John Read, one of the FASF’s original members, long time historian on the Punitive Expedition, and Chief Ranger at the New Mexico Pancho Villa State Park in Columbus, looks out over El Paso and into Juarez, Mexico, from the El Paso Club, where he just presented a special progam to the Daedalian Society’s Flilght 24.

John takes in more of the spectacular view to the South over El Paso, from the El Paso Club’s picture windows.  The Daedalian Flight meets once a month to listen to educational presentations from local leaders.  John did a great deal of flying as a young man with his Dentist father, who owned a Cessna 182 Skylane.  Today, he regularly flies drones over SW New Mexico and shoots airborne videos, which can be seen on YouTube.

Mr. Read explains some of the little known background history behind the involvement of Germany in the Mexican Revolution during the early part of the last Century.

Daedalian members, all also FASF members, listen to Read’s description of the Expedition and why Pancho Villa may have rationalized or justified his attack on his former ally, the United States.

 John explains some strange and largely unknow history about the infamous Pancho Villa Raid on Columbus, which gave rise to the birth of American Air Power, when the First Aero Squadron launched its operations into Mexico in pursuit of Pancho Villa from Columbus.

Another view of John, as he explains how the Germans tried to convince Pancho Villa and the Mexicans to make war on the United States, in order to keep it too occupied to bother getting involved in WWI in Europe.  Notice, to John’s left stganding by the window, one of the regular Mexican-American Club waiters, who was especially interested in learning things he’d never before heard about the Mexican Revolution – – – and Villa’s Raid on Columbus.  He expressed his appreciation to John after the meeting.

 John shows the Daedalians a copy of a “smoking gun” Telegram, sent by the Germans, to Mexico’s Revolutionary leadership.

At far left, FASF member and Daedalian, Charlie Overstreet (USAF), asks questions about the German involvement with the Mexicans during 1916 -1917 period.  L to R after Charlie: Dave Ginn (US Army), Colonel Mario Campos (USAF) and Colonel Bob Pitt (USAF).

At the end of his presentation, Colonel Bob Pitt (right) gives a token of appreciation to Mr. Read for taking the time to make the special presentation. To the left above is Flilght Captain, Roger Nichols, a former Air Force pilot.  Colonel Pitt , also a USAF veteran, was wounded while flying a jet fighter in combat over Vietnam during that conflict.