Newsletter of the Coyote Squadron Commemorative Air Force Corsicana, Texas June 2013 Coyote Squadron Officers Squadron Leader Col. Dan Summerall 903-467-7170 dsummerall@nctv.com Executive Officer Col. Tom Peters 817-2193802 mohawktipi@aol.com Operations Officer Col. Gene Hathorn 903-874-6223 genehathorn@att.net Finance Officer Col. Candis Wells 903-545-2993 cwellspsi@yahoo.com Adjutant Col. Joe Mclaughlin 512-721-6721 joemc011@hotmail.com Maintenance Officer Col. Tuck Edwards 903-641-0164 anntuck@sbcglobal.net Safety Officer Col. Ken Authier 903-641-9843 PX Officer Col. Dottie Hathorn 903-874-8293 drbmayer@att.net Public Information Officer Col. Mary Brown 903-257-8282 maryelizabethbrown@ yahoo.com Fund-raising Officer Col. Jim Wells 903-729-0386 jwellspsi@valornet.com
SQUADRON LEADER REPORT Thank you, thank you, and thank you! We have just had our most successful Airsho© yet. Although we had to change our parking plan at the last minute, we still had more spectators (and cars) than ever. According to Col Krejci, our parking area that is off of Hwy 287 was filled to capacity very early on. With some quick thinking on several people’s part, cars that were backed up trying to get in were diverted to our “normal” parking areas to help the overflow. As it turned out, the ground was not as soft as anticipated and we were able to park cars in most areas without issue. Thank you to all of those who were either parking, directing or ferrying people to the site. We could not have done it without you. A special thanks to both Colonels Jay Waterman and Ted Taylor for driving the busses all day long. I saw Jay at one point wolfing down a sandwich that his wife Lucy had brought to him. He was eating that as she was loading passengers and cargo into the bus! Ted didn’t take a break all day that I could see and worked late into the evening making sure the grounds were clean after the show. Our volunteers were also key to our success. Thank you to all of those who came out to help. We especially need your help each and every year. The number of actual Coyote Squadron members will never be able to pull this off without assistance. We had lots of help in all areas and we appreciate Airsho a del all of your help. ightful exper ience Thanks to Col Red Griffin, we My husband and I attended decided to purchase some of the May 11. This the Corsicana was th Airsho on S orange security fencing this year. I wo aturday, uld like to per e first time for both of us to sona It was a great help in crowd con- this a d elightful exp lly thank all those involv see the Airsho. erience. It wa ed in truly ma trol. I thank Red for his initiative my husband s especially kin ’s poor healt sp ecial because g h. in donating the first 400’ of this of and getting us started. After he When we parked, th ere wa primed the pump, the squadron who drove us to the Vet s a gentleman from the Co erans yote were very acc ommodating a tent. The people at the V Squadron bought an additional 800’ of fencnd eterans wheelch help ing and the metal supports to go with air. They made sure that ful because my husband tent is shade to enjo w y the Airsho e had drinks and cookies in a along with it. This was instru. along mental in keeping the spectators When I was ready out of harm’s way which has help us. There wa to leave, complete stra s a young m ngers stepp the cart. The been an issue in the past. woman from th an who helped push the w ed up to he The Veterans tent is our car. She was extremel e Coyote Squadron drove elchair to y kind and m comfortable. ade sure that us back to always a big hit for our visitors. we were very One visitor was so happy that I kno w that they wrote a letter to the editor enjoyable God sent angels that d . Ag ay to make our da of my heart. ain I can only thank all of the Corsicana Daily Sun: of you from y really the bottom Letters to the Editor 5/18/13 Submitted by J. Roston I know that she thought it was special, but that is just the way that
you all treat everyone and that is what will keep bringing them back. Thank you! What a wonderful mix of aircraft that was brought in by Col’s John Ausley and Jim Wells. We had nothing but positive comments from all of our spectators. We especially want to thank the Cold War Museum and Cavanaugh Flight Museum for bringing in some beautiful (or at least interesting) aircraft for our spectators. Any time you can get the quality of aircraft that they bring to the show, we appreciate it! Thanks to both Col Ausley and Wells for bringing in the quality once again. We could never have a show like we did without the knowledge, guidance, and attention to detail that Colonel Candis Wells brings to the table each and every year. Even though she was sidelined by a hospital stay, it was solely due to her precise advance planning that this writer was able to step in and continue with what she had started. Honestly, I really did not have to “do” anything. She already had it set up on autopilot and I merely stepped in for the landing. Thank you Colonel Candis. We are so happy that you are on the way to a full recovery and so look forward to you leading us on our next adventure. Oh, and by the way HAPPY BIRTHDAY! We have left over sodas that will be for sale at this meeting. Coke products will be available at $5.00 per 24 count. Take some home with you! Patti and I will be celebrating our 43rd anniversary in Dublin, Ireland so I will not be with you at this meeting. I leave you in the able hands of Colonel Tom Peters. Thanks again to everyone for all of their help this year. It is not possible without your help! Col. Dan Summerall, Squadron Leader XO REPORT I would like to start off by giving thanks for a safe and successful Corsicana AIRSHO 2013. I have had several people tell me how well run it was and how they enjoyed the entertainment. Hats off to all those who worked so hard to make it a show to remember. Second let me say thanks to all those who served, as we remember those who gave their all for our freedom. Lest we forget, no sacrifice is small when fighting for the defense of our way of life. As we move into the summer months, I would like to offer this suggestion, be happy, don’t worry. As we approach the peek vacation time, I urge you to be safe in your travels and that family and friends are safe as well. Over the next few weeks I have plans to visit Warner Robbins Air Force Museum and the Dixie Wing of the CAF. I will let you know how these trips go. Col. Tom Peters, XO Officer MAINTENANCE REPORT Both air speed indicators were replaced, checked good with test set and in air. They checked out with a 2 mph split max. The battery in the emergency radio beacon was replaced and is due to be changed again in May 2015. Col. Tuck Edwards, Maintenance Officer The “Best Little Airsho in Texas” has done it again. The weather gods smiled on Corsicana Saturday, May 11. There was a light breeze blowing from the north and the sun was breaking through the light overcast. This was going to be a great day for the 15th Annual Corsicana Airsho. Coyotes were at the airport about 6:00 A.M. There was still work to be done before the aircraft and the record breaking crowd arrived. Some aircraft and crews arrived Friday and were treated to a reception in the Coyote Hangar. Everyone seemed to appreciate the grill smoked food and the beverages. The ramp was full of great warbirds. Starting with the big stuff, Texas Raiders B-17, Devil Dog B-25, Texas Special A-26, Bobby Hawk’s Huey helicopter, Cold War Air Museum’s Hind 24 helicopter and CJ-6, Terry Sullivan brought his beautiful UC-78 Bamboo Bomber, David Martin brought P-51 Happy Jack’s Go Buggy, P-51 from the Cavanaugh Flight, Museum, Bill Sign’s Beech Super 18, 4 Tora Birds, 2 T-6’s from The Flight of the Phoenix Escadrille, Karen Brinkley’s O-2, DFW Wing’s PT-17, Bob Dunn’s PT-19, The Pride of Corsicana PT-19, Mike Cavanaugh N3N Navy trainer, Billy Copeland’s L-19, Trojan Phlyers’ T-28, Jerry Shelton’s L-2, Jim Bernier’s CJ-6, the Texas V Tail’s Bonanza Formation Team, Falcon Flight RV Formation Team, a sailplane (glider) demonstration, The Texas Heatwave Aerobatic Showteam and Corsicana Miniature Aircraft Club. We were disappointed that Jan Collmer had to cancel due to brake problems and Paul Fiala was weathered in at Houston. The program was arranged by Air Boss David Anderson and announced by Bob Dunn, both the best in the air show business. The show opened with the flight of the trainers, led by 2 PT-19’s, a PT-17 and a N3N. The wind picked up a little, but The Blue Skies Parachute Team still looked great with the American flag flying and smoke coming from their feet. The Texas V Tails and Falcon Flight Formation Teams entertained with precision formation flying. Aerobatics performed by Steve Richmond and Pat Tuckey in their RV-7’s and Chip Lamb in the Trojan Phylers T-28 was a thrill for the spectators. The Blastards, an all female pyro team from Midland, Texas, provided a backdrop wall of fire and bomb blasts to set the stage for the simulated attack on Pearl Harbor. Four Tora Birds joined by two T-6’s from The Flight of the
Phoenix Museum filled the sky with smoke trails and the sound of round engines. The sound system was blaring air raid sirens and machine gun fire. Texas Raiders B-17, Devil Dog B-25, Texas Special A-26 and Happy Jack’s Go Buggy P-51 flew thrilling the spectators. At the start of WWII the bombers flying in Europe did not have fighter escort all the way to the bomb drop zone. After the P-51 entered the conflict, things changed. The Mustang was able to give cover all the way and stay with them all the way home. The bomber crews called them their “Little Friends”. David Martin in Happy Jack’s Go Buggy demonstrated this as he flew escort with Texas Raiders B-17. Words are not sufficient to describe the show performed by the aviators. If you missed this one you should come to “The Best Little Airsho in Texas” next year, it will be the second Saturday in May.
Gena Linebarger and two of her “Blastards”
Don Guffey, winner of P-38 at the veterans tent.
Liz Castello, Manager of The Downtown Spa, takes a ride in the Zero she sponsored for the Corsicana AirSho. She said she was totally hooked and couldn’t wait until next year to take another ride.
Veteran’s Tent volunteers, Gladys Espenson, Carolyn Krejci, Lucy Waterman serve water, cokes and cookies. Coyote Squadron members seated, Ken Fling and Chris Richmond, sign visitors up for the Model P-38L giveaway.
Connie Lagomarsino gives her husband Dr. Fred Lagomarsino a ride in the B-17 as a 25th Anniversary present at the Corsicana AirSho.
Colonel Gene Hathorn washing The Pride of Corsicana.
Photos Courtesy of D’Ericson Photography
Photos Courtesy of Carol Cundiff
Photos Courtesy of Robin Blake
Photos Courtesy of Wayne Frost
COYOTE SQUADRON 2634 Beverly Hills LN. Mesquite, Texas 75150
NEXT MEETING JUNE 8, 2013
Staff Meets at 10:00 Unit at 10:30
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Corsicana Airport, during Corsicana Airsho May 11, 2013 Photos Courtesy of D’Ericson Photography