Tag Archives: Col. Mario Campos

Daedalians Award Top Leadership Prize to 8th FS Graduate

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Saturday afternoon, the 9th of this month, 3 long-time FASF/Daedalians drove out to witness the Graduation Ceremonies for 9 young new USAF F-16 Viper Fighter Pilots. All graduates were from the 8th Fighter Squadron, informally and affectionately known as the Black Sheep Squadron. Of the 9 class graduates, one was a female fighter pilot.  The 8th is one of the three Fighter Training Squadrons that belong to the 54th Fighter Group, whose Commander was at the same dining table at the Holloman AFB Club as the Daedalians.  The following photos show the event.  The Guest speaker was a retired Brigadier General, Joseph “Magoo” McFall, also a F-16 VIPER pilot, who entertained the graduates, staff, and guests with some wild flying stories from his colorful past.

Col. Mario Campos

Here (L) is long-time FASF member and FAS contributor, Colonel Mario Campos.  Following is Mario’s description of General Joseph “McGoo” McFall’s presentation to the Black Sheep Squadron Graduates, their families, guests, and assembled staff:

The members of the El Paso, TX Daedalian Flight 24 were privileged to be invited as guests of the 8th Fighter Squadron for the graduation of new F-16 Fighter Pilots from Class 22- EBH, Holloman AFB, New Mexico.

“Flight members, Mario Campos, Alan Fisher, and Ric Lambart attended and presented the Daedalian ‘Major Gen Franklin A. Nichols’ Leadership Award to Captain Michael “Full” Shaw. Captain Shaw’s next assignment is in the Far East.

The evening’s guest speaker was Brig. Gen. (Ret), Joseph D. “Magoo” McFall. An experienced Viper Pilot, Gen. McFall finished his career as Senior Military Advisor to the Assistant Secretary of State, Bureau of Political-Military Affairs. Extraordinarily, if not uniquely, for a Flag Officer, Gen. McFall continues to serve the F-16 community as a contract VIPER instructor at Holloman AFB.

During his address, Gen McFall gave four main points:

  1. Know Yourself;
  2. Appreciate Others;
  3. Be Happy;
  4. Be Human.

As he went through his speech, Gen McFall gave a thoughtful personal story to reinforce the importance of each point. All of them revolved around not only competency, but also around leadership and treating others with the same respect one would expect for themselves.   He further relayed how each of these points affected him in both peacetime and in combat.

The members of the 24th Flight wish Capt. Shaw (below photos) and all the new Fighter Pilots of Class 22-EBH only the greatest of success in their new assignments and careers. Also, many thanks to Capt. Brett Bultsma (seen in the below photos), an 8th FS Instructor Pilot, for his outstanding work as graduation project officer and for all the assistance he provided to Daedalian Flight 24.“

The Graduates were: 1st Lt. Emna “ZONA” Bonner, Capt. Daniel “DAS” Boutillier, Capt. Daniel “KATS” Katuzienski, 1st Lt. Scott “HOBBLE” Aauritsen, 1st Lt. Drake “Sir Francis” Martin, 1st Lt. Seth “NOTSO” Sharpe, Captain Michael “FULL” Shaw, 1st Lt. Zachary “TONE” Siffler and 1st Lt. Ryan “DIBS” Woodall.  You’ll see each of them in the following photo further down this page.  To see any photo in its full hi-definition, just click on it.  You are welcome and free to download any photos you’d like.

The assembled dining hall was filled with family and special guests, as well as the Holloman Air Force Base personnel who played a vital role in the graduates’ advanced Fighter Pilot Training Experience.  The Daedalians award the graduating Class’s top Leader, with the unique Daedalian Leadership Award.

Again, this class’s top Leadership Award was given to Captain Michael “FULL” Shaw.  The Project Officer for the event was Captain Brett “MULLIGAN” Bultsma, a decorated Fighter Pilot and one of the Squadron’s Instructors, all of whom have actual battle experience.  The renowned F-16 Viper has been a first-line Fighter in the USAF for more years than the age of every one of the new graduate pilots.

 L to R: Lt. Col. Alan Fisher, Project Officer Capt. Brett Bultsma, and Colonel Mario Campos.

L to R: Captain Bultsma grins at Daedalian, Ric Lambart’s old-timer Air Force ramblings.

Col. Alan Fisher, 8th FS Project Officer, Captain Brett Bultsman, and Colonel Mario Campos.

Capt. Brett Bultsma, Graduation Project Officer, explains the roots of his call sign, “Mulligan.”        (This is a 50-second video clip. You can see it full-screen by using the “full” size icon)

L to R: Capt. Brett Bultsma and Lt. Colonel Matthew “Poison” Marshall, the 8th’s Commander

Col. Campos chatting with 54th Fighter Group CO, Col. Samuel Stitt, III & his wife, Meghan

L to R: Colonel “Tweak” Stitt, Meghan Stitt, Cols Alan Fisher & Mario Campos, Daedalians

L to R: Col. Samuel Sitt, Meghan Stitt, Chief MS Nathan Chrestensen, & Colonel Alan Fisher

    Colonel Stitt describes a flight experience he had with the usual hangar talk gestures . . .

  Major Donald “Sizzle” Lodge-Maragh at the Podium, as Captain Brett Bultsma looks on.

Colonel Matthew “POISON” Marshall, CO of the 8th Fighter Squadron addresses the audience

General (Retired) Joseph “McGoo” McFall speaks to the class and guests about his days on active duty as an Air Force Fighter Pilot. The General has over 2,800 hours, 795 of which were in combat while piloting the F-16 Viper, the same aircraft flown by this class’ new graduates.

Longtime FASF member and Daedalian El Paso, Texas Flight 24 Commander, Colonel Mario Campos, Congratulates Captain Michael “FULL” Shaw, who won the coveted Daedalian Leadership award.

L to R, All 9 graduates of “The Black Sheep” 8th Fighter Squadron Class 22-EBH: Capt Daniel “DAS” Boutillier, 1Lt Drake “Sir Francis” Martin, Capt Michael “Full” Shaw, 1Lt Emma “Zona” Bonner, 1Lt Scott “Hobble” Lauritsen, 1Lt Seth “NOTSO” Sharpe, 1Lt Zachary “Tone” Stiffler, Capt Daniel “KATS” Katuzienski, and 1Lt Ryan “DIBS” Woodall.Colonel Campos chats with top-class LEADER, Captain  “FULL” Shaw, about his USAF career. Colonels Mario Campos and Alan Fisher proudly flank top award winner, Capt. Michael ShawCaptain Michael “FULL” Shaw listens to Colonel Fisher describe some of his USAF experiences

314th Fighter Squadron Graduates Dozen New Viper Pilots

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 Colonel Mario Campos

This post was written – and photographed – by Colonel (Ret) Mario Campos (L), current Captain of Daedalian Flight 24 in El Paso, TX, all of which members are also members of the FASF.

On 22 April 2023, members of the 24th Flight attended the 314th Fighter Squadron’s F-16 graduation ceremonies for Class 22-DBH from Holloman AFB, NM.

 

 

The evening’s guest speaker was Col Leonard “Lucky” Ekman, USAF (Ret) (below) who logged over 4100 hours in fighter aircraft with 1600 of those being combat hours in 287 missions over Vietnam in F-105 and F-105G Wild Weasels. His “luck” extended during a mission over Vietnam where he was shot down and successfully rescued. Col Ekman retired in 1990 as the Vice Commander of the 16th Air Force. An avid glider pilot, he has his sights set on completing 1000 glider hours soon. Amongst Col Ekman’s greatest accomplishments are that both his son and daughter were also fighter pilots.            (To see the above US Air Force Academy photo full size, just click on it)

Col Ekman spoke about tactical call signs and their evolution.  He mentioned how today’s fighter pilots get their call signs and how many would be embarrassed to give the real story of how they were given to them.  He mentioned that early in Vietnam, personal call signs didn’t exist and were really a daily rotating call sign given to a flight that pilots would sometimes forget.  He explained that a strike package (mission attack plan) could exist of numerous types of aircraft and if someone called “Lead, Break Right,” many would respond “Say Call Sign” because of the confusion caused by not knowing the daily call sign.  After attending the Navy’s Top Gun Course where he apparently first witnessed the Navy tradition of each fighter pilot having his own personal call sign or “handle,” he saw the practical need for these individual tactical call signs that could be easily remembered.  Col Ekman then implemented this Navy tradition when he became a Squadron Commander.

Col Ekman concluded by congratulating the new fighter pilots and reminding them to enjoy the call signs they’ve received – or will end up with – because they’ll contribute to some great memories.

     Capt Lee & Col Pitt

During ceremonies, the 24th Flight’s senior-most member, Col. Bob Pitt (R),  proudly presented Maj Gen Franklin A. Nichols Daedalians Leadership Award to Captain Matthew “WOB” Lee (L) who will go on to fly F-16  Vipers at Kunsan AB, Korea. Below, at right are Captain Lee, his mother, Mrs. Lee, and Col. Pitt.

In another reunion moment for a member of the 24th Flight, Class 22-DBH’s Distinguished Graduate was Capt Barry “Mutombo” MacNeill (below left) who happens to be the son of Barry “Bear” McNeill, a former F-4G Weasel EWO (Electronic Weapons Officer) and F-15E WSO (Weapons System Officer).

Capt Barry McNeil & LC Sanford

Bear had an outstanding career in the Air Force including Squadron and Operations Group Commander in the 98th Range Wing at Nellis AFB and Deputy Director of the Air Force Joint Test and Evaluation Program where he retired from the Air Force.  Bear is now Vice President at Amentum Corp.  Bear and current 24th Flight Captain Mario Campos were both Instructor EWOs at the 453d Flying Training Squadron at Mather AFB, CA in the late 80s.  Bear also served with 24th Flight Member Lt Col (Ret) Miles “Cowboy” Crowell in the F-15E!  Cowboy (at R below) was at the event to present the Red River Rats Association Award to Lt Matthew “Minnie” Dunlap.

Lt Matthew Dunlap & Col.Crowell

The 24th Flight congratulates the eleven newest fighter pilots of Class 22-DBH and wishes them only the very best in their future careers. The Flight would also like to thank 314 FS Commander, Lt Col Kirby “Fuel” Sanford and his outstanding staff for hosting the members of the 24th on this momentous occasion.

All members of the 314th shouted out their squadron’s slogan,  “Strike,” as the event came to a close.

 

 

311th Fighter Squadron Graduates 10 New F16 Fighter Pilots

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Colonel Michael P. Driscoll (above) is the Commander of the 54th Fighter Group, at Holloman AFB (HAFB), New Mexico. He is responsible for the operations of the largest F-16 Formal Training Unit. The 54th Fighter Group consists of more than 400 people including three F-16 Fighter Squadrons, an Operations Support Squadron, and a Training Squadron.  This class, 22-CBH, of the 311th Fighter Squadron, is one of the three Squadrons he commands. Previously, Colonel Driscoll served as the Director of Plans and Integration, USAF  Warfare Center, Nellis AFB, NV.   This is his third deployment to Holloman AFB.     Photo Courtesy of the United States Air Force.

   311th Fighter Squadron Flight Instructor, Capt. Zachary “Fyst” Rutledge Opened ceremonies as the official MC

At this point, it is appropriate to point out that your webmaster is deeply thankful for all the help provided behind the scenes by Captain “Fyst” Rutledge (above) who helped identify all the members and guests in each of the following photos, which you are free to download in full Hi-Res once you first click on the photo in which you are interested to see it full-sized.  As soon as the opening ceremonies were concluded it was time for dinner as seen below.

                     Lt. Colonel Austin “CODE” Brown, the 311th Commander, helps open the festivities.

L to R in the foreground in the lineup for dinner are Col. Mike Driscoll, 54th Group Commander, and his wife, Sonia

Mrs. Sonia Driscoll, the 54th Group Commander’s wife, chats with FASF member and Daedalin, Col. Alan Fisher

L to R at the head table are Col. Bob Pitt, Col. Mario Campos, Col. Alan Fisher (all long-time FASF members and El Paso, TX Daedalian Flight 24 members), Mrs. Sonia and Colonel Mike Driscoll, CMSgt Nathan Chrestensen, and MSgt. Roidan Carlson.  Colonel Pitt (L), a former F4 Fighter Pilot in Vietnam, animatedly describes one of his missions.

(L) Captain Luke “HODR” Farrell, Graduating B Course Student, Presents A1C Danny Pham with the “Most Valuable Crew Chief Award.”

L to R: Capt. Luke “HODR” Farrell presented “The Hammer Award” to Lt. Colonel Austin “Code” Brown.

L to R: Lt. Colonel James “TRACE” Hayward, Director of Operations 311th FS, gives the cherished “Red River Rat‘ (From the Vietnam conflict) Award to Capt. Rick “FIFA” Depaola, one of the graduating students.

L to R: Daedalian Flight 24 Flight Captain, Colonel Mario Campos presents the Daedalian Leadership Award to graduating Student, Capt. Luke “HODR” Farrell.

L to R:  Maj Eric “HAVOC” Hakos, 311th instructor pilot, giving the Top Pencil Award to Capt Rick “FIFA” Depaola

L to R: Maj Timothy “STEAL” Miller, 311th instructor pilot, giving the Air to Air Top Gun Award to 1st Lt Andy “PIERCE” In

L to R: Capt Austin “CRUD” Hornsby, 311th instructor pilot giving the Air to Ground Top Gun Award to 1st Lt. Logan “PINT” Albers

L to R: Lt. Colonel Austin “CODE” Brown presents the Distinguished Graduate Award to Lt. Logan “PINT”  Albers

L to R: (1) Capt Luke “HODR” Farrell, (2) Capt Brandon “Luigi” Cambio, (3) Capt Thomas “Forrest” Molnar,  (4) 1st Lt Austin “Mario” Reinholz, (5) 1st Lt Andrew “PIERCE” In, (6) 1st Lt Cole “FLCS” Pollock, (7)1st Lt Logan “PINT” Albers, (8 )1st Lt Samuel “Donde” Reindl, (9) 1st Lt Jim “MOTOR” Maier, and (10) Capt Rick “FIFA” Depaola

                            Colonel Austin “CODE” Brown, 311th Squadron Commander, Closed the Ceremonies

L to R: FASF Members and Daedalians, Cols Alan Fisher, Bob Pitt, and Mario Campos, proudly pose with Daedalian Leadership Award recipient, Captain Luke “HODR” Farrell at the end of ceremonies.

L to R: Colonel Bob Pitt with Colonel Dick Jonas: Two old fellow Fighter Pilot pals from the Vietnam Conflict, over 50 years ago, greeted one another and compared notes after not seeing each other since leaving the Far East.  Colonel Jonas entertained the assembled crowd with his Fighter Pilot Ballands, including one about his favorite ship, the F-16 Viper, in which the graduates had just trained.  Colonel Jonas performs this song in the 3:50-long video below.  The first VIPER entered service in 1980, making it now 43 years old, therefore much older than any of the evening’s ten graduating students.

Short biography of F4 & F16 Fighter Pilot – Balladeer Dick Jonas from his Catalog.

Here, below, are the (1) Cover of Dick’s Catalog of songs (and of how you can order one), (2) its inside front cover (Also photographed immediately up above), and (3) the back cover of the catalog.  Just click on each link to see it in PDF format on a new tab of your browser should you like to write Dick for any of his unique songs:

1. imgDickJonas’CatalogCover

2. imgInsideCoverDickJonasCatalog

3. imgDickJonas’CatalogBackCover

Immediately below, is an 11-minute Video about the F-16 Viper in which this class has just graduated.

 

 

Daedalians Hear From F-16 Fighter Pilot About AF Careers

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Major Mat “Sled” Park, a combat-experienced F-16 Viper fighter pilot, now an instructor at Holloman AFB, in NM, spoke to the Flight 24 Daedalians of El Paso, Texas, about the current life of an Air Force fighter pilot, and of the possible future of his profession as we begin our merge into the 6th Generation of U. S. Fighter aircraft.  He also extolled the exciting and rewarding life of both a fighter pilot – – – and a career in the USAF.  Almost uniquely, it happens that “Sled’s” wife, Danielle, is also an F-16 Viper instructor pilot at Holloman.  They met while on duty in Japan, married, and now have two children.  The Air Force arranges for them to serve together.

Colonel Mario Campos

Here’s Major Park’s story, told by Daedalian Flight Captain, Colonel Mario Campos – at left. (All members of the Flight 24 are also long-time members of the FASF):

Maj Mathew “Sled” Park grew up in Phoenix, Arizona with his two brothers. His father served as an F-16 pilot for 20 years and his mother put up with their video games, fights, and affinity for getting into trouble. He often went on long backpacking or motorcycle trips with his brothers, exploring the varied terrain of the Southwestern United States.

 

       Maj. “SLED” Park

Sled went to the USAF Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado in 2007 where he dreamed of becoming a fighter pilot . . . until the Air Force determined he was not medically qualified to fly fighter planes. Disheartened but not defeated, he elected to learn Russian and major in Eastern European geopolitical studies in order to work as an intelligence officer in the USAF and eventually at the state department. A last-minute Hail Mary waiver allowed him to attend UPT at Sheppard AFB, TX where he tracked his first choice (F-16s) in 2012.

After graduating from UPT and IFF in 2013, he went to Luke AFB, Arizona, and graduated from the F-16B course at the 309th Fighter Squadron (QQMF), which was coincidentally the same fighter squadron from which his father had retired. His first assignment took him to Misawa, Japan, home of the PACAF Wild Weasel Block 50 F-16s. He deployed in 2015 as part of Operation Inherent Resolve, where he flew 376 combat hours in support of friendly troops and experienced firsthand the atrocities committed by ISIS on the people of Iraq, Kurdistan, and Syria.

He returned to Misawa, completed the Flight Lead Program, went on way too many TDYs and exercises across the PACAF theater, and eventually returned to the United States to learn to become an instructor pilot at Holloman AFB, NM.  It was there that he married his wife, Major Danielle Park, USAF, also an F-16 pilot, but not a better one, (if you ever ask him). The couple quickly had two children and transferred to the USAF Reserves as a full-time instructor pilot after 5 years on active duty in the Regular Air Force in New Mexico.

Sled and his wife (below photo on a mountainside) live in the mountain resort town of Cloudcraft, NM, and primarily spend their time exploring the state with their children and dogs on various camping, climbing, sailing, and hiking trips.

                                                       Sled and Danielle love mountain climbing

Sled and his wife were recently hired by the Air National Guard (ANG) in January of 2023 and intend to move to the Midwest, where they will continue to fly SEAD (Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses) missions and assist their unit with regular alert responsibilities.

♦

Getting things set up for the meeting: L to R: Col. Alan Fisher, and Sled Park chatting with Connie Sullivan

Flight Captain Colonel Mario Campos sets the Daedalian Shield up for the gathering.

Newly retired Flight Captain Col. Alan Fisher delivered the Daedalipan Flight’s Shield for display at the meeting.

Colonel Bob Pitt was interrupted for the photo shoot while talking with Connie Sullivan at his right.  In the background are Colonel Campos speaking with Major “SLED” Park, the meeting’s guest speaker.

L to R: Foreground: Col Mario Campos, Connie Sullivan, Virg Hemphill, and Roger Springstead, in the rear with backs to the camera are: Ulla Rice, Major Park, Col. Fisher, and AFROTC students  Adam Hernandez, Maximilian Rothblatt – – – at the rear, facing camera: Jerry Dixon, Cliff Bossie, Judy Campos, Melissa Fisher, AFROTC students,
Jorge Villalobos and Lyn Salas

L to R: Cols Bob Pitt and Mario Campos

Colonel Campos introduces the guest speaker, Major Mat “SLED” Park

Colonel Campos presents Major Park with his token of the Flight’s appreciation.

(L to R) Col. Mario Campos, Adam Hernandez, Maximilian Rothblatt, Jorge Villalobos, Lyn Salas, Maj. Mat ‘Sled’ Park, and Ric Lambart – Photo by  Col. Alan Fisher

 

 

 

FASF/Daedalians, Cite Top Leader of New 8th Fighter Class

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Once again, the El Paso Daedalian Flight attended the graduation of ten new VIPER fighter pilots at Holloman AFB (HAFB), Alamogordo, NM on Saturday, the 3rd of December.  Colonel Mario Campos did the honors.  Here are your members at the event.          Remember:

[Just click on any photo to see it in full size and resolution]

Daedalian Flight Captain Lt. Colonel Alan Fisher chats with Mrs. Sarah Rich.

Colonels Miles “Cowboy” Crowell pours some iced tea, Col. Mario Campos is facing the camera, and Col. Bob Pitt is standing and holding the blue folder.

L to R Clockwise: Mrs. Starlyn and husband, Lt. Col. Dale “RAM” Weller, Mrs. Lindsi and L/Col John “Atari” Harris, Captain Nicholas and Mrs. Sarah Rich, and our own Lt. Col. Alan Fisher.  Your editor took the photo.,

                        Squadron Commander, Lt. Colonel  George Normandin welcomes the graduates and guests

                 Lt. Colonel (Ret.) Scott A. Fredrick, the ceremony’s Guest Speaker, starts his talk.

Our Colonel Mario Campos congratulates Squadron Commander, Lt. Colonel George Normandin who stood in for the Leadership Award’s winner, Captain Dennis “FARM” Cook, who was absent to attend his sister’s wedding.

Left, Colonel Miles “COWBOY’ Crowell congratulates the Winner of the Red River Rat awardee, Lt. Nathan “BOOM” Nuveman.

“COWBOY” AND “BOOM” pose with the award

8th Fighter Squadron’s new Graduates, Class 22-BBH -L to R: Lt. John ‘STATUS’ Bove; Lt. Trey ‘TABLE’ Alexander; Capt. Kyle ‘TATER’ Cline; Lt. Thomas ‘MORTY’ Toscano; Lt. Spencer ‘NAATY’ Prather; Lt. Nathan ‘BOOM’ Nuveman; Lt. Samuel ‘LENNY’ Valleroy; Lt. Logan ‘FULL’ Frost; and Lt. Ryan ‘FANI’ Walsh

FASF/Daedalians pose with the Squadron CO LC. George Normandin ( at L) and Guest Speaker, at the rear, Ret. LC Scott Fredrick.  Daedalian/FASF members L to R are Col. Mario Campos, Col. Miles Crowell, Col. Bob Pitt, and Daedalian Flight 24’s Captin, Col. Alan Fisher.  Photos by Ric Lambart

 

The odds this could happen? Almost zilch, but it happened!

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It was almost 40 years ago when the Williams AFB, Arizona Daedalian “Willie” Flight #82 began to give an award to each graduating class of new F-16 Fighter Pilots at Luke Air Force Base (LAFB) (near Phoenix) a highly and much cherished “Leadership”  trophy.

NOTE: Click on any photographs to see them in full (high) resolution on a separate page.

Above: F-16 Viper takes off for a mission.

The Training staff would vote for the student who displayed the greatest leadership qualities.  When that LAFB F-16 VIPER training program was transferred to Holloman AFB (HAFB) near Alamogordo, NM, the pleasant duty of presenting each class’s Daedalian Leadership Award fell upon the El Paso, Texas Daedalians’ Flight 24.

The below 3:12 minute long video gives a glimpse of the F-16 Viper training program, which began at Luke AFB, AZ, and is now carried on at Holloman.

All members of El Paso Flight 24 are long-time FASF members, which is why the FASF posts each of those HAFB Viper Graduation Ceremonies right here, whenever possible.

This post’s headline above refers to the two amazing coincidences that took place at each of the last two graduations at Holloman:  The most recent one was on August 20th, and before that, on May 21st of this year.

A few weeks ago the honored awardee of the Leadership prize was a new female fighter pilot, Captain Nicole L. “Clump” Palyok (Below) – – – Go to the end of the post to read Captain Palyok’s short biography.*

        Captain Nicole Palyok’s 311th Tactical Fighter Squadron graduation program photo . . . (much enlarged)

Flight 24 had awarded that same achievement trophy to its very first female fighter pilot over five (5) years ago; Lt. Claire “Harry” Bieber. The now Captain Bieber is only the second part of the event’s coincidences.  The most astounding component of the coincidences began with what actually took place last May when the top Leader graduate was Captain Mark “GEF3” Palyok. (Below)

                           Captain Mark Palyok’s 8th Tactical Fighter Squadron Graduation Program Photo

Were they brother and sister?  No, rather a husband and wife.  And, after their graduation, both will be stationed in Japan – – – and at the same location: Misawa Air Base.

Of course, the odds of this happening are beyond minuscule, but it did take place.  And your webmaster was privileged to witness this amazing coincidence unfold.

The other astounding small-world coincidence concerning these two female Fighter Pilots is that your Webmaster sat next to Lt. Colonel Jim Hayward and his wife during the 311th TFS graduation dinner just four weeks ago.

When I mentioned to Colonel Hayward that there was only one other female that had been selected as a graduating squadron’s top leader – – – and that that award had been presented by me five years ago.  The Colonel inquired about that female awardee’s name.

I said it was Claire Bieber.  

He was quite surprised. Not only did he know her, but he said, “She was my ‘wingman’ in Afghanistan!“

The Colonel then went on to assert that she was the finest, a ‘wingman’ who was among the best pilots he’d experienced, one that he knew always “had his back”  . . . in short, “She was great!”

So, without further ado, let’s see the characters involved in these two coincidences (follow the link above to see all about Capt. Bieber).

Last May 21st was when Captain Mark Palyok was awarded the Daedalian Leadership Trophy by long-time FASF member and current Daedalian Flight 24 Captain, Colonel Alan Fisher:

                                Col. Alan Fisher congratulates Capt. Mark Palyok on his achievements

L to R: Col. Bob Pitt, Col. Alan Fisher, Capt. Mark Palyok, Ric Lambart, and Col. Miles “Cowboy” Crowell

          That evening, Col. Miles “Cowboy” Crowell, Daedalian, explained the Vietnam Era “River Rat” Award

                 Colonel Crowell congratulates Lt. David “Souper” Cooper, recipient of the River Rat Award

And now, let’s pick up the next Palyok event, Here, below, are the photos from that Graduation:

                    Colonel Fisher presents the Leadership Trophy to Captain Nicole “Clump” Palyok.

  Colonel Fisher explains the significance of the award from the Daedalians to the audience as Capt. Palyok listens.

The evening’s graduates stand on stage at the end of the ceremonies. L to R above are Capt. Timothy Crain, Lt. William Tatum, Capt. Palyok, Capt. Phill Warden, Guest Speaker Major (Ret.) T. O. Hanford, Lt. Isaiah Butcher, Lt. Eliot Shapleigh, Capt. Nicholas Reisch, Lt. Austin Good, Lt. Connor Davis, and Lt. David Louthan.

The Graduates removed their Dress Uniform jackets to reveal their traditional “Party Shirts” in readiness for the celebratory session. L to R above are Lt. William Tatum, Lt. Isaiah Butcher, Capt. Nicholas Reisch, Capt Phill Warden, and our star for the evening, Capt. Nicole Palyok.

    Ric Lambart, Col. Alan Fisher, Col. Mario Campos, Nicole Palyok, Colonels Bob Pitt, and “Cowboy” Crowell.

Chatting after the ceremonies are: L to R: Capt. Nicole Palyok, Colonels Bob Pitt and Mario Campos

 

During the award ceremonies, Col. “Cowboy” Crowell presented the “River Rat” award to Captain Timothy Crain.

*  Nicole grew up in an Air Force family moving around her entire life. Her grandpa flew cargo in Vietnam, her dad flew the F-15C fighter, and her brother is a B-1 pilot stationed at Ellsworth SD right now.

So Nicole has 3 generations of pilots in the family which is “pretty awesome.”

She went to college at the University of Virginia where she got a BS in Biology. Originally she was Pre-Med while doing AFROTC, but after giving flying a try for a few hours in a Cessna she decided to apply for a pilot slot.

Nicole was commissioned and moved to Laughlin AFB in Del Rio, TX for Undergraduate Pilot Training (UPT). She stayed there after UPT as a First Assignment Instructor Pilot (FAIP) and taught students how to fly the T-38 for 3 years in the 87th Flying Training Squadron.

That is where she met her husband, Mark Palyok, who was also a T-38 FAIP at the time.  Her husband and Nicole moved to Holloman AFB last summer and both went through F-16 training at the same time, though he was two months ahead of his wife’s class. Mark is already out at Misawa AB, Japan, and she will be joining him there in October. They are “very excited to be flying the Viper and to have the opportunity to travel overseas too.”

Nicole remarked that it was “funny that we both ended up being selected for the (Leadership) award, It was quite an honor.” 

 

Daedalian-FASF Members Get Scoop From New WEAM CEO

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Mike Epp, WEAM CEO

Mike Epp, at left, is the new Director of the War Eagles Air Museum (WEAM) at nearby Santa Teresa International Jet-Port.  When long-time FASF member Robert “Bob” Dockendorf retired last year we all wondered who would fill his large shoes as Director of the museum.  The mystery is now over: It is Mike Epp.  Mike was the guest presenter at last week’s monthly meeting of Daedalian Flight 24 in El Paso, Texas.

Still showing a less than average turnout as the result of the long shut-down from the pandemic, Mike still had a good sized Daedalian group assembled to witness his show, as the following photos reveal (click on any photo to see in full resolution):

L to R: Larry Spradlin and Mike Epp pose for our photographer as the Daedalians and guests arrive.

L to R above: Charlie and Mayre Sue Overstreet, Col. Bob Pitt (back to camera), Larry Spradlin, Julie Pitt. guest Mary Barnes, and Colonel Melissa Fisher.

L to R: Mike Epp in discussion with an old friend, Flight Treasurer, Virg Hemphill

L to R: Colonels Mario Campos, previous Flight Captain, and Melissa Fisher.

L to R: Jerry Dixon, Col. Mario Campos, Larry Spradlin, Virg Hemphill (his back) Mike Epp, Ulla Rice and Pete Brandon.  Flight Captain, Col. Alan Fisher is at podium getting ready to call the meeting to order.

L to R: Col. Fisher, Roger Springstead, Col. Fisher, Mary Barnes, Charlie Overstreet, Julie Pitt with Col. Pitt giving his Flight Adjutant’s report.

Colonel Alan Fisher asks Charlie Overstreet, a long-time Docent at the WEAM, to introduce Mike Epp.

                                Charlie Overstreet introducing the meeting’s speaker, Mike Epp.

                                                              Charlie describing Mike’s background.

Presenter Mike Epp starts his show.

            Mike proceeds to describe the WEAM and its plans for the future, with F-51 Fighter of WWII fame on screen.

L to R: Mike, Alan Fisher, Charlie Overstreet, Melissa Fisher, Mayre Sue Overstreet, Col. Bob and Julie Pitt, and Roger Springstead.

  L to R: Mike explains the antique car collection, also a feature of his WEAM as Fishers listen.

L to R: Mike Epp, Julie Pitt (back to camera) Melissa and Alan Fisher, Col. Bob Pitt, Charlie and Mayre Sue Overstreet.  On screen is one of the WEAM displays, a Cessna T-37 jet trainer.

 Mike describes some of the museum’s most unique aircraft, such as the Russian MIG fighter depicted on the screen.

Mike tells the audience of his career in aviation, and how it began at an early age.  After High School he joined the Army and served as an Avionics Technician in Germany.  After four years service in the Army, he used the GI Bill to earn his degree to become licensed as an Aircraft and Powerplant (A&P) specialist, a skill he used in his much loved General Aviation and in its Corporate Aviation world.  In 1989 he took a position with the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) as an A&P mechanic and as an Avionics Technician, where he was stationed in South America.  After five years in that capacity, he left the Agency to join the Border Patrol as an Officer in San Diego, CA.  After three years with the Border Patrol, he switched back to the DEA again, but his time as an Agent in his much beloved El Paso, Texas.  In 2014 he retired from the Agency and became a volunteer Docent at the WEAM, and ultimately, after seven years, its Director.

L to R: Flight Captain, Col. Fisher listens to questions asked of the Director by Charlie Overstreet as his wife, Mayre Sue listens.

The Daedalians and guests listen intently as Mike brings his presentation to a close.

A very pleased Mike Epp gratefully accepts Colonel Fisher’s Daedalian gift as token of appreciation for his time and effort.

After the successful and informative presentation, Mike and Col. Fisher pose for our Photographer.

 

Steve Watson Tells of Father’s Role as Liberator Pilot in WWII

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L to R: Col. Norman Rice, Col. Alan Fisher and Mrs. Ulla Rice chat before lunch.

The most photographed and publicly acclaimed bomber used during WWII is without question, the B-17 Flying Fortress, but there was another less known, yet equally vital heavy bomber used during that global conflict, one which is too often disregarded, but which also played a critical part in the Allied Victory: the mighty LIBERATOR, the B-24, in its many variants.

 

At yesterday’s luncheon of the Daedalians at the El Paso Club in downtown El Paso, thanks to arrangements by Col. Alan Fisher, the flight’s members (all are FASF members!) learned of that LIberator’s exploits, and of Steve Watson’s (below right) father, Frank S. Watson, who was one of those select Army Air Force pilots chosen to fly that Liberator in the European Theater.

Steve Watson starts his presentation about the 467th Bomb Group and his father’s role.

Steve’s dad was one of the lucky aviators who came home safe and sound at the war’s end.  Frank flew the B-24 for the 467th Bombardment Group.  A short 7:00 video of film made about the 467th was shown to the Daedalians along with many personal photos of Steve’s father’s career from his earliest years through the war and then, back at home, when the hostilities ceased. Below you can watch a short 9:00 minute long film made of the 467th’s own “Witchcraft” Liberator


Remember, to see any photograph full size, simply click on it.

And for better viewing, don’t hesitate to open the videos to full-size, too.

L to R above: Larry Spradlin, Virg Hemphill and Jerry Dixon.

Prior to WWII, the main Ford corporation manufacturing factory at Willow Run, was a Ford owned farming operation, where young men learned to use Ford tractors to produce various crops on the 80 some acre area outside Detroit, Michigan.

Just prior to entering the war, the Army contracted with Ford to mass produce the B-24 heavy bombers on an unbelievable scale, finishing one every hour. This unbelievable production lasted throughout the conflict’s duration.  The mass production genius of the Ford Motor Car Company was surely one of the country’s major assets, one that clearly helped the Allies achieve their final victory.

When it was built, it became the largest such airplane manufacturing facility in the world.  Two basic operations took place inside its walls: 1) Manufacturing the airplane’s parts, and; 2) assembling the final product.  In addition to making the airplane, which was designed by the Consolidated Aircraft Corporation of San Diego, CA., Ford also manufactured the large radial air-cooled engines that powered the ship.

Unlike its famous automobiles and trucks, which contained some 15,000 to 16,000 parts, each Liberator contained more than 1,225,000 parts!  As each craft was completed, it was then ground and flight tested right at Willow Run’s huge airfield, an airport facility with enough concrete in its runways and taxiways to make a highway over 125 miles long.  Each of the 4 Ford produced air-cooled and super-charged engines produced 1200 HP.  The normal crew consisted of ten men.  The ship carried 4 tons of bombs, and over five thousand rounds of machine gun ammunition to arm its defenses. At high altitude, the Liberator could cruise over 300 MPH and had a range of over 3,000 miles.

Below is a 7 min. wartime film made of the extraordinary mass-production the made the Liberators.

Unlike its sister heavy bomber, the Flying Fortress, the Liberator had a modern tricycle landing gear, which made it substantially easier to land and handle on the ground.  Another interesting fact about the Willow Run plant was that there were always over 100 bombers being assembled under the huge roof.  Under that vast roof, there were also some 42,000 assembly workers busily putting these then modern aircraft together.

Adjacent to the Willow Run plant, a large school was set up, and before the war’s end, over 50,000 students had been graduated with all the highly technical skills needed in the Willow Run Plant.  There was a teaching staff of more than 100 instructors to get that task successfully completed.

Additionally, a large warehouse was also built nearby, to store the vast array of components that went into each bomber, from sheet metal, bolts, rivets and stringers, to complex aircraft instruments and radio gear. Each airplane had more than 4,000 rivets holding on its lightweight aluminum outer skin.  By the war’s end, Willow Run had produced over 8,685 Liberators! 

Additionally, another 9,815 more B-24s were built elsewhere, for a grand total of 18,500 Liberators produced across the country for use during the war.

L to R above: Larry Spradlin, Cols. Bob Pitt and Flight Captain, Mario Campos, and Virg Hemphill.

L to R above: Cols Mario Campos and Alan Fisher, watch as Presenter, Steve Watson, spreads out his wide assortment of WWII souvenirs touting the 467th Emblem and other related logos.

L to R. Col. Norman Rice and his wife, Ulla, and guest, Dick Heath.

Colonel Mario Campos, Flight Captain, calls the meeting to order.

Colonel Campos introduces the Speaker, Steve Watson, for the day.

Steve Watson starts his presentation about the 467th Bomb Group and his father’s story as a B-24 Pilot in WWII.

Watch as Tom Taylor, a surviving B-24 pilot from WWII, gets back into the only still flying Liberator, to once again take control of the famous bomber off the South Carolina coast.

 

 

McGee Briefs Daedalians on New UTEP Aero Space Program

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              Michael McGee, PhD

Dr. McGee (Left)  is a Senior Research Associate at the NASA Center for Aerospace Exploration and Technology Research at the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP).

Retired from the U.S. Air Force, Dr. McGee served as an F-16 pilot, including multiple tours and Mission Commander experience. He was a Command Pilot, a Standards and Evaluation Pilot, and spent four years as an instructor pilot in the F-16 division of the Air Force Fighter Weapons School.  He is also a Daedalian.

At a recent Daedalian Society meeting at the El Paso Club in downtown El Paso, Dr. McGee, most recently with California’s famous RAND Corporation, helped bring the Daedalians up to speed on UTEP’s latest Aero-Space developments and future plans.

All the local Daedalians are former or current military aviators as well as FASF members.  Dr. McGee educated the Daedalian Flight about the new UTEP Program.

He observed that the recently retired former U.S. Secretary of the Air Force, Heather Wilson, PhD, is the new UTEP President, and is, as well, an instrument rated general aviation pilot in her own right.  Her father was a commercial pilot.  Ms. Wilson graduated with honors from the USAF Academy and served as a U.S. Congresswoman from New Mexico.  Her unique background with its focus on aviation might help explain why Dr. Wilson has such a deep personal interest in helping this innovative new space-oriented program become airborne.

To see any photos below in high resolution, simply click on them.  Once on your new browser tab, another click will enlarge them to full size.

Before the meeting began, members and guests socialized. Here, L to R are: Mario Campos, Mike McGee, Jerry Dixon, Mark Pfluger, Charlie Overstreet, and, seated, Schelmo Rocha,  assistant to Colonel Norman Rice

L to R Standing: Roger Springstead, Dr. McGee, Mario Campos, Jerry Dixon, Mark Pfluger, Charlie Overstreet, Josianna and Gerry Wingett – Seated: Mr. Rocha, Norman Rice and his daughter, Timbiya Rice

L to R: Charlie Overstreet and Col. Mario Campos

L to R: Dr. Mike McGee and Jerry Dixon.

L to R: Mark Pfluger, and Jerry Wingett

L to R: Col. Campos and Flight Chaplain, Roger Springstead get ready to start the meeting.

                                                    Colonel Campos opens the meeting.

                                                   Dr. McGee begins his presentation.

     Dr. McGee, explains the new air space challenges presented by the explosion in the numbers of drones in the U.S.

Dr. McGee points out the serious air safety challenges posed by the fact that Airline Departures at Airports are well published in advance, presenting serious security threats from ill-intentioned drone operators.

Dr. McGee describes the additional aviation security threat posed by the ability of large numbers of airborne drones to be “swarmed” – creating virtual “clouds” of them in the air space.

Presentation ended, Flight Capt. Col. Campos presents Dr. McGee with a gift in thanks for his educational program

L to R: Dr. McGee posed by the Daedalian Seal with Vice Flight Capt. Ric Lambart and Flt. Captain Colonel Campos.

Below is Dr. McGee’s entire presentation, provided here because of its widespread implications for public safety in the new drone age.  The video is 41:47 in length.

(This video of Mr. McGee’s presentation was removed on September 27, 2022, at his request.)

 

Rio Grande Aviation Council Holds its Quarterly Fall Meeting

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President Wes Baker of the 555 Chapter of the EAA, at Las Cruces International Airport, arrives in his Vintage Cessna 140 for the meeting.

This past weekend, the RGAC (Rio Grande Aviation Council) held its Fall quarterly meeting at the WEAM (War Eagles Air Museum) at the Doña Ana County International Jetport in Santa Teresa, New Mexico.

In the words of one of the RGAC’s original two founders, Bob Dockendorf, “This newly formed organization is designed and purposed to improve and enhance communication between the many diverse groups that are involved in the regional  aviation community.”

Thirteen (13) representatives of the some twenty odd member aviation industry concerned organizations attended.  The two group photos below show those representatives who were able to attend this past Saturday.

All this post’s photos can be seen in hi-resolution and full size by simply clicking on them!

The RGAC’s governing member organizations include the following:

  1. Amigo Air Sho
  2. Cielo Dorado HO Association
  3. Civil Air Patrol – Squadron 215 – El Paso
  4. Civil Air Patrol – Squadron 24 – Las Cruces
  5. Dust Devil Flying Club
  6. EAA Chapter 1570 – Santa Teresa, NM
  7. EAA Chapter 555 – Las Cruces, NM
  8. El Paso Aviation Association
  9. El Paso Remote Control Association
  10. First Aero Squadron Foundation
  11. Horizon City Remote Control Flyers
  12. Las Cruces Aviators Flying Club
  13. Mesilla Valley Model Airplane Club
  14. Ninety-Nines – El Paso Chapter
  15. Order of Daedalians – Flight 24 – El Paso
  16. Quiet Birdmen
  17. USAF Academy Association
  18. USAF JROTC, Las Cruces HS, NM
  19. USAF ROTC Det. 505, UTEP
  20. USAF ROTC Detachment 505 NMSU
  21. War Eagles Air Museum (WEAM)

L to R seated: Tania Privette, and WEAM Director and one of the RCAC founders, Bob Dockendorf, and EAA’s John Signorino work on meeting’s details.

Other profit-oriented or governmental organizations involved in local area aviation such as the Airfield Managers of KDNA (Dona Ana Jetport); LRU (Las Cruces International Airport); El Paso International Airport; Fabens Airport (Texas); The Commanders of Army Aviation’s Biggs Field and Holloman Air Force Base; Director of the UTEP Aero Apace Department; Managers of the Tenants at the New Mexico International Space Port and the Director of NMSU’s Physical Sciences Lab, along with the Elephant Butte Irrigation District . . . are engaged as members of the non-voting class of associate membership in the Council.

The actual governing of the Council is primarily determined by the non-profit educational aviation consumer oriented groups active in the region.

L to R front row: John Signoriino, Tania Privette, Ric Lambart – Back Row: Tracy Short, Aurora Navarro, Daniel  Barcena, Mike LeGendre, Col. Mario Campos, Wes Baker, Eric Gensheimer, Todd Pasont, Bob Dockendorf, and Juan Brito.

Below, the group of representatives also gathered by the “Women in Aviation“ Display inside the WEAM main hangar (see below photo).

L to R: Ric Lambart, Aurora Navarro, Daniel Barcena, Tracy Short, Tania Privette, Mike LeGendre, John Signorino, Col. Mario Campos, Eric Gensheimer, Todd Pasont, Juan Brito, Wes Baker, and Bob Dockendorf – we don’t know the helmeted manikin’s name.