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WING
OVER HOUSTON AIRSHOW |
Wings Over Houston 2008
REPORT FROM THE PRESIDENT
Sunday, October 26, 2008 |
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Saturday the Wings Over Houston Air Show arrived with the most
beautiful weather I have ever experienced at a show. The skies
were clear, the temperature and humidity moderate and the
winds light?in a word - glorious! |
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The daily flight briefing, lead by Air Boss Ralph Royce was an
event in itself, as usual, but with two special presentations.
First was to Floyd Houdyshell, the CAF CFO, who was awarded a
prized Tora, Tora, Tora black shirt and given the title Tora
Money Man. Ken Crites and Tora Lead Jim Ryan presented Floyd
this honor in appreciation for his assistance in the
processing and payment for Toras performances in military
shows. |
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Brig. Gen. (ret.) Reg Urshler also addressed the gathered
pilots in his moving farewell from air show performing. His
comments were stirring and his words inspiring, leading to a
well deserved standing ovation. He was honored Saturday
evening with the Lloyd P. Nolen Lifetime of Achievement in
Aviation Individual Award. |
The crowds started streaming in at 8 a.m. and initial reports
were that these were historical attendance levels. Between the
hurricane and the weather, people were ready to see a SHOW!
And they had lots to look at! The array of static aircraft was
quite unique, with NASAs 747, which transports the Space
Shuttle on its back, dominating the area. Zero G, the 727
which gives riders the weightless experience, was also there
and is often referred to as the "vomit comet.
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The war birds on the ramp were a mixture of CAF, CAF
member-owned airplanes and other friends of the family which
stood proudly in the sea of people gathering to look at our
proud veterans. It was good to see the Lone Star Museum
aircraft back in the air and on display in their hometown. |
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The performance aircraft included a huge Tora Show of 13
airplanes! I dont know if that was a record, but it certainly
was impressive as they seemingly filled the sky - recreating
that fateful attack on Pearl Harbor. The pyro was magnificent
and the crowd was in awe. Our B-24, Ol' 927, P-51, Gunfighter,
and the P-39 all flew in the show, as well as many others. The
Thunderbirds are here and put on their usual spectacular show
in the blue skies. |
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An unusual and spectacular combination of aircraft flew
together and truly demonstrated the evolution of aircraft from
World War II to modern day. The C-47 flew with the C-17.
Although separated by hundreds of feet, the massive size
difference was amazing to see in the air. It also makes one
aware of how many aircraft and sorties were required to supply
our troops for four years. |
As the day ended, Hangar 57 had a strong sales day and
welcomed three new Colonels. The Mission Membership program is
getting a workout, as Dallas/Fort Worth Wing Leader Charlie
Wood signed his 20th member today at the show!
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The 3rd Coast's award-winning N2S-1 (PT-17) is proudly
displayed next to Hangar 57 and is attracting great attention.
We thank them for volunteering to help us at WOH. |
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