WASP History Reaching Around the World!

With your kind permission--this article will continue to be UPDATED with information as it occurs. Consequently, it will be 'republished' using the current date when information is added.

Thank you!

Wonderful ripples from inspirational, patriotic WASP are spreading their way around the world. As a direct result of this campaign for the Congressional Gold Medal, MANY WASP who have never been asked, are being featured as the 'local hero' in their hometown papers. Some have even had national exposure (CNN, NPR, Reader's Digest, AF Times). It has been rewarding in every way, seeing these stories and seeing the photographs and the videos of WASP ACROSS AMERICA. Almost all of them are posted or linked on the Face Book site and the Wings Across America press page.

These WASP were asked about their service during WWII-- and, because WASP were stationed at 120 different Army Air Bases around the country with different flying missions at each base, no two stories are alike! EVERY story adds another colorful piece to the vast WASP mosaic of inspirational history!

Below is a list of a few WASP who have been interviewed- just in the last few months!

The truly exciting thing is that, once any article goes online, it can be seen around the world. In fact, I put a little widget on the medal page, just to keep track of visitors, and we've had people from around the world visit just that page--I stopped counting at 36 countries....

WASP FEATURED IN STORIES & SPEECHES ACROSS THE US.

Lois Dobbins Auchteronie--Washington

Mickey Axton--Minnesota Public Radio

Susie Winston Bain--Texas Austin American Statesman, AF Times

Rae Barnes--Arkansas

Edith Smith Beal--Bridgton, Maine

Betty Blake--Arizona--Reader's Digest --national magazine and online

June Bent--Mass. 2 different newspapers

Frankie Bretherick--Texas 2 different stories in 1 month

Catherine Bridge--California

Nell Stevens Bright--Arizona

Blanche Osborn Bross--Oregon -- featuring her son talking about his mom

B.J. Overman Brown--Maine

Ellen Campbell--Alaska

Duke Caldwell--Illinois

Mary 'Pat' Hiller Call--Washington

Slyvia Clayton--Tucson, AZ

Iris Critchel--California

Mildred Dalrymple, Texas -- Austin ABC news video, ceremony w/ Rep.

Jane Doyle--Grand Rapids, Michigan

Vivian Eddy--San Diego, California

Madeline Eggleston--Texas

Dorothy Eppstein--Kalamazoo, MI news + video

Eleanor Faust -- Orient, New York online video & newspaper

Grace Clark Fender--Texas --1 of 4 WASP featured on Congressman Mac Thornberry's website

Geraldine Tribble Vickers Crockett, Stevens, AK

Eileen Ferguson--Calif.

Ruth Shaffer Fleisher--Florida Miami Herald

Maxine Flournoy --Texas front page, Corpus Christi paper--reprinted in Dallas Morning News

Rosa Lea Fullwood -- Texas (Front page AOPA news--worldwide coverage + local TX newspaper w/ color photo)

Ann Gleezer--Con.

Elaine Harmon--Maryland (White House Press Release)

Sarah Payne Hayden--Mass.

Marion Hodgson--Texas -- TV and newspapers (Dallas & Wichita Falls)

Aline Rhonie Hofheimer--New York

Ruth Brown Humphries--Colorado

Bee Haydu--New Jersey & Florida (White House Press Release)

Pearl Judd--Califorfnia

Alberta Kinney--NY-- honored on the floor of the House of Rep. 3 days after she died

Eleanor Lawry--Danbury, Conneticut

Joan Michaels Lemley--Virginia--ceremony w/ Rep. Wolf

Dorothy Lucas--San Antonio, Texas ABC Station + local news

Margaret Neyman Martin-- Washington

Kathryn Miles--Eugene, Oregon--newspaper, visit in home by Senator Wyden

Anna Flynn Monkewicz--Oregon--Ceremony w/ Senator Wyden

Lois Nash--South Carolina

Doris Nathan--Kalamazoo, MI news + video

Geri Nyman--front page of Casa Grande, AZ paper

Geraldine Olinger--California

Phyllis Johnson Paradis--Bass Harbor, Maine

Sue Parish--Kalamazoo, MI news

Deanie Parrish--Texas. NPR "All Things Considered," CNN, local paper

Betty Pfister--Colorado--front page of the Aspen Times, Colorado

Genevieve Rausch--New York--by US Rep on in local newspaper

Mabel Rawlinson--Kalamazoo, MI

Marjorie Rees--KS Kansas City Star

Ola Rexroat--South Dakota

Shutsy Reynolds--Pennsylvania

Barbara Manchester Robinson--Tullahoma, TN -- Beechcraft museum display, local newspaper

Lorraine Rodgers--Virginia -- CNN live interview (White House Press Release)

Barbara Donahue Ross--Virginia--front page of Fauquier Times Democrat

Fran Roher Sargent--Florida Miami Herald

Joyce Secciani--San Diego, California

Janet Lee H. Simpson--Jacksonville, Florida

Edith Upson Smith, Green Valley, AZ

Helen Snapp--Miami, Florida

Henrietta Speckles Sproat--Oroville, California

Alyce Stevens Roher--Pasadena, California

Elizabeth Strohfus--Minnesota Public Radio

Virginia Sweet--NY-- her obit was carried in the AF Times

Margaret Phelan Taylor--Calif. -- TV Pentagon Channel & local + local newspaper & AF TIMES

Jane Tedeschi--Conn. CNN video and online story

Marcella Tucker--California

Mary Alice Vandeventer--Lueders, Texas newspaper and awarded Lifetime Membership in VFW

Barry Vincent--Florida

Florine Watson--Texas--TV and newspaper

Margaret Weiss--California

Violet Wierzbecki--Flint, MI

Beverly Wilkinson--Sedona, Arizona

Virginia Wood--Fairbanks, Alaska

Lillian Yonally--Troy, New York

NON-WASP INTERVIEWS ABOUT WASP:

Nicole Malachowski--interviewed and quoted nationwide--NPR, TV, all about the WASP

Nancy Parrish--interviewed and quoted--nationwide--all about the WASP

Amy Strebe--NPR SAN DIEGO--local show that is broadcast nationwide

Needless to say, this has been extraordinary. I am so grateful for those who have joined our campaign--ESPECIALLY MAJOR "FIFI" Malachowski--who really became the "WASP Champion!"

I know there will be MORE and MORE WASP honored and spotlighted all over the country! Plus, this list does not include WASP who have heard personally from one or both of their Senators -- or the Senators staff have reached out to "their WASP" -- or the Representatives who mention "THEIR WASP" on the floor of the House, or in a special proclamation, or a ceremony (one just happened this weekend at the State Capitol in Austin).

If you have not visited the 'S.614' page, please stop by! It is now the PL (PUBLIC LAW) 111-40 page!!! I have listed many thank you's on this page and will continue to update information on this extraordinary event!

How many blessings overflowing can we have???

Amazing opportunities to spread the inspirational WASP history EVERYWHERE!! Amazing. Heartwarming. God is definitely in charge!

May He continue to bless those who served and are serving today all around the world, and God, please bless America.

ASPEN WOMEN RECEIVE CONGRESSIONAL GOLD MEDALS

Published on Aspen Daily News Online (http://www.aspendailynews.com)

Aspen women receive congressional medals

Writer:

Troy Hooper

Byline:

Aspen Daily News Staff Writer

It may have been 60 years overdue, but last week President Barack Obama bestowed the nation’s highest civilian honor on the courageous and long overlooked Women Airforce Service Pilots.

Unfortunately, most of the women who flew U.S. military aircraft for the first time during World War II aren’t around anymore.

“The WASPs are dropping like flies. There were only about 1,000 of us to begin with and I think there are only 300 of us left,” said Elizabeth “Betty” Pfister in an interview at her Aspen home this week.

Pfister, 88, and another Aspen resident, Ruth Brown, 88, are both receiving the congressional gold medal for their admirable service. Now that Obama has signed the measure into law, a medal ceremony will soon be scheduled in the nation’s capital to honor the WASPs.

But for decades, the women were left out of the history books. The Women Airforce Service Pilots, or WASPs, formed in 1942 to answer the call of the military’s aviation need in the United States, freeing up male war pilots to do battle overseas. After 16 months, the program was shut down at the end of 1944 with zero recognition from the government. After the war ended, the women went back to their daily lives without receiving any of the support given to men in the military.

The WASP records were sealed for more than 30 years until, in 1977, Congress elected to make WASPs eligible for veterans benefits. The women did not perform in combat but they were assigned to military bases where they flew drones, transported cargo, served as instructors, conducted night exercises, tested repaired aircraft, and other dangerous duties. Thirty-eight women were killed carrying out their work.

Pfister, whose brother was a navy pilot who was killed when he was 21, already knew how to fly — and she was quite good at it.

“I loved to fly, the war was on and it was a good combination,” she said.

She and Brown were two of the 25,000 women who applied for the WASP program. Fewer than 1,900 were accepted and only 1,074 completed the grueling training program at Avenger Field in Texas.

Pfister joined the ferrying division, transporting planes from one place to another, and testing repaired planes damaged in combat.

“We would test fly them and it was just a miracle if anything worked. We were expendable and the men were not,” said Pfister, whose division had a lower accident rate than their male counterparts.

Despite the tough assignments, Pfister said she had a lot of fun.

“We were able to check out all kinds of planes. One day it would be a little one, the next day it would be a big one,” she said. “I was able to fly a B-17 and that was really exciting for a 21-year-old.”

Brown learned how to fly in Denver so she could apply to become a WASP. Once enlisted, she flew planes for cadets to practice their bombardier training using a new instrument at the time, the Norden bomb sight, which allowed pilots to better zero in on targets.

Pfister, who has been named one of the 100 most influential women in the history of aviation, said she hopes to attend the medal ceremony in Washington, D.C., once its time and location are announced.

“I’m still vertical. I’m still able to travel at this point,” she said.

It appears less likely Brown will attend. But asked how it feels to receive the congressional gold medal, she answered: “Better late than never!”

hoop@aspendailynews.com

Add Image:

Photo Credit with Byline:

Dustin Franz/Aspen Daily News

Photo Caption:

Betty Pfister, 88, at her home in Aspen.

archive_date:

1 day

TEN MORE SENATORS TO GO--S.614--NOW!

We are almost there. 10 more Senate Co-sponsors to go before FRIDAY, May 8, which is the target date for all SENATE CO-SPONSORS to be signed on to S.614 to honor the Women Airforce Service Pilots with the Congressional GOLD Medal.

Please check the "NOT LIST" to see who is not yet a co-sponsor. If you haven't already, pick a few numbers and give their DC office a call--make a friend--and tell your story. WE ONLY HAVE a few DAYS to do this--and EVERY CALL is important. If you've called before, check the list--and call again. Now is the time to PRESS FORWARD and keep our eyes on the goal: 67 Senate Co-Sponsors by May 8th.

Thank you all so much!

God bless you all,

nancy

S.614 CONGRESSIONAL GOLD -- WASP WWII UPDATE

Tomorrow morning, April 28, Representative Ileana Ros-Lehtinen of Florida will be introducing HR 2014--the HOUSE version of the bill to award the WASP the Congressional Gold Medal. This incredible lady, along with another incredible lady (Democratic co-sponsor), Rep. Susan Davis of California, and their staffs have been working at full speed -- and there are now 174 co-sponsors--well over half the necessary number. Unfortunately, her speech will be short. She has been given 1 minute. ONE MINUTE! That's not even a second for every co-sponsor! However, if anybody can do it, SHE CAN!

You are invited to TUNE IN 10am eastern time--C-SPAN (HOUSE CHANNEL). Otherwise, I will post video tomorrow.

And now a special message to the friends, fans and families of the WASP.

There are still 13 Senators and 116 Representatives to go.

You would think getting this bill passed would be easy. I did. You would think honoring the most incredible women pilots in history would be easy? I did. You think this is EASY? If it were easy, then everyone would be doing it and everyone would have a gold medal.

OK, so it is not easy. That's why YOU MUST CONTINUE TO HELP!!!

We could sit on our hands, and perhaps the right thing would be done and this bill would get passed. BUT WHEN? How many more WASP would be gone or unable to travel by then?

TIME IS CRITICAL. WE MUST DO THIS NOW FOR OUR MOMS, OUR FRIENDS, OUR HEROES.

It has not been easy. What began as a simple idea has turned into armies of people riding off in all directions--but, here's the thing--in every direction, there is potential for victory! So, we send letters, email, call, fax, twitter and just plain flap our wings!

I would encourage you to refuse to be overwhelmed. Don't be put off by all the choices there are. JUST PICK ONE AND START TODAY....START NOW:)

Call - every Senator has a direct line. Ask to talk to them, but if not, share these things with the person who answered...they are trained to write it down:
1. support Bill S-614.....Congressional Gold Medal to honor the WASP
2. who are the WASP? the first women in history to fly America's military aircraft! American Pioneers. Women. History. and their records were sealed before the end of WWII...and, because of that, they were LEFT OUT of the history books. It is time to correct that. After 60 years of America not knowing...it's time.
3. why the timing is so important? they are all in their 80's and 90's, and, although still spry and spunky, we don't want to loose a single WASP before this could happen in Washington for them. WASP are not asking....we are asking. They have never asked for recognition.
4. Sign on and CO-SPONSOR Senate Bill s-614. Please make this happen honor these pioneering heros who were left out of the history books. I think Senator _____would agree. He/She understands the value of honoring our own ....understands American pride and inspiration that we all received from our heros.

Email - from "SOAP BOX ALERT" --which gives you a one click way to send emails. OR, every Senator and Representative has an email form on their website......write the same short, compelling letter...cut and paste it in each box...push send! That's it.

Twitter. I know -- this is stretch for most of us. However there are 15 Senators who are not signed on--who all have twitter accounts. I KNOW that the Senators are not standing there watching new tweets pop up on their phone. They have someone, staff or intern, watching their incoming messages and writing them down. But, here's the thing-----how old do you think that staff person watching those twitters is? And how compelling do you think it might be for them to receive a pop up tweet about lady pilots from WWII. Sure beats most of what they have popping up on their phones--about the budget and torture and on and on. We are helping the WASP pioneer a whole new way of communication!

Since going online with twitter, I've learned all about tweats and retweats. IN fact, I've now been retweted by the Smithsonian (apx. 5,000 followers) and Starbucks (157,000 followers) to name 2. My original message was retweated or 'forwarded' to over 160,000 in one click. Trust me when I tell you -- THAT is very, very cool. The message about the WASP is reaching around the world!

So, there may be no real 'easy button,' and there may be no way to just click once and turn the bill into law, but, here's the thing, one click actually can make a difference! One person can make a difference. Yes, indeed. Whether you make one phone call or spend the day emailing everyone in the Senate, YOU ARE MAKING A DIFFERENCE!

Thanks for listening--and thanks for your part--whatever that may be! We must get this done. We will get this done.....it is the right thing to do right now.

Charge ahead....be a champion for a WASP today!

God bless you all,
nancy parrish

ps All the history and information you need....if you don't have time to look:

S.614 Central | WASP FACTS | QUOTES

A CALL TO ARMS: S.614: THE PHONE CAMPAIGN

Let me name this post exactly what it is: NOT JUST A CALL TO ARMS --BUT, more appropriately, A CALL TO CALL!!

My mission is to motivate those who read this to ACT on behalf of S.614. TIMING IS CRITICAL--AND NOW IS THE TIME! With that in mind, I'd like to share a story with you--don't worry, it's short.

As most of you know, my mom is a WASP. In fact, she is the reason that Wings Across America has accomplished MUCH of what WE have done--because it is a partnership--between me and my mother, the WASP.

There are 3 other things that are important to this post:

1. WASP have NEVER asked to be thanked or honored. They are humble about their service. In fact, to quote mom, "I did my job, I served my country. I counted my many blessings and moved on!"
2. If and when they do participate in a cause as just as this one (THE PASSAGE OF BILL S.614), they do it on behalf of ALL WASP. Mom, in fact, always uses the word "they" when describing what the WASP have done.
3. If and when mom participates it is NOT about the honor or the thanks. It is about EDUCATION--and setting the record straight.

So, in the spirit of those 3 facts, I will share a story.

On a rainy Monday a few weeks back, after reading the list of Senators who were supporting the bill, Mom noticed more than a few names who were NOT on the list of Co-Sponsors of S.614. These are not our Senators, but she said "I know that if they knew, they would support the bill!"

So, in a spontaneous moment, she picked up the phone and called one of those Senators. A young woman answered the phone--and all I heard was mom's end of the conversation: "Hi, I'm Deanie Parrish--I was a WASP in WWII. WASP. W A S P. Do you know who the WASP were? Really? They were the first women in history to fly America's aircraft! They flew every type of plane and on every type of mission flown by the AAF during World War II except combat." And then she said, "Really? You were a HISTORY MAJOR? That is unbelievable. That is exactly why we need Senator ___'s support of this bill! You weren't taught about the WASP. Everyone in America, especially our children, need to know about this group of women pilots. It is important, don't you think? We believe this bill will help make that happen!"

She went on to have quite a conversation with the young woman, in fact, I think she made a new friend. She invited her to visit the "FLY GIRLS OF WWII" WASP exhibit that is on display at the Women's Memorial, gave her all the web addresses--and, after hanging up, mom said the young girl was excited. So was mom.

She went on to do this several more times. In every case, no one ever asked her where she was from. I think that is important to remember. If you take the time to call, then it must be important--and they do listen. They also LOG every call.

Let me encourage all of you: PICK UP YOUR PHONES AND DO THE SAME! I know you are not a WASP--but, you care, and that COUNTS! ABSOLUTEY EVERY VOICE NEEDS TO BE HEARD. Share a little of this unbelievable history with WHOEVER answers the phone. Bet you a diet coke they won't know who the WASP are. And if they do, even better! Tell them how incredibly unusual that is--and ask them to share it with their Senator! Tell your story--the one where you tell them WHY you care so much! TELL THEM WHY AMERICA SHOULD CARE!

TIME IS SHORT. EVERY PHONE CALL COUNTS.

If your Senator is on board, then call one from the state next door, or one whose name you recognize--or one you don't. Make a new friend at the switchboard--and press on! If you have free minutes, CALL THEM ALL!

GIVE THIS YOUR BEST EFFORT. THAT IS ABSOLUTELY WHAT THE WASP DESERVE. IF WE DON'T ACT NOW, IT WILL BE TOO LATE FOR SO MANY WASP.

PHONE LIST OF UNITED STATES SENATORS

God bless you all,

Nancy Parrish

PS: 2 of the 3 Senators mom called are now Co-sponsors of the Bill. #3 should be signing on next week. Don't know if her calls made the difference, but we'd both like to think so!

PPS: I just posted an obituary for WASP Sarah Symmes, who died on March 15, 2009. I didn't know until the notice appeared last Friday in the Denver Post.

NEWEST CO-SPONSORS

The bill to award the WASP the Congressional Gold Medal is making some headway, but our journey is NOT OVER until TWO THIRDS of both houses sign on as Co Sponsors.

THANK YOU to Senator Mark Udall of Colorado, Co-Sponsor #39, and THANKS to the 136 House members who have signed on to co-sponsor the HOUSE version of the Bill--even though it has not yet been introduced.

Congress has been off on 'Easter Break' but will resume work next week. At that time, the bill will finally be introduced in the HOUSE. That will be the perfect time for a BIG PUSH.

THE PLAN: Check the list of senators, and if yours is not on the list, CALL THEIR OFFICE! CALL and politely ask if they know who the WASP ARE? Then ask why their name is NOT on the bill! Make friends with whoever answers the phone. If your Senator is on the list, call one in the state next door--or call them all! CALLING WILL MAKE A HUGE DIFFERENCE--IT WEIGHS MORE THAN AN EMAIL!

This is not a Republican or Democratic issue, it is an AMERICAN issue. It does not benefit any one state, but our entire country. This is a 'do the right thing' moment--and we should give all those representatives who have not signed on the opportunity to do so! It is their chance to help us all say 'thank you' to the WASP and to honor their service.

So, stay in touch--post your thoughts at the bottom of this email--and let us begin the GIANT PUSH to GO FOR THE GOLD!

House of Representatives update--S.614

ONE HUNDRED THREE REPRESENTATIVES HAVE SIGNED ON TO CO-SPONSOR THE BILL, WHICH HAS NOT YET BEEN INTRODUCED IN THE HOUSE! The bill will have a different number, but it is the same bill. THANK YOU to these representatives who have signed on to honor the WASP! STAY ENGAGED--will still need 191 co-sponsors in the House and 29 co-sponsors in the Senate.

S.614 Central (Texas)

Good morning from S.614 central--at least Central Texas!

To your left, you will see the emblem of the CENTRAL FLYING TRAINING COMMAND for the AAF WWII. Emblazoned at the bottom: UT VIRI VOLENT--which means, "THAT MEN MAY FLY." It is a perfect motto for the command--and for the WASP who flew the missions for the training command.

Many WASP were part of this command in WWII, flying training missions--whether it was to tow a target behind their aircraft and prepare for the gunners in another aircraft to 'practice' using live ammunition, or to flying young men learning to be bombardiers and navigators, to flying simulated straffing and radar tracking missions. The WASP flew them all.

They were unique. They were patriotic. They were courageous. They were selfless. They deserve our thanks and our support.

We are now pulling out the stops, emailing our friends and supporters to encourage LETTERHEAD participation and support for Congressional Bill S-614.

National organizations carry much weight, and, after the Easter break, the Congress will be back at it. They need to KNOW about this bill. Adding the names of major companies and organizations will help shine a brighter light in every direction!!

If you are a member of an organization who has not yet endorsed this bill, please encourage them to do so. It is the right thing to do-- for all the right reasons!

God bless,

nancy

S.614 UPDATE

Senator Tom Coburn, (R-OK) has now signed on to co-sponsor S.614. There are now 37 on board, with 30 more still needed.

Are your Senators on the list? If not, WHY NOT? Perhaps this is not on their radar screen. After all, they do have quite a few things on their plates. So, please take this opportunity, while the Senate is in RECESS, to stop by and make your case.

With all the national support for the bill, your task should be easy:

• Air Force Association
• VFW, American Legeion
• 99's, Reserve Officer's Association
• Association of the United States Navy
• Enlisted Assocition of the National Guard
• Military Order of World Wars

Attend that event -- that town hall, book signing, coffee, barbeque--whatever the Senator is attending--and make your case. This is citizenship in action and it is for all the right reasons.

If you need help, email me and I'll give you a pep talk!

God bless America!

nancy

S.614 WASP CONGRESSIONAL GOLD UPDATE

Thank you to Senator John Cornyn of Texas for signing on to Co-Sponsor S.614. That makes 33 so far.

Please keep updated on what is happening--by visiting the S.614 page.

Mighty things can be done by one voice joining another voice--So, WELCOME TO THE CHOIR!

nancy

Congressional Gold Medals are proposed

Congressional Gold Medals are proposed for World War II work by Women Airforce Service Pilots
12:00 AM CDT on Friday, March 27, 2009

Corpus Christi Caller-Times
CORPUS CHRISTI – Looking out the windows of her 14th-floor apartment at Trinity Towers reminds Maxine Flournoy of her cockpit view from World War II military aircraft.

"I loved flying," Flournoy, 87, said, while fingering a diamond airplane brooch on her collar, "even that twin-engine trainer we called the bamboo bomber because it was fabric covered."

Flournoy is one of 300 surviving Women Airforce Service Pilots who soon may be recognized for their efforts during World War II. In all, 1,102 female pilots served.

"Their service paved the way for all women who serve valiantly in the military today," said U.S. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison, R-Texas, who recently introduced a bill, co-sponsored by all female members of the Senate, to award the women the Congressional Gold Medal, which is awarded for exceptional service to the United States. The U.S. Mint designs and creates each medal to uniquely represent the individuals being honored.

"Each of these women are fascinating," said Deanie Bishop Parrish, one of the female pilots and associate director of Wings Across America, a group that has compiled interviews with about 100 of the women. "They're all different, but each has the can-do, just-get-out-of-my-way-and-let-me-do-it spirit."

Unlike their male counterparts, the women were civilians and had to complete pilot training before being considered for the program. Flournoy completed a pilot training program in early 1941 at a junior college in Joplin, Mo.

Later, while working as a grinder at a defense plant making dies for bullet-shell casings, she learned about the call for female pilots. She quit her job and took a bus to Kansas City to volunteer.

Once accepted into the program, (--added for accuracy--SHE COMPLETED OVER 5 MONTHS OF ARMY AIR FORCE FLIGHT TRAINING) she was taken by train to Hondo, where she lived in a barracks with other female pilots while working the next year and a half flying a variety of aircraft. Sometimes, she did training flights for male navigation cadets. Other times, she flew in short spurts to break in engines, she said.

After the war, the women paid their own way home. Families of 38 of the women who died in the line of duty bore the costs of transporting their bodies home and conducting funerals.

It was 1977 before the women were granted status as veterans.

After her service, Flournoy said she "wrote to every address I could find to continue flying." And that's how she came to Alice, where she lived for nearly 60 years. She landed a part-time commercial pilot job there in early 1945.

"They didn't pay me as much as a they would a man," she said. "But I was happy."

She met Lucien Flournoy there. He was a petroleum engineer in 1945 for an Arkansas company that her boss's drilling company was working with.

"My boss asked if Lucien wanted to meet his pilot," she said. "He was surprised I was a gal, and he didn't waste much time asking me for a date."

They married a year later and during the next 20 years raised three daughters before she flew again.

In the mid-1960s, Lucien, who died in 2003, bought an airplane for a charter service he launched.

"While it was for the business, he told me it was mine," she said. "So I called it mine whether it was or not."

She flew to annual Women Airforce Service Pilots reunions until about 1985, when an oil-field recession required selling the airplane, she said. She hasn't piloted since.

"I was sorry to let it go," she said. "I had to take an airline flight to my next reunion, and it wasn't the same."

Corpus Christi Caller-Times

S.614 FLOOR SPEECH -- TO AWARD WASP CONGRESSIONAL GOLD MEDAL

SENATOR BARBARA MIKULSKI'S FLOOR SPEECH

AS WRITTEN TO BE DELIVERED MARCH 17, 2009


Sen. Barbara Mikulski [D-MD]: Mr. President, I rise today as an original cosponsor of a bipartisan bill to award the Congressional Gold Medal to the Women Airforce Service Pilots--the WASP. We are introducing this bill in March, which is Women's History Month. It is time to honor and recognize women who have made a difference in our Nation's history. It is a time to honor women who serve as role models. That is exactly what this legislation does.

The WASP were women pilots from across the Nation who volunteered to serve in World War II. They flew America's military aircraft during the war, risking their lives in the service of their nation. They came from all walks of life, but they came together to serve our country as the first women trained to fly American military aircraft. They faced overwhelming cultural and gender bias, received unequal pay, did not have full military status, and were barred from becoming military officers, even though their male counterparts performing similar duties all received officer rank.

In 1943, General Arnold combined two women flying organizations and formed the Women Airforce Service Pilots. Within months, these women paid their own way to Texas to enter training. Each woman was already a licensed pilot, a requirement not imposed on men to apply to flight school. The WASP were still required to learn to fly "the Army way."

The WASP were assured they would be militarized and become part of the Army. These promises were not kept. The WASP took the same oath of office, they marched, but as pilots, they received less pay than men. They did not receive benefits. No VA benefits, no GI bill, no burial rights for the 38 WASP who were killed in service to our Nation. Fellow WASP had to "take the nickels out of the Coke machine" to help send their bodies home.

Over 25,000 women applied to be part of the war effort in the WASP. Many volunteers received a telegram asking for their service. Ultimately, 1102 women earned their wings as pilots. Thirteen of these brave women were from Maryland: women like Barbara Shoemaker, who joined from the Women's Auxiliary Flying Squadron; Elaine Harmon, who as a WASP trained male pilots in instrument flying; Iola Magruder, who flew the B-18 "Bolo"; Jane Tedeschi, who stretched all night before joining the WASP so she could meet the minimum height requirement; and Florence Marston, who flew the B-26 "Widowmaker," notorious for its number of early accidents.

These brave women flew over 60 million miles in 2 years. They flew every type of aircraft and every type of mission as the men, except combat missions. They towed aerial targets while being shot at with live ammunition. They transported cargo. They tested repaired aircraft. They ferried aircraft from factories like Fairchild in Hagerstown, MD, to points across the country. They were stationed at 120 air bases throughout the country.

The WASP were not established to be a replacement for the men; instead, they enabled men to fly the combat missions. They found and fulfilled the service they could. These women were committed and they believed they could do what our country needed at the time we needed it.

The WASP were disbanded in December 1944, when they were told they were "no longer needed." Just as they paid for transport to training, they paid their own way home. For 33 years their military records were classified. For 33 years, their contributions were hidden from historians and textbooks. For 33 years, these brave women were denied veterans benefits.

These women were trailblazers. They displayed honor and courage and flew the most complex aircraft of the age. They are patriots. They are an inspiration to today's women in aviation. They opened the door for today's women to fly in the military in aircraft ranging from cargo and trainers, to fighters and bombers, and even the space shuttle. They inspire young girls to pursue technical fields and aviation. They are role models who deserve to be honored. We owe the WASP our "thank you"--not in words, but in deeds. For their courage, service and dedication to our Nation, they deserve the most distinguished honor Congress can give: the Congressional Gold Medal.

S.614 TO AWARD WASP CONGRESSIONAL GOLD MEDAL

FLOOR SPEECH--SENATOR KAY BAILEY HUTCHISON

MARCH 17, 2009

Sen. Kay Hutchison [R-TX]: [Introducing S. 614] Mr. President, I rise today to introduce a bill that is sponsored by every woman in the Senate. All 17 of us have come together to introduce legislation to award the Congressional Gold Medal to the Women Airforce Service Pilots, called the WASP. Senator Mikulski and I are taking the lead on this with the other 15 women Senators to finally honor over 1,000 of the bravest, most courageous women in U.S. military history.

This is a picture of those brave World War II pilots. They were the first women in history to fly America's military aircraft. Between 1942 and 1944, they were recruited to fly non-combat missions so every available male pilot could be deployed in combat.

The women pilots who graduated from Army Air Force flight training earned their silver WASP wings in Texas. The first class graduated at Ellington Field in Houston and the remaining classes from Avenger Field in Sweetwater, TX.

Throughout their service, these courageous women flew over 60 million miles in every type of aircraft and on every type of mission flown by Army Air Force male pilots except direct combat missions. Although they took the military oath and were promised military status when they entered training, they were never afforded Active-Duty military status, were never commissioned, and were not granted veteran status until 1977, over 30 years after they had served. All these women volunteered to serve their country in wartime. They paid their own way to Texas for training, and when victory seemed certain and the program was shut down, they paid their own way back home.

Over 25,000 women applied for the program, but only 1,830 qualified women pilots were accepted. Unlike the males, females were required to be qualified pilots before they could even apply for the Army Air Force's military flight training program. By the time the war ended, 38 women pilots had lost their lives while flying for their country. Their families were not allowed to have an American flag placed on their coffins.

I wrote about the WASP in my 2004 book, "American Heroines: The Spirited Women Who Shaped Our Country." I wanted to raise public awareness about these military pioneers who have had a tremendous impact on the role of women in the military today. Their examples paved the way for the Armed Forces to lift the ban on women attending military flight training in the 1970s and opened the door for women to be fully integrated as pilots in the Armed Forces.

Today, women fly every type of aircraft, from combat fighter aircraft to the space shuttle. However, despite their cultural impact, the WASP have never received honors, nor have they been formally recognized by Congress for their wartime military service--until now. We, the women of the Senate, are introducing legislation to award the Congressional Gold Medal to the courageous WASP of World War II.

The Congressional Gold Medal is the highest and most distinguished award this body can award to a civilian. These women are certainly worthy.

There are precedents for this action. In 2000 and 2006, this body awarded the Congressional Gold Medal to the Navajo Code Talkers and the Tuskegee Airmen, respectively. Those heroes deserved the same type of distinction, and they, too, served in World War II and were finally appropriately honored by their Government. Now it is time for Congress to celebrate the courage of another group of remarkable Americans who served with courage and honor and whose example brought historic change to our Nation. Of the 1,102 WASP, approximately 300 are still alive today and are living in almost every State of our Nation. They have earned this honor, and the time to bestow the honor is now before any of them are away from us and not able to come to the ceremony which I hope we will have.

I am so pleased that every female Senator, all 17 of us, are cosponsors of this bill, and I hope the rest of our colleagues will also join and that we can pass this bill expeditiously.

I would like to take a moment, with this wonderful picture in the background, to read from the bill that we have just introduced today:

Congress finds that--

(1) the Women Airforce Service Pilots of WWII, known as the "WASP", were the first women in history to fly American military aircraft;

(2) more than 60 years ago, they flew fighter, bomber, transport, and training aircraft in defense of America's freedom;

(3) they faced overwhelming cultural and gender bias against women in nontraditional roles and overcame multiple injustices and inequities in order to serve their country;

(4) through their actions, the WASP eventually were the catalyst for revolutionary reform in the integration of women pilots into the Armed Services;

(5) during the early months of World War II, there was a severe shortage of combat pilots;

(6) Jacqueline Cochran, America's leading woman pilot of the time, convinced General Hap Arnold, Chief of the Army Air Forces, that women, if given the same training as men, would be equally capable of flying military aircraft and could then take over some of the stateside military flying jobs, thereby releasing hundreds of male pilots for combat duty;

(7) the severe loss of male combat pilots made the necessity of utilizing women pilots to help in the war effort clear to General Arnold, and a women's pilot training program was soon approved;

(8) it was not until August, 1943, that the women aviators would receive their official name;

(9) General Arnold ordered that all women pilots flying military aircraft, including 28 civilian women ferry pilots, would be named "WASP", Women Airforce Service Pilots;

(10) more than 25,000 American women applied for training, but only 1,830 were accepted and took the oath;

(11) exactly 1,074 of those trainees successfully completed the 21 to 27 weeks of Army Air Force flight training, graduated, and received their Army Air Force orders to report to their assigned air base;

(12) on November 16, 1942, the first class of 29 women pilots reported to the Houston, Texas Municipal Airport and began the same military flight training as the male Army Air Force cadets were taking;

(13) due to a lack of adequate facilities at the airport, 3 months later the training program was moved to Avenger Field in Sweetwater, Texas;

(14) WASP were eventually stationed at 120 Army air bases all across America;

(15) they flew more than 60,000,000 miles for their country in every type of aircraft and on every type of assignment flown by the male Army Air Force pilots, except combat;

(16) WASP assignments included test piloting, instructor piloting, towing targets for air-to-air gunnery practice, ground-to-air anti-aircraft practice, ferrying, transporting personnel and cargo (including parts for the atomic bomb), simulated strafing, smoke laying, night tracking, and flying drones;

In October 1943, male pilots were refusing to fly the B-26 Martin Marauder, known as the Widowmaker, because of its fatality record. General Arnold ordered WASP director Jacqueline Cochran to collect 25 WASP to be trained to fly the B-26 to prove to the male pilots that it was safe to fly.

During the existence of the WASP, 38 women lost their lives while serving their country. Their bodies were sent home in poorly crafted pine boxes. Their burial was at the expense of their families or classmates. There were no gold stars allowed in their parent's windows, and because they were not considered military, no American flags were allowed on their coffins.

In 1944, General Arnold made a personal request to Congress to militarize the WASP, and it was denied.

On December 7, 1944, in a speech to the last graduating class of WASP, General Arnold said:

You and more than 900 of your sisters have shown you can fly wingtip to wingtip with your brothers. I salute you ..... We of the Army Air Force are proud of you. We will never forget our debt to you.

With victory in World War II almost certain, on December 2, 1944, the WASP were quietly and unceremoniously disbanded. There were no honors, no benefits, and very few thank-yous. Just as they had paid their own way to enter training, they paid their way back home.

After their honorable service in the military, the WASP military records were immediately sealed, stamped "classified" or "secret," and filed away in Government archives unavailable to the historians who wrote the history of World War II or the scholars who compiled the history textbooks used today, with many of the records not being declassified until the 1980s. Consequently, the WASP story is a missing chapter in the history of the Air Force, the history of aviation, and the history of the United States of America.

In 1977, 33 years after the WASP were disbanded, the Congress finally voted to give the WASP the veteran status they had earned, but these heroic pilots were not invited to the signing ceremony at the White House, and it was not until 7 years later that their medals were delivered in the mail in plain brown envelopes.

In the late 1970s, more than 30 years after the WASP flew in World War II, women were finally permitted to attend military pilot training in the U.S. Armed Forces. Thousands of women aviators flying support aircraft had benefited from the service of the WASP and followed in their footsteps.

In 1993, the WASP were once again referenced during congressional hearings regarding the contributions women could make to the military, which eventually led to women being able to fly military fighter, bomber, and attack aircraft in combat. Hundreds of U.S. servicewomen combat pilots have seized the opportunity to fly fighter aircraft in recent conflicts, all thanks to the pioneering steps taken by the WASP.

The WASP have maintained a tight-knit community, forged by the common experiences of serving their country during war. As part of their desire to educate America on the WASP history, WASP have assisted Wings Across America, an organization dedicated to educating the American public, with much effort aimed at children, about the remarkable accomplishments of these World War II veterans, and they have been honored with exhibits at museums throughout our country.

Now it is time to give these incredible women pioneers the Congressional Gold Medal, who, along with the Tuskegee Airmen and the Navajo Code Talkers, are people who have served with courage and valor to our country, and they are people who really have not complained. They are people who did their duty, even with some discrimination in the Armed Forces. But they were never bitter, and they always knew what a service they had given. We have now honored the Navajo Code Talkers and the great Tuskegee Airmen, and I hope we will also accord the greatest honor we can bestow as a Congress to the WASP of World War II.

WASP--CONGRESSIONAL SPONSORS OF THE BILL

The following United States Senators are now ALL COSPONSORS of S-614--a bill to award the WASP the Congressional Gold Medal:

1. HUTCHISON, TEXAS
2. MIKLUSKI, MD
3. FEINSTEIN, CA
4. LANDRIEU, LA
5. STABENOW, MI
6. LINCOLN, AR
7. MURRAY, WA
8. COLLINS, ME
9. SNOWE, ME
10. BOXER, CA
11. GILLIBRAND, NY
12. SHAHEEN, NH
13. MURKOWSKI, AK
14. KLOBUCHAR, MN
15. HAGEN, NC
16. CANTWELL, WA
17. MC CASKILL, MO
18. HARKIN, IA
19. BROWN, OH
20. INHOFE, OK
21. BURRIS, IL
22. BYRD, WV
23. CARDIN, MD

If your senator is NOT on this list, EMAIL, CALL or WRITE. Here is a link to our SOAP BOX ALERT online--which is the easy way to make that connection.

This list represents 23 of 67 Senators needed. But why would they NOT want to be on this list! GO GET 'EM!!!