On Sat, 15 Oct 2005 15:45:15 -0800, Dale wrote:

I've pasted in a copy of the email I received from the Collings
Foundation. If you have a moment to send an email/comment to the
addresses noted it would be worthwhile. I spent two years flying the
B-24 and B-17 and truly believe that having these airplanes on tour is a
great way to honor the sacrifices of our WWII veterans and also a great
way to educate people about the sacrifices of WWII. I was lucky to be
able to spend time with many veterans and know that from the way these
vets act around the bombers it is very worthwhile to keep them flying.

Thanks.


It was quite a few years ago - a B24 was stopping off during its grand
tour. I was a member of the local EAA chapter at the time. Members
were asked to help out with keeping visitors safe.

When I arrived to help, somebody told me I was late, oh dear me!
I was stationed at the rear fuselage door, with the objective of
preventing people falling out of the steep steps in a heap.

At some point, a member of the flight crew saw that a person walking
through the aircraft had exited from the wrong door and felt obliged
to come and reprimand me for allowing it.

A trivial moment - but I haven't forgotten. And despite the debt I
owe to the WWII bomber crews, I could care less if these bombers never
tour again. That's all it takes to lose favor with the public, I
guess. A little to much attitude from the folks involved.

Brian Whatcott Altus OK