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United States Pilots Association |
It’s been just a little more than 48 hours since I was one of 18 civilian guests flying above St. Joseph, MO, at 2,000’ MSL with the back of the C-130H wide open to the cloudless, hot summer air over northwest Missouri. The fact that I was actually in an Air National Guard plane on an actual military exercise still seems hard to believe. But the greatest impression of all from the day’s adventure is marked indelibly in my mind—the total professionalism and superb quality of our National Guardsmen (and women!).
Thanks to fellow USPA member and Past President of the Missouri Pilots Association Billy Ray, owner of Buck Stoves and Spas in St. Joseph, MO, I was the only non-St. Joe guest among the 18 local business owners, the St. Joe Mayor, a local TV reporter, cameraman, and a local newspaper reporter.
The purpose of the civilian hands-on aerial and ground tour was simple and made quite clear: The St. Joseph Air National Guard is a major player in the local economy, and they want and need the help of local businesses, primarily on a political level. When recent military budget cuts were made, the facility narrowly missed being erased from the landscape. It’s at times like this that local taxpaying voters can and do make a difference.
I have my group photo, my Honorary Crew Member certificate, and some other great pictures and video I took on the flight and at the base. But most of all, I have a tremendously increased understanding of and respect for our Missouri Air National Guard, the services they provide our state and our nation, and the extremely high quality individuals that comprise it.
Good luck and safe flying, Guardsmen! Keep ‘em in the air. I sleep better at night knowing you’re on the job.
Jan Hoynacki, Executive Director
United States Pilots Association