Guest Writer Tom Hutchings – Valiant Eagle

A quiet June Sunday morning in Warrenton, Virginia started out as any other with church services being held nearby.  At approximately 1045 the drone of radial engines in formation was heard overhead announcing the arrival of the National Capitol Squadron (NCS) of the Commemorative Air Force (CAF).  NCS members with their trademark blue shirts marshaled the warbirds to parking in front of Hangar 1.

The Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) Chapter 186 and the National Capitol Squadron of the Commemorative Air Force recently teamed up to show their support for injured service-members [Wounded Warriors] and their families.  The EAA sponsored event [Valiant Eagle] took place on 17 June at the Warrenton, Virginia Airport.  Chapter 186 invited their CAF neighbors based at Culpeper, Virginia to participate in the event with heavy iron [warbirds] and manpower.

Approximately 40 EAA members and 20 NCS members supported the event.  Twenty-one aircraft of which eight were CAF member-owned gave rides, aircraft demonstrations, and provided static displays.  These aircraft included a Chipmunk, a T-28, T-6s, an SNJ, an L-4 and an L-39.  The NCS arrived in mass with a formation fly-over.  Topping off the arrival was Col Art Nalls in his L-39 with fellow retired Marine aviator, Major General Joseph T. Andersen, Deputy Director, Udvar-Hazy Center, Smithsonian Air & Space Museum. 

The Wounded Warriors, their family members and Walter Reed Army Medical Center (WRAMC) staff had the opportunity to ride in and fly classic, antique, warbirds, and experimental aircraft.  The EAA provided the guests with food, fun, relaxation, and an opportunity to experience the appreciation of those who have benefited from their sacrifices.  Many of the EAA and NCS members attending were military veterans or had family members currently serving in the US Armed Forces including John Clifford, the chapter president whose son was recently injured in Iraq.  The event was the brainchild of Air Force Colonel William Rushing.  Instrumental in the event planning was Sergeant Nick Papoure, injured by an IED in Iraq.  Sergeant Papoure is blessed with a supportive wife and a fantastic attitude.  Since being injured he remains on active duty and works in the White House Office of Drug Policy with Col Rushing.

 Although over 4000 servicemembers of all branches have made the ultimate sacrifice in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom [Afghanistan], in excess of 25,000 have been wounded.  These injuries not only affect the service member, but in many situations impact the entire family for a lifetime.  Injuries may range from recoverable wounds to severe penetrating injuries, amputations, and traumatic brain injuries.  Most Americans chant the familiar, “I support the troops” however, words without actions are worthless.  What have you done to assist in the recovery of those who sacrificed so much for your security?  Their sacrifice enables us to be members of organizations like the CAF and EAA and to enjoy the freedom to fly and work around warbirds, experimentals, and homebuilts.  The CAF’s primary mission is preserving history ~ not only the military aircraft and aviation artifacts of war, but also the aviation-related memories of individuals who participated in or witnessed such events.  What will you do in support of the Wounded Warriors?