the
FLIGHTstuff
E D W I N W A R N E R M O D E L AV I A T O R S
JUNE 2015
Historic Planes on Parade over National Mall
by Michael E. Ruane and Martin Weil - edited from the Washington Post
T
o honor the heroes who fought in World War
II and those on the home front who produced
the tanks, ships, and aircraft that enabled the
United States and its Allies to achieve victory, one
of the most diverse arrays of WWII aircraft ever
assembled flew above the skies of Washington, DC
on Friday, May 8. The event commemorated the
70th anniversary of Victory in Europe (V-E) Day,
as part of the Arsenal of Democracy World War II
Victory Capitol Flyover.
Mitchell, B-17 Flying Fortress, and many others.
Approximately two dozen different types of
vintage military aircraft were provided by multiple
organizations and individuals including the
Commemorative Air Force—furnishing fighter and
bomber aircraft, to include the only flying B-29
Superfortress, FIFI. Other groups assisting with
planes were the Texas Flying Legends Museum,
Fighter Factory at the Military Aviation Museum,
and Fagen Fighters WWII Museum.
The flyover included 56 World War II aircraft
flying overhead in 15 historically sequenced
warbird formations. The formations represented
the War’s major battles, from Pearl Harbor through
the final air assault on Japan, and concluded with a
missing man formation to “Taps.”
On Saturday, a selection of about 20 of the planes
were featured at the National Air and Space
Museum’s Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in
Chantilly, VA just south of Washington Dulles
International Airport for a one-day exhibition.
Never before had such a collection of WWII
aircraft been assembled at one location, to honor
the large assemblage of veterans gathered at the
WWII Memorial for a ceremony. To the strains of
bagpipes and big-band music, the veterans came in
wheelchairs, with walkers and canes, to hear the
speeches and watch the flyover. Many wore badges
marking their service or rank during the war, and
they were lavished with thanks from bystanders.
The aircraft that participated included the P-40
Warhawk, P-39 Aerocobra, P-38 Lightning, P-51
Mustang, P-47 Thunderbolt, FG-1D Corsair, B-25
The keynote speaker during the ceremony was
national security adviser Susan E. Rice, daughter
of a member of the Tuskegee Airmen. She said,
“We honor all those brave men and women who
fell, and those who survived, including the proud
veterans who are here with us today. The story of
your generation will never be forgotten. We will
continue to tell it to children so that they
understand, as this WWII memorial reminds us,
the price of freedom. As we commemorate V-E
Day, let us recommit to the belief that justice is the
only answer to hate and intolerance, and let us
extend our gratitude to all those who fought and
sacrificed to carry it forward.”
What’s Up
O
ur Annual Memorial Day Picnic was rainy and a bit windy but
the turnout was good considering the elements. A great big
Thank You goes to club member Woods Murphy for his preparation
and donation of the wonderful BBQ and baked beans from the Corner
Pub in Bellevue! Also, thanks to those who brought side dishes and
desserts. Milton and Mary Alice Fanning made a special trip to
bring her pecan pies — a prized treat that is looked forward to by the
old timers. What made this trip really notable was that they had
company at home and couldn’t stay to eat. It was good to see long
time EWMA member Randall Wills at the picnic and to hear about
his trip with Honor Flight to the WWII memorial in Washington, DC.
It was nice to have Phil McDowell and Larry Paxton attend
breakfast for the first time at the new location. Sheldon Dreaddy
displayed a bit of bravery by bringing his attractive girlfriend to the
meeting. Balsa Bob Patterson put together the plane given to Joseph
Elbon at the last meeting and told of the youngster’s tearing up the
sky. Joseph’s mother and sister were present again. The show and tell
section of the May club meeting was provided by Jim Aldendifer,
Joseph Barnes, Jim Corrigan, and Bob Patterson. Amos Wilson
gave a vivid account of being present in DC for the Arsenal of
Democracy flyover. The COMA went to Jim Aldendifer yet again.
Several fellows got together at Brush Creek for a float-fly. They were
Donnie Bolin, Mike DiStefano, Jerry Franks, Jim Gilliland, Steve
Marstiller, Bob Patterson, and Tom Sanford. The location is nice
but they learned something very important — take a rescue boat!
The flying field was protected from car damage by fencing during the
Iroquois Steeplechase. The Grand Poobah had touched base
beforehand with Park HQ just to make sure it would be safe.
Dudley Pitts and Dr. Bill Bradford traveled to Joe Nall at the Triple
Tree Aerodrome in Woodruff, SC. Doc says, “There were several
flight lines — electric, fuel, and 3-D — in different places. On
Thursday, our first day, it was very cool and windy but that did not
stop the flying. There were models from WWI to turbine jets — some
were really big! Friday brought the same routine of watching
beautiful planes and expert pilots. We visited other flight lines and
vendors but were always drawn back to the big planes. That night we
ate at the BBQ supper overlooking the full scale hanger and the lake.
They fed a thousand people in a little over 20 minutes. Saturday
morning we left to visit the Tennessee Aircraft Museum in
Sevierville, TN which was very interesting. Joe Nall was really a
great experience and everyone should try to visit it sometime.”
ewmaclub.org
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R/C C
June 6 - 7
CAF All Electric Fly-In
Tullahoma, TN
coffeeairfoilers.com
June 9
Second Tuesday Club Meeting
Breakfast at The Egg and I, 8:30
June 13 - 14
“Taking Flight for Charity” Fly-In
to Benefit the Wounded Warrior
Project
Paducah Aero Modelers
paducahaeromodelers.com
June 19 - 21
6th National Electric Fly-In (NEFI)
Muncie, IN
modelaircraft.org/
June 24
“Flying Free”
EWMA Flying Demonstrations in
conjunction with Warner Parks
summer program
10:00
Formation of Trainers