Parsons Presbyterian Manor
OCTOBER 2022
Editor’s Note: In a nod to our Presbyterian heritage, we regularly feature a column from a PMMA® chaplain in our newsletter. This month’s column comes from Greg Schmidt, chaplain at Newton Presbyterian Manor.
Chaplain’s Corner
New resident lived his dream, made headlines as a pilot in the Air Force As a 22-year-old Air Force pilot, Arnold Weber made news when he bailed out of a plane at 35,000 feet — almost seven miles in the air. It was June 1954, less than a year after the Potwin (Kan.) High School graduate earned his wings. He was on a training flight from Ellsworth Air Force Base in North Dakota when one of the engines exploded. The Minneapolis Tribune recounted the harrowing chain of events in a news story published a few days later: “‘I heard one explosion — maybe two,’ said Lt. Arnold F. Weber, El Dorado, Kan.
Arnold Weber
“‘The engine died right then — tried to pull back on the throttle but it stuck. “‘Then my wingman radioed, ‘Leave it boy, you’ve got a…’ I didn’t hear the rest. I was on my way out.’ “He was catapulted out of the F-86 fighter plane by an ejection seat.” The young pilot didn’t deploy his parachute until he reached about 15,000 feet. Arnold landed safely in a field, though he did suffer a few abrasions. “So strong was the wind that Lieutenant Weber hit the ground about fifty
Air Force pilot – continued on page 3
By Greg Schmidt Have you ever noticed how nature has this amazing way of informing you that you are not as disciplined as you would like to be? A few months ago, an assisted living resident and I planted several varieties of healthy, strong, beautiful plants in brand new containers that had been placed on a brand-new deck. More than 40 plants! It was fun, exciting and gloriously dirty work. We loved every minute of it. Once everything was planted, we generously watered our new arrangements with lots of water with liquid fertilizer in it – just like the pros do – so that the end result would be an AMAZING sight to behold. And it was! Seemingly everyone noticed and talked about the stunning array of ever-growing and ever-expanding display of floral beauty. And then came late July and early August. And tucked in there was my vacation and an almost simultaneous hospital stay for the resident. And, here’s the kicker…a lack of communication on my part with any number of people who would have gladly continued the every-other-day watering…had I asked.
Chaplain – continued on page 2
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