteness and lack of communication with the rest of the world, Easter Islanders are rapidly changing. They speak a unique form of Polynesian, and have shifted from the primitive barter system to the monetary system. Soon the runway will be completed to accommodate jets, and no doubt the all-day flights will be reduced to a fe'll,' hours. Transformation will rapidly gain momentum now that Easter

many respects sailing is much like flying, you are in hostile territory not meant for man and in peril until you reach solid ground again. EUNICE has made her transition in love with the sea_ and found

her match -- she is

Island has become a regular stop from South America to Tahiti. It is now entirely possible to visit the San Antonio 1968 HemisFair via Easter Island, that is, if you are coming from Tahiti.

WASPS AND THE POWDER PUFF DERBY In the spring of 1947. the Florida Chapter of Ninety-Nines sponsored the First All-Woman Air Show. There were many ex-WASPs who wanted the opportunity to compete in such an event. The Florida Chapter invited the West Coast women flyers to witness the Air Show. and perhaps even make a race to it. By the time MARDO CRANE had the invitational letter in her hands. it was almost too late to give this first race much publicity. Five women responded that they would participate in this transcontinental race to Florida. However. the time of year was March. and the coastal fog made it necessary to move the start of the race to Palm Springs from Clover Field in Santa Monica. This last minute change eliminated all the starters, except one - Carolyn West and BEA MEDES in Carolyn's Ercoups. (Names written in caps are WASPs) The official starters were MAR DO CRANE. Dee Thurmond (photographer). IRMA "BABE" STORY. and Helen Moore. The start was delayed until noon. hoping to have more planes fly over to sunny Palm Springs from the foggy coast. None arrived. so MAR DO waved Carolyn and BEA off to officially start the race eastward to Tampa. The pair flew all the way across country. competing with their own advertised speed. unaware that they were the only contestant. Burbank was socked-in, and the second and only other plane. the A-26 flown by Dianna Bixby. had to cancel.

Before the 1951 TAR. the Ninety-Nines approved action of making the Race a non-profit corporation with the title "The AllWoman Transcontinental Air Race. Inc . and a 5-member Board of Directors. Chairman MAROa CRANE felt more secure now in handling the mounting unforeseen problems of her position. Other Board Members were BETTY GilLIES, ETHEL SHEEHY, Arlene Davis, and BARBARA lONDON. The registered trademark of the Race is the "Powder Puff Derby", but the organization which controls the policies is still the All-Woman Transcontinental Air Race, Inco The members of the Board now numbers nine, all members of the Ninety-Nines, Inc., an international organization of women pilots. This organization contributes much to the financial responsibility and publicity of the AWTAR. The contestants need not be 99's, but a greater part of the interest and support is generated through the local Ninety-Nine Chapters. Will Rogers is said by some to have originally dubbed the name "Powder Puff Derby" to a female race in 1929 won by louise Thaden, the first woman's race. An aviation editor of the los Angeles Times, Marvin Miles. re-used the name in 1947. At first, the officials did not appreciate this connotation. feeling that it would sound too frivolous. However. the title has persisted and the public knows it only by that name.

BARBARA MARDO CRANE

LONDON

The following year. Florida sponsored the Second All-Woman Air Show, this time in Miami. MAROa CRANE worked diligently to get local support and publicity for the Second Transcontinental Air Race. There were six entries. In 1949. the need was great for financial assistance. but the interest was growing. The determination and resourcefulness of MAROa was all that saved the future of this now famous classicfor women flyers. JACQUELINE COCHRAN rallied to the cause and supported these two races. As a result. the 1948 and 1949 Races were labeled the "Jacqueline Cochran All-Woman Trophy Race". The number of entries jumped to sixteen in 1949. Along with the interest and increase in the number of participants came the need to revise the "honor system" of timing the course. In order to fairly and accurately judge the comparative scores. time clocks were placed at designated airports along the route. A trail-blazer was created by the race committee before the 1950 Race to locate logical stops for the time-clocks along the route. Together with basic changes came additional interest. and the "Ninety-Nines Transcontinental Air Race" drew 33 entries. The course originated at San Diego. California and terminated at Greenville. South Carolina. For the first time a program was printed. and the expenses of the 1950 Race were largely sponsored by the cities along the route. The terminus had exciting features for the race contestants. including an Air Show with women pilots from the now-defunct Florida Air Shows. Mrs. Olive Beech also contributed to the prize money. The 1950 Race seemed to be "taking off". generating it's own momentum. The Ninety-Nines officially accepted the responsibility and sponsorship of the Transcontinental Air Race. NAA (National Aeronautic Association) sanctioned and approved the rules and the system of timing. Enthusiasm along the route was running high. and many local supporters were awaiting the arrival of the gals with bouquets and tokens of goodwill almost at every stop. Unfortunately. the stops were too close together and many patrons were disappointed. some were over-flown by all of the contestants. Unjust complaints from the pilots themselves concerning illegal aircraft alterations threatened the very continuance of the Race. MAROa was beginning to feel she had created a monster which was getting out of control.

The feminine aspect of the Race has always been apparent. The "look alike" trend of the cockpit crews took on a touch of comfortable glamour almost as early as 1949. Sometimes the wardrobes of matched outfits were worn especially for the Race as an advertising feature of the ever.lovin' sponsors. and some originals were designed to appeal to the eternal girl-watchers. The first mother-daughter teams to race were RUTH RUECKERT and her 6-year old daughter. Marsha; and BETTY Gl lLi ES with her college daughter. Pat (who was an accomplished licensed pilot). Since the first appearance of "family teams" in 1951. there have been numerous combinations. but none as young as Marsha. Under flying age co-pilots were ruled out because Marsha's air-sickness forced unscheduled stops along the route.

BETTY

GILLIES

Each year. the Race became more complex as well as more popular. Following the 1952 Race. BETTY GilLIES assumed the leadership of the AWTAR. as it is effectionately called. At an earlier time, the Powder Puff Derby Trophy was presented to the Board of Directors by the San Diego Chapter of Ninety-Nines - BETTY GI lLiES home chapter. It is an impressive symbol with the first place winners inscribed yearly, and is permanently exhibited at the Smithonian Institiution in Washington, D.C. This trophy also has the distinction of being the oldest continuing award in the field of aviation.

Safety has always been the prime factor considered in conducting such an enterprise. The "Powder-puffer" hopes to win recognition for her ability to fly a course as direct and efficiently as her mind and machine will allow, but she also accepts the responsibility to be an example to other women and a credit to aviation as a whole. The women who formulated the original Board of Directors and who now carryon the traditions and Spirit d'Corps are the GREAT LADI ES to thank for this tremendous accomplishment. Under BETTY GI LLI ES' masterful leadership, the AWT AR gained the support of many national organizations and government agencies. This yearly race for women was becoming the "showcase for general aviation". The pilot requirements were upgraded to 100 hours of solo with 25 hours of cross-country (again upgraded in 1962). The planes were required to be equipped with two-way radio communication. Gone were the aging antiques and the sturdy World War II planes, because the equipment could not be over ten years old. Rigid inspections were conducted before and after the Race, which provided a greater measure of safety. In 1962, Mr. N. E. Halaby made this statement: "Without knowing it, I'm sure you flying females convince many a hesitant housewife that she should join her husband in the purchase and use of a family airplane ... Your concern for sllfety is most commendable. You are to be applauded for the careful management and sensible rules of your previous races, but your stiffer pilot qualifications is a real safety advance." A spirit such as this does not die, once it is nurtured. In fact, the Race is growing to international proportions. The work load has progressed from the private home office of MARDO CRANE and BETTY GI LLI ES to the office on Long Beach International Airport, California when BARBARA LON DON was made Executive Secretary in 1956. In 1961, the headquarters of AWT AR, Inc. took a transcontinental journey to Teterboro Airport, N.J. KAY BRICK accepted the burden of responsibility and made it a full-time job. KAY's quick and alert mind is able to cope with the choatic pressures and designate total responsibility to her dependable Board Members. It is chiefly a public relations effort with boundless energy and unlimited mental agility required. KAY, herself, said it best: "It is a year-round job to keep the Race winging across the nation. The route must be set, surveyed; rules revised; dataprocessing and personnel for tabulation of scores must be secured; funds raised; official timers appointed and instructed; the official race programs must be prepared and printed; awards and trophies must be secured; race aircraft must be inspected at start and finish; promotion and publicity beneficial to all race sponsors must be conducted; navigational services must be arranged. All of this must be coordinated with the NAA, FAA, FCC, U. S. Weather Bureau, Coast & Geodetic Survey, Flight Service Stations, Air Traffic Control, Tower Operators, Chambers of Commerce, State Aviation Officials, Ninety-Nine Chapters, Air Explorers, Wing Scouts, Civil Air Patrol, ham radio operators, state governors, and hundreds of individuals and groups which complete the operation. These requisites makes the routine of running a full-time office essential."

Many WASPs have contributed to the functioning of the Powder Puff Derby through the years, and countless others have participated as contestants, plus more have influenced and inspired women to enter the Race. The ORDER OF FIFINELLA SALUTES YOU ALL! Perhaps this race comes close to being an example as proof that women are as capable as men in handling big tasks in the field of aviation. It was tested and proved to be correct in the WASP Program during World War II. The Powder Puff Derby has indeed earned a place of distinction, and may it continue to live up to the challenge of the future with the legacy it has become. for the WASP Newsletter Prepared by Marty Wyall, Editor

BEA MEDES, 43-3, and Carolyn West bidding good-bye at the beginning of the First All-Woman Transcontinental in 1947.

to Jack West Air Race

KAY A. BRICK

The Powder Puff Derby has thus been a gradual evolvement into the largest air race in the world, and a pattern for smaller weekend races. I'm sure MARDO CRANE on the morning of March 12, 1947, could not have envisioned the excitement of the 1967 Race at Atlantic City, New Jersey with the start of 71 modern sophisticated planes and their capable confident pilots. It is a far cry from the helmet and goggles of the first race in 1929, or the flashy and dangerous closed-course speed races. The Powder Puff Derby appeals to the pilot, amateur or professional, who enjoys the ability to use the airplane as an extension of her feminine free spirit. The mingling and friendships with these fortunate women during the Race makes the Powder Puff Derby a memorable and unique occasion. This kindred feeling is rarely experienced and known to no other group, save one -- THE WASPs.

JANE PAGE in 1950 Race at drop of flag to taxi out for take-off San Diego. (San Diego to Greenville, S.C.)

at

Review -- FL V-DOWN OF THE WASP by Mardo Crane (Pageant Press) Review was written and published in the Library Journal. I t is difficult to cover the highlights of this unusual novel of the women who flew for the Air Force during World War II. The story embraces a little-known, yet an historical event which never before, and probably never again will be repeated. At least, it is the hope of anyone who reads F L Y.DOWN OF THE WASP that women will not have to relieve men to more active aircraft fighter duty, as was the purpose of the Women's Air Force Service Pilots -- the WASP. Since this is the only authentic (documented) account of these brave and dedicated women flyers, it may well find.a niche in history. The novel follows the beautiful and capable heroine, Jo Bryant, through a series of adventures that come with her WASP duty. It chronicles the training, which duplicated that of the air cadets; the original ferrying service of the first WAFs; and the many missions designed to train men on the ground .. radar, search light, gunnery (tow target missions for air-to-air as well as ground), camouflage (strafing these units when spotted), testing aircraft, and many other but performed jobs too mundane for men who wanted to be in combat, with zest and willingness by the WASP.

It tells of the opposition to these women and how it snow-balled into a maverick, confused rejection of the WASP program at the time when the war was raging from one end of the earth to' the other .. when the WASP was needed. The love story interwoven in the novel provides a welcome relief from thesex-and.violence that seems to have overtaken the novel of today. We believe that the young adult will enjoy this as much as father and mother, and it is certainly a fitting tribute to the WW II women pilots -- the WASP.

MARGE HURLBURT, 43-6, smiles from the cockpit of her clip wing converted Navy Corsair the day she set the new International Woman's Speed Record of 337.635 mph at the AII.Woman Air Show at Tampa, Florida, March 16, 1947. MARGE was killed in an air crash while performing in an air show in Michigan.

Authoress

MAROa

CRANE

at her desk

CALIFORNIA

WASP REUNION - June 23-24,1967

Thirty-six WASPs responded to the invitation of a 2-day reunion at famed Nut Tree Resort and Travis'AFB in Vacaville, California.' Most of the women were accompanied by their husbands, making the group 57 in number. Organizer and chairman of this event was FRANCES STANDAFER ACKER, wife of Lt. Col. Donald W. Acker, of Travis AFB. Among the fly-in guestswere Gus and FRANCES DIAS GUSTAVSON who were greeted by old friends of former flying days. Gus had transitioned many of the earlier WASPs as well as the Commander of Travis AFB, Col. H. O. Pedrazzini. F RAN had flown in Tex Rankin's Flying Circus with Col. Silas Minton of Travis AF B. Mrs. LEN I L. DEATON, our own Establishment Officer, gavea "remember when" talk at the Friday night Banquet at the Nut Tree. FRANCES ROULSTONE REEVES was the Master of Ceremonies for both the Friday Night Banquet and the Saturday Luncheon. The entire day Saturday was spent at Travis AFB beginning with a precision drill by the Combat Control Team which demonstrated the action taken after landing in a remote spot. The WASP tour was escorted through the Air Freight Terminal and witnessed a loading demonstration of a C-141. They were greeted by General Jernigan at the BaseHospital. Mid-day luncheon was served at the Officer's Open Messas guests of the staff at the Base. Col. William Delahay welcomed the group and acknowledged FRANCES ACKER's competent ability to organize the lovely affair. FRANCES was quick to emphasize that "all hands on deck", especially her own family gaveher invaluable assistance. Two movies were shown: the MAC Mission and a film clip from the Air Force Archives illustrating WASP trainees at Avenger Field. One of the sad aspectsof the California Reunion was the sudden death of ANN LINCOLN CLAY in early June, 1967. ANN had planned to attend the Reunion and take a short vacation with her family. The group sent a donation to ANN's local parish as a memorial gift. Tour of the C-141. Left to right: BETTY DEUSER BUDDE, 43-3, RUTH GAMBER, 43-4, HELEN M. SCHAEFER, 43-4, NANCY UPPER FORAN, 44-6, FRANCES ROULSTONE REEVES, 44-4, BETTY EAMES JOINER, 43-2, BONNIE DORSEY SHINSKI, 44-8, DOROTHY WEBB, 43-6 (partially hidden), MAURINE BRUNSVOLD WILSON, 43-6, John Acker, behind WI LSON, (son of FRANCES STANDAFERD ACKER), LENI DEATON, E.O., ALYCE STEVENS ROHRER, 44-4, and MARGARET WEISS (Sister Laurentia), 44-7.

Left to Right: MARGARET WEISS (Sister Laurentia), 44-7; (note WASP wings); DOROTHY WEBB, 43-6; FRANCES DIAS GUSTAVSON, 43-2; LENNI DEATON, E.O.; Col. W. A. Delahay; and FRANCES STANDAFER ACKER, 44-4.

LENI DEATON, Establishment Officer, sitting at the table of classbooks.

The Saturday Luncheon at the Travis Officer's Club as guests of the Air Base. Left to right: Lt. Col. J. L. Miller, DOROTHY WEBB, 43-6 (hidden); LENI DEATON, E'O. (back to camera); FRANCES STANDAFER ACKER, 44-4 (Just receiving her corsage); Col. W. A. Delahay; FRANCES ROULSTONE REEVES, 44-4, M. C.; and Capt. Larry Wright.

YESTERDAY

WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

WASP Test Pilots at Pecos,Texas taken December, 1944. Left to right, AUDREY TARDY, 43-7; MICKY AXTON. 43-7; TOMMY TOMPKINS. deceased- killed flying a P.51 off Long Beach. California December. 1944.

A early photo of TERESA JAMES. WAFS, who flew this particular Republic P-47 Thunderbolt (10,000 th "Jug") from the factory to an eastern shipping center. TERESA is in the Air Force Reservesas a major and a florist in Pittsburgh. Pennsylvania.

Members of the Class 44-2 at a banquet in Richmond. Indiana (1946). Left to right: JEAN HASCALL COLE. PAT BRADY. JEAN MOORE SOARD, MARJORIE JOHNSON, MILDRED GROSSMAN PALMER. KATIE LEE HARRIS ADAMS, MARY ELLEN KEIL, ANNE BERRY LESNIKOWSKI. MARY LINCOLN HECKMAN. and MARGE GILBERT STEWART.

BETTY PHILLIPS WHITING, 44-10, is executive secretary to the president of Applied Technology, Inc. in Palo Alto, California.

MICKY AXTON, 43.7. Taken in 1967 at Wichita, Kansas.

SHE URGES FLEDGLING cooks to use frozen vegetabl;;~-instead of selecting, washing, and cooking fresh ones. Marion pro\'ides a list of necessities, such as a kettle for boiling water, a large teflon skillet and lid, tongs -- and adds something I didn't know: surgical tongs from a surgical supply was producing better hold a fat wiener. Marion instructions people know. house are best. I always figured someone always l tongs than the kind I use -. they won't

.,

..

."

"

really comes in to her own when it comes to giving gravy and how to cook giblets. than most

"About 45 per cent of our directives and printing goes to the field and we have plenty to do. I'm also PACAF's WAF Director, and just recently attended the WA F Staff Director's Conference. They're going to open more fields to WAF enlisted personnel," she said. "Now we have 29 WAF in Southeast Asia." Major Morrison was also recalled to the Air Force in 1950 and has served three tours in the Aerospace Medical Lab at WrightPatterson AF B, Ohio. She earned the Air Force Commendation Medal for designing and inventing a new dynamic seat which pulsates in acct'rdance with a programmed air cycle valve. The result relieved e;fects of fatigue. The invention "enabled the U,S. Air Force to fly an airborne alert mission in a B-47, setting a new world record for non-stop jet flight." As Chief of Mission Analysis Division Major Morrison now provides briefings to General John D. Ryan, commander-in chief, PACAF, on the command management system, evaluating organizations throughout bases in PACAF.

on how to make chicken Tiny little

She tells how to hard boil eggs -- and that is more of a trick

sketches show the trade mark of a good

brand of baking potato. Advice includes such truths as "Every stove-gas or electric -- varies, so experiment a little. You can always put a steak back for more cooking .. so don't overcook." THOSE TWO PI ECES of advice could with a new stove. have saved many a bride-Marion suggests cole slaw

or even seasoned housewife

-- for time when the college kid is short of cash, and gives a first shopping list and a keep-in-stock list, As a matter of fact, Marion has not written a cookbook -- she has

written a survival course. Probably it was something she developed as a WAAF (corrected WASP) pilot during World War II -- but it will help a lot of noncooks survive.

ARTICLES AVAILABLE

THROUGH ORDER OF FI FINELLA

WANTED - W.A.S.P. Insignia, (wings, etc.l. State price, condition in letter to: MARGARET WERBER GI LMAN, 117 Wellington Road, Garden City, New Jersey 11530 WANTED. To purchase a silver Fifinella pin. Can hardly fly without it! Write: HARRIETT KENYON CALL, P. O. Box 754, Connellsville Airport, Connellsville, Pennsylvania 15425 ESKIMO MAID PARKAS - Fabric is water repellent material and a rugged windbreaker. Prices include parcel post (Add $1.00 for Airmail) Ladies Ex-small; Small; Medium; Large; Ex-large:---$35.00 Infant (thru 4) -- $12.50 Mens Small; Medium; Large --$37.50 Children 6 -- $14.50; 8 -- $16.50; 10 -- $18.50; Subteen & boys-$21.50; Wolf Ruffs -- $20.00 each "COLLEGE KI D'S COOKBOOK" for sale -- Autographed by author, MARION STEGEMAN HODGSON. Send $1.50 to ORDER OF FIFINELLA (Fifi receives 5011 for each book order). "FL Y-DOWN OF THE WASP" -- Autographed by author, MARDO CRANE. Send $5.30 to ORDER OF FIFINELLA (Fifi received 5011 for each book order). See Book review section for both books. WASP Film for rent -- $5.00. Sixteen mm film clip from Air Force Documentary of World War II Training. Purchased for the exclusive use of ex-WASPs. Sound track attached, ave'ragetime is 18 minutes. -----------------------------------------~C:..!:L:!..IP~H~E:.':R!..!:E:_:AND ORDER OF FIFINELLA MAIL TO: P. O. Box 2912 Fort Wayne, Indiana 46809 $2.00 - Order of Fifinella Card $1.50. 1967 WASP Roster $ 175.66 $1.00 - Fifi Notepaper $ .50 - Fifi gummed stickers $5.00 - WASP Film Rental (10 days) $1.80 - "COLLEGE $5.30 - "FLY-DOWN Send information KI D'S COOKBOOK" OF THE WASP"

MAJOR MOR RISON says it was her COLONEL JOHNSON discusses the many career field openings for Women education that opened the door to a commission and she endorses the need of in the Air Force. schooling in the.USAF.

WASPs Still on Active Duty in the Armed Forces Major Doris Williams, 43-8 - Fuchu AS, Japan Lt. Col. Yvonne C. Pateman, 43-5 - Washington, D. C. Lt. Col. Ann R. Johnson, 43-1 - Hickam AFB, Hawaii Capt. Marion R. Tibbetts, 43-6 - Spangdahlem AB, Germany. Major Nina K. Morrison, 44-10. Hickam AFB, Hawaii Major Keanette C. Kapus, 44-4 - Pashawar AS, Pakistan Lt. Col. Julia Ledbetter, 43-5. (U.S. Army), Hampton, Va. T Sgt. Dorothy E. Webb, 43-6 - Travis AFB, California

t-

ORDER OF FIFINELLA

STATEMENT

OF CASH TRANSACTIONS

From October 31, 1966 - December 31, 1967 Cash on Hand, October 31,1966 Receipts: Membership dues, 122 @$2.00 Roster order, 1 @$1.00 (1964) 133@$1.50 (1967) Fifi Notepaper & Stickers 44 orders Fly-Down Book orders 119 @ .50 for Order of Fifi Reimbursement of expenses by MARDO CRANE Donations, including scholarship & Newsletter advertisement Interest on Savings, 3/31/67 TOTAL Disbursements: Printed Newsletter, 12.8-66, 1000 Office Supplies Postage $ 35.00 Newsletter 28.31 Book Flyers 25.05 Correspondence Retu rned newsletters and 28.08 remailing Printed Roster $ 395.05 800, (owe $ 95.05) Fly-Down Mailers, 800 Printed stationery & stickers WASP Film (16 m.m.) Cashon hand, December 31, 1967 $ 211.29 30.67

$ 244.00 170.50 64.75 59.50 42.06'25.30 2.68 608.79 $ 784.45

on Eskimo Maid Parkas

Name Address____________ State _____________ City .. ,Zip Code _ _

Classified Ad Section of Next Newsletter $3.00 Enclosed for following advertisement

96.44 300.00 15.91 57.68 29.83 $ 741.82 42.63 $ 784.45 Black and White copy enclosed.

COMMENTS

TO HEADQUARTERS at Sweetwater, Texas Tribute established

ORDER OF FIFINELLA

Memorial Tribute YES NO

P. O. Box 2912
Fort Wayne, Indiana 46809

There should be a Memorial at Sweetwater. Avenger Field Terminal place. (If NO, where? __ Plaque; __

YES

NO

Building is the logical _ Display; _ Other Suggestion. RETURN REQUESTED Graphic

Type of Memorial Tribute: __ Museum; ________________

It should be financed by: __ Donations from WASPs themselves; ___ Sweetwater Chamber of Commerce; __ Appeals to other organizations; _ ________________ Other Suggestion. 25th Anniversary YES __ Reunion in 1969

NO __ Denver or Colorado Reunion. (If NO, where? NO NO NO NO NO NO NO I hope to attend. I would participate

is the place to hold the _

YES __ YES __ YES __ YES __ YES __ YES __ YES __

JOTTINGS FROM THE EDITOR'S DESK . You may have noticed that the WASP FI LM is now available. It was obtained through the National Archives and Records Service with permission obtained from the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense, Directorate for Information Services. (It's no wonder that government property is hard to track down with such lengthy titles.) The description of the footage is as follows: 111-8M-16, Reel 1 "Army-Navy Screen Magazine" WASPs arrive at air base for training. They do calisthentics, drill, swim, and attend classes. They practice in Link trainers and then fly. Upon graduation, wings are presented by Jacqueline Cochran. 216 feet, 12 mm, black & white, sound print. In order to have a complete pictorial record of the WASP training and services rendered to the U. S. Army Air Corps, Order of Fifinella would appreciate any film clips or photographs of WASPs in action for our files. All material will have to be donated by the individual.

in a golf tournament. in a fun air race.

I would participate

I would enjoy a scenic tour of the area. I can donate This reunion I volunteer a doorprize. should receive national publicity. _

my services by

YES __

NO

There should can display

be a hobby

and crafts display.

Additional

Suggestions:

A MEMORIAL TRIBUTE AT SWEETWATER has been suggested by INSTRUCTOR RIGDON EDWARDS, a resident of Sweetwater. The terminal building at Avenger Field would be the logical place. Mr. Edwards could make all the preliminary contacts if there is a favorable response to the enclosed Comment Sheet. Perhaps, the next step is to determine whether or not the members of the Order of Fifinella want to act upon such an idea; then, what type of memorial could be fitting to the spot where the trainees received their training for the WASP program; and finally, could it be financed through donations of the members themselves? Is this more relevant to our situation today, than the scholarship idea which the original (1946) By-laws state: "Establish a.'SCholarship as a Living Memorial to WASPs who gave their lives in the service of their country."? Please state your position I . *** * You will note on the financial statement that there is a deficit of $95.05 on the Roster Invoice. It was an extremely tedious process to index the roster in the following catagories: alphabetical, unclassified, military, class and geographical lists, and there are 48 pages as compared to 32 pages in the 1964 Roster. The only possible use these remaining Rosters can have is in the hands of those who have not chosen to buy one. Each WASP should have one for her own use. The Order of Fifinella office has taken the liberty to mail the Rosters to the entire mailing list along with this Newsletter. It is hoped that the gamble pays off, and the office will receive $1.50 for each Roster mailed. There is NO other way to pay the cost of printing.

(Attach

sheet for additional

comments)

It has been four years since the 20th Anniversary Banquet at Cincinnati and it was the consensus of all present that another Reunion should be held in 1969 to celebrate our 25th Anniversary since deactivation. Denver was suggested because of its central location (central because most WASPs live west of the Mississippi). A Denver committee has been appointed to make preliminary arrangements, and they would appreciate suggestions and assistance from the entire membership. Early in 1969 a fly-sheet will be mailed to all WASPs giving final details for the pending Reunion. Please write your suggestions on the Comment Sheet in this Newsletter and mail them to Fifi Headquarters. This will be a great help to the committee in making plans for the type of Runion that would appealing to everyone attending.

ESKIMO MAl D parkas individually made by Eskimo women. For further information write: ORDER OF FIFINELLA or NANCY LEE BAKER, P. O. Box 1992, Fairbanks, Alaska 99701