Cadets honor WW2 Airmen with a tribute presentation.

By 1st Lt Collin David

During the Collings Foundation Wings of Freedom Tour stop at Keystone Heights Airport, over thirty cadets and officers from Gainesville Composite Squadron, Marion County Composite Squadron, and Suwannee Valley Composite Squadron united to pay tribute to the brave airmen of the Second World War. Along with Captain Bob Oehl of the Gainesville Composite Squadron, who serves as a B-25 pilot for the tour, CAP members volunteered in several capacities, including serving as aircraft docents and directing parking. Highlighting the weekend were three unique color guard and drill presentations by Group II cadets, honoring the service of World War Two veterans.

First, on Saturday, February 23rd, the Florida Wing Color Guard posted the Colors for a symposium of the American Fighter Aces Association – the first event of its kind in Florida. Following that event, and with the Collings Foundation's fleet of warbirds forming an inspiring backdrop, the Florida Wing Color Guard performed in combination with an eight-cadet drill team as a tribute to Army Air Forces combat airmen.  With members hailing from all parts of Group II, the team executed an innovative drill routine, performed to musical accompaniment. This presentation was augmented by an inspirational reading composed by Capt Leslie Ballard and delivered by 1st Lt Collin David, both of the Gainesville Composite Squadron.

On Sunday the 24th, the Civil Air Patrol contingent had another unique opportunity, this time to honor five Women Airforce Service Pilots, or WASP, also veterans of World War II.  As the Florida Wing Color Guard made a presentation in their honor, Capt Leslie Ballard gave a brief history of each of the ladies' service experiences.  Each of the female airmen was presented with a long-stemmed rose by C/CMSgt Daniel Cook of the Gainesville Composite Squadron.  Chief Cook remarked afterward, “It was a once in a lifetime experience, and I loved the chance to show my appreciation for their service.  They even complimented me on my bearing, and I'll value that forever.” 

Several members expressed that it was a privilege to honor the courageous servicemen and women, and to serve those who came to do likewise.  Whether they were involved in drill and ceremonies, in answering guests' questions about the bombers, or in directing cars to parking spaces, each and every member served the veterans and community proudly.  “I thought it was fabulous.  I was honoring my nation's veterans,” said C/A1C MaryElizabeth Dowell of Gainesville, “I felt everything went well with the spirit of the event.” Said event organizer, 1st Lt Susan King of Gainesville, “Of course we want to do this again next year, but I’m not sure anything can top the magic of this weekend.”

For more photos of the event, visit the web gallery .