COMMEMORATIVE AIR FORCE

The

C MPASS
M ISSOURI W ING

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 Col.Bob Moore 6 Hidden Meadow Court St. Charles, MO 63303 636-928-5546 home 314-486-1205 cell moorerw@charter.net EXECUTIVE OFFICER Col. Bob Lawrence 111 W. Essex Ave. Kirkwood, MO 63122 314-494-7539 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 PIO OFFICER Col. Cecilia Holechek 314-920-5118 infocafmo@gmail.com

U PCOMING E VENTS
3

NOTE: NC = Not Confirmed

MAY 2013
View The Compass in color at cafmo.org

May 11 CAF President Steve Brown's Visit - General Meeting 1:30pm May 19 Canton, IL B-25 LHFEs May 23 Busch Stadium Flyover Soccer Game B-25 May 24-27 Columbia, MO Salute To Veterans B-25, TBM May 27 Afternoon B-25 LHFE Ride(s) at Smartt Jun 8-9 Cameron, MO Airshow B-25, LHFEs, PX (NC) Jun 8 General Meeting 1:30pm Jun 21-23 Davenport, IA Quad Cities Airshow B-25, TBM, LHFEs, PX Jun 28-29 Cape Girardeau, MO B-25, TBM, L-3, LHFEs, PX (NC) July 4 Fourth of July Parade - Webster Groves, Mo. July 13 General Meeting 1:30pm Aug 10 General Meeting 1:30pm Aug 11 Festival of the Little Hills Parade - St. Charles, Mo. Aug 24 Sullivan, MO B-25, L-3 LHFEs, PX (NC) Sep 14 General Meeting 1:30pm Sep 19-21 Camdenton, MO Lake Airshow B-25, L-3, LHFEs, PX Sep 21 HANGAR DANCE! Sep 28 Jefferson City, MO Open House B-25, L-3, LHFEs, PX (NC) Oct 11-13 AIRSHO 2013 Midland, Texas B-25 (crew pays own expenses) Oct 12 General Meeting 1:30pm Oct 19 Mt. Vernon, IL Little Egypt Fly-In B-25, TBM, L-3, LHFEs, PX (NC) Oct 26 Smartt Field Open House & Pumpkin Drop (NC) Nov 9 General Meeting 1:30pm Nov 9 Veteran's Day Parade - Florissant, MO

Saturday - May 11 - General Meeting - 1:30 pm

WING LEADER'S REPORT

Timing is everything and our last COMPASS issue included the Wing FEP (Flood Evacuation Plan). The weekend after we reviewed the FEP, we were looking at projected flooding from the Mississippi. The initial forecasts were at 30.6 feet placing the waters on the ramp between the EAA and the airport managers building just north of our hangars. As I write this report, it just peaked at 29.44 feet on April 25th, entering some hangars at the north part of the airfield and threatening the runways and taxiways. Its in the receding stage and projected to be back below the 20 feet level by May 11th. I would like to thank all of the members who have helped over the past weeks in preparing our aircraft, equipment and memorabilia for possible relocations. Heres hoping this will be the last scare for many, many years/decades. I hope that everyone was able to download the pictures and short video I emailed out to everyone documenting SHOW MEs flights over Busch Stadium following the National Anthems on Opening Day and Stan Musial Night in early April. The timely coordination from Col. Cecelia Holechek in the stadium control booth to Col. Hubert Looney, located in the St. Louis Downtown Airport control tower, to me and Matt Conrad in the cockpit was perfect and resulted in two awesome salutes to our veterans and nation. I would like to thank Col. John Marshall for helping us acquire the necessary FAA altitude waiver so we could drop down a little bit below an altitude of 1,000 feet above the highest obstacle within a horizontal radius of 2,000 feet of the aircraft. It was very exciting to fly alongside the Gateway Arch and bring the sound of those big radials and the striking image of our B-25 Mitchell close to the thousands of fans and field of professional ball players. Thank you Cecelia and Hubert for keeping Matt and I updated on our run in time and exact time over target. It was fun, but very demanding and I believe we four represented the Missouri Wing well. As you can see from the schedule on the front page, things are definitely starting the get busy again at the Wing. The aircraft are in outstanding condition and looking better than ever. The weather is warming up a bit and were opening the hangar doors more and more while working on them. Pilot re-currencies and member participation are on the upswing and there is a very promising airshow season materializing. We were asked to participate in the final reunion of the WWII Stalag 17B German POW Camp survivors and display our aircraft and vehicles while they visited Spirit of St. Louis Airport on Friday, May 3rd. As of this writing, we are planning on having the B-25, TBM, L-3, Staff Car and Jeep over at the TacAir FBO ramp for their viewing. I hope this event went well as this is a highly honored group of veterans. A 1953 movie was made about this group of Americans and William Holden won the Oscar for best actor in a leading role. CAF President Steve Brown is scheduled to visit our Wing on Saturday, May 11th. He arrives Friday evening and will depart Sunday morning. Please plan on coming out early on Saturday so you can meet and visit with him. We have received another request to do a National Anthem flyover of Busch Stadium on Thursday, May 23rd during Soccer pre-match ceremonies. Who knows? Maybe they will play two National Anthems. Chelsea FC (Football Club) and Manchester City Soccer will travel from the United Kingdom to St. Louis for the match. The exhibition game starts at 7:30pm and I have been told our time overhead is scheduled at 6:30pm. This sporting event was sold out in 15 minutes! Tickets were originally priced from about $40 to $250 but are now going for between $129 and

$2,300. While on active duty, I was based at RAF Alconbury, about 50 miles north of London, and attended a soccer match between Manchester United and Southampton. These guys were brutal, obnoxious, and really bore-sited on winning. Most of them wore multi-colored scarves and acted almost gang-like. Oh, Im talking about the fans! The players were very athletic and intense, but this is NOT like football in America. The match seemed to last forever and yet the fans were standing up, singing chants, and drinking warm Guinness most of the match. I dont expect the same atmosphere at Busch Stadium, but one never knows. Oh well, it was definitely more exciting than the 2 day Cricket match (I got suckered into) played on the green at Cambridge. Enough reminiscing Please stay warm and dry and plan on getting active at the Wing. We can always use your help and certainly look forward to seeing the smiles, handshakes, and enthusiasm this organization continues to generate. We are all so fortunate!!! And remember, you can help Keep Em Flying and have a great, rewarding time in your 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

EXECUTIVE OFFICER NOTE

PX: The PX had a successful trip to Hot Springs, Arkansas. I want to thank John and Connie Coffey for riding along with me and helping sell PX on Saturday. The PX trailer is getting new graphics and should be ready for the next show. I've helped Jack upgrade the PX in the museum. Check out our new TBM coin.

NEW TBM COINS HAVE ARRIVED

Left: Between the TBM prop: top view of TBM, top view L-3 (left), and B-25 (right). On the right - Coin Front: center TBM silhouette, Grumann logo, left side Navy wings, bottom aircraft carrier and web site. Gold and Blue

SIGHTS, SMELLS AND SOUNDS!! "FLYING

THE
One of the many benefits of belonging to the Missouri Wing of the CAF is the ability to fly on board our aircraft and show them to the public at the air shows that we attend. Without you, the Wing Members, who fly as crew, and the Maintenance folks who let us borrow the airplanes we couldnt accomplish our main reason for being. Let me show you a little of what your B25 pilots do to get ready and then to fly one of those shows. The season starts for the pilots of all 3 aircraft in March when we all attend our annual required ground schools for our individual aircraft (which you are allowed to attend, by the way!). The ground schools consist of a review of the aircraft systems, procedures and CAF regulations. After passing tests on all of those subjects we can proceed to the Flight training phase. The CAF requires that all pilots pass a pilot proficiency flight every year, where the Instructor Pilots (IPs) have each pilot perform maneuvers such as; stalls, steep turns, unusual attitude recognition and recovery, engine and system failure procedures and takeoffs and landings. In the B-25 this check ride counts as our check ride needed to fly LHFE rides for another year. Fortunately, the B-25 is a very easy airplane to fly; very good stability, control forces that are not too high (except the single engine go around, where the pilots leg will be shaking while trying to hold the airplane straight with one engine pulled back to idle!), and very good maneuverability. The excellent maneuverability is why, although designed as a bomber supposedly a stable platform to put bombs on target, it saw a lot of use as a strafing aircraft. The pilots could get the airplane right down on the deck at high speed and with the tremendous firepower of all of those 50 cals, do an awful lot of damage to anything in its way. We very often get to demonstrate that maneuverability at shows when the AIR BOSS designs a show where we get to attack targets on the ground! To attend an air show takes the efforts of everyone on the crew, from loading the aircraft, pulling props through before engine start, wiping down the ever present oil upon arrival and then doing what we do best - showing off SHOW ME to the crowds. While I really love flying the bomber, the very best part of our mission - to me, at least, is the dual role that we get to play at a show. That of Instructor as I tell people about the greatest generation and the part that our airplane played in WW2, but even more special is when I get to become the Student when an old Veteran tells me about how it really was. Ive seen old men become young men again, right before my very eyes as they relive their experiences. Im sure that you too have seen many of those miracles. If you havent signed up for a show, I hope that this makes you see what youre missing and take advantage of one of the many great benefits that we have belonging to a truly worthwhile organization as ours. Help us keep the memory of the greatest generation alive! CAF Col. Craig OMara Wing Operations Officer

B-25"

Pop Quiz: You are a new (or a very experienced) crewmember on your way to an event in one of our three gorgeous warbirds. You notice something that doesnt seem right to you and that you dont remember it from your previous flight experiences, or lack thereof. What do you do? A) Whip out your cell phone and post it on Facebook. B) Tweet it to all those who have a burning desire to know your random thoughts. C) Second guess yourself and keep the issue to yourself. D) Start screaming We are going to die!!! E) Start Praying Before we start off the airshow season, I want to remind all crew members that you are going to die just split seconds after the pilots in the event of a crash. If you are lucky enough to be riding in the nose, you will lead the way for the rest of the crew. Personally, the last thing I (and I think I can safely speak for most of the pilots) want going through my mind after an accident is YOU!! To get back to the pop quiz - none of the above answers are correct. They are incorrect because: A) We have to be careful of what we post on Facebook to CAF HQ out of our chili. B) Nobody reads Twitter (OK maybe the media does if you are famous, but you are not) C) You are the envy of all ground-pounders because you are a CAF Colonel Aircrew Member Flying a historic weapon system and you should be full of confidence D) The pilots wont hear your screams over the roar of the finely tuned engines. E) OK, maybe this is a good option, but it should be what you do second after notifying the pilots of your concerns or questions. So for academic purposes, Wrong answer! By now, those of you who know me will realize I have been training in the 3 primary tools of Air Force Management: Fear, Sarcasm, and Ridicule. You have probably guessed I got a Masters Degree in Sarcasm, as evidenced by the finely written, post-graduate level quiz above. But seriously, it is imperative for you (and the rest of the crew), not to mention the aircraft, that you bring ANY concerns about what you see, hear and/or smell to the pilots attention. The pilots only have 4 eyes, ears and nostrils between them and they are all located up front. We RELY on the other 6 sets (or 2, or 1) of each in the aircraft to help us monitor systems and performance. Prior to the start of each mission, the PICs brief that they want you to bring concerns, sightings, strange smells, or any other thing you have a question about to the pilots attention. After flying with several different PICs, I know, this is not just a request. It is more of an order. For your safety and for ours!! Just a friendly reminder!! CAF Col. Chris Herrmann

Buddy Welsch (L) and his assistant, Dave Woodson (R) at Hot Springs, Arkansas

HOT SPRINGS, ARKANSAS

What an amazing crew we had in Hot Springs! Buddy Welsh and Dave Woodson were nothing short of machines. I didnt worry for 1 second whether the plane was properly serviced and ready to go on time. They even made time to help with the TBM. Cecilia and John Holechek handled all media, Public Relations, and even crowd control. All of the new products they have brought to the LHFE program has been great (arm bands, certificates, etc). You guys are such a great addition! Hubert Looney worked his Dookie off briefing passengers and acting as Safety Officer in flight. I never had to worry about the security of the back of the airplane. This job is very labor intensive. Hubert NEVER complained and always paid attention to detail. Bob Moore has really got this LHFE process down to a science. There is A LOT of paperwork and red tape that goes along with this program and he handles it flawlessly. And of course, Chris Herrmann shared in the flying duties. He and I have done over 30 LHFE flights together. He is a great asset to the cockpit! I personally want to thank each and every one of you for a great weekend and all of your hard work! CAF Col. Matt Conrad, PIC

The air crews pose with Hot Springs Airport Manager George Downey before returning to Smartt Field.

CAF Col. Chris Herrmann explains the B-25 cockpit controls to two young visitors during Show Me's recent visit to Hot Springs.

Pilots Matt Conrad and Chris Herrmann take a well deserved break after completing five LHFE rides during the Hot Springs Aero Day event.

Many visitors enjoyed shopping the PX for aviation memorabilia after a ride, or visiting the aircraft.

A crowd gathers around Show Me! to checkout the bomber, to take photos, and talke with the crew.

Show Me! wows the crowd at Busch Stadium during the opening ceremony fly-over honoring Stan the Man.

SHOWME! THRILLS BUSCH STADIUM CROWDS

The TBM crew, pilot Sam Graves, and "Dutch" Meyerpeter, were kept busy answering questions, and talking with visitors waiting patiently for a chance to view the cockpit.

Due to the current government sequester it was impossible for Major League Baseball teams to have the traditional military aircraft fly-over to kick-off the 2013 season openers around the country. The St. Louis Cardinals were no exception. Knowing this, the Missouri Wings PIO contacted the Cardinals front office and assured them Show Me! and the CAF team, were up to the task. Through the last minute efforts of Matt Conrad, Wing Leader Pat Kesler and our FAA contact, and Wing member, John Marshall a flight waiver was granted to lower the height restriction over the stadium. And thanks to the uncompromising professionalism of the flight crew and Wing personnel, who were in constant communication with the crew, the fly-over was a huge success. It was a thrilling experience to see Show Me! roaring over the stadium to the cheers of the crowd. The Cardinals front office was so impressed with the bombers debut they invited Show-Me! back for an encore performance during the opening ceremonies for the Stan Musial tribute game on April 12th. Once again, the fly-over was flawless and brought the fans to their feet as the venerable old warbird soared overhead. The show isnt over yet. Show-Me! will once again take to the sky over Busch Stadium when it hosts the international soccer exhibition match between British teams, Manchester City and Chelsea on May 23. The fly-over is scheduled for 6:30 PM. Also, a big thank you goes out to Pat Fenwick and his crew for all their hard work to keep her flying! CAF Col. John Holechek

The crew of Show Me! offered a special VIP ride to local officials and news personnel during the Hot Springs visit. Standing left to right are pilot Chris Herrmann, retired US Army Maj. Gen. Thomas Arwood, Hot Springs District 3 City Director Becca Clark, Arkansas Senator Bill Sample, and pilot Matt Conrad.

TBM Tours

B25 Flyover Crew for Opening Day at Busch Stadium

WII AVIATORS
Lt Col Addison E Baker

Baker enlisted in the regular Army as a private in 1929, and earned his Pilot rating and 2Lt commission in 1931. And was relieved from active duty in 1932. He joined the National Guard, and was recalled to active duty in 1940. By 1943 he was a Lt Col in the U.S. Army Air Corps and commander of the 93rd Heavy Bombardment Group, Eighth Air Force, assigned to Benghazi, North Africa. It was from this point that he led his group as part of a daring low level attack against enemy oil refineries and installations at Ploesti. Approaching the target, his aircraft was hit by a large caliber antiaircraft shell, seriously damaged, and set on fire. More than 230 antiaircraft guns, supported by many barrage balloons and smoke pots, surrounded the refineries, with about 400 fighters in the area. Into a maelstrom of ground fire, Baker led the group. Once hit, he could have bellied in on open fields or pulled up to bailout altitude, but without wavering he led the bombers straight to the refinery. He dropped his bombs and then attempted to leave formation, but his valiant attempts to gain sufficient altitude for the crew to escape by parachute were unsuccessful. Avoiding other planes in formation, the B-24 Liberator crashed to the ground in flames, killing the entire crew. He was awarded the Medal of Honor posthumously on March 11 1944. Live with Honor CAF Col Tim Mohr

NEWS FLASH!!!

KEEPING

WATCH

ON THE

RIVER

The STAFF CAR has now successfully completed its second (Thats two in a Row) trips to events in the St. Louis area. As you know we have had our share of problems getting the staff car to and from events. The engine overheating being the main culprit during the hot summer months. This fall the fuel pump failed coming home from an event. Many systems of the vehicle have been worked on. The radiator, the wiring system has been replaced, carburetor overhauled, spark plug wires replaced, distributor advance replaced, intake manifold gaskets replaced, valves adjusted, fuel tank cleaned, brake system repaired, etc. In March we participated in the St. Pats day parade down town. On Sunday April 21, 2013 we participated in a car show at Ranken Technical College. All three vehicles were involved. Jim Lammert drove the DUCE and Lou Tacchi drove the JEEP. We set up a table with some fliers and the donation BOMB was set out. Lou and Jim stayed with the vehicles and took in the sights and admired the show vehicles (I bet the old cars brought back some old memories). There were 259 vehicles registered for judging with 19 different classes. The weather was a little chilly, but overall it was a pretty nice day, I hope Jim and Lou enjoyed it. I thought it was appropriate for the vehicles to be there. For the last couple months the school has had several display cases with artifacts and photos from WWI and WWII on display. During both wars the school was used as training location for soldiers and sailors. Some of the subjects taught were, radio, math, science and map reading, auto repair, blacksmithing, wood working, motor repair (auto and airplane), electricity, metal working, etc. CAF Col Don Huster

Aerial view of Smartt Field.

FLOOD OF 2013

Water half way up the ramp before it went back down.

Kevin Cotter cleaning up the Allison V-12 engine.

NEW MEMBER JESSE RICHARD

I would like to introduce another new member who has joined us this month. His name is Jesse Richard. Jesse is married, has three children and lives in Florissant. For the past nine years he has worked for UPS at Lambert field. He works at nights loading the planes so they can be at their destinations by the next morning. Although he has a background in small engine repair, he has always had a love for aviation. Since his dad was in the military, he has done quite a bit of traveling before deciding to settle in the St Louis area. He even spent some time in Iceland! One of his early memories of the CAF was the time that our B-24 Diamond Lil had some repairs or inspections done in their hangar before heading on to their next stop. He knew then that he loved the old planes. As you might be able to see from the picture of him, he is a big, strong, young man who is anxious to do anything he can to help the Missouri Wing.. So, say hi, when you see him at the hangar and lets all welcome our newest member, Jesse Richard. CAF Col. Bob Moore

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 Joe Baruzzini is doing okay COMMITTEE REPORTS: Compass John Coffey Gasoline Sales Jim Lammert/$teve Gossett Web Site Bob Lawrence Museum Jack Seeman PX Bob Lawrence Recruiting & Membership Bob Lawrence Air Shows Matt Conrad LHFE Bob Moore Hangar Dance Pat Kesler

GENERAL MEETING

- 1:30 PM April 13, 2013

Phil Best last month's featured "New Member."

OLD BUSINESS TBM/GARMIN We are getting a 496 for TBM (trying to get it donated to the Wing). We are also doing glare shield clampmounts for B-25 & TBM. MAINTENANCE STORAGE BLDG We are looking into acquiring 2-4 20 portable storage units to store maintenance items. HOT SPRINGS Went well! Thanks everyone! BUSCH STADIUM FLYBYS Outstanding timing and Wing representation. NEW BUSINESS 1. STAFF REPORTS: MAINTENANCE__ EXECUTIVE__ OPERATIONS__ SAFETY__ ADJUTANT__ AIRSHOW__ PUBLIC INFORMATION __ LHFE __ FINANCE__ 2. AIRCRAFT STATUS: B-25 A/W TBM A/W L-3 A/W 3. STEVE BROWN VISIT Currently scheduled to visit MO Wing on Saturday, May 11th. Encourage maximum attendance. Wont know for sure until later. Theyre at Sun n Fun. 4. AIRCREW SAFETY TRAINING Everyone that flies in the B25, TBM, or L-3 to any airshows/flying events must have received this training prior to any flights. This is an Annual requirement. Training dates will be published and disseminated soon. 5. STALAG 17B POWs Final Convention Friday, May 3rd, Spirit of St. Louis Airport TacAir Ramp. B-25, TBM, L-3 and vehicles. Short fuse. Sign-up on clipboard. 6. DON HUSTER - has been invited to take all three of our vehicles to the Rankin Technical School (where he taught for many years). Open House to be part of the WWII exhibit they have. The date is Sunday, April 21st! Need drivers/transporters. 7. FEP PROCEDURES Discuss and Update 3 Team Leaders and members Meeting Adjourned @ 2:50 PM

Paul Conley finishing modifications on the B-25 veiwing stand.

The gorgeous Show Me nametags are finally in!! Due to our overwhelming demand, the manufacturer had to order more background material. So after a short delay, your name tags finally arrived. I will have the nametags available for pick-up during the upcoming ground training events (20 and 27 April) and the next monthly meeting (11 May 13). If you are unable to attend these events, I will be happy to mail them to you (if you are willing to pay for postage). Please send me an e-mail with your address and I will get them in the mail to you when I receive a check from you. As I have fronted the cost, I would appreciate if you would pay for them in a fairly timely manner. As a reminder - Name tags cost: 1 - $15.00, 2 - $20.00 and 3 - $35.00.

SHOW ME NAME TAGS HAVE ARRIVED!!

COMMEMORATIVE AIR FORCE

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

MAY 2013

Sunday, May 5, Tom Bullion (L) from Memphis, Tennessee, stopped in to gas up his AT-19 Stinson Reliant with the assistance of John Coffey (R). It was a beautiful aircraft.

May Birthdays!

Chester Davis (2) John Eskew (2) Matt Conrad (6) William Malone (18) Tim Mohr (18) (21) John McCarthy (27) Tim Schantz (28) Eric Downing (28) Geoff Watkin (30) Compass Deadline: Articles should be submitted by the 24th of each month.