The High Sky Wing

Gena Linebarger presents the 2015 Colonel of the Year award to Ralph Gillette

Wing Leader Gena Linebarger presents the Spirit of the Eagle Award to the family of Daniel Rathbun, who was unable to attend the banquet.

More than sixty members and guests turned out for the 2016 Awards Banquet, catered this year by G&G Roughneck Services. You may remember that this family bought our cook trailer to start their catering business, and they put out some “mighty fine grub”.

John Williams (L) and Bob Keating enjoy a laugh at the banquet.

Gena Linebarger, Wing Leader, presents her 2016 Staff. (L to R) Brent Collins, adjutant; Steve Bolin, finance; Ryan Linebarger, safety; Michael Clinton, maintenance; Steve Clinton, operations

Steve Bolin, Finance Officer, explained the State of the Wing finances, emphasizing what a successful year we had.

Adjutant Brent Collins (L), and Maintenance Officer Michael Clinton brief the guests about the progress of the Midland Army Air Field Museum, scheduled for a grand opening to the public on Feb 6.

Buddy Cooksey addresses the membership, proposing a new touring rides program that will fit in with our planned Ghost of West Texas tour.

Mr. Bob Pryor (far right) joined with his sons-in-law, Cecil Fellows (r to l) and David Bishop in a night flight piloted by James Martin. Mr. Pryor, who flew in the co-pilot’s seat tonight, is an infantry veteran of World War II, and we thank him for his service.

Ms Kyndall Blagrave and Mr. Ethan Lewis smile after their “solo” ride. Ethan had flown on Wednesday night with his family and just had to come back for another ride.

Mr. Glen Rasco celebrated a birthday surprise from his wife, Susan, with a Christmas Night Flight by James Martin. The couple is from Iraan, and Glen really thought he was coming to HSW for a beer tasting. Susan did a good job of keeping the secret.

Mr. Aaron Escajeda and Ms. Taylor Everett are all smiles after their flight Thursday evening.

Pilot Daniel Rathburn hosted the largest flight of the night. (l to r) Ms. LaVon Darville, Jack and Carmen Kenner, and Anne and Mark Darville. Mark, who flew in the co-pilot’s seat this evening, is an avid collector of WW II memorabilia and is looking forward to visiting the new Midland Army Air Field Museum when it opens in February.

“Yeah, my hands are cold, too.” Jeff Barnes (from left), Sam Strahan and Brad Bond seek shelter from the cold under a convenient wing. We have had a good showing from wing members who show up to support our Night Flights program.

H.A. Tuck, Elise Coombes and Bill Coombes, ready for passengers.

Pilot Daniel Rathburn and the “Domino’s Crew”. Many thanks to Domino’s Pizza for their continual support of the High Sky Wing.

It’s a family affair with this flight containing several generations in the Watkins family.

Jeff Barnes piloted this loving couple around the night skies. Rumor has it that there was a little hand-holding going on in the cabin.

John Echols and another group of happy passengers.

Daniel Rathburn and one of the several groups of satisfied passengers that he flew around the evening sky.

Downtown Midland from the cockpit.