Executive Officer Michael Clinton, sitting in for Wing Leader Gena Linebarger (attending the Wing Staff Conference with Steve Bolin), conducted the Wing Meeting last night, covering a number of topics of interest to the HSW membership.
Newly appointed Executive Officer, Michael Clinton, gives his blessing to the assembled masses at his first Wing Meeting.
Prior to the official opening of the meeting Steve Clinton was honored with a birthday cake to celebrate his *#@!%#!&* birthday.
Maintenance Officer Mark Haskin turns his head to avoid the plumes of toxic birthday candle smoke as birthday boy Steve Clinton looks on.
A recap was given of the grand opening of the new MAAF Museum with reports of 50-90 visitors each Saturday. It was suggested that the Museum’s operating hours be changed from 9:00 am – 3:00 pm to 10:00 am – 3:00 pm; it will be discussed at the next HSW Staff Meeting. A call was put out for more volunteers to work three hour Saturday shifts as docents. Several members have been taking care of this duty, but they can’t always be there, so a volunteer list needs to be set up and a schedule put together. Anyone who is interested should contact Michael Clinton, Brent Collins, H.A. Tuck or Greg Gutting.
Adjutant Brent Collins displays a gas mask donated by Doug and Barbara Blevins for the new MAAF Museum. Donations of war memorabilia, especially from the WW II era in the Permian Basin, are greatly appreciated.
The CAF has instituted a Rides Program Suspension for all Standard Category aircraft in all units. This is not due to any safety issue or violation of any rules or regulations. According to the CAF HQ: “The FAA has strict requirements when selling rides in Standard category aircraft. We took it upon ourselves to put that part of our program on hold while we review our procedures to ensure compliance. It isn’t a safety issue of any kind, it is a procedural issue that we will soon have worked out.” What this means for the HSW is that we will not be able to give rides in the C-45, SNJ, PT-19 or L-17 until the issue is resolved by HQ. The T-28 is considered an experimental aircraft, so, for now at least, we can still give rides in it.
Bill Coombes updated the progress on the upcoming Warbirds & Wheels (formerly Mustang Stampede) car show. It will take place on March 19th in the main hangar and members are encouraged to attend beginning around 8:00 am. Admission to the public is $5.00 and if you would like to enter a vehicle in the car show check out HighSkyWing.org for applications and more information. While most duties associated with the car show will be handled by the Desert Squadron, the “car guys”, and several food trucks, our members’ presence will enhance the image of the HSW in the community and allow us one more venue to spread the word about our mission. We will have a table set up for that purpose and to sell some very nice Warbirds & Wheels t-shirts.
Hops & Props is happening on April 9th and licensed TABC bartenders are needed to help serve. Many members got their certificates on-line last year and those are good for two years. Tickets are available online via the HSW web page and our Facebook page. Lauri Skinner is looking for items for the silent auction, so contact her if you can help.
The “relighting” of the main hangar is underway, sort of. All of the lights have arrived and we are just waiting for ONCOR to perform its inspection of the existing lighting so that a rebate will be approved. It could be as much as $20,000 which will go a long way to helping offset the initial costs of the efficient new lighting. Once approved, Ryan Linebarger, Safety Officer will begin replacing all of the old lights. You can still “buy a light” with a donation of $900. Steve Bolin will be happy to take your money.
David Linebarger has asked for some help in maintaining the campus landscape, especially in light of the campus events that we are hosting in the coming months. You can catch him on campus for an assignment pretty much every Saturday morning, and he will be happy to issue you the appropriate tools to get the job done.
Important Dates:
Flight Evaluation Board: Tues March 1, 5:00 pm
HSW Staff Meeting: Tues March 1, 6:00 pm
HSW Membership Meeting: Thur March 24, 5:30 pm
