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 / PIO OFFICER Col. Rick Rea 6854 Ardale Drive St. Louis,MO 63123 314-960-4927 col.rickrea@charter.net EXECUTIVE OFFICER Col. Steve Newcombe 708 Kent Drive Wentzville, MO 63385 636-332-6397 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. Tim Mohr 2301 Ambtose Imperial, MO 63052 314-291-6474 tgm01@sbcglobal.net

Merry Christmas

DECEMBER 2011

GOOD TIME

IN

BRANSON

U PCOMING E VENTS

Photos by John Holechek

Jan 14 Feb 11

General Meeting CANCELLED (WX) General Meeting - 1:30pm

A January/February Compass will be out the first week of February.

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

WING LEADER'S REPORT

HO! HO! HO! HOpe everyone had a safe and Happy Thanksgiving with family and friends. I dont know about you, but I didnt make it to any Black Friday, ODark Thirty, shopping frenzy at any Super Store. I was in Oklahoma and cheerfully slept in after enjoying family, turkey & dressing, ham, roast, and a myriad of trimmings and pies the day before. The weather was great and it was nice to spend the long weekend with everyone kicking back and enjoying fun stuff and football on TV as opposed to the daily reports of Congressional non-action and political antics. Always seems like this time of the year lets us all slow down a little (except for the last minute gift road trip) and reflect on great memories and the really important things in our life family and friends. Speaking of important stuff - Congratulations to our two newest MO Wing Staff members. Col. Bob Lawrence will assume the position of Executive Officer on January 1st, 2012 and Col. Chris Herrmann will take over the reins of Wing Safety Officer. My sincere thanks go out to Col. Steve Newcombe for his service as my XO and Col. Tim Mohr for his dedication to the Safety Officer position for the past many years. Both of these gentlemen did the organization proud and made my life easier. Thanks guys! Three Staff positions will remain under the incumbents. Maintenance Officer Col. Pat Fenwick, Finance Officer Col. $teve Gossett, and Wing Leader me. Now that our flying season is over and the mechanics begin their winter routine of aircraft annuals, I would like to take a moment and thank Col. Pat Fenwick and his Band of Merry Mechanical Brothers for spending so many hours, days, weeks and months performing their magical duties in keeping these great warbirds operational. Cols. Lou Tacchi, Jim Lammert, Bud Eberhardt, Dan Schmied, Buddy Welsh, Mark Statler, Dan Bauer, and others were constantly bending wrenches, banging elbows and scraping knuckles in order to have the birds fueled and operationally ready for the next Airshow, LHFE mission, or event all without complaint! OK maybe they did give me the raised eyebrow look every now and then, but, nevertheless, they were always at the hangars doing their important work and, at times, going above and beyond building things like the Statler Arms Model Mark II BBPDS pumpkin delivery system. They also spent time upgrading our propeller trailer, Jeep, jeep trailers and Deuce and a Half. I really appreciate these men and all of the serious work and fun times they continue to generate around the Wing. Oh, and they make great Stew, Chili, and Brats on special Thursdays! Speaking of Chili Congratulations to Col. Angie Herrmann for her First Prize in the 2nd Annual Chili Contest. It was an OUTSTANDING event and great food was consumed by all. Thanks go out to the event organizer, Col. Rick Rea, and to everyone that brought chili, desserts, condiments and goodies. There were lots of spouses and friends there and Im already looking forward to November 10, 2012! By the way Angie didnt make any chili, but still won First Place go figure...? 2011 was one of the best years at the Wing I can remember. We participated in many large Airshows, community events, Veteran observances, cemetery fly-bys, LHFE rides, a pumpkin carpet-bombing drop, and local community events. Things are already looking great for next year and will really start jumping around late March. Before signing off, Id like to personally thank Col. $teve Gossett for his continued service to our organization and all of the many hours he has put in over the many years doing the important finance matters for the Wing. He is definitely one-of-a-kind and

has always displayed one of the most professional and positive attitudes I have ever seen - and that includes my time in the Air Force and the Airline industry. $teve is one of the many reasons I still volunteer and never fails to make me smile when things get a little tense around the perimeter. He is a true friend and I have no idea what the Wing would do without his financial expertise, dedication and guidance. We were fortunate to have a couple members at the November meeting volunteer to help him with the Finance Officer position and act as backups if he were ever required to take some time off. This is one of the most important positions in the CAF and I really appreciate their stepping up to assist him and insure we can continue to be one of the most financially stable units in the States. Thanks again $teve for always being there In closing out another year at the Wing, I would like to personally thank every single member, every spouse or significant other, every son or daughter, and every person that oiled and fueled this machine and made it work. Without your support, the Hangar Dance, the monthly meetings, the LHFE and Veteran rides, the Airshows and flyovers, the chili cook-off, the Pumpkin Drop, the Branson Veterans Celebration support, the community parades, and all of the fun events would not have been possible. And, the overall personality and public view of our Wing would not be as great as it is today. Thank you, thank you!!! May everyone have a very Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukah, or great celebration of whatever you observe during this Holiday Season. May God bless and watch over you, your families, and this great Country of ours. See you all at the December 10th meeting or next year. Remember - with your help We can 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

2ND ANNUAL MISSOURI WING CHILI CONTEST

As OPR for this event it is my pleasure to write an article about our 2nd Annual Wing Chili Contest on November 19th. We had ten entries in the contest (including last years winner) presented for sampling to the attendees. Also included in the savory fare were many unique desserts, cornbread and hotdogs right off the grill. Some of the appropriately-named entries were Betty Grable Chili, Battle of Midway Chili, B-25 Bomber Chili, and Bombs Away Chili Cupcakes. Many attendees made multiple trips to the food area so as to do their best judging (and subsequent voting) for their favorite. 51 ballots were cast and officially counted, authenticated and sealed by me and Colonel Bob Lawrence. Each entry in the contest received at least one vote with the results as follows: *Third place with 7 votes - Colonel Tim Dexter. *Second place with 10 votes - Colonel Brandon Bebow. *First Place with 11 votes - Colonel Angie Herrmann with her unique entry - two flavors of chili cupcakes. Thanks to everyone that helped with the set-up, cooking, serving and cleanup it was a great event. What I liked best about this event (besides the great food) was meeting the guests that Wing members brought with them and the interaction between these guests and the Wing members. Start working on your chili recipe for the 2012 contest! Col. Rick Rea / PIO, ADJUTANT

Photo by John Holechek

Winter months also mean cold and flu season once again. The best way to protect against the flu is to get immunized with a flu shot. Below are some other tips to help avoid catching or passing on a cold or the flu: Avoid close contact with people who are sick. When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick too. If possible, stay home from work, school, and errands when you are sick. You will help prevent others from catching your illness. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick. Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub. Germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth. Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food. Please Be Part of the Solution, Not the Problem As more drivers seem to be in such a hurry to get everywhere, we must be vigilant to set the examples of good and courteous driving habits even though we may get irritated. Use your blinkers! Signal to those behind you your intentions so they are not suprised. Double check those blind spots. Dont jump across 3 lanes to exit the highway, instead go to the next exit and turn around. NEVER text while driving, and avoid using your cell phone. Show patience with others on the road and hopefully it will slowly spread. Road rage can be diminished, but it will take us all to make a difference. Col. Chris Herman will be our wing safety officer for the next two years. I am sure he will do an excellent job and my congratulations to him. Remember, we are all safety officers. Never hesitate to bring up suggestions, ask questions, relay observations.Dont Learn by Accident May all of you and your families have a very Merry Christmas and the Happiest of New Years! Col. Tim Mohr SO

DECEMBER SAFETY BRIEF

HANGAR OIL FURNACE

Several members have asked what types of oils can be donated to use in our waste oil furnace. We welcome your donations. The oil furnace can burn: Motor oil, Transmission fluid, Hydraulic oil, Vegetable oil, and #2 Fuel oil (diesel fuel). We cannot accept additives, paint thinners, gasoline, etc, or oils with alot of water or other debris in them as this clogs and contaminates the furnace and will lead to costly repairs. Also, if you bring a donation, please pour it into a storage barrel in the hangar and not directly into the furnace tank. If in doubt, please ask other members. Keep Em Flying (and warm) Col. Tim Mohr

1:30 PM Nov 19, 2011 < 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 Everett is doing well. COMMITTEE REPORTS: Compass John Coffey Gasoline Sales Jim Lammert/$teve Gossett Web Site Bob Lawrence Museum Jack Seeman PX Dick Hyde Recruiting & Membership Steve Newcombe Air Shows Matt Conrad/Craig OMara LHFE - Bob Moore Hangar Dance - Pat Kesler OLD BUSINESS BRIEFING ROOM Roof is done. Still asking Tracy about ceiling & interior. CHILI COOK-OFF GREAT EVENT!!! Angie Herrmanns chili cupcakes win 1st Prize! St. Charles Flying Service Open House, Corvettes & Warbirds, B-25 Pumpkin Drop, & LHFE rides on Oct 29th Outstanding support! Big thanks to Rick Rea, Angie & Chris Herrmann, Mark Statler & Lou Tacchi!!! BRANSON - Nov 4-13. Bob Moore Reports. Great fun and event!!! REST ROOMS Steve Newcombe OFFICE AREA REHAB Will begin soon... NEW BUSINESS AIRCRAFT STATUS: B-25: a/w TBM: a/w L-3: a/w All Annuals will begin shortly STAFF REPORTS: MAINTENANCE___ EXECUTIVE___ OPERATIONS____ SAFETY___ ADJUTANT___ PUBLIC INFO___ FINANCE___ AIR SHOW___ LHFE____ STEEL BLDG. Bill Wehmeier BIG BAND CHRISTMAS Dec 3rd at Maryville Center Bob Moore CHALLENGE COINS Now Available ELECTIONS - Positions up for election: Wing Leader, Executive, Maintenance, Finance, and Safety NOMINATING COMMITTEE 1. Chair - Bill Wehmeier 2. John Coffey 3. Dick Hyde ELECTION COMMITTEE 1. Chair - Matt Conrad 2. Dan Bauer 3. Dan Schmied RESULTS: WL: Pat Kesler XO: Bob Lawrence MX: Pat Fenwick FO: $teve Gossett SO: Chris Herrmann NO OTHER ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION Meeting Adjourned @ 3:00pm

GENERAL MEETING MINUTES

What is it AND where is it taken from? Call Matt Conrad

Photo by Margie Conrad

BIG BAND CHRISTMAS

On Saturday, December 3, a group from the Missouri Wing gathered at the Westminster Christian Academy for a holiday presentation called a Big Band Christmas. The show was being presented by a group called Broadway on the Driveway. All the proceeds are used to present a free show next summer. The show featured all the popular songs of the Christmas season being played by the St. Louis Big Band. In addition, dance and special performance numbers were staged by Swing St, Louis. It was an enjoyable way to spend a December afternoon and made for a great opportunity for us to get-together for another social with all our friends.

Steve accepting a TBM navigation table from a WWII TBM pilot.

Photo by John Holechek

COMMEMORATIVE AIR FORCE

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

DECEMBER 2011

ONE HOT DOG

NEW B-25 TIRES ARRIVE

Jim Lammert and Lou Tacchi picking up the tires.

Chris Herrmann... "Did you say well done? Got ya covered partner. Hey, don't run away."

Frank Doerr (4) Jerry Carpenter (13) John Everly (16) Craig O'Mara (22) Kim Schroer (27) Compass Deadline: January/February Newsletter - Need info by January 24

December Birthdays!