Carol Nelson, Secretary & Coordinator______IronGateAFA.org_____ President, Frank Hayes
With “Our Nation In The Time Of Need,” it is gratifying to see the outpouring of old fashion American Patriotism from a younger generation, rallying the public with musical tributes to men and women in military service, and journalists and authors educating the public on aerospace, defense and courageous leadership. In April, Medal of Honor recipient Colonel Jack Jacobs gave an inspiring talk on integrity in leadership, all of which is in his book, “If Not Now, When?” Congratulations to Bruce Whitman, who along with General Raymond Odierno and the five living USAF Medal of Honor recipients, was honored in December with the USO Distinguished Service Award at the USO Armed Forces Gala co-hosted by Medal of Honor recipient Colonel Jack Jacobs and NBC Anchor Brian Williams.
We applaud Tom and Rebecca Henricks for exceptional service to Iron Gate and for participating in our Memorial Reception. Thanks to Tom, for sharing his unusual experiences as “Top Gun,” Test Pilot and an Astronaut with 1,000 hours in the Space Shuttle on four missions. Tom’s exciting talk prompted Bruce Whitman to say “We’ve Hit The Jackpot.” At our December reception, we had teenagers present, who loved meeting Tom. Visit www.tom_henricks@aviationweek.com. We can never thank Rebecca enough for contributing her musical talents to Iron Gate events and for Singing Her Heart Out in support of GIs fighting in Afghanistan and Iraq, to whom she dedicated her No. 5 Album “SANDBOX.” Proceeds go to aid Wounded Warriors and their families. Visit Rebecca’s website at www.rebeccahenricks.com. Musical Composer Hank Fellows added to our patriotism with the performance of his guest, a Broadway Vocalist, singing “Anchors Aweigh” and Hank’s “Spirit of America,” which he was inspired to write by the horror of the 9/11 terrorist attack. Traveling farthest to attend our Memorial Reception was Marilyn Thompson from San Diego, CA. a jet pilot, helicopter pilot, President & CEO of Progress Air, and a Director of the Air Safety Foundation. We are grateful to Marilyn for her Patriotism and her contribution to aerospace. Proceeds of the event went to the USO and SSMAC, in honor of General J. Stanley Holtoner, a long time Director of the SSMAC. We welcome new members; Rich Appel, Steve Caruso, Sam Greenberg, Charlie & Julie Bernroth, John & Ellen Maguire, Tom & Rebecca Henricks, Mike Corsello, Warren Kozak, Joe Kenevan, Mike Kruge, James Plackis, Tony Lee, and U.S. Marine Corps F-18 Pilot Major Rudy Rickner.
For Our Air Force Family; A-10 Pilots Major Kim Campbell and Lt. Colonel Scott Campbell are now at Davis-Montham AFB, AZ. In April Kim leaves for Afghanistan, her 4th combat tour. 9th Bomb Squadron Commander Lt. Colonel Jen Fullmer returned to Dyess AFB, TX with her Squadron of B-1Bs, after a deployment to Qatar, in support of troops in Afghanistan. After her relinquish of command Jennifer will attend Air War College at Maxwell AFB, AL for a year. In October Colonel Ada Johnston returned with her 139th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron from Qatar, from where they flew air-evacuation missions out of Afghanistan. Colonel Mike Canders, of the 106th RW at Gabreski Airport is half way through his tour in Iraq, serving as base commander of Sather AB, Baghdad. Lt. Colonel Leslie “Jack” Miller from the New York Air Force Media Outreach Office is half way through his tour in the Public Affairs office at Kabul, Afghanistan. ROTC Detachment Commander Lt. Colonel Mark Adair and his wife are proud parents of a new son born in December. Lt. Colonel Joe Blewitt continues with frequent deployments of his KC-10 Squadron. And, best wishes to General Arthur Lichte for retirement and a well deserved rest.