COMMEMORATIVE AIR FORCE

The

C MPASS
M ISSOURI W ING JUNE 2012

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 314-494-7529 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

TBM PILOT CHECK-OUT

1 2

Cover photos by Ron Anderson

U PCOMING E VENTS
3
June 9 General Meeting - 1:30 pm June 15 Scott AFB, IL Base-wide Picnic B-25, TBM, L3 4 June 23 Kansas City, MO B-25 LHFE Rides 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 5 Sept. 15 Hangar Dance Sept. 15-16 Scott AFB, IL B-25, LHFE rides, TBM, L-3, PX Sept. 22-23 Camdenton, MO B-25, LHFE Rides, L-3, PX Sept. 29 STL Regional Airport (Alton, IL) Fly-In B-25, TBM, L3, PX Oct. 5-7 Terre Haute, IN B-25, LHFE rides Oct. 12-13 Clarksdale, Mississippi - B-25, LHFE Rides, PX Oct. 19-20 Mt. Vernon, IL B-25, TBM, PX, LHFE Rides Oct. 27 Smartt Field & Wing Open House, Pumpkin Drop Dec. 8 Wing Christmas Party HO! HO! HO!

Congratulations Greg Vallero, new TBM pilot.

Saturday - June 9 - General Meeting - 1:30 pm

WING LEADER'S REPORT

June is busting out all over and the Missouri Wing has been as busy as a June Bug with airshows, LHFE rides, classic autos, and the never-ending activities at the hangars. The hot weather has once again slipped in and a mini draught has generated lawn and plant watering. Official Summer begins on Wednesday, June 20th, but it seems like its already been here for a few weeks. We proudly supported the Columbia, MO Salute to Veterans event with the B-25 and TBM on Memorial Day weekend. After performing a downtown Columbia parade flyby on Monday, the bomber overflew a few of St. Louis prominent golf courses, the Gatesworth at One McKnight Place (where Tee Baurs mother and many other veterans reside), and Jefferson Barracks. I dont know if any golfers sliced or hooked their drive off the tee, or three-putted on the greens, but, like I told Tee Theyre playing golf on a Memorial Day Monday and those mighty radials should remind them of the many veterans who served so we all can continue to enjoy the many freedoms we have as Americans. That roar is the Sound of Freedom and I bet it generated some goose bumps and chills on the greens, fairways, and outside the clubhouses. The May 18-20th Whiteman AFB, MO Airshow went well with SHOW ME, the AVENGER, and PX participating. Col. Rick Rea and many Wing members helped to pull off another successful Classic Car gathering at Smartt Field on Saturday, May 19th. Wow! There were some extremely unique, beautiful, powerful, and brightly colored cars from many participating clubs this time around. These shows just get better and better. I would like to say that our classic Willis Jeep with the 50 caliber gun, our Staff Car and Big Cargo Truck fit right in even though they were painted Olive Drab. Thanks go out to Rick and all the members who helped with the event. Take a look at the schedule on the front of this newsletter. There are many events and activities on the calendar. Our participation in these airshows and public appearance requires a whole bunch of planning, continuing maintenance, and member support. For instance, the 4th of July parade will be a fun event that will involve our Staff Car, Jeep, and Deuce and a Half. Col. Nick Talarico is ramrodding parades this year and would really appreciate members volunteering for these fun events. One item you might notice on the front page is the Dec 8th Wing Christmas Party. Yes, its on the schedule and plans are in the works. Col. Lou Tacchi came to me and initiated the reestablishment of the tradition. Lets all look forward to making this a fun event. I sent out some emails concerning Col. Joe Baruzzini recently, but would like to make sure the word gets out to all the members. He entered the hospital on Friday, May 11th, was diagnosed as having had a stroke and has moved to Delmar Gardens of OFallon, MO. According to his niece, Lisa Muschler, he is doing better as of my writing this report. Joe is one of the nicest, most humble WWII heroes I have had the privilege of knowing and I am proud to have him as a friend. Please keep him in your thoughts and prayers and send him a card or take the time to make a short visit. His new address is Delmar Gardens of OFallon, Room 115, 7068 S Outer Road 364, OFallon, MO 63368. God Bless you Joe... Whew! Another newsletter complete... Im an engineer and pilot at heart and you have no idea how difficult it is to do sit down, collect my thoughts, and do this every month. But, I have to admit once those two index fingers start pecking at the keys, it becomes less of a chore and more of a challenge to get the words out to the troops. However, I could use some help. If more

members did short articles every month and through in some pictures, mine would get shorter and that would make me and everyone happier. Think about it and write a piece. Or, better yet start a monthly column!!! You could become the Phantom Roving Wing Reporter!?! Enjoy the Summer and please 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

April, May . . . now June It really is remarkable how fast the year starts moving once the show season starts. I sit and stare at my list of things to do and realize that it grows more than it shrinks. In reality that is somewhat a good thing however let me share the movement of a few projects. Office Painting, we have completed our 6,12,18 months of debating, choosing and now planning. I just left a voicemail for Tom Wagoner to get some time on his schedule and then we can check that one off the list. If you recall earlier this year I mentioned updating the museum and I have made some significant movement in this area. Again this is the reworking of the Gift Shop area as well as replacing the display cases. I have been asked a few times Why spend time and effort on the museum? One of the things that I always try to remember is that although we have been around for years, (some of us a few others dozens), it is important to remember that visitors are experiencing the Wing for the first time. Next time you come out take a moment and walk through the museum. Jack and Joe obviously do what they can however for the most part the old displays are getting older. Now, one of the focuses of the museum is to also generate revenue. The gift area certainly is one area where we can gain a few extra dollars. If we take a lesson from any retail store we learn that a sale is more likely to happen if the customer can pick up the item. However we keep everything in cases or behind a counter as if it were jewelry. We need our guests to want to take something home with them so re-working that area is vital. Remember that when someone visits us at Smartt or at an air show that while it is the 12th,50th,100th time we have been to one or talked about out airplanes or museum it is their first time. They have an excitement level that mirrors what ours was that first time we came around. They deserve any attention that we can give them because usually its their donations that helps us pay for what we do. And that is the story from the XO desk. Col. Bob Lawrence, XO

Col. Looney moving the L3 to the hangar.

WARRENSBURG EVENT

PARADE TIME AGAIN

Warrensburg welcomed us with beautiful weather for the Sky Haven Airport open house on June 2. We were able to sell two LHFE flights and came within one customer of filling a third. One of the riders was 91 year-old Wink Cantrell who was a test pilot at the Fairfax plant during the war. Wink had attended the Whiteman AFB open house two weeks prior and had taken the serial number of our plane to check against his flight records to see if he had test flown it. Unfortunately, of the 16 planes per day which came off of the assembly line, Wink did not draw our plane for its first flight. Regardless, it was an honor for us to have him and his son and daughter fly with us. Another rider, whose father was a B-25 crew member during the war, brought a number of his fathers war items and photos to share with us. Several other riders mothers had worked in the Fairfax plant during the war. They were proud to know that their mothers did excellent work since the fruit of their labor was still flying after 68 years. Col. Bill Wehmeier

The parade season is upon us for 2012. Are you ready for some fun in the sun?? I have tentatively booked four parades and they are: -Wednesday, July 4, 1012 St Charles Festival Parade -Saturday, Sept 1, 2012 Forest Park Veterans Festival Parade -Monday, Sept 3, 2012 downtown Labor Day Parade -Saturday, November 7, 2012 Florissant Veterans Day Parade Parades are a good vehicle for advertizing who we are. We show off our staff car, jeep, 2.5 ton truck and as many foot personnel as we can get. In fact, wouldnt it be nice and impressive, if we could tow our three military aircraft with crews marching along side in flight suits (probably not feasible. They wont fit on Huberts trailer.) See the below pictures of past parade support. We need volunteers to march, ride or take turns doing both. Its really a lot of fun.

Our famous staff car and jeep performing July 4 2011 To volunteer send me an e-mail indicating which one, two, three, or all of the parades you would like to support. My e-mail address is ntalarico72@gmail.com. Hope to hear from you soon!!! Col Nick Talarico, Parade Chairman

JULY 4TH PARADE

Whiteman AFB

Col. Shane Roden doping C47 ailerons.

Remember our last July 4th parade down the streets of St. Louis? We all dressed up in tropical clothes for their theme of A night out. It was a great day and everyone had a fun time. (the spectators really got a kick out of us too). This year we decided to support the local parade being held right here in St. Charles. This should make it easier for more members and their families to take part in this fun event. Plan on meeting at the airport no later than 8 a.m. on July 4th. This will give us time to do some minor decorating before we leave the field at about 8:30 for the short drive to assemble at Blanchette Park. We need to be at the park by 9 a.m. as the parade starts at 10. We can use this time to finish whatever decorating that we need to do and mingle with the other groups who are in the parade. (only parade entries will be allowed in the park). The parade will turn left on Randolph, right on Kingshighway, left on Clark, right on Main street, and end up by the Lewis & Clark boat museum where we will disband. The whole parade should last about an hour. Its a lot of fun showing off our staff car, jeep, and big truck for everyone to see and there is plenty of seats available if you dont feel like walking. Join the Missouri Wing and our fellow citizens as we celebrate this July 4th holiday! Col. Bob Moore

GRILL SAFETY

Air Show season is here and CAF activities are in full swing. From time-to-time we will be barbecuing at the Wing. Here are some facts, figures, and safety tips on how to avoid Liquefied Petroleum-gas (LP-gas) and charcoal mishaps and fires. These apply equally as well for outdoor cooking at your home. The leading equipment involving LP-gas home structure fires are hibachis and barbecue grills. U.S. fire departments respond annually to an average of 1,170 home structure fires involving LP-gas grills. These fires result in an average or 34 deaths, 135 injuries and $48 million property damage. Sparks, embers or flame from operating cooking equipment was the leading heat source for LP-gas residential structure fires. The leading area of origin for these fires was the kitchen or cooking area. The leading factor contributing to ignition was a gas leak or faulty equipment.

General Outdoor Fire Safety: - Locate barbecue grills at least 15 ft from buildings, overhangs, combustible fences, trees, or other combustible materials. - Never use water to control grease fire flare-ups on gas BBQ grills. - Never leave a fire unattended! The fire should be attended by an adult at all times. - Keep a water extinguisher or charged garden hose in the immediate area until the fire is completely extinguished. - Do not wear loose clothing; watch dangling apron strings & shirttails. - Do not use when wind speed is greater than 10 miles per hour. Cook Safe!!! Col. Chris Herrmann, Safety Officer

WING LEADER'S GRILLING TIP

LP-gas Safety Tips: - Handle any propane-powered equipment cautiously and always follow the manufacturers instructions. Cylinder tanks for equipment must be located outside. - Ensure all hoses are clear of debris, firmly attached, and leakfree. - Do not store spare propane cylinders indoors, near a heat source, or open flame. - Periodically inspect equipment possible leaks or malfunctioning parts. - Carefully follow the manufacturers instructions when lighting a pilot. - If you smell a strong gas odor, leave the area immediately. Call the fire department from outside. - Have a 5 to 10 pound ABC dry chemical fire extinguisher within reach while cooking. - Make sure all combustible material is a safe distance away when cooking. - Portable LP-gas cylinders shall not be stored in facilities. Charcoal Grills: - Never add lighter fluid to freshen a fire (use dry kindling). - Never burn charcoal inside homes, vehicles, tents, or campers. - After cooking, soak the coals with water before disposing. - Charcoal produces CO fumes; do not store grill indoors with freshly-used coals. - DO NOT use gasoline in place of charcoal fluid.

Pat's BBQ

When grilling always have a fire extinguisher handy.

"CLASS CARS & WARBIRDS" RECAP

Our first car show of 2012 on May 19th was a huge success again this year. There were approximately 6 other car shows in the St. Louis/Metro East area that day so thanks to Dan Kelly, a member of St. Louis Classic Fords, helped me with the publicity and the roundup of the car club participants: St. Louis Classic Fords, Show-Me Mustangs, St. Louis Classic Camaros, Gateway Hotrods and Classic Cobras. A Trans Am owner came out to showcase his Smokey and the Bandit car as a car club of one. The weather was perfect (youre welcome) and the 50 or so car owners had a great time hobnobbing with their brother car owners and touring our Wing facilities and Museum. EAA 32 served 125 of their world-famous- hot-off- the- grill lunches to the hungry and thirsty masses. We even sold $87.00 worth of Wing items in the museum. Although many participants were disappointed that the B-25 and TBM were at Whiteman AFB for the weekend, many took the opportunity to take a photo of their cars in front of the SNJ, L-3 and the military vehicles parked on the ramp. These events are not possible without the assistance of Wing Members. I would like to thank everyone that helped out and, in particular, Cols. Dave Ceglinski, Mark Statler, Bob Moore and Jack Seeman for helping with towing, marshaling and the Museum. Special thanks to Col. Sarah Hinds for creating the flyers for the event and our Fearless Leader Col. Pat Kesler who helped me with the small details that always pop up. I was asked many times during the day why we host these car shows? True, they are not huge revenue bringers-in as we dont charge a fee or have judging or trophies but we need to take every opportunity we get to promote the Wing, Smartt Airport and the organizations that call Smartt Airport home. If you werent there on the 19th you missed a great time! Col. Rick Rea / PIO, Adjutant

THE REAL RAMBO

WAS FROM

A brief article about a very special man that you should know about in part because his story should be told for generations to come. Robert Howard might have been the toughest American alive while he was among us (1939-2009). Robert was the only man to be nominated for the Medal of Honor 3 times for three separate acts of staggering heroism in combat. But you can only receive 1 Medal of Honor per lifetime, and thats what he got in 1971 from President Nixon. Thats not all he got though, he received 8 Purple Hearts, 8 of them. There were Silver Stars, 4 Bronze Stars, 2 Distinguished Service Crosses. It is believed that Robert Howard was the most heavily decorated American veteran of the modern era. He was a Green Beret, Special Forces. While technically he fought in the Viet Nam War, he also fought in Laos, and Cambodia, and all kinds of other places. In one 54 month period, he was wounded 14 times. He served 5 tours of duty in Viet Nam, and in recent years, he loved his trips to Iraq and Afghanistan to visit the men and women in uniform, and in the fight there. When he retired from service back in 2006 as a full Colonel, he had been an employee of the US Government in all, for 50 years. NBC - Brian Williams. In December 1968, Sergeant First Class Howard, his rank at the time, was in a platoon of American and South Vietnamese troops who came under fire while trying to land in their helicopters on a mission to find a missing Green Beret. As the men set out after a prolonged firefight to clear the landing zone, they were attacked by some 250 North Vietnamese troops. As related in Medal of Honor: Portraits of Valor Beyond the Call of Duty, by Peter Collier, Sergeant Howard was knocked unconscious by an exploding mine. When he came to, his eyes were bloodied and his hands injured by shrapnel that had also destroyed his rifle. He heard his lieutenant groaning in pain a few yards away. He then saw an enemy soldier with a flamethrower burning the bodies of American and South Vietnamese soldiers who had just been killed. Sergeant Howard was unable to walk, but he threw a grenade toward the soldier with the flamethrower and managed to grab the lieutenant. As he was crawling with him toward shelter, a bullet struck his ammunition pouch, blowing him several feet down a hill. Clutching a pistol given to him by a fellow soldier, Sergeant Howard shot several North Vietnamese soldiers and got the lieutenant down to a ravine. Taking command of the surviving and encircled Green Berets, Sergeant Howard administered first aid, encouraged them to return fire and called in air strikes. The Green Berets held off the North Vietnamese until they were evacuated by helicopters. New York Times Richard Glodstein. Medal of Honor heroes names should be well know by all Americans. Each month we will meet another Medal of Honor recipient. Our grateful thanks. Col Tim Mohr

ALABAMA

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 May 12, 2012

OLD BUSINESS BRIEFING ROOM Floor. Special thanks go out to Tim McCluskey. WIPE YOUR FEET!!!! CARDINALS GAME FLYOVER Saturday, Apr 14th. ~ Noon. Cancelled due to 2 hour rain delay took us out of FAA waivered airspace block. Working on another one. 70TH DOOLITTLE REUNION Mid April went well! NEW BUSINESS STAFF REPORTS: MAINTENANCE__ EXECUTIVE__ OPERATIONS___ SAFETY__ ADJUTANT__ PUBLIC INFO__ FINANCE__ AIR SHOW__ LHFE__ AIRCRAFT STATUS: B-25 Airworthy TBM A/W L-3 A/W CURRENT AIRSHOW SCHEDULE Pass around. CLASSIC CARS & WARBIRDS and WING OPEN HOUSE Saturday, May 19th, 10:00am- 2:30pm Rick Rea is OPR. Needs help with various items. B-25 TRIP to Whitefish, Montana this summer. Probably Aug 2-7. Limited to 6 crewmembers who will be paying own way for rooms, food, and rental car. PARADE CHAIRMAN Col. Nick Talarico. July 4th coming up. STAFF CAR Col. Don Huster is working on it and bringing it up to speed. SCOTT AFB HERITAGE EVENT LHFE Rides June 15th Chris Herrmann MO WING OPEN HOUSE To be held in conjunction with the Annual Pumpkin Drop Contest and Car Show. Possible LHFE rides. Saturday, Oct 27th. ANY OTHER ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION? Meeting Adjourned @ 2:45PM

OUT

OF THE PAST

Saturday, April 21, 2012 seMissourian.com 25 years ago: April 21, 1987 After 42 years, a World War II trainer plane flew again for the first time yesterday at Cape Girardeau Municipal Airport; the PT-19 was restored by a group of 12 pilots, mechanics and airplane enthusiasts who worked two years on the open-cockpit plane; J.G. Pete Malone, a crop duster from Sikeston, Mo., and a member of the restoration crew, was honored as the first pilot. Col. John Ellis

4/21/12

COMMEMORATIVE AIR FORCE

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

JUNE 2012
Have you got your Hangar Dance tickets and flyers yet?
Save the date: September 15, 2012

TBM PILOT CHECK-OUT

Greg Easton (3) Larry Thompson (3) Schuyler Shipley (5) Steve Gossett (6) Tim Jackson (6)l Glenn Racine (15) Dutch Meyerpeter (17) Wayne Langbecker (22) Chris Santschi (27) Joe Wurtz (29) Compass Deadline: July Newsletter - Need info by June 22

June Birthdays!

August Newsletter - Need info by July 26