Memorial Day--2008

On December 7, 1944, General Barton K. Yount, Commanding General of the Army Air Forces Training Command remembered the sacrifices of the Women Airforce Service Pilots and WASP trainees who were killed while flying for their country, in a speech at the last WASP graduation:

"Let us treasure their memory as women whose sacrifice has brought honor not only to their country, but also to their organization...we shall always keep and remember the brave heritage of the women (fliers) who gave their lives. It is the heritage of faith in victory and faith in the ultimate freedom of humanity.”

On behalf of Wings Across America and WASP on the WEB, this tribute, from our ABOVE AND BEYOND page:

"...WE WERE YOUNG. WE HAVE DIED. REMEMBER US. ...OUR DEATHS ARE NOT OURS; THEY ARE YOURS; THEY WILL MEAN WHAT YOU MAKE THEM... ...WHETHER OUR LIVES AND OUR DEATHS WERE FOR PEACE AND A NEW HOPE OR FOR NOTHING WE CANNOT SAY; IT IS YOU WHO MUST SAY THIS. ...WE LEAVE YOU OUR DEATHS. GIVE THEM THEIR MEANING. WE WERE YOUNG... WE HAVE DIED. REMEMBER US." from "Young Dead Soldier" by Archibald MacLeish.

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WASP / WAFS / WASP TRAINEES KILLED FLYING FOR THEIR COUNTRY

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JANE DOLORES CHAMPLIN
Class 43-W-4 Trainee
Born: May 14, 1917 Chicago, Illinois
Graduate: Arcadia College St. Louis University

Jane entered flight training to become a WASP at Avenger Field, Sweetwater, Texas on February 21, 1943. On the night of June 7, she and her instructor were killed in a BT-15 while on a training flight near Avenger Field.

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SUSAN PARKER CLARKE
Class 44-W-2
Born: 1918 Cooperstown, New York
Graduate: High school, Cooperstown Attended: Secretarial school, NY City.

Susan entered WASP flight training at Avenger Field, Sweetwater, Texas in September, 1943 and graduated on March 11, 1944. She was then stationed with the 33rdFerrying Group at Fairfax Field, Kansas City, Missouri.

She lost her life on July 4, 1944 when the BT-13 she was ferrying crashed near Columbia, South Carolina.

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MARJORIE LAVERNE DAVIS
Class 44-W-9 Trainee

Marjorie learned to fly in Sparks, Nevada, and entered training to become a WASP at Avenger field, Sweetwater, Texas in June, 1944.

She was killed on the night of October 16, 1944 while on a cross country training flight in an AT-6 near Walnut, Mississippi.

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KATHERINE ‘KAY’ APPLEGATE DUSSAQ
Class: 44-W-1
Born: Dayton, Washington
Graduate: Harrington High School
Attended: Stanford, Washington State College, Pullman, WA.and Whitman College, WA

Kay entered flight training to become a WASP at Avenger Field, Sweetwater, Texas on August 9, 1943, and graduated on February 11, 1944. Her first duty station was Sioux Falls Army Air Base, Sioux Falls, South Dakota. She was then transferred to Randolph Army Air Base, San Antonio, Texas (HQ/CFTC)), then to Fort Worth, Texas (FTC, Hq.)

She was killed when the AT-6 she was flying on an administrative cross-country flight crashed on the night of November 26, 1944 near New Carlisle, Ohio.

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MARJORIE DORIS EDWARDS
Class: 44-W-6 Trainee
Born: September 28, 1918 Fullerton, California
Graduate: Anaheim Union High School and Santa Barbara State College

Marjorie entered WASP flight training at Avenger Field, Sweetwater, Texas on December 7, 1943.

She died in the crash of an AT-6 near Childress, Texas, while on a cross-country training flight.

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JAYNE ELIZABETH ERICKSON
Class: 44-W-6 Trainee
Born: April 24, 1921 Seattle, Washington
Graduate: High School: Issaquah, Washington
Attended: University of Washington, Seattle, WA.

Jayne reported for WASP flight training to Avenger Field, Sweetwater, Texas in January, 1944.

While flying an AT-6, she was killed in a mid-air collision in the traffic pattern at Avenger on April 16, 1944.

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CORNELIA FORT
WAFS
Born: February 5, 1919 Nashville, Tennessee
Graduate: Ward-Belmont and Sarah Lawrence College, Bronxville, NY.

Cornelia reported for duty as a WAFS in October, 1942. She lost her life on March 21, 1943 in a mid-air collision near Abilene, Texas, while on a ferrying mission in a BT-13.

Cornelia was the first casualty of an American woman pilot on active duty.Her death was attributed to the 'pilot error' of a young male pilot flew too close to her plane...causing a mid-air collision and Cornelia's death.

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FRANCES FORTUNE GRIMES
Class: 43-W-3
Born: Deer Park, Maryland
Graduate: High school, West Virginia, West Virginia University, University of Pittsburgh

Frances entered WASP flight training at Houston Municipal Airport, Houston, Texas on January 15, 1943 and graduated at Avenger Field, Sweetwater, Texas, July 3, 1943.

Her active duty assignment was to the 5th FG/ATC at Love Field, Dallas, Texas. She was killed shortly after take-off from Otis Field, Massachusetts in an A-24 attack bomber on March 27, 1944.

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MARY E. HARTSON
Class: 43-W-5
Born: January 11, 1917 Portland, Oregon
Graduated: Washington High School, Portland, Oregon

Mary entered flight training to become a WASP on April 6, 1943 at Avenger Field, Sweetwater, Texas and was graduated on September 11, 1943. She was progressively stationed at four different bases: Dodge City Army Air Base, Kansas; Coffeyville ArmyAir Base, Kansas; Independence Army Air Field, Kansas and Perrin Army Air Base, Sherman, Texas.

She was killed on August 14, 1944, while flight testing a BT-13 at Perrin.

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MARY HOLMES HOWSON
Class: 44-W-4 Trainee
Born: February 16, 1919 Wayne, Pennsylvania
Graduate: Smith College

Mary began her flight training to become a WASP on November 1, 1943 at Avenger Field, Sweetwater, Texas.

While returning from a cross-country flight in a PT-19, Mary was killed in a mid-air collision in the traffic pattern at Avenger Field, on April 16, 1944-- just three weeks before her scheduled graduation.

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EDITH ‘EDY’ CLAYTON KEENE
Class: 44-W-1
Born: Canton, Montana
Graduate: Pomona schools Pomona Junior College and UCLA

On August 9,1943, Edith arrived at Avenger Field, Sweetwater, Texas to begin training to become a WASP, and graduated on February 11, 1944. She was assigned to Hondo Army Air Field, Hondo, Texas and later transferred to Moore Army Air Base, Mission, Texas.

She was killed on April 25, 1944 while on a routine flight in an AT-6 that crashed near Mission.

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KATHRYN BARBARA LAWRENCE
Class: 43-W-8 Trainee
Born: December 3, 1920 Grand Forks, North Dakota
Graduate: High school, Grand Forks University of North Dakota

Kathryn entered training to become a WASP at Avenger Field, Sweetwater, Texas on July 10. 1943.
She was killed on August 4, 1943, while flying a PT-19 on a routine training flight at Avenger Field.

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HAZEL YING LEE
Class: 43-W-4
Born: August, 1912 Portland, Oregon
Attended: Commerce High School, Portland

Hazel entered WASP flight training on February 21, 1943 and graduated from Avenger Field, Sweetwater, Texas on August 7, 1943. She was assigned to the 3rd Ferrying Group, Romulus, Michigan.

While flying a P-63, she was killed in a mid-air collision on the final approach at Great Falls, Montana, November 23, 1944.

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PAULA RUTH LOOP
Class: 43-W-2
Born: August 25, 1916 Wakita, Oklahoma
Graduate: Manchester H.S., OK
Oklahoma College for Women Attended: Oklahoma A&M

Paula began her training to become a WASP on December 19, 1942 at Houston Municipal Airport, Houston, Texas and graduated at Avenger Field, Sweetwater, Texas on May 28, 1943. She was then stationed at Romulus Army Air Base, Michigan, with the 3rd FG/ATC, as a ferry pilot.

She was killed in the crash of a BT-13 near Medford, Oregon on July 7, 1944, while on a ferrying mission.

Embeded into Paula's granite tombstone--her precious silver wings
with these words: "Into The Mosiac Of Victory, This Priceless Piece Was Set"

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ALICE E. LOVEJOY
Class: 43-W-5
Born: Scarsdale, New York, 1919On April 6, 1943

Alice entered WASP flight training at Avenger Field, Sweetwater, Texas. She graduated on September 11, 1943. Her first assignment was to the 3rdFerrying Group,Romulus, Michigan, later being transferred for pursuit training to Brownsville, Texas.

During a training mission near Brownsville on September 13, 1944, she was killed in a mid-air collision in an AT-6.

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LEA OLA McDONALD
Class 44-W-3
Born: October 12, 1921 Hollywood, Arkansas
Graduate: High school, Plainview, Texas
Attended: Wayland Baptist College and West Texas State Teachers College

Lea entered WASP flight training at Houston Municipal Airport, Houston,Texas on October 4, 1944.

She graduated at Avenger Field, Sweetwater, Texas on April 5, 1944. After graduation, she was stationed at Biggs Army Air Field, El Paso, Texas, and was killed while flying an A-24 attack bomber on a practice flight on June 21, 1944.

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PEGGY WILSON MARTIN
Class: 44-W-4
Born: Feb 8, 1912 Seattle, Washington.

Peggy entered flight training to become a WASP on November 1, 1943 at Avenger Field, Sweetwater, Texas, and graduated on May 23, 1944. She was stationed at Marianna Army Air Base, Marianna, Florida.

She was killed while engineering test flying a BT-13 on October 3, 1944.

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VIRGINIA C. MOFFATT
Class: 43-W-2
Born: Los Angeles, California area.
Graduate: Fremont High School, Los Angeles

Virginia reported to the Houston Municipal Airport, Houston, Texas on December 19, 1942 to begin her flight training to become a WASP, and was in the first class of women to graduate at Avenger Field, Sweetwater, Texas, May 28, 1943. She was then assigned to the 6th Ferrying Group, Long Beach Army Air Base, California.

She was killed while flying a BT-15 on a routine flight, 5 October 1943.

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BEVERLY JEAN MOSES
Class: 44-W-5
Born: December 21, 1923, Des Moines, Iowa
Graduate: North High School & AJB Business School.

Beverly entered training to become a WASP on December 7, 1943 and graduated on June 27, 1944 at Avenger Field, Sweetwater, Texas. She was stationed at Las Vegas Army Air Field, Nevada.

While flying as the co-pilot in an AT-11, she was killed in a crash in the mountains near Las Vegas on July 18, 1944.

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DOROTHY MAE ‘DOTTIE’ NICHOLS
Class: 43-W-2
Graduate: UCLA

Dottie reported to the Houston Municipal Airport, Houston, Texas on December 19, 1942 to train to become a WASP. She was a member of the first class to graduate at Avenger Field, Sweetwater, Texas on May 28, 1943. She was assigned to the 6thFerrying Group at Long Beach Army Air Field, California.

While ferrying a P-39 from Buffalo, New York, she was killed just aftertake-off outside Bismarck, North Dakota on June 11, 1944.

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JEANNE LEWELLEN NORBECK
Class: 44-W-3
Born: November 14, 1912, Columbus, Indiana
Graduate: Columbus High School, Washington State College, Pullman, Washington.

Jeanne entered WASP flight training at Avenger Field, Sweetwater, Texas in October, 1943 and graduated on April 15, 1944.

She was assigned to Shaw Army Air Base, Sumpter, South Carolina (BT-13 Modification Center), and was killed there on October 16, 1944, while flight testing a BT-13.

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MARGARET SANFORD OLDENBURG
Class: 43-W-4 Trainee
Graduate: University of California

Margaret was the first trainee fatality in the WASP program. She began her flight training to become a WASP at Houston Municipal Airport, Houston, Texas on February 21, 1943.

She was killed on a routine training flight in a PT-19 on March 7, 1943 at the training base at Houston.

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MABEL VIRGINIA RAWLINSON
Class: 43-W-3
Born: March 19, 1917 Kalamazoo, Michigan
Graduate: Western Michigan College of Education, Kalamazoo, Michigan.

Mabel reported to Houston Municipal Airport, Houston, Texas on January 15, 1943 to begin her flight training to become a WASP. She graduated from Avenger Field, Sweetwater, Texas on July 3, 1943.
She was then assigned to a tow-target squadron at Camp Davis Army Air Field, North Carolina.

She was killed in the crash of an A-24 attack bomber on August 23, 1943.

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GLEANNA ROBERTS
Class: 44-W-9 Trainee
Born: January 11, 1919 Sharon Township, Iowa
Graduate: Sharon Center H.School & University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa

Gleanna entered training at Avenger Field, Sweetwater, Texas in June, 1944 to become a WASP.

On June 20, 1944, she was killed while on a routine training flight in a PT-17 near Lorraine, Texas.

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MARIE MICHELL ROBINSON
Class: 44-W-2
Born: Michigan
Graduate: National Park Junior College,Washington, D. C.

Marie began her flight training to become a WASP at Avenger Field, Sweetwater, Texas in September, 1943 and graduated on March 11, 1944. She was stationed with the 5thFerrying Group at Love Field, Dallas, Texas, and later transferred to the Bombardier Training School, Victorville, California.

On October 2, 1944, Marie was killed when the B-25 she was co-piloting crashed in the mountains near Victorville, California.

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BETTIE MAE SCOTT
Class: 44-W-3
Born: July 26, 1921 Monrovia,California
Graduate: Arcadia-Duarte High School Attended: Pasadena Junior College

Bettie Mae entered flight training to become a WASP in October, 1943 at Avenger Field, Sweetwater, Texas and graduated on April 15, 1944. She was stationed at Waco Army Air Field, Waco, Texas, a Basic Flying Training School.

She was killed while flight testing aBT-13 on July 8, 1944.

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DOROTHY E. SCOTT
WAFS
Born: February 16, 1920 Seattle, Washington
Attended: University of Washington

Dorothy entered the WAFS in October, 1942. She wasfirst assigned to the 5thFerrying Division, Love Field, Dallas, Texas and later transferred for pursuit training to Palm Springs Army Air Base, California.

While flying with her instructor in an AT-6, she was killed in a mid-air collision on December 3, 1943.

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MARGARET JUNE ‘PEGGY’ SEIP
Class: 43-W-5 Trainee
Born: June 24, 1916 Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Graduate: Lawrence College, Appleton, Wisconsin

Margaret entered flight training atAvenger Field, Sweetwater, Texas on April 6, 1943 to become a WASP. She, together with her instructor and a fellow class-mate, was killed in the crash of a UC-78 near Big Springs, Texas, August 30, 1943, on a routine training flight.

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HELEN JO ANDERSON SEVERSON
Class: 43-W-5 Trainee
Born: November 2, 1918 Marvin, South Dakota.
Graduate: South Dakota State University & University of Illinois

Helen Jo reported to Avenger Field,Sweetwater, Texas on April 6, 1943 to begin her training to become aWASP.

She, together with her instructor and a fellow class-mate, was killed on a routine training flight in a UC-78 near Big Springs, Texas, August 30, 1943.

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MARIE ETHEL SHARON
Class 43-W-4
Born: April 21, 1917 Forsythe, Montana
Graduate: Jefferson High School, Portland, Oregon

Marie began her training to become a WASP on February 14, 1943 at Avenger Field, Sweetwater, Texas. She graduated from Avenger Field on August 7, 1943. She was then stationed at Long Beach Army Air Base, California and assigned to the 6thFerrying Group.

She and her instructor were killed on April 10, 1944 near Tecumseh, Nebraska, while flying a B-25 on a night flying instrument training mission.

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EVELYN SHARP
Class: WAFS
Born: October 20, 1919 Melstone, Montana. (Grew up in Ord, Nebraska.)

Everyn entered the WAFS in October, 1942. She was assigned to the 2nd Ferrying Group, New Castle Army Air Base, Wilmington, Delaware.

She was killed on April 3, 1944 when an engine on the P-38 she was ferrying failed on take-off at New Cumberland, Pennsylvania (Evelyn was one of the most experienced women pilots in America, with 2,968 hours of flying time when she entered the WAFS.)

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BETTY PAULINE STINE
Class 44-W-2 Trainee
Born: Fort Worth, Texas
Attended: University of Arizona

Betty entered training to become a WASP at Avenger Field, Sweetwater, Texas in September, 1943.

On February 25, 1944,during her last cross-country flight before graduation, she was killed when she was forced to bail out of her AT-6 over the mountains near Tucson, Arizona.

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MARIAN TOEVS
Class: 43-W-8
Born: Aberdeen, Idaho
Graduate: Albion State Normal School & Eastern Washington State College

Marian began her training to become a WASP at Avenger Field, Sweetwater, Texas on July 10, 1943 and graduated December 17, 1943. She was stationed at a Basic Flying Training School at Lemoore Army Air Base, Lemoore,California.

She was killed near San Jose, California, while flying a BT-13 from Lemoore to Fresno, California on February 18, 1944.

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GERTRUDE TOMPKINS-SILVER
Class: 43-W-7
Born: October 16, 1912 Jersey City, New Jersey,
Graduate: Private School, Summit, New Jersey & Pennsylvania School of Horticulture.

Gertrude reported to Avenger Field, Sweetwater, Texas in June, 1943 to begin her training to become a WASP. She graduated on November 13, 1943. She was stationed at Love Field, Dallas, Texas, with the 5th Ferrying Group.

After departing on a ferrying mission from Los Angeles, California in a P-51 for the East Coast, she never arrived, and no traces of her were ever found. (She is the only WASP not accounted for.)

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MARY ELIZABETH TREBING
Class: 43-W-4
Born: Dec. 31, 1920 Royalton, Illinois

from Mary's brother Bill: "She attended the first four years of grade-school there and at that time our family moved to Lafayette, Colorado where she went to grade school. We then moved to Louisville, Colorado and she went to more grade school there. These were tough times for the whole nation and in order to find work we moved to Gowen, Oklahoma in the 30's. She graduated from High School in Hartshorne, Oklahoma in 1941 and from there went on to graduate from Oklahoma A&M college in Wilburton, Oklahoma.".

Mary reported for WASP training at AvengerField, Sweetwater, Texas on February 21, 1943, and graduated on August 7, 1943. She was stationed at Love Field, Dallas Texas, with the 5thFerrying Group.

She was killed on November 7, 1943, when the PT-19 she was ferrying crashed southeast of Blanchard, Oklahoma.

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MARY LOUISE WEBSTER
Class: 44-W-8
Born: June 30, 1919 Ellensburg, Washington
Attended: Central Washington State College

Mary Louise went into training to become a WASP at Avenger Field, Sweetwater, Texas in March, 1944 and graduated on October 16, 1944. She was stationed with the 33rdTraining Wing of the AFTS SE at Frederick Army Air Field, Frederick, Oklahoma.

She was killed on December 9, 1944, while flying as co-pilot in a UC-78.

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BONNIE JEAN ALLOWAY WELZ
Class: 43-W-6
Born: June 22,1918 Bridgeport, Washington
Attended: UCLA

Bonnie reported for training to become a WASP on Easter Sunday, April 25, 1943 at Avenger Field, Sweetwater, Texas. She graduated and became a WASP on October 9, 1943. Bonnie was sent to Dodge City, Kansas for B-26 training, and was then stationed at Harlingen Army Air Field, Harlingen, Texas, (a B-26 Flexible Gunnery School).

She was killed in the crash of a BT-13 near Randado, Texas,while on an administrative flight.

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BETTY TAYLOR WOOD
Class: 43-W-4
Born: March, 1921 New Berlin, Illinois
Graduate: Sierra Junior College, Auburn, California

Betty began her training to become a WASP at Avenger Field, Sweetwater, Texas on February 14, 1943, and graduated at Avenger on August 7, 1943. She was assigned to Camp Davis Army Air Field, Camp Davis, North Carolina, an Anti-Aircraft Artillery School.

She was killed in the crash landing of an A-24 attack bomber on September 23, 1943.

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For photos and links to more information, visit "ABOVE AND BEYOND" at WASP on the WEB.
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As Director of Wings Across America and the proud daughter of 2 Army Air Force pilots, for me, every day is a day to remember and to honor all those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.

Every day is a day to pray that God will continue to watch over those who are serving and will continue to bless America, all of us, every single one.

Nancy Parrish

ps: this posting is a copy of an existing web page--but, in posting, it gives the information another format and another way to reach search engines and a broader audience. It is important, even if it is repetition.

WASP Evelyn Jackson & Marty Volkomener

WASP EVELYN STEWART JACKSON, 43-W-6

WASP Evelyn Stewart Jackson was born February 17, 1917 on a ranch in Globe, Arizona, 80 miles east of Phoenix. Her childhood was filled with great adventures, riding horses and helping her dad tend the cattle. Since there was no running water, she would water the horses by hauling buckets from the spring. For all the hard work, there were fun jobs, roundups, rodeos and chuck wagons--just like in the movies.

Always interested in flying, she signed up to be a part of the CPT program in Globe. After completing the program, she received her private pilot license. Evelyn also attended the Desert Parachute School in Phoenix, and received her rigger's license and for a time, was employed as a parachute packer at Arizona Gliding Academy at Wickenburg, Arizona.

In 1943, she applied and was accepted for training into the WASP class of 43-W-6 and graduated, earning her silver wings October 9, 1943.

She was stationed at Enid Army Air Base, Enid, Oklahoma, a basic training base for Army Air Force cadets. At Enid, she flew basic trainers (BT-13, BT-15) as an engineering test and utility pilot.

After the WASP were deactivated, Evelyn married Frank Jackson, a ranch manager in Arizona. She enjoyed working with him and never lost her love of horses or the outdoors.

Evelyn continued to live in the home she shared with Frank after he passed away in 1984.

In November of 2001, Wings Across America traveled to Apache Junction, Arizona, where the City Manager loaned us her office in the Chamber of Commerce building. It was there we met and interviewed Evelyn, who, like many WASP, lived a private life, never boasting about her time serving her country. What a delightful experience it was to introduce the only WASP in town to the President of the Chamber of Commerce. All the city employees came out to meet Evelyn and shake her hand.

As the interview began, Evelyn gently opened the scrapbook filled with her memories of horses, flying, friends, parachutes and roundups. Even though she appeared almost frail, we soon learned of her aerobics, yoga, Tai Chi and her belly dancing classes.

On that special day in November, it was an honor to spend time with this lovely and quiet lady--and I don't think she would mind at all if I add--this lady pilot--this cowgirl.

submitted by Nancy Parrish, April 18, 2008

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Evelyn passed away on April 15, 2008. Information on services will be posted as it becomes available.

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WASP MARTHA 'MARTY' LAWSON VOLKOMENER, 43-W-4
November 1, 1920 - April 17, 2008

"I was born November 1, 1920, in Charleston, West Virginia. I decided I wanted to fly when I was seven years old. That was when Lindberg flew across the Atlantic. It was nothing but a dream until the summer after my sophomore year at West Virginia Wesleyan. I got into the summer class at Kanawha Flying School (seaplanes) in Charleston, West Virginia, and got my private license. I graduated from Wesleyan in 1942, and worked for Thomas, Field & Co. (a wholesale dry good store) in Charleston until late February of 1943. I didn't know how they knew about me, but the WASP contacted me. i had one landing in a land plane, as all my time, 85 hours, was in seaplanes."

"I reported to Sweetwater in early March of 1943, in class 43-4. I was assigned to Camp Davis, North Carolina, for the tow target squadron. I was then sent to Liberty Field at Camp Stewart. Both were antiaircraft training bases. I flew the L-2, L-5, A-24 (SBD), A-25 (SB2C Helldivers), BT-13, and all Twin Beechcrafts, (C-45, AT-7, AT-11, B-34, PQ-8, and PQ-14. I was active in the radio control program."

"After deactivation, I worked as an aircraft communicator, CAA in Montana, Idaho and Washington. I remained active in flying during this period, but stopped when I married Ed Volkomener, January 14, 1950. Ed was in charge of maintaining the electronic aids to aviation with the FAA, until he retired in 1972. I renewed my teacher's certificate and taught in the Catholic schools in Great Falls for a few years. I also was very active in the Campfire Girls program there. I also sang in my church choir and was a soloist.

We have three children: Margaret Nygard and Mark Volkomener, both in the Great Falls, Montana area, and Lucy Linn-Mckie with US Bank in Seattle, Washington. We have six grandsons and one great granddaughter."

"We moved to "The Pines" on Fort Peck Lake when Ed retired in 1972. He died in 1984. I have remained at the lake and have been going to Corpus Christi, Texas in the winter. However, I plan to go into a retirement home in Glasgow this winter of 1998...and will keep the cabin to be out here during good weather."

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"In her own words" taken from "OUT OF THE BLUE and INTO HISTORY" by WASP Betty Stagg Turner.

Photo of Marty during her training at Avenger Field. Signed photo was featured download on the USAF site.

Martha died April 17, 2008 at the age of 87. Services are pending. More information will be posted as it becomes available.

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Posted by Wings Across America--honoring and remembering the WASP

WASP Rose Alice Palmer, 44-W-6

In 1999, WASP Rose Palmer came to Waco, Texas to visit with her old baymate, WASP Anita Paul (AKA Sister Teresa). Even though they had not seen each other for over 50 years, it was as if time stood still. The young girls they used to be crept out in the whispers, the laughter and the friendship that could never grow old.

The next year, Rose came back to Waco, to the studios at Baylor Film & Digital Media for an interview with Wings Across America. Being on camera was not something she was used to, but, after a few minutes, she warmed up to the concept and to the opportunity to share her story.

From the Wings Across America interview with Rose Palmer:

Rose Alice Palmer was born in Fort Worth, Texas, September 30, 1921. She considered herself a tomboy, always tagging along after her older brother and his friends. Her father, who had been born enroute to America from Ireland, worked as a traveling salesman for Carson Perry Scott. When she was old enough, Rose would go along as his helper.

“I would go to town with him. He would go to the big stores in Ft Worth. If they wanted a product or whatever he had, then I would go back to the truck and get the samples and take them to him. Then at noon, he would give me my weekend allowance and I would stay downtown and go to the Worth Theatre. There were 3 big ones, the Worth, the Palace and the Hollywood. I would stay downtown then and go to the show and take the bus home.

I got a quarter for Saturday. That was a nickel for a Rockefeller hamburger, 10 cents for the show, and then it was only a nickel or a dime for the bus fare. That was Saturday’s and then I would get the other quarter for the week. So, I got 50 cents a week. But that was all you needed!”

Her most memorable teacher was Mrs. Noble, the math teacher. “When you took a test, she would write on the board, “First to thine own self be true,” and she’d leave the room. There would be no supervision at all, and nobody cheated! I don’t know of any student in the class that didn’t really respect and look up to her.”

Rose spent her freshman year of college at Texas Christian University as a Chemistry major, but in 1936, after her father was killed in an automobile accident, she began working in a book store to pay her tuition. Her sophomore year, she transferred to the University of Texas, where she could take classes in architecture and accounting.

After America entered World War II, Rose began working at an aircraft factory (later Lockheed Martin). She called it ”experimental engineering.” She was one of only 3 women engineers. As she described her primary job: “...just what was needed to get any problems that they were having designing the B24’s. They were having some problems with the tail turret, so that was our baby! I designed the tail gunner turret…the back of the plane. They were having trouble with it, and they assigned it to me to redesign it, which I did.”

Her first time in an airplane? “Oh, I loved it! I thought that was great…I gotta be doing this. I soloed and took to it quite readily. I really got the job to get money to pay for my time."

After being accepted into the WASP training program, class 44-W-6, Rose was assigned to her first flight instructor—a man she describes as “the mad Russian.” According to Rose, they didn’t get along. She finally had to tell him, “If you want to tell me something you can tell me without the expletives…without cussing. All you have to do is suggest it or tell me what you want. Don’t yell at me.”

After graduating and earning her silver WASP wings, Rose was sent to Courtland AAB, Alabama, but only stayed 2 weeks. Her next assignment was to Buckingham AAB in Florida—where she trained to fly tow target missions in the B-26 “Martin Marauder”. One of her fondest memories is when her brother came down from Orlando. “The tower called, we were taxiing out, but we hadn’t gotten on the taxi strips. I said, “Tell him to pull up in front of the tower there and hop aboard.” He said , “No thank you. Your brother does not desire to fly in a 26!” According to Rose, the B-26 was her favorite airplane.

After the WASP were deactivated, Rose flew several ferry trips to an airplane graveyard in Wickenburg, Arizona. She signed up for the USAF Reserves and reported to Carswell, where she ran the Link Training Department. Later, during Korea, she served as Assistant Adjutant at Carswell, eventually Assistant to the Chief of Personnel for the 8th Air Force—in Bangor, Maine.

In May of 1945, Rose went to work for Delta Airlines—and continued working for the company until she retired in 1983. At Delta, Rose's main job was as “OPERATIONS AGENT”—as she describes it: "Well, you met the planes, you figured the passengers…then you went by weight….the DC3s, you figured your loads, you got the mail, you got the passengers, you got the baggage. You figured how much gas they can carry, you dispatch the planes.”

This wonderful WASP was a kind, gentle soul, who believed she could do anything and did--but she did it quietly, no fuss --just hard work, determination and persistence. We are forever grateful to her for her kindness and still remember the sparkle in her eyes as she described flying—everything about flying. The other thing that made her sparkle? Her little black dog.

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Written and submitted by Nancy Parrish, April 7, 2008. Information and quotes from Wings Across America interview with Rose Palmer, 2000

________________

From the Fort Worth Star Telegram:

Rose passed away on April 1, 2008, at a Fort Worth nursing home. She was a member of University Christian Church. She was preceded in death by her brother, Sam L. Palmer. Survivors: Her sister-in-law, Nancy Palmer; nephew, Jim Palmer; niece, Sally Palmer; great-nephew, David Palmer, all of Fort Worth; great-nephew, John Palmer Truelson of Boston, Mass.; and numerous cousins.

WASP TORCHBEARERS

In honor of MARCH--WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH, let me proudly introduce you to a few torchbearers and friends of the WOMEN AIRFORCE SERVICE PILOTS OF WWII. THE WASP. These extraordinary women are serving our country with honor , enthusiasm--and with a passion to

"REMEMBER THE WASP".

Photo right: General Linda K. McTague and Nancy Parrish in front of Wings Across America's WASP tent in the parking lot of the Pentagon, 2007, at the Air Force Memorial dedication. Gen. McTague was kind enough to 'stand in' for the WASP, remaining at the tent and shaking hands, smiling, and sharing information about the WASP while the WASP were 'up the hill' attending the dedication ceremonies.

As the Director of Wings Across America, I could not be more proud of these patriots, who have served AND ARE serving our country with honor and distinction. THEY ARE the true legacy of the WASP as they continue, not only to tell the story, but to encourage others by living lives of service "above and beyond".

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Brigadier General Linda K. McTague

is the Commander, 113th Wing, District of Columbia Air National Guard, Andrews Air Force Base, Maryland. She is responsible for over 1200 personnel in support of both F-16 (Air Combat Command) fighter and C-38 and C-40 airlift (Air Mobility Command) aircraft missions. Brigadier General McTague was commissioned through Officer Training School in 1981. She earned both a Master of Science degree in Adult Education in 1980 and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Liberal Arts in 1979 from Florida International University, Miami, Florida. She completed Squadron Officer School, Air Command and Staff College, and Air War College.

Brigadier General McTague is a Command Pilot, with over 5,250 flight hours in T-43, C-22, C-21, CT-39, UV-18, TG-7, T-38, and T-37 aircraft. Upon graduation from pilot training, she was assigned to Detachment 2, 1400th Military Airlift Squadron, Randolph Air Force Base, Texas, as a CT-39 pilot. In 1984, she accepted a special duty assignment to the 94th Airmanship Training Squadron, United States Air Force Academy as a TG-7 instructor pilot. This assignment also led to qualification as an FAA Certified Flight Instructor in the SGS 2-22, 2-25, 2-32, 2-33, 1-26, and 1-34 sailplanes. After two years she moved to Detachment 1 of the 94th ATS to become a pilot for the Wings of Blue Air Force Parachute Team and served as the Operations Officer and flight examiner in the UV-18 aircraft. In December 1988, she joined Detachment 1, DCANG, Andrews Air Force Base, Maryland, as a C-21 pilot. In 1991, she attended Aircraft Munitions and Maintenance Officer School and served as the Assistant Chief of Maintenance and Chief of Maintenance. In 1994, she became the Commander, 113th Logistics Squadron, and subsequently served as the full-time 113th Logistics Group Commander while continuing to fly as an attached C-22 instructor pilot in the 201st Airlift Squadron. She commanded the 201st Airlift Squadron from 1 November 1997, until 22 July 2001, with a special tour of duty in 1999 as the Acting Vice Commander, Air Mobility Operations Control Center, Ramstein Air Base, Germany. From November 2001 until November 2003, she served as the Air National Guard Advisor to the Director of Operations, Air Education and Training Command, Randolph Air Force Base, Texas.

Brigadier General McTague is from Battle Creek, Michigan.

FLIGHT INFORMATION:
Rating: Command Pilot
Flight Hours: 5,250
Aircraft Flown: T-41; T-37; T-38; CT-39; TG-7; SGS-2-22, SGS 2-33, SGS 2-25, SGS 2-32, SGS 1-26, and SGS 1-34 sailplanes; UV-18; C-21; C-22; T-43
MAJOR AWARDS AND DECORATIONS:
Meritorious Service Medal with three oak leaf clusters
Air Force Commendation Medal with one oak leaf cluster
Air Force Achievement Medal
Army Achievement Medal
District of Columbia Meritorious Service Medal with one oak leaf cluster

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Brigadier General Janet A. Therianos

has been shining a light on the WASP as part of the USAF 60th Anniversary celebration. Her kindness and enthusiasm for honoring the WASP has been contagious. She is a true "TORCHBEARER".

General Therianos is the Special Assistant to the Assistant Vice Chief of Staff, Headquarters U.S. Air Force, Washington, D.C. The Assistant Vice Chief of Staff is responsible for Air Staff organization and administration, serves as Deputy Chairman of the Air Force Council, and is the Air Force accreditation official for the Corps of Air Attachés. In addition to her duties as the Special Assistant, General Therianos was responsible for the planning and execution of the Air Force's year-long 60th anniversary commemoration.

General Therianos entered the Air Force in 1980 as a graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy with a degree in aeronautical engineering. She is a command pilot with experience flying three major weapons systems. She has commanded the 344th Air Refueling Squadron, twice commanded the European Tanker Task Force, and was Commander of the 60th Operations Group. General Therianos has also served as the 60th Aerospace Expeditionary Group Commander in Southwest Asia for Operation Enduring Freedom. Additionally, she has held a variety of staff positions at the Air Staff, Air Combat Command, 15th Air Force and U.S. Transportation Command.

EDUCATION
1980 Bachelor of Science degree in aeronautical engineering, U.S. Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs, Colo.
1984 Squadron Officer School, Maxwell AFB, Ala.
1985 Marine Corps Command and Staff College, by correspondence
1986 Master of Business Administration degree, Louisiana Tech University, Ruston
1992 Air Command and Staff College, Maxwell AFB, Ala.
1993 Master's degree in airpower art and strategy, School of Advanced Airpower Studies, Maxwell AFB, Ala.
1998 Secretary of Defense Fellow, National Defense Fellowship Program, Northrop Grumman Corp., Baltimore, Md.
2003 General Manager Program, Harvard School of Business, Harvard University, Cambridge, Mass.
2006 Capstone Fellow, National Defense University, Fort Lesley J. McNair, Washington, D.C.FLIGHT INFORMATION
Rating: Command pilot
Flight hours: More than 3,300
Aircraft flown: T-37, T-38, KC-135A, KC-135R/T, KC-10A and C-5

MILITARY AWARDS AND DECORATIONS
Defense Superior Service Medal
Legion of Merit with oak leaf cluster
Meritorious Service Medal with two oak leaf clusters
Aerial Achievement Medal
Joint Service Commendation Medal
Air Force Commendation Medal with three oak leaf clusters
Air Force Achievement Medal with oak leaf cluster
Combat Readiness Medal with oak leaf cluster
National Defense Service Medal with bronze star
Southwest Asia Service Medal with bronze star
Afghanistan Campaign Medal
Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal
Armed Forces Service Medal
Air Force Expeditionary Service Ribbon with Gold Border
Kuwait Liberation Medal (Government of Kuwait)

____________________________

Dr. Christina L. Lafferty

“What makes human beings special is that we can look to future with a vision of where we want to go, but we can also look to our past to find that vision,” said Col. Christina Lafferty, senior Air Force Reserve adviser to the President of National Defense University. “The WASP are an integral part of Air Force history as well as human history. If we forget the tremendous accomplishments of these women, then we will have lost a very special part our past for ourselves and our children.” Col. Christine Lafferty.

Col. Lafferty spoke at the ground breaking ceremony at Avenger Field in 2005. She is a wonderful champion for the WASP. Thanks to Col. Lafferty, there were 4 WASP who were invited to the Air Force Memorial Dedication ceremony as special guests of the Air Force. When 14 WASP showed up to attend the event, she not only made sure they were all treated like VIP's, she managed to get every single WASP a priceless VIP ticket to the dedication ceremony.

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Now retired from the USAF, Dr. Chris Lafferty is Professor of Behavioral Science, Department of Leadership and Information Strategy, and Director of Research and Writing, Industrial College of the Armed Forces, National Defense University, Washington, D.C. She joined the faculty there in 2004.

PHOTO: Nancy Parrish, Gen. Janet Therianous, WASP Deanie Parrish, Col. Chris Lafferty.

A commander during both Desert Shield/Storm and Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom, Dr. Lafferty served 28 years in both the active duty Air Force and the Air Force Reserve in public affairs, logistics, policy development and, most recently, as the Senior Are Force Reserve Advisor to the National Defense University President and ICAF professor. Her past assignments include Individual Mobilization Augmentee to the Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Reserve Affairs, the Pentagon, and Mission Support Group Commander, 908th Airlift Wing, Maxwell Air Force Base, AL. Dr. Lafferty’s civilian career has included work as an advance practice oncology nurse at Georgetown University Medical Center and Hospice of Northern Virginia. She has taught communications at Ohio University and Arizona State University; lectured at Air University, Howard University and The George Washington University, where she also served as adjunct professor at the Center for the Study of Learning; and worked as a defense analyst.

She is married to Dr. Brad D. Lafferty (USAF, Ret.). She and her therapy dog, Layla, are privileged to represent the Industrial College of the Armed Forces in outreach service at Walter Reed Army Medical Center.

EDUCATION:
2003 Doctor of Education; The George Washington University
2002 Air War College
1998 Master of Science in Nursing; George Mason University
1995 Associate of Science - Nursing; Troy State University
1988 Air Command and Staff College
1986 Squadron Officer School
1979 Officer Training School
1976 Master of Arts - Communication; The Ohio University
1974 Bachelor of Science - Education; The Ohio University
Functional Expertise:
Organization and Human Development - Communication (organizational and interpersonal) - Logistics (aerial port) - Public Affairs - Clinical Nursing (oncology and hospice) - Research & Writing
Area of interest: Central America

_________________________

Captain Crystal Powers

“I have known about the WASP for many years,” said Capt. Crystal Powers, a 9th Bomb Squadron B-1B Lancer pilot. “I have read many books about them and have helped to celebrate their history. I have, along with a lot of my friends, been inspired by what they have done. Unfortunately, we still don’t have a lot of women pilots in the Air Force today, but I hope, in some small way, to continue the traditions of excellence in flying for women today that were created by these outstanding women.”

PHOTO: B1-B launch SOUTHWEST ASIA - Capt. Crystal Powers, 9th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron aircraft commander, settles into the pilot's seat of the B-1B Lancer bomber she will fly on a mission at a Southwest Asia air base Dec. 29.

B1-B launch

Prepping the bus

___________________

If you have a quote to share or a WASP you have been inspired by, PLEASE email me.

MORE EXCITING NEWS TO COME!

posted by Nancy Parrish, Director
nancy@wingsacrossamerica.org

Wings Across America
1819 River Street
Waco, Texas 76706
254-366-1436

WASP GRACE ROSANKY PUTNAM JONES, 43-W-6

Always a lady... Grace Jones was a pioneer--in fashion and in flying.

Her store in Salado, Texas, became quite famous all over the world. "GRACE JONES" was so much more than a store. Because of Grace's keen eye and extraordinary taste, she raised the bar for FASHION--and her tremendous talent was sought after and studied. Even Stanley Marcus tried to hire her. However, Grace was independent. Born into one of the founding families of Texas, she was always her own woman.

Grace was also a WASP... a very well dressed WASP!

She passed away quietly February 16, 2008.

Below are 3 links:

Wings Across America "FINAL FLIGHT" (which includes the original article in the Temple Daily Telegram and photos of Grace

A wonderful personal tribute from the Austin School of Design Blog by fashion designer and teacher Mary Margaret Quadlander

Austin American Statesman Obituary

MARCH IS WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH

--and it will be here SOON.

In the meantime, we've updated the EVENTS page. PLEASE visit to see if something fun is happening in your area--and then GO!

These special events celebrate the WASP, Military Aviation, and veterans across the USA.

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HELP WINGS ACROSS AMERICA AND WASP ON THE WEB
CONTINUE TO FLY HIGH

If you have not considered a tax deductible gift to Wings Across America, please do. Gifts may be made to Baylor University--for WINGS ACROSS AMERICA--to help us GROW our website, travel the Flygirls of WWII Exhibit, and continue to explore new ways to share the exciting history of the WASP.

Online since 1996 -- beginning with "YAHOO PICK OF THE WEEK" our website now has over 2,000 pages and reaches MILLIONS of visitors all over the world, inspiring them with the unique and colorful history of the WASP of WWII.

We have traveled this far on a wing and a prayer--one step, one story, one WASP at a time. We need your help. Your gift will make a difference.

THANKS for your support!

God bless you all,

Nancy Parrish, Director
Wings Across America
_____________________________________________


LIVING LIFE ON THE ‘ RAGGED EDGE’

Wichita Falls, TX - February 8, 2008 - When she was 6 years-old, Jill Long, (EAA 721591) was at an air show and remembers telling her mother that someday she would perform in the sky.

“You can’t do that,” said a man who overheard. “You’re a girl.”

“How dare you tell her that!” Long’s mother responded. “She can do anything she wants to do.”

And Long has done just that.
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READ THE WHOLE ARTICLE on this extraordinary AIR FORCE PILOT, who happens to be a female!

See JILL on VIDEO!



Visit Jill's website


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FEBRUARY 16, 2008
Fort Wayne, IN Museum of ARTS Presents:

Girl’s Can’t Be Pilots: The Story of Margaret J. Ringenberg
Saturday, February 16
2PM
FREE

Margaret Ringenberg began her aviation career in 1943 during World War II when she became a ferry pilot with the Women’s Air Force Service Pilot (WASP). Although WASP pilots were not allowed to fly combat missions, they completed dangerous and important missions. The WASP disbanded in 1944 and Ringenberg went on to become a flight instructor. In total, she has logged over 40,000 hours of flight time and continues to race today, even completing the 'Round-the-World' Air Race in 1994 at the age of 72.

Click to read blog.

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WAI Honors Pioneer Hall of Fame Inductees For 2008
Five New Members To Be Inducted In March

Women in Aviation, International will welcome five new inductees into its Pioneer Hall of Fame during the closing banquet at the 19th annual Women in Aviation, International Conference in San Diego, CA. The Conference will be held from March 13-15, 2008.

To read the rest of the story, click here.

CONGRATULATIONS TO WASP MARGARET RINGINBERG, MICHELLE MALACHOWSKI, NANCY HARKNESS LOVE AND JERRIE MONK !
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NEW WASP EAA VIDEO CLIPS ONLINE
From the EAA



WASP ETHEL FINLEY
WASP DOT SWAIN
WASP B.J. BROWN
WASP JEAN MC CREERY
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WASP Evelyn Pinkert "Pinky" Brier, 44-W-9

Aviation pioneer Evelyn Pinkert 'Pinky' Brier

Evelyn Pinckert "Pinky’" Brier, a San Bernardino aviation pioneer who owned Tri-City Airport for more than 40 years, died Sunday at Redlands Community Hospital.

Brier, who was 98, died of pneumonia, according to officials at Montecito Memorial Park, which is handling her funeral.

PHOTO: Evelyn 'Pinky' Brier gets kissed by the mayor in 1938. Pinky flew the first air mail letter from Redlands. (A.K. Smiley Public Library)

Brier was the first American woman licensed as a flight and aerobatics instructor and was invited to join the Women’s Air Force Service Pilots (WASPS) during World War II. She holds the record for the most take-offs and landings at Los Angeles International Airport.

Services will be at 1 p.m. Thursday in the Valley View Chapel, Montecito Memorial Park, 3520 E. Washington St., Colton. Interment will follow in the park.

(PLEASE CLICK FOR MORE COMPLETE STORY OF PINKY AND HER FLYING CAREER)

additional link to PINKY BRIER--OBITUARY ONLINE --San Bernadino Sun
additional link to PINKY BRIER--OBITUARY--SAN BERNADINO Press Enterprise

FLYGIRLS OF WWII -- An Exciting Way to Learn About the WASP

Waco, Texas. The Mayborn Museum Complex has extended Wings Across America's "Flygirls of WWII" exhibit until April 1, 2008.

This exciting exhibit, now on display in the Baylor area of the museum, has been an overwhelming success!

Since opening on September 15, 2007, "FLYGIRLS OF WWII" has been a resounding success, sharing the history of the Women Airforce Service Pilots with visitors from all over the world!

Here are just some of the locations from whence they came, as indicated in the Flygirls guest book:

Pine Hill, NJ
Rochester, NY
Beijing, China
Bradfield, Essex, Great Britain
Ft. Myers, FL
Denver, CO
Phoenix, AZ
Hyeres, France
Tucson, AZ
Louisville, KY
Indianapolis, IN
White Plains, NY
Overland Park, KS
Sioux Falls, SD
Perris, CA
Robertsville, MO
Athens, Oh
Canteusight, OK
Waialua, Hawaii
Havelock, NC
Australia
Broken Arrow, OK
Fairfax, VA
Fairbanks, AK
Silver City, NM
Navarre, FL
Countain, CO
Albany, NY
Dixon, CA
Twin Lake, MI
Santa Rosa, CA
Bailey, CO
Bagdad, KY
Ft. Myers, FL
Ripley, TN
Lake Charles, LA
Michoacán, Mexico
Park City, UT
Kuala Lemur, Malaysia
Wellington, New Zealand
Los Angeles, CA
Forest Lake, MN
Tilden, IL
Ina, IL
Brentwood, TN
Antioch, IL
Jonesboro, GA.

Of course, this doesn't include WASP visitors—from Marietta, Ohio; Rancho Cucamonga, CA; Denver, CO, Methuen, MA; South Lake, TX; Weatherford, TX; Ft. Wayne, IN; and Wichita Falls, TX. It also doesn't include visitors from more than 60 Texas cities. Of course, the numbers, the cities, the countries and the comments increase daily as this museum receives more than 100,000 visitors each year.

The guestbook at the exhibit has been filled with such encouraging words that are not only about the exhibit, they are about the WASP and their INSPIRATIONAL HISTORY:

"An inspiration to pilots everywhere" Betty Williamson

"I admire all the work you've done to educate people about the WASP. Thank you for sharing!" Maggie Ellor

"Another reason to be proud I was in the USAF!" Cathy Bohme

"Awesome. Their history should be taught in all schools!" Lillian & Joseph Ozun

"A very impressive display. You surpassed the WASP display at the Smithsonian." Megan Lotzenhiser

"A special thanks to the women who paved the path that all women pilots now walk" Lt. Col. Jill Long, USAF

"This exhibit rocks. The WASP were amazing!" Liz Price & Amanda Riordau,

"Thank you people who saved us" Bailey Stiff

"Magnifique" Evelyne Guinn, Hyeres, France

"Wonderful exhibit" Alice Dollahan, Retired USAF MSGT.

"In a world full of bad examples set for girls, these ladies are true heroines & icons!" Sonya Maness

"Invaluable for daughter's honors history project." Hinton family

"Way to go. I'm honored to visit this site" Catherine Moore

(Plus: These words appear MANY TIMES throughout the comments) "Awesome, great, amazing, sweet, impressive, outstanding, inspirational, informative, marvelous, wonderful, fascinating, superb, cool, Kool, wow, wowee!"

The Mayborn Museum Complex is open daily. MAKE PLANS to visit the exhibit before its too late!