WACO Word Fall 2013

WACO Historical Society Membership Form
YES! I am pleased to:
[ ] become a member of WACO Historical Society [ ] renew my membership in WACO Historical Society
[ ] Student $15
[ ] Family $45 [ ] Individual $30
[ ] Partner $60 [ ] Supporter $100
[ ] Contributing $250
WACO
AIRPLANES
Troy, Ohio
[ ] Benefactor $500
[ ] Life $1000
All memberships and donations are tax deductible.
[ ] I would also like to contribute an additional $ ____________for the following:
[ ] Operations [ ] Special Events [ ] Learning Center [ ] Endowment Fund in memory of: (optional)_______
WACO Historical Society is a privately funded, nonprofit open to the public and dedicated to education. We depend solely on your contributions
and membership fees, as well as interest from our endowment, program fees and grants. Family Memberships cover parents and children or
grandchildren of the members. Members receive:
• Free Admission to the WACO Air Museum and discounts on events throughout the year.
• Use of the Museum Library.
• Quarterly WACO Word newsletter informing you of WACO Historical Society/ Learning Center activities,
WACO aircraft news and previews and reviews WACO Air Museum exhibits and programs.
[ ] I would like to volunteer my time at WACO in the following ways;
[ ] Museum, [ ] Aircraft Restoration, [ ] Special Events, [ ] Learning Center
Please send to:
[ ] other________________________
WACO Historical Society
1865 S. County Rd. 25A
Troy, OH 45373
Address: ________________________________
________________________________________
For Office Use:
Date Received:___________ Amount:_________
Check Number:__________ MCS:____________
Phone:__________________________________
E-mail Address: ___________________________
AIRPLANES
Troy, Ohio
WACO Historical Society, Troy, Ohio
Names on membership cards: ____________________________________________________
Please make checks payable to: WACO Historical Society Inc.
Name(s): _______________________________
WACO
The WACO annual Fly-In was held
at Historic WACO Field on Sep
13-15. There were 18 WACO’s in
attendance, and over 20 general
aviation visitors.
The weather was a bit wet
and windy on Thursday which
complicated some arrival plans,
but the weekend turned out bright
and sunny. Visitors came from as
far away as California (Ted Miller
in his Stearman) and as close
as the other side of the freeway
(Eric Zimmerman, 2 miles, UPF7). (Proving the law of inverses,
the farthest away was the earliest
to arrive and the closest was the
last???) Special thanks to Dave and
Jeanne Allen of Elbert Colorado
who brought their newly restored
Oshkosh Champion 1937 YKC to
WACO Field. It was a treat for
everyone to see this beautiful plane
on the ground and in the air. And
to all our pilots who brought their
beautiful aircraft home for this
reunion----THANK YOU.
Thursday night kicked off with the
traditional party at Mike and Molly
Winblad’s hangar at Skypark. Great
food and drink and conversation.
What a wonderful way to begin the
weekend. Thanks to the hosts this
year: the Winblads, Delcamps and
Don Willis.
The weather turned nice on Friday
afternoon and remained so for the
rest of the weekend. Steve Koch in
his familiar red WACO Classic YMF
arrived and began giving rides.
Steve had a very busy weekend,
finally giving 123 people the chance
WACOWord
www.wacoairmuseum.org
2013 WACO Fly In
to experience open cockpit flight in
a WACO. Friday morning several
of our WACO pilots and guests
flew or drove to the Champaign
Air Museum in Urbana, Ohio for a
personal tour of the B-17 rebuild
project going on there. They were
doing proficiency flying in the
Champaign Gal, their restored B-25,
so they all got to see this aircraft
fire up and fly. The museum tour
was followed by breakfast/lunch
with homemade pie at Urbana’s
famous airport restaurant, a favorite
of regional pilots for decades. The
ladies who stayed in Troy attended
a tea held at Pinkies Up Tea House
and then shopping in Troy which
was organized and hosted by
Gretchen Hawk, Executive Director
of WHS. This was a great chance
for the WHS staff to meet and get to
know many of the “ladies of WACO”.
Friday evening was a chance to visit
the local restaurants and beverage
establishments in Troy.
Saturday dawned bright and clear
(and cool) and of course we had
the traditional Pancake breakfast
which this year lasted until about
11:00 am…..lots of pancakes and
it attracted many local GA aircraft.
The local crowd on Saturday was
larger than usual and they were
treated to an excellent exhibit of
airplanes and family fun. The kids
activities and WACO pedal planes
were a hit. For the adults, the
Parade of WACOs was the highlight
with 10 WACOs taking to the air,
organized by Mike Winblad and
narrated by Andy Heins. This event
is a favorite of the weekend, and
is looked forward to by many of
the local people here in
Troy whose parents and
grandparents built these
planes. This was followed
by the Barnstormers RC club
which treated the audience
to a great demonstration
of aerobatic RC flying,
including demonstrations
of RC jet aircraft. The RC
show ended with traditional
“candy bomber” for the
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WACO
AIRPLANES
Troy, Ohio
Fall 2013
kids. The fly-in ended with the
banquet at which all the fly-in pilots
were recognized, as well as two
“Volunteers of the Year”, Lou Pauly
and Allen Leingang. The WACO
staff gave out some “Wacky WACO
awards” to WACO pilots and guests.
The most memorable award,
WACOs Most Handsome Pilot, won
of course by Bob Wagner.
Many thanks to all of the volunteers
and our local sponsors (Vandalia
Rental, Dave Arbogast GMC, Irwin
Chrysler, Troy Ford, Joe Johnson
Chevrolet, Honda Powersports
and MegaCity Fire Protection) who
made this event possible. Mark
your calendars for next year on
September 12-14, 2014 for the next
WACO Fly-in.
Hope to see you all here.
Snowbirds:
For those fortunate souls who
head to warmer weather for
the winter, please let us know
your address to avoid returned
mail charges.
Return Service Requested
WACO Historical Society, Inc.
1865 S. County Rd. 25A
Troy, OH 45373
Troy, Ohio
AIRPLANES
WACO
Non-Profit
U.S. Postage
PAID
Troy, Ohio
Permit No. 319
A Word from the Director
New Display
by Gretchen Hawk, Executive Director
What a busy summer we have had!
We had 4 ride opportunities
with nearly full capacity each
time. GOBA (Greater Ohio
Bicycle Adventure) spent 2
days in Troy – visiting WACO
& taking rides. In August,
WACO hosted the IH Scout
Nationals. There were 3 days
of antique car collectors and
many visitors. The end of
August saw the Mumford &
Sons Gentlemen of the Road
participants to show off their
planes and skills.
WACO Museum is
continuing to grow in visitors
and activities. We are excited
to have been accepted for a
listing in the AAA travel guide.
We have also been granted
permission for a brown
highway sign on I 75. Both of
these things will help to bring
more visitors and recognition
to WACO.
Tour and over 30,000 visitors
to Troy. WACO was the site for
parking most of those cars. We
sold lots of pop and water to
the thirsty concert-goers. Two
weeks later, the WACO Fly-In
& Homecoming attracted even
more visitors to experience
the amazing collection of
airplanes – old and new. The
following weekend was the RC
Fly-In. Great weather allowed
Our volunteer historian Val Dahlem, designed and constructed a new wall display in Hanger 1.
The 13 foot wide time line with pictures will allow visitors to see what models and how many were
produced in what years.
Thanks, Val for the great new visual!
Volunteers of the Year
Congratulations to Lou Pauly & Al
Leingang on being voted Volunteers
of the Year. Both Lou and Al are
first year volunteers and have put
in countless hours on projects
from mowing to rocket launcher
building. We appreciate you!
WACO Staff and Trustees 2012-2013
Staff and Volunteers
President
David Bucher ........... david.bucher@covad.net
Vice President
Don Delcamp ........... jdelcamp@woh.rr.com
Executive Director
Gretchen Hawk ..... admin@waocairmuseum.org
LC Director
Nancy Heiss ................. lcdir@wacoairmuseum.org
Treasurer
Don Willis ................. eaglenestventure@aol.com
Recording Secretary
John Schilling ........... John.schillingwaco@yahoo.com
Airport Manager .......................Dave Bucher
Museum Curator ......................Andy Heins
Gift Shop ..................................Rachel Currie
Fly-In 2013 ...............................Don Delcamp
WACO Word ............................Gretchen Hawk
Historian ...................................Val Dahlem
Trustees at large
Jim Pelton ................ jpelton@accesstoledo.com
Les Howe ................. vhowe216@gmail.com
John Schilling ........... John.schillingwaco@yahoo.com
Greg Leach .............. Pleach2@woh.rr.com
Patty Wagner ........... NC7444H@aol.com
Ken Ott ..................... kenott@emnorth.com
WACO
AIRPLANES
Troy, Ohio
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It is hard to believe that Waco
Historical Airfield and Museum
is in its 16th year of existence.
2013 was the first year in a
long time that we were not
either contemplating or in the
midst of completing a major
construction project. The vision
that was set forth years ago by
the membership for what the
facility would one day become
is now very close to realization.
Lecture Series Falls Right into Place
After taking the summer off,
WACO Lecture Series began with
a bang.
On September 18th, 90
guests were present to hear Garl
McHenry, a New Carlisle resident,
speak about being a WWII aerial
combat survivor. After flying 31
missions over enemy-occupied
Germany and France in the B-24,
and nearly being shot down on
several occasions, Garl received
the Distinguished Flying Cross
and the Air Medal with three Oak
Leaf Clusters. After the loss of
two engines In the D-Day invasion
at Normandy, Garl and six other
crew members had to parachute
out of the plane in order to lighten
the load.
Read more of Garl’s
story at http://www.aging.ohio.
gov/news/storyprojects/wesp/
McHenry_Garl.pdf as part of the
War Era Story Project. Additional
pictures can be viewed at his
website, www.garlswar.com.
Mike Millard
Thunderbird Team Member
Mike Millard, will share a
multi-media presentation entitled
“Behind the Scenes” on Thursday,
October 17th, 7 pm. As a prior
USAF Thunderbird team member
who maintained the #5 and #8
jets, this is a look at the team from
behind the scenes and explores
what it takes to put on an air show
performance.
Dan Patterson
Author of over 35
books and acclaimed aviation
photographer, Dan Patterson,
will share pictures and stories
with us on November 13th.
Dan is an aviation history
expert and has been a
Smithsonian lecturer. He will
be available for book signing
after his lecture.
On December 4th, Lee Mendenahall and Charles Davis will shed light
on the use of WACO gliders in WWII from their own experiences
aboard this glider, made right in Troy, Ohio!
Garl McHenry
We are close but not yet there
as much work still remains
and it takes a good number
of people to do the work. Did
you know that each year over
$50,000 must be raised to
cover the everyday expense of
keeping the facility open? Not
an easy task by any means year
after year. Recently a long time
contributor to building Waco
Field asked me an interesting
question, “In 10 to 15 years,
who of us will be around and
where are we going to find the
people with the interest and
TOP WING
by
Photo courtesy Mike Ullery.
energy to continue what we
have started?” While maybe
not a pressing question today,
it will soon be given that over
80% of the members of Waco
are over 50 years old. Who in the future will provide
Robert Lacerda – Cincinnati, Terry Hahn – Piqua,
Bill & Susie Haines – Vandalia, Matthew Ruzicka – Troy,
Mark Evans & family – Troy, Garl McHenry – New Carlisle,
Shirley Llafet – Denver, Mr & Mrs Carlo Martino - Italy
WACO could not function without the financial and in-kind support of our corporate and foundation sponsors.
These companies and charitable foundations provide vital support in many tangible and intangible ways
for WACO’s mission of historic preservation, education and community service.
On behalf of the board and the community…we thank you.
Lundgard
Charitable
Trust
Miami County
Visitors Bureau
Donations
Thom & Pat
Robinson Fund
Hartzell Norris
Foundation
Thank you all!
10
the interest and energy to
continue telling the Waco story?
2014 should be the year we
start building an answer to
that question. The Board would
appreciate your comments and
ideas. We welcome the following to the WACO family:
All lectures begin at 7 pm and last
approximately one hour. They are
free and open to the public. Donations
to the WACO Historical Society are
accepted in order to bring more
quality lectures to our area.
WACO couldn’t survive without the donations we receive. Please consider adding WACO to your
memorial contributions or trust. WACO Historical Society is a non-profit 501(c3) organization.
Thank you for your recent donations:
Monetary donations - Robert Lacerda, Jim Whitaker, Scott Rodriguez, Peter & Angela Bowers of
WACO Classic.
WACO sign – Manuel Lattuca. Fixing tail wheel – Rick of Dale’s Service Center, WACO drafting
table – Phyllis, WACO RC Models – Kit Carstensen
David Bucher, President
3
FINFROCK
INC.
WACO Learning Center
As of September 21st, summer
officially ended. At WACO
Learning Center, it is a time
to look back at what has been
accomplished, and a time to
look forward at what lies ahead.
Looking back and reflecting on the
summer events, one can easily
see that we are making an impact
in our community by the STEM
(Science, Technology, Engineering
and Math) programs we provide.
Summer Camp: The 16th annual
Aviation Summer Camp continued
to build on the solid foundation
that has been so well laid by
Jim Beisner, Janet Barnard, and
Tim Pinkerton. While there were
some new faces at camp, familiar
faces also gathered for the event.
Val Dahlem constructed rubberband airplanes with the students;
Don Willis led museum tours;
Nick Engler of Wright Brothers
Aeroplane Company assisted
students in designing and testing
air foils; Greg Leach and Mark
Rogers of the Barnstormers RC
Club became co-pilots as the
campers used the buddy box
to actually fly the RC’; former
campers Blaine Johnson and
Sophia Lucas were tried and true
volunteers for the week. Rick
Arnold and Richard Borgerding,
instructors at UVCC (Upper
Valley Career Center), taught the
young cadets in the basics of
aviation. Justin Fry, a student in
the UVCC Aerospace program,
Philip Heiss, and Laurel Booher
joined our camp team this year
as viable assistants. Al Leingang
RC Fly-In
by Nancy Heiss, Learning Center Director
made rocketry a real blast! Jake
Minesinger graciously treated
every student to a Young Eagle
Ride. What a week!
Robotics: With 17 attendees at
Robotics Camp, and a waiting
list that exceeded the number of
actual attendants, it can be said,
without a doubt, this program
continues to grow in popularity.
Thanks to all our team leaders and
assistants who make this possible:
Blaire Jackson, Dave Barth,
James Jergens, Jeff Newcomer,
Tony Castaneda, Don Fields,
Wade Campbell, Roger Qinlan,
Kyle Rader, Rich Hinten, Rhonda
Church, Tate Church, Gary Church,
and Phil Detweiler.
Outreach: 232 paper rockets
launched over the Miami County
Fair on Youth Day. The WACO
Learning Center continues to
be a favorite among children.
Who can resist making and
launching a rocket 200 feet into
the air? Thanks to John Burnside,
Gretchen Hawk, Justin Fry and
Philip Heiss for giving instructions
232 times!
Youth Activities: Most recently,
the Learning Center sponsored
the youth tent at the WACO FlyIn. Approximately 200 youth
used their creativity in designing
paper rockets, dragon flies, straw
rockets, and having their faces
painted. FTC, AIAA, Miami County
Parks, and WACO volunteers
deserve a big round of applause
for a total of 86 combined
volunteer hours at the youth tent.
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Career Inspiration: Jake
Minesinger, Certified Flight
Instructor, took his first flight right
here on WACO airfield in 2002.
That very night he discussed with
his wife his desire to fly, and 5
short months later had his pilot’s
license. Now he has turned that
desire into a full time career. How
appropriate that he passed on
that “love of flying” right here
on WACO Field this summer,
as he gave 15 students a Young
Eagle Flight. I hope this story is a
reminder to us all that we are truly
meeting our mission of igniting
a passion for aviation through
WACO and our Learning Center.
Let’s continue to move forward
together to encourage young
people in Science, Technology,
Engineering and Math, AND with
the dream of helping more people
achieve careers in aviation. A
heart-felt thanks to all our summer
volunteers. You make this
program SOAR!
The RC Fly-In was held on
September 21. The day started
out a little “iffy” but soon
cleared and allowed the
members to show off their
skills and planes.
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All Around WACO
All Around WACO
WACO Displays Italian Mosaic
Mumford & Sons
The “biggest thing to hit Troy since Elvis “occurred in 2013. Troy was a site for the Mumford & Sons Gentlemen of the
Road Tour which brought in over 60,000 visitors to our city over three days. WACO was the main Park N Ride location
for the concert goers. We packed them in! WACO field continues to provide major support for the Troy community.
IH Scout Show
Thank you to Phil & Ruthie Coulson for loaning WACO the beautiful mosaic depicting a vintage WACO
and the WACO logo. It was commissioned for the Coulson’s by Mr & Mrs Carlo Martino of Rivergaro, Italy
and created by artist pilot Al Fenge Bore. The 300 lb masterpiece was shipped from Italy. Phil & Ruthie
have graciously allowed us to put it in the museum for many more people to see. WACO plans to build a
special exhibit to display this beautiful art piece in the main lobby of WHS
WACO was chosen as the new site for the 2013 International Harvester Scout Nationals which took place on August
9-11.This Event was founded in 1990 for the purpose of preserving and promoting the legacy of International Harvester
Built Products: Including all motor trucks manufactured by IH as well as the world’s first mass-produced sports
utility vehicle the “SCOUT”.The combination of old cars with old planes made for a fun weekend for participants &
spectators alike. Over 2000 people attended the event, the turnout was so good that the show has decided to return
next year on August 8-10!
Thank you
The success of the WACO Fly-In (and all our other events) is dependent entirely upon our
wonderful volunteers and sponsors. Thank you to: Arbogast, Erwin Chrysler, Joe Johnson
& Troy Ford for the use of cars for the pilots, Honda Power Sports for the use of a gator,
MegaCity for the use of fire extinguishers, Vandalia Rental for tables, chairs & light carts, RB
Jergens for field maintenance.
Volunteers: Dave Engel, Gail Laufer, Colleen Harris, Lou Pauly, Rick Arnold, Al Leingang,
Steve Shaurer, Reta Wagner, Donna Bucher, Dawn Currie, Rachel Currie, Tom Matthew, Bob
Wagner, Brent Gerrity, John Burnside and the Barnstormers, Terry Hawk, Blaine Johnson,
Nancy Heiss, Mike Winblad, Andy Heins, Phil Detweiler, Matt Detweiler, Eric Detweiler, Rich
Hinter, Jeriah Hinter, Rhonda Church, Gina Barth, Trent Church, AIAA Volunteers, Taryn Vest &
Alicia, John DeBoer of Miami Co Parks & the Civil Air Patrol.
Board members: Don Delcamp, Don Willis, John Schilling, Greg Leach, Les Howe, Dave
Bucher, Jim McGarry, Ken Ott & Patty Wagner.
We couldn’t do it without you!
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5
1928 GXE Steve & Marla Boone
1930 KNF Tim Pinkerton
1930 RNF Susan Theodorelos
1934 UKC Tom Hogan
1934 YKC Dave & Jeanne Allen
1935 YKC-S Andy Heins
WACO 2013 FLY IN
2011 Classic YMF-5
Auburn WACO LLC
1936 EQC-6 Bob Grist
2005 Classic YMF-5 Jeff Padgett
1936 ZQC-6 Jim Wheeler
Photos by Mike Ullery & Tom Pawlesh
1993 Classic YMF-5 Steve Koch
1991 Classic YMF-5 Jerry Brown
Other General Aviation in attendance:
Jerry Rea 1975 Great Lakes 10757 Syracuse IN • Ted Miller 1943 Stearman Santa Rosa CA • Bill Knisley 1946 Piper Vandalia OH
Darrell R Wilson 1963 Cessna Hillsboro OH • Duane & Kyle Jones 1946 Aeronca New Carlisle OH • Robert Kissell 2007 Zenith Beavercreek OH
Tim Pond 1973 Bellanca Kettering OH • Dale Howard 1946 Piper Tipp City OH • Craig Weaver 1974 Cessna Pickerington OH
Matthew Vandervort 1946 Taylorcraft Troy OH • James Rice 1972 Cessna McKinney TX • Dan Villiger 2005 Sonex Columbus IN
Allen Tipps 1971 Cessna Wilmington DL • Chris Gibbs 1969 Piper Maplewood OH • Brad Mottiar 2011 Aviat Cincinnati OH
Ken Ott RV-4 Tipp City OH
1942 UPF-7 Steve Brown
1942 UPF-7 Eric Zimmerman
1941 UPF-7 John Gerth
1941 UPF-7 Don Delcamp
1937 YKS-7 Mark & Elaine Harter
1940 UPF-7 Mike Brown