First Aero Squadron Newsletter

"Please become a member of our Foundation we need your membership and support"

The Aerodrome Newsletters

May 2010

**Be sure to read Ken Emery’s Short Bio of Benny Foulois beginning page 2**

PARCEL #1 IS OURS! – MILLER VISIT – BOARD CHANGES – APPOINTMENTS TO ADVISORY BOARD – DESERT EXPOSURE ARTICLE

Dr. Roger Miller, sponsored by the Air Force, staged a first class performance on Saturday, April 24^th in the Exhibition Hall in Pancho Villa State Park. Miller is a respected historian and author, and Deputy Director of the AF Historical Office. Trustee Ric Lambart, working with the park’s John Read to put the program together, counted close to 120 people in the audience- the largest attendance ever at a PV program. Among the guests were Steve Watson, Archivist at Kirtland AFB, Albuquerque; Miriam O. Seymour, Tucson, aviation historian and author; and John Deuble, Albuquerque, Southwestern historian and author.

Also attending were Advisory Board Chair Jim Greenwood, Green Valley AZ.; and Advisory Board Members Pete Adolph, Albuquerque; Bob Worthington, Las Cruces; Lyn Benedict; Roswell; and Tom Willmott, Santa Fe. The speaker and Advisory Board Members with wives and guests were treated to a luncheon by the trustees at the local Three Salsa’s Restaurant following the program.

Dr. Miller’s presentation explored the early deployment of the First Aero Squadron and the creation of Camp Furlong (now Pancho Villa St. Pk.), and its overall contribution to the Punitive Expedition. Featured were a number of illustrations and maps that have recently come to light.

The end of April, Village Magistrate Javier Lozano took your President on a tour by foot of our property, actually acquired the last day of March. We were able to identify the southeast corner of the property in the middle of a fence line in chest-high desert brush, although by that time this writer was ready to call in the Medivac. With luck, this represents the start of getting a landing strip bladed out of the mesquite.

Steve Watson, it should be noted, has donated about 2 dozen copies of a document important to you serious aviation historians. It is: Logbook of Signal Corps No. 1, the US Army’s First Airplane, by Benjamin Foulois (later 1^st Aero Commander), edited by Meghan Cunningham. This 52 page book was published in 2004 as a part of the Hundredth Anniversary of Flight by the Air Force History and Museums Program. The book is well illustrated and has an excellent introduction by the editor. The books, while they last, are available from the Foundation for a donation of $10, including postage and handling…

Significant changes have come to the Board of Trustees. Charter Trustee Pete Oesper had been serving as an interim treasurer when James Efferson offered his services to the Foundation. Efferson, whohas a history with non-profits, most recently was Treasurer for the Village of Columbus and had served as Human Services Director for New Mexico’s largest winery. Oesper approached the board with the suggestion that he resign, and that the President appoint Efferson in his place. Pete has given freely of his time and experience and while board members were vocal in not wanted to lose him, the reluctantly accepted his resignation, and James Efferson was appointed to fill Oesper’s unexpired term. Proving that no good deed goes unpunished, the Board next appointed Pete to the empty, non-board position of Parliamentarian. Oesper, an engineer, heaved an audible sigh of relief as he handed the books over to his successor.

One of our esteemed historians, Ken Emery (Jim Davis in DC being the other) has written a well researched and very readable article about he First Aero Squadron for the April issue Desert Exposure Magazine. We would heartily recommend that you Google it up when you have a few minutes. It is great background and well worth the time. The Desert Exposure website: www.desertexposure.com

We are being dragged kicking and screaming into the 21^st Century. The last two Board meetings saw the local Trustees connected by live feed with Webmaster Kris Lethin in Seldovia, Alaska via Skype voice and video.

Member Dick Chevalier of Windsock Airpark, Columbus, has just been accredited to Photographer’s Row for the Atlantis Shuttle Launch. Dick is a stringer for the Deming Headlight; he flies an RV-6A. www.hangarliving.com

Benjamin Delahauf Foulois, December 9, 1879 – April 25, 1967

This brief biography is by Ken Emery of the FAF Historical Committee

General Foulois started his military career as an enlisted man in the Spanish-American and Philippine Wars. While in the latter, he was commissioned a 2^nd Lieutenant in the 17^th Infantry on February 2^nd, 1901. He was promoted to 1^st Lieut. on October 16^th, 1906, and to Captain, Aviation Section Signal Corps, July 23^rd, 1914. His aviation duties began in 1908 and continued until his retirement, December 31, 1935.

Foulois was ordered to Fort Sam Houston TX with Signal Corps Airplane #1 to teach himself how to fly. At this point he had received less than an hour of instruction from Wilbur Wright and had not soloed. He did so on March 2^nd, 1910, making four flights in a Type A Wright flyer. These included his first solo takeoff, first solo landing, and first solo crash! He was truly a “mail order pilot” for, as problems arose, he requested and received instructions from Wilbur by mail.

Over the next two years, he improvised and made modifications to the Flyer, such as replacing the skids with wheels, adding a seatbelt, and using a radio while airborne. On March 3^rd, 1911, he and Philip O. Parmalee made the first official military reconnaissance flight in conjunction with a ground exercise.

After duty at Fort Leavenworth and Galveston, he went San Diego’s Signal Corps Aviation School where he assumed command of the First Aero Squadron in 1914. After stops in Ft. Sill OK and Fort Sam Houston, on March 15^th, 1916, the squadron became a part of Pershing’s Punitive Expedition, flying out of Columbus NM.

He left 1st Aero in September, 1916, and after stops at Ft. Sam Houston and Washington DC, where he developed the plans to build an air force to support the AEF’s three million man army, he was assigned Air Service Chief on November 17, 1917. Inevitably, he clashed with Billy Mitchell, whom he replaced. Mitchell, by all accounts, could be an irascible sort, strong willed and highly opinionated. Having come from a privileged background, he may well have ‘looked down’ on Foulois’ more modest heritage. He referred to Foulois’ staff and perhaps Foulois himself, as ‘carpetbaggers.’ Since Benjamin Foulois was not exactly a shrinking violet himself, their clashes continued until Mitchell’s court martial in 1925 and resignation in 1926. Their mutual dislike was unfortunate because on many issues regarding the development of and use of the Army’s air arm, they tended to agree. Their cooperation could have aided the eventual development of the Army Air Corps.

After the war ended, Foulois helped draft the air clauses of the treaty of Versailles. After an appearance before the Senate Military Affairs Subcommittee where he testified with unflattering bluntness toward the Army General Staff and Assistant Secretary of the Navy Franklin D. Roosevelt, he returned to Europe as a military attaché. There he accumulated a large amount of aviation intelligence from German sources. He hoped that it would be put to use by the U.S., but complained later that it never was.

He became commander of Mitchell Field, NY in 1925 and in 1927 became Assistant Chief of the Air corps. He became Chief of the Air Corps on December 19, 1931. During his command, the development of long range bombers (B-17’s and B-24’s) began. Also, during this time, the “Air Mail Fiasco” of 1934 occurred. Previously the mail was carried by commercial airlines, but an ongoing dispute with the Government led President Roosevelt to ask Foulois if the military could do the job. Foulois said, “Yes”, thinking that there would be time to prepare but, a week or so later, the mail was dropped in his lap. Between February 19, 1934 and May 17, 1934, 1.5 million miles were flown by Air Corps pilots who lacked training, funding, equipment and experience. There were many fatal crashes, and the image of the Army Air Corps suffered accordingly.

Foulois was caught in the middle of a political battle between commercial aviation, Congress and the military. His previous adversarial position with now-President Franklin D. Roosevelt probably didn’t help!

Major General Benjamin D. Foulois retired from the Army on December 31, 1935, quietly with no parade, fly-by or farewell from the general staff.

Jim Greenwood has said, “…Benny Foulois was one of the most under-rated individuals ever to command the U.S. Army Air Service (later Air Corps). “(He) first envisioned the concept of military airpower when he was the Army’s only aviation, long before Billy Mitchell had ever learned to fly. And it was Foulois and (Col. Edgar) Gorrell who came up with the idea of strategic bombardment, not Mitchell.”

General Foulois was the U.S. Army’s first, and for a time, only pilot and ended his career as Chief of the Air Corps. During that time he observed and helped implement huge changes and was instrumental in laying the groundwork for the U.S. Air Force today.

Vital Statistics

Born: Washington, CN

Died: Andrews AFB

Buried: Washington, CN

Served: U.S. Army, 1898-1935

Rank: Major General

Commands: 1^st Aero Squadron; Chief of Air Service, AEF; Asst. Chief of

Air Corps; Chief of Air Corps

Awards: Distinguished Service Medal

French Legion d’nonneur (commander)

Order of the Crown of Italy (Grand Officer)

Congressional Air Force Medal of Recognition

Enshrined in Aviation Hall of Fame

January 12, 2010

The Annual Board Meeting of the First Aero Squadron Foundation was held at the Columbus Library on 11 January 2010. The First Vice President reported that over 50% of the membership was represented by ballots and proxies.

Reelected for a two year term were Gene Valdes, Martha Skinner, Ric Lambart, and Jim Davis. After being appointed last year to fill an unexpired term, Ken Emery was elected to join the four others. Congratulations to all.

The election of officers resulted in the following:

President- Bill Wehner

1^st VP- Martha Skinnner

2^nd VP- Ric Lambart

Secretary- Sharan Maxwell

Treasurer- Pete Oesper (with a plea to be replaced. It is noted that officers must be elected trustees, although a person could be appointed “Asst. Treasurer” and report directly to the elected Treasurer. Ric Lambart is investigating this possibility.)

Standing and Pro-Tem Committee Appointments, effective immediately:

(Standing)

Fund Raising- Martha Skinner & Ric Lambart

Historical- Jim Davis & Ken Emery

Public Education- Bill Wehner, Ken Emery, Ric Lambart

Website- Kris Lethin

(Pro-Tem)

Audit & Budget- Bill Wehner, Pete Oesper, Gene Valdes, Ric Lambart

Insurance- Gene Valdes, Sharan Maxwell, Martha Skinner

By-laws- Pete Oesper, Gene Valdes, Bill Wehner

Those named first will be responsible for convening each committee

The incoming president would like to join the other trustees in thanking Gene Valdes for the hard work he has put into his job for the last 2 years. Gene originally agreed to serve only one year but was coerced into a second term last year. He has worked especially hard to bring the purchase of Parcel #1 to a successful conclusion in spite of the best efforts of various lawyers. Pete Oesper has overseen the selection and purchase of computer and printer for the treasurer’s use. He has installed the accounting program and has babysat it for the past year. He has the gratitude of all of us. Both Pete and Gene remain on the Board of Trustees.

Special emphasis this year will be on (1) internal organization and budgeting, (2) membership recruiting and retention, and (3) local publicity.

We have a couple of years experience with a growing foundation, and a full year with a new accounting system. Now we have the opportunity to de-bug the system, and to use the numbers we have developed to create a working budget. In October of 2009, Peter Westacott submitted a business plan tailored to the needs of the foundation; consideration of this plan will be a part of this committee’s purview. We also recognize that in this day and age of expanding and expensive torts, insurance coverage is a requirement for doing any kind if business. The Insurance Committee will be working closely with Audit and Budget find proper coverages.

Most organizations experience a 10 to 20% falloff in membership each year. That means that just to stay even we will have to enroll an equal number of new folks, or go out of business. We placed a recruiting ad in the 170 News for their 1^st quarter issue to begin this effort as well as to thank the International Cessna 170 Association for their support. We need serious input for this enlistment campaign. Another facet we are hoping to explore (exploit?) is the wealth of local of talent in our local membership.

By putting emphasis on dealing with local publicity, we are hoping to grow the program to a national/international level on a continuing, coordinated basis. As any organization grows, so must the by-laws. The committee so-charged will report from time to time on recommendations for needed changes

Last, but certainly not least, the Webmaster, Kris Lethin, has put together a small group to revitalize our site. If you haven’t checked it in the last few days, I urge you to do so. Kris has devoted a lot of time to the site and it shows.

The First Aero Squadron Foundation only because of the faith and hard work of the individuals involved. The trustees welcome your attendance and input at both board and committee meetings. Please email or call me any time you have an idea, comment and/or criticism- this is your organization.

Thanks again for your participation,

Bill

THE AERODROME

COLUMBUS, NEW MEXICO, NOVEMBER 2009

ELECTIONS - ANNUAL MEETING - FLY-IN CONFERENCE - PETER WESTACOTT DAY - NEW ADVISORY BOARD MEMBERS - LOGO, WEBSITE

Ballot - Enclosed with this issue is the annual ballot and proxy for 2010. Please fill in and return by December 31 st. Actually, do it NOW, that way you won't forget. Annual Meeting - Elections will take place as usual in December, followed by officer installation on Monday, January 11 at the Annual Meeting. This year's Annual Meeting will be a relatively low key affair because of festivities planned for the visit of Dr. Roger Miller, Air Force Historian in April. Miller is an Air Force Historian who will be presenting a highly entertaining program at our first ever Fly-in Conference.

Fly-in Conference - Mark the date of April 24, 2010 on your new calendar in red ink. In addition to the presentation by Dr. Miller, we are planning the "official" ribbon cutting ceremony at Parcel One, First Aero Squadron Aerodrome as well as other events. More on this important date in the February issue of the AERODROME.

Peter Westacott Day - The week of September 14^th will not soon be forgotten in Columbus. The Wednesday event featuring aviation icons Jim Greenwood, Dave Clemmer, Alex Kvassay, and Jim Davis helping to celebrate the work of artist Peter Westacott culminated that afternoon when all but Greenwood sat down to regale the crowd in American Legion Post 1916. G4 pilot Clemmer described his flight on 9/11 while airborne with Attorney General John Ashcroft aboard The FAA's Nan One. Davis (retired FAA Rapid Response Chief) and Westacott talked about aviation philosophies and personal experiences.

Kvassay's reminiscences centered on day-to-day life with Bill Lear. He recalled that the Learjet offices were a stone's throw from the Wichita Air Terminal and the resident carrental counters. Someone noted that Learjet had paid several monthly invoices from Hertz, and that same someone asked around to see who had the car out. Nobody knew.

It finally came to light that Bill Lear had decided that he didn't care to walk from the terminal to his office one day, rented a car, parked it in the lot, and promptly forgot about it ... Alex noted that he stays in touch with Lear's daughter, Chanda.

Final accounting is not yet complete for the print sale but it looks like a total of about $1500 was raised for the Foundation treasury, with the Wednesday afternoon event resulting in a little over $1200. At this writing, we have a few (six or less) signed and embossed prints- both First Flight and Jenny- left for sale. Prices for signed/embossed prints are: Jennys over Columbus, $60; First Flight, $100. One print of each is offered as a special for $125 total.

Unsigned prints are available too, at $35 and $60. Please add $6.00 per order for shipping.

To Peter, Alex, Dave and the Jims, our profound thanks for your generosity; and to those who purchased prints or otherwise contributed, thanks again.

Advisory members added- The September board meeting saw the election of two new Advisory Board members. Sandor "Alex" Kvassay, besides being a successful author, has had a career that has spanned the better part of seven decades including the German and Russian occupation of his homeland, Hungary. Freed from his captors, he was whisked to the Pentagon in an intelligence role and served in the US military. He eventually hooked up with the peripatetic Bill Lear and became Lear's Director of International Sales. He now splits his time between home in Wichita and traveling worldwide with his grandchildren and their parents.

Bob Worthington is retired from the Army where he served multiple roles; currently he serves as President ofthe New Mexico Pilots Association and VP of the US Pilots Assn. Bob is a retired journalism professor, was an FAA Safety Counselor, and now a F AAST rep. A prolific author - over 1800 articles and books - Bob has just finished a documentary movie on Viet Nam. He is also an amateur historian and gun collector.

Logo selected- You will note that we have a new logo, reproduced on the enclosed Application Form. "1916" and "1917" represent the years the First Aero Squadron spent here on the border before being shipped to Europe. The Jenny depiction is taken from Peter Westacott's painting. Peter has been especially generous to the First Aero Foundation and we deeply appreciate it.

New website- Go ahead, Google up www.firstaerosquadron.org and share our delight in Kris Lethin's latest version of the website. Assisting Kris were Ric Lambart, Ken Emery and Sharan Maxwell. This same committee has been working to develop language for a 4x8 sign to be erected on the recently acquired Parcel One.

Noted in passing- It is certainly interesting to realize that this patch of sand and gravel desert we are trying to save for posterity has seen everything from IN-3 Jennys to the biggest prop driven passenger planes.

On December 3^fd, 1948, with Capt. Murwin D. Ator in command, a DC-6 was cruising at 18,000 feet when the #4 engine blew, then started to bum. The Douglas was 25 miles NE of Columbus, New Mexico, at the time and the flight crew decided to set the craft down ASAP. A return to EI Paso was ruled out, as was a landing at Deming, so they headed for Columbus. AA Flight 183 made a "normal engine-out landing" at 2010 MST. As the DC-6 rolled to a stop on the 4100 foot gravel runway, the stewardesses initiated an emergency evacuation. However, one passenger who had insisted on making a parachute jump from 18,000' now refused to make the 6' jump to the ground ... It is reported that Capt. Ator later took up bullfighting "for excitement." (Nov.lDec. '95, American Airlines company magazine). The complete story is on our website, >www.firstaerosquadron.org<.

August 2009

THE AERODROME

PETER WESTACOTT TO VISIT COLUMBUS -SPECIAL PRICING ON JENNY PRINTS

THE FIRST DAY OF US MILITARY AIR POWER CRADLE OF AMERICAN AIRPOWER Columbus New Mexico 1916

The original painting hangs in the office of the Chief of Staff of the US Air Force in the Pentagon.

Peter Westacott, whose depiction of Jennys in flight over Columbus in March, 1916, graces the First Aero Foundation's website will be visiting Columbus. The Foundation and the Village will celebrate a special "Peter Westacott Day", Wednesday, September 16^{th,
in his honor. A reception will be held in the American Legion Hall on E. Broadway from
3:00 until 5:00 PM. Light refreshments will be served. All Foundation members are cordially
invited to join us on the 16th and to meet Peter. We can meet flights to EI Paso, and would
delight in greeting you if you'd like to fly into our airpark.} ^{It

is designated First Aero
Squadron NM09 (no connection the Aerodrome itself). We monitor 122.9; suggested landing to the west on
either of two gravel runways. If you prefer hard surface, Hacienda sur Luna is located just
north of us. Again, advise on 122.9. If you are driving in, give us a call at 575-531-7044
or 505-660-1112 Gene Valdes, Foundation President, announced that a feature of Peter's
reception will be the offer of Jenny prints, authenticated by the artist, for a donation of$50
or more. In addition, the Artist has made available a small quantity of prints of his rendition of the
Wright's first flight entitled "The Dream Fulfilled" as bonus for those who donate $100 or
more. Only 750 prints were made of this painting. The Jenny original hangs in the Pentagon in
the office of the Air Force Chief of Staff.}

A Gathering of Eagles-The week of September 14th will witness a true gathering of Eagles in tiny Columbus, New Mexico, as Peter Westacott joins reunion of sorts with other key figures in aviation. Among them will be Jim Greenwood, former Gates Lemjet Senior Vice President of Corporate Affairs, government executive, author, journalist and pilot. Bill Lafferty is retired from the US Air Force after flying the Berlin Airlift and the very last B-36 mission. Sandor (Alex) Kvassay served Bill Lear as Vice President for International Marketing, and flew to several international speed records with famed race pilot Clay Lacy. Dave Clemmer is a highly decorated retired Army pilot who flew the FAA's N-l Gulfstream before retiring from that

organization. Dave had Attorney General John Ashcroft as a passenger on board when the 9/11 attack took place. Jim Davis, who simply describes himself as a "retired government clerk", led the FAA's Administrative Command Post which job it was to represent the FAA Administrator in responding to large emergencies-highjackings, crashes and the like. First Aero Foundation invites you to meet these aviation icons prior to the reception for Peter. All will be present at the Legion Hall from 1 :00 PM, Wednesday, September 16^{th.
This is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to visit with folks who have been so deeply involved in the history
of US Aviation.}

Our faithful Treasurer, Pete Oesper, is an engineer, so he must be forgiven as he struggles to get us current on Quick Books, and to try to organize our membership list. In spite of continued "good natured' ragging from the rest of the board (myself excepted, of course), Pete has been able to (mostly) maintain a smile throughout the ordeal. One of the most difficult things he is dealing with is the task of validating membership expiration dates. I tried to do that as an addendum to the last Aerodrome and proved woefully off in a few cases. Apparently, when we started this foundation our record keeping was not of the highest order in spite of the best efforts of then treasurer Tom Willmott who was trying to track things from his home in Santa Fe. Please don't hesitate to yell if you find errors in our communications.

At a board meeting a few months back, I invited the Trustees to submit at least two names to me of folks who might be interested in our project of memorializing the intrepid airmen of First Aero Squadron. Then, a couple of weeks ago, I extended that challenge to the Advisory Board. Now, I'm going to issue that same challenge to the membership at large. It goes like this: send me the names and mailing address of men and for women who might fit the above description. I will then send a low-pressure letter to them saying that you suggested I might contact them. I will include an outline of what we are all about, and a back issue of the AERODROME. If you'd like to see a copy of the letter, email me at wehner@vtc.net and I will email a copy back to you. In order to just maintain ourselves as an organization, we must keep expanding our membership base. Eventually, we'd like this base to be somewhere around 1000, with a retention rate in the 95% area. In spite of the recession, we can do this .

With great reluctance, President Valdes accepted the resignation of Trustee Ruth Smith last month. Ruth is an idea person who worked with this writer on public education projects; she will be missed. However, life goes on and at the August Board meeting the name of Ken Emery was placed in nomination by Valdes to replace Smith. Ken is a Columbus resident, and a Cultural Archeologist by profession. I have had the privilege of working with him on our local Historic Preservation Commission and know he will be a decided asset. It was Ken who reminded us that the first actual military flight over foreign territory took place at Vera Cruz by recon planes from battleships anchored in that harbor. First Aero Squadron launched the first unit sortie into an enemy airspace, and was fully involved in all facets of the Punitive Expedition-including getting shot at from time to time.

June 2009

The Aerodrome

To preserve and protect the cradle of American Airpower

FIRST STEP TAKEN! PARCEL #1 PURCHASED- WESTACOTT DONATION DUES- HELP WANTED- BOOK PROJECT

Columbus, New Mexico, June 2009:

April 30^th, 2009, certainly will be recorded as a red-letter day for the First Aero Squadron Foundation. That morning, President Gene Valdes sat down in the offices of Southwest Escrow and put his signature to the documents closing the purchase of Parcel #1 of the Landmarked Historic Site of the first air unit operations into foreign territory. While a number of folks made this purchase possible, the Foundation would like to thank those in particular that put up the cash to make this transaction possible:

C.E. “Pete” Adolph, Albuquerque (Advisory Board)

Lyn Benedict, Roswell (Advisory Board)

Jim Davis, Sterling VA (Trustee)

Sharon Maxwell, Columbus NM (Trustee)

Patricia Walsh, Long Beach NY, (Seller)

Bill Wehner, Columbus (Trustee)

Susan Wehner, Davenport IA (Member)

The essential details are: purchase price, $50,000 (15,000 loan from Mrs. Walsh, 35,000 in loans from the others); loans secured by property mortgage; terms are 3 years at 0%, then 2 years at 4%. Now we just have to raise 50 grand to pay off the mortgage…

The actual transfer of the parcel will have to wait a few days while contract language is clarified and the lawyers earn their fees, but these are formalities as of this writing.

Next steps: With the acquisition of Parcel #1, the Foundation has gained more legitimacy in the eyes of potential contributors. We need to reach out to these folks and plead the case for preserving and memorializing an important part of American history. By creating a memorial to airmen involved in the earliest days of aviation and the Punitive Expedition, the First World War, and the Golden Age that followed, we will have insured that America will not again forget them. An important part of this memorial will be recreation of the early flight lines and a museum to tell the story and house important relics. As we are able to acquire more land, we can recreate the actual aerodrome itself with an operational airport.

We need your help, again: As you know by now, this organization is entirely run by volunteers (some would say rank amateurs). We have yet to spend a dime on salaries, so you know that you are getting a pretty good bang for your dues buck. However, local talent can only be stretched so far. We’ve often said how much we need your cash, now we need your mind and body as well. We are in real, serious need of folks who can (and will) write press releases; we need folks who can get our message on the internet; and we need help from you if you have any knowledge of grant writing. We can use help on one-time projects, or on a continuing basis. And to tell the truth, we need all the advice and help we can muster in legal areas- for instance, it is looking like we will spend close to a thousand dollars in attorneys fees just to close on Parcel #1. We are certainly not looking to put any lawyers out of work, but at this time when cash is so hard to come by, we would sure welcome any aid we can get.

Do we have any experienced fund raisers out there? Oh, boy, can we use your help!

Writers- this is your chance to help get the First Aero story out to the world, and maybe pick up a submission check or two along the way. We have had at least one request from an aviation slick, and we need to submit to the broad spectrum of aviation press, as well as to the historic and landscape preservation press as well. Can you- will you- help? We can load you down with briefing material if you are interested. Contact Bill or Ruth (our public education committee) at wehner@vtc.net for more information.

Articles dealing with the First Aero Squadron itself or on its impact on modern warfare, on Benjamin Foulois and his dealings with Billy Mitchell, the process of saving the Aerodrome, and restoring a historic landscape are all grist for the mill.

This years dues cycle has begun. We need you. Our dues pay the cost of doing business day-to-day, stuff like the costs of paper, printing, mailing and so on. Also the purchase of a laptop and printer and Quick Books for Treasurer Pete Oesper and file cabinets and folders, etc.; and for fees involved with our tax exempt status and corporate registration. This last year’s start-up was especially costly, and we’ve had to rely on donations to cover shortfalls. Had not President Gene donated the legal fees involved in the Parcel #1 transaction, the Foundation could not have pulled it off. The date of your renewal is written on this newsletter, and you can use the application form on the back sheet to update us if wish.

Protect your Charter Member status… renew!

Here’s the thing- we are a very small group for a national organization. Don’t get the idea that your 20 bucks don’t count, because they do, big-time. For instance, instead of having a professional mailing service do the AERODROME, my long-suffering wife and I sit at the table on our porch and stick the labels and stamps on the envelopes in order to get it into your hands. Mary says that we are a “kitchen table” operation- and that’s how this newsletter gets into the mail.

The country needs landmarks like the First Aero Squadron Aerodrome more than ever. If the First Aero Foundation is to survive, we have to keep your interest as well as recruit new members; and while recruitment is important, we feel that it’s even more important to keep members on board. You.

Brochure. The Board of Trustees has authorized Marge Myers, Lake Valley NM, to design a brochure to be used as both a fund raiser and a recruiting piece. Marge is an imaginative professional, and her husband Tom flies a Glassair based in Deming NM.

Some have expressed opinions (pro and con) on the paperwork we have been using to date and this is your chance to have input on the new production. If you have opinions and/or ideas, please send them on to Bill Wehner at wehner@vtc.net, or mail to Box 215, Columbus. He and Ruth Smith will see that they are run past the Board and passed on to Marge. A budget range of $3500 to 5000 was suggested as a starting point.

Next steps. At the request of the Foundation, Village of Columbus Trustees are taking up the question of airport zoning. Without enacted height restrictions, for instance, we could easily find ourselves looking at a cell tower on final approach, or something equally delightful. A few years ago, a strip three miles away on the border had power poles installed on the runway, well within 100 feet, so stuff happens. Next, we will take the zoning request to Luna County since while the Aerodrome abuts the Village, half it’s boundaries are in the county. By the way, do we have a member or connection versed in airport law?

Important donation: Artist (and Advisory Board Member Peter Westacott) has very generously donated 100 prints of his work showing Jennys over Columbus, The Cradle of American Airpower, and 25 prints of his painting The Dream is Fulfilled, The Dawn of Powered Flight (a limited run of 750 prints) to the Foundation for use as fund raising incentives. The Advisory Board and the Trustees are considering how best to utilize these gifts. How about letting us know what you think?

Visit Peter at westacottart.com and enjoy the work of this very talented man.

Lt. Billy Schauffler: Stanley Walsh has notified us of a very interesting project that he has under way. He is writing a biography of Lt. Schauffler, who was one of the so-called “dirty five” in the First Aero Squadron- the five pilots who were not grads of West Point.

Does anyone have any pictures or information about Schauffler they would like to share with Stanley? If so, he can be reached at stanslog@dslextreme.com .

Odds & Ends. We really need your input, this is your organization. Your Board of Trustees is starting to build a learning curve and your thoughts and ideas will be a great help. We are learning to utilize the various talents on the Board, but have yet to effectively tap into the energy and resources of the Advisory Board. We don’t know much about you, either. Note the “interests” line on the application form below and help us out.

The Board is about to have a sign erected on Parcel #1 noting the it is part of the aerodrome from which the first military unit sortie into foreign airspace was launched, and plans are underway for a permanent memorial to be separate from the planned museum . Have you a suggestion as to how these pioneer airmen could be best honored? If so, please let us know. All suggestions will be evaluated seriously.

Also being explored are insurance needs, and a standard set of financial procedures.

Donation. We are pleased to acknowledge the recent donation of $100 from Mrs. Marion Good of Columbus. Thanks to Mrs.Good, and to all of you who have contributed to the Foundation since its inception.

You have no doubt noticed that an awfully lot of space in this issue of the AERODROME has been devoted to requests for your input and help in various areas. It is simply because we cannot accomplish what we’ve set out to do with just a Trustee Board of 9 people or an Advisory board of a dozen of so. At this writing we have about seventy or so members across the country (actually, internationally if we count Peter); We must expand this membership base- and the best way to do that is for you to pass on a copy of the application to someone you know has an interest in aviation history.

Please protect your Charter Membership and help keep the Foundation alive; your dues are due by:

Thank you very much!

MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION OR RENEWAL

Mr/Mrs/Ms/Dr (F)____________________(MI)______(L)________________________

Address_________________________________________________________________

City-State (Province)______________________________________________________

Postal code-Country_______________________________________________________

Phone__________________________email____________________________________

Dues- Gold: $1000______Silver: $500______Bronze: $250______At large: $20______

New_____Renewal_____ Sponsor (not req’d)__________________________________

May we get in touch about help with activities (writing, grant research, publicity, etc.)?

Areas of interest__________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

Address all mail to: FAF, Box 1516, Columbus NM 88029

February 2009

The Aerodrome

ANNUAL MEETING AND ELECTION OF OFFICERS - MUSEUM DONATIONS AERODROME FUNDING - 501(c)(3) STATUS OFFICIAL - BOARD RETREAT

ADVISORY BOARD MEMBER ADDED

Election - January 13^th saw the Second Annual FAF Board of Trustees meeting elect 1 new Trustee, and reelect 3 others. In the election of officers that followed, newly chosen Sharan Maxwell was elected Secretary, Pete Oesper was elected Treasurer replacing Tom Willmott. Kris Lethin and Bill Wehner retained their seats on the Board. Kris will continue to serve as Webmaster; and Bill on the Public Education Committee. Willmott, a newly minted Sport Pilot who lives in Santa Fe, served as Treasurer in our Charter Year and has the profound thanks of the entire Board. Oesper served the Charter Year as Parliamentarian; Maxwell has served as Curator of the Columbus Historical Museum.

501(c)(3) Status – President Gene Valdes announced that the IRS had finally given its complete blessing, dating back to February 11, 2008, to our status as a corporate non-profit. Gene personally herded our incorporation through Santa Fe, and worked even harder with the IRS on this issue. The meaning of this is that all donations (less the basic $20 dues) can be used as an income tax deduction.

Museum Donations - Our proposed WWI/Golden Age museum has begun to receive donations of potential display or trading materials. John D. Benham of Pipe Creek TX, has promised a prop, rolls of chain link, and parts of a Porterfield. An interesting addition to the collection has been donated by Max Klikot of Columbus. He has given us a Kodak 7” Aero Ektar lens and mount. These were manufactured into WWII for use on aerial cameras. A side light- these lenses are mildly radioactive from the use of thorium in their manufacture. The museum gladly accepts donations of aviation related artifacts.

Pledge Update – A polling of the Board of Trustees has produced a little over $30,000 in pledges toward the purchase of the 60 acre Parcel One of the old Aerodrome. That leaves us about $30 to 35 thousand short of the needed war chest. Members are being asked to loan moneys to the Foundation, secured by the land itself, for purchase of this parcel, and for others that may be on the market in the future. Parcel One, by most estimates, represents about a third of the Aerodrome.

Purchase Fund – Here is the way it works: members are asked to loan money to the Foundation for the purchase of Parcel 1. The loans will no-interest, and may run for a maximum of 5 years, although it is anticipated that they will be repaid sooner. Loans will be secured by a lien on the property. The rationale is this: FAF has been self-supporting since its founding. Ownership of the 60 acre Parcel 1 will provide a solid base from which we can expect to open doors to a number of grant programs and potential donors. Another factor is that in this era of poor interest rates, one might as well put funds to work where they could do the most good. i.e., purchase of Aerodrome property. If you’d like more information contact me, Bill Wehner (see below). Of course, should you be interested in making an outright donation as some have, we would be delighted to accept. Donations of more than the $20 dues are tax exempt.

Financial Condition – As of December 31^st, 2008, FAF had Cash on Hand of $4269.69. Of this, dues and renewals accounted for $840, donations. Bronze, Silver, and Gold memberships accounted for $4120. Expenses included bank fees, State and Federal Registrations ($760), Post Office and mailing $164. Planned expenses will be a pair of filing cabinets, and a lap top.

Historic Program- The New Mexico Heritage Preservation Alliance has invited FAF members to present a program about the Foundation at its annual meeting, March 26-28 in Silver City NM. Representing the Foundation will be Gene Valdes, Sharan Maxwell, Pete Oesper and Bill Wehner.

Board Retreat – The Board of Trustees will meet in retreat at the Columbus American Legion #1916 on March 11^th at 9:00AM. We expect to deal with those eternal questions… Where are we? Where are we going? How are we going to get there? What is our timeline? And, of course, perhaps the most important- how are we going to pay for it? Your input is seriously invited.

Newest Advisory Board member- C.E. “Pete” Adolph of Albuquerque, has over 50 years experience in test, evaluation and systems acquisition. He started his career as a flight test engineer at Convair (General Dynamics) on the F-102 and F-106 flight test programs. He spent 3 years as an Air Force officer, then held a variety of positions as a civilian employee of the Air Force from 1960 to 1987. Adolph served as Technical Director (the senior civilian position) at the Air Force Flight Test Center (AFFTC). From 1987 until 1994, he held several positions in the Office of Secretary of Defense (OSD). For most of that period he was Director, Test and Evaluation, Acquisition and Technology. He served as Interim Director of Operational Test and Evaluation and of Defense Research and Engineering. He was Senior VP for Science Applications International from 1994 to 2000. Pete is currently a consultant for the Institute for Defense Analysis and other organizations.

Finding First Aero members. A project near and dear to the hearts of many of us is the location of information about– and the descendants of – the original First Aero Squadron. Historian Jim Davis, who we think has a bunk in the National Archives, has been unearthing salient facts about the Squadron and its operations, as well as personal tidbits about the members. What about some of us involving ourselves in the histories of both officers and enlisted men of First Aero? This certainly would mean locating the offspring and/or relatives of these young men… it is noted that we have little information on their adventures in France, or the evolution of First Aero itself. If you would be interested in helping Jim and me in a project like this, give me a holler (see below).

Bill Wehner (575)531-7044 wehner@vtc.net

The Aerodrome Newsletter

Columbus, New Mexico, November 2008

ANNUAL MEETING, ELECTIONS COMING UP – NOMINATIONS MADE – JAIL OFFER - MEMBER NEWS – MEMBER’S PURCHASE PROPOSAL

Annual Meeting - The by-laws of the First Aero Foundation require an annual meeting of the membership. The 2008 Charter Year will close with the first annual meeting which will be held in Columbus NM on Tuesday, January 13^th at 6:30 PM. The tentative meeting place will be Martha’s Place B&B. All members are invited to attend, and will be welcomed. Plans for the event include an examination of the actual Aerodrome site on Tuesday afternoon, a welcoming party for early arrivals on Sunday evening at the First Aero Squadron Airpark north of Columbus, and dinner at the famous Pink Store in Palomas, Mexico, late Monday afternoon (bring passport). Informal tours of the area will also be available.

There are rooms available on a limited basis in Columbus at Martha’s Place and at the Pancho Villa Motel. Several local members have volunteered guest rooms as well, but all are available on a first-come-first-served Basis. For more information call Martha Skinner at 575-531- 2467 (www.Martha’s Place.com) or Bill Wehner at 575-531-7044.

We can arrange pick-ups at El Paso (ELP) if you arrive by Kerosene Queen. If you plan to arrive in light aircraft, limited hangar or tie-down space is available at First Aero Squadron (NM09). Please note that RW 28L is preferred for landing because of its 3% grade toward the mountains, unless winds are from the east at over 15K. The runway is 4000’x 50’, well maintained dirt/gravel; 122.9 is monitored.

Elections - Enclosed with this newsletter you will find two other documents: a proxy assignment, and a ballot. If you do not plan to attend the Annual Meeting, please vote by checking or otherwise marking the ballot. Your signature on the proxy will permit the First Vice President to vote for you on matters before the board.

We cannot stress the importance of these two pieces of paper enough – this group was formed to be an entirely grass roots, member run organization; without your participation in the process we will certainly fail.

Keeping Chuck Straight - A couple of months ago at a board meeting we were discussing candidates for the Advisory Board. It was noted that Gen. (Ret.) Bob Cardenas had been the pilot of the "mother" B-29 that had launched Chuck Yeager and "Glamorous Glennis" to fame. A voice down the table was heard to say, "Anyone who could ride herd on Chuck Yeager has my vote…"

Newest Member - As of this writing, Ken Emery of Columbus is our newest member. Ken is a retired Cultural Archeologist from "Down East" He is a member of the Columbus Historic Preservation Commission, and though not a pilot, is vitally interested in the future of the Aerodrome. He and wife Sheila are veteran fire-watchers who man a tower in the Safford AZ area every summer. Ken notes that they have retired at the end of this season One wonders if the 10 rattlers they found in the cabin when they opened it this year had anything to do with that decision…

Box 1516 - We field questions from members and non-members alike from time to time. One of those is "Where are you actually located?" and "Why is the Foundation address 1516?"

First, you must understand that Columbus is a very small town- maybe 1800 or so souls. Charter Member Eddie Booth of South Carolina visited us a week or so back and remarked on the large sign on a Government edifice that read "Main Post Office." Simple explanation: if you have only one Post Office, that makes it the main one, doesn’t it?

At any rate, because Columbus is so small, we employ only the Postmaster and one part-time helper, and there is no mail delivery… all residents have PO boxes. We were granted the use of Box 1516 because the block of boxes that contains #1916 (our original request) has not been made available to the public yet. Welcome to small town USA.

Jail Time - The Old Columbus Jail was built in 1917 by the Village of Columbus which still owns it, although it has been many, many years since the last resident occupied it. The last resident, by the way was a mother cougar and her cubs… but that is another story. Incidentally, the two cells inside are rumored to have come from the old Yuma Territorial Prison. The jail is on the National Register of Historic Places, and has recently been given by the village to the local Historic Preservation Commission to refurbish and preserve it. The Commission, in turn, has offered office space to FAF, so maybe in the not-too-distant future we will have an actual home.

Gold Membership – Our most recent Gold Membership has been granted to John D. Benham of Pipe Creek TX. John D. has been in general aviation most of his life and is a founder of the Cessna 170 Club. He shares this Gold Membership distinction with Advisory Chair Jim Greenwood. Gold Membership is awarded to those who have donated $1000 or more to the First Aero Foundation. Will our GM next be you?

Challenge – One of our members has issued the following challenge: He will advance $10,000 toward the purchase of the Aerodrome site if 5 or more others will join him. It is planned that the buy would be made and held for eventual purchase by the Foundation from these member/buyers. The buyers would retain title to the property until the FAF buys it from them, or a specified time elapses. (This could be a year or even two. If time expired, the buyers could resell.) Given the present state of savings interest, and the fact that the invested money remains yours, you might consider volunteering 5 or 10 grand in this effort. Who will step up to the plate for the Aerodrome?

Bill Wehner and Ruth Smith, Public Education 575-531-7044 wehner@vtc.net