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WWII Living History: The club participated in a number of living history events throughout the northwest this last quarter. Following are debriefs of the events. |
Pendleton Airshow
By: Neal M. - Allied Air Forces Living History
Members of the NWHA Allied Air Forces made a big impression on the public at the recent Air Show and USO Dance at the Pendleton Air Museum on May 17. The weather was fantastic for some magnificent fly-by's of WWII warbirds such as the P-51, B-25, AT-6, BT-13 and a Russian La-7.
Tuskegee Vet with P-47
The highlight of the show for the members in attendance was a photo session with a P-47 that buzzed the airfield several times. An impromtu session with Tuskegee Airman and former 99th FG pilot Bill Holloman drew a big crowd. Bill borrowed NWHA members' flying gear for photos in the P-47 cockpit--and he didn't miss the chance to instruct the pilot on the proper way to fly the Jug!
The Pendleton Airfield is historic for being an important part of the training of Doolittle's Raiders in 1942, as well as several heavy bomber groups of the 8th Air Force. Neal M., Dave L., Doug B., Jason T., and Jeff O. (who filled in for a last-minute drop-out) all joined the museum's opening ceremony by posing with the static B-25 that commemorates the raid, re-creating a famous photograph of the lead crew.
The event was a blast for all concerned, and we look forward to attending again next year.
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NWHA Receives Citations and Plaudits for Support of Oregon National Guard Functions
By: John W. - NWHA Chairman
We had the pleasure of receiving invitations from Camp Rilea and the Oregon Guard recently to participate in several important ceremonies. Our esteem with Rilea and Ft. Stevens has accordingly soared with these cooperative and fulfilling activities. But the honors that came with them were astonishing.
On April 11, a new building was dedicated at Camp Rilea, the Warrior Hall Simulation Center, which drew three major-generals, including the Chief of the National Guard and Adjutant General. Colonel Lanning, Rilea's CO, thanked us for our support in his opening remarks.
On April 12, the Oregon National Guard Association, composed of all Oregon officers held its annual meeting at the Pavilion of the Astoria Fairgrounds, according us the privilege of carrying the colors of all its battalions in an impressive ceremony drawing over a thousand officers and personnel. We had 16 individuals representing three of our units, the 1st ID, the British 3rd Para Bde. as Army Air Corps converts, and three fallschirmjaegers as GI converts.
On April 26, the Brigade held its annual ANZAC Day ceremony at the Armory, where we were accorded the honor of posting six national flags. We had six guys from our 3rd Para Bde., Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders, and fallschirmjaegers present, including two dressed as Australians in the color guard.
The official party included major general Burgin, the NG Adjutant General; brigadier general Byrne, brigade commandant; and Squadron Leader Whittington representing ANZAC. In a private ceremony in the general's office, we presented the Squadron Leader a limited edition print of a painting by Jim Dietz featuring the 41st Division in action in the Pacific in WWII, which showed an Australian liaison figure in the group. He was stunned by the sentiment.
For his part, General Byrne presented us with a framed print of a 41st Div GI with a plaque for our "dedication to preservation of WWII history", and honoring veterans. Each of our participants received a medal from the Camp Rilea Training Center. On May 12, general Byrne sent us a personal letter to thank us, stating, "Your professionalism and attention to details created an historic awe for the audience," and praised our "selfless service and willingness" as a "shining example of professionalism". It was a very great honor for us to be a part of these programs.
Displays at Rilea
Lastly, at the Memorial Day weekend at Ft Stevens saluting American veterans, we had 18 people show up, the largest display of any, with all the members of the 1st ID present, including representatives of the 3rd Armor with two jeeps, and several errant fallschirmjaegers. The chairman of the Ft Stevens Board, Ron Kinsely, reported "rave reviews" from the public, and The Daily Astorian featured a front page photo of the 1st ID honor guard which gave a 21-gun salute at the flag raising ceremony.
This public service to Camp Rilea and Ft. Stevens is really the only way we can meaningfully establish ourselves with the community and which appreciates what we represent and what we do. Our strengthened relationships with these important venues come with both fellowship and a zeal for serving a common cause.
