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Hey all, Well it's that time of year again. Time for me to throw myself on the mercies of our membership as I beg forgiveness at yet another late update. But hey, if I wasn't routinely behind the curve in getting these updates out then people might have supposed there was a hostile coup and some more proactive individual had taken over. But no such luck. No coup. Not even a mild uprising. So here I am finally get you all the news that you've all been so anxiously waiting on. Call it a NWAFA early Christmas gift. As a brief aside we had enough trips this year that I believe I spoke with all of you at one time or another over the course of the past 10 months. Thus I was able to update everyone after a fashion with what was happening at the time. All that said there is a lot to report so lets get to it. Let's start with the trip list...
• Members • • Details • • The second artist to head out was Elsa Warnick. This was Elsa's second trip since becoming a member and she flew down to Kirtland AFB in New Mexico to witness CV-22 Osprey operations. This was in conjunction with the Air Force Special Operations folks. Here in brief was what Elsa had to say about her trip... I was one of four AFA artists who visited the 58th Special Operations Wing at Kirtland AFB, NM, (at the S-SE border of Albuquerque) from April 2-7. A primary mission of this wing is to train pilots and crew for the CV-22 Osprey, which is scheduled to be in actual use in 2009. This aircraft is a hybrid: It converts from helicopter mode to turboprop aircraft, combining the vertical movement of a helicopter with the speed, long-distance, and fuel efficiency of a plane. We were privileged to both pilot the simulator
and go for a long flight through
changing desert landscape. In the simulator, I was awed by the complex
coordination required, adding the component of needing to rethink
and change what we did when shifting from one mode to the other.
The flight was especially glorious, sort of like riding in a speedboat
or on a motorcycle, because we would take turns sitting (tethered)
on the open ramp at the rear, and be out in the air. The people who dealt with us were unusually generous with their time and information. They shared a passion for this aircraft, and were excited to show it off. Thanks Elsa for the write up and we look forward to seeing your painting of the experience next October. • Third in our list trips were artists was a trio of talented illustrators that headed out for McGuire AFB last May. Our members on this trip included Michael Dougan, Rae Ecklund, and Jack Lutzow. In addition to all they saw there they all visited nearby Fort Dix army base as well as the Naval Air Engineering Station at Lakehurst. Some of you may recollect that Lakehurst gained its fame as the site of the Hindenburg disaster back in the 30's. That bit of notoriety aside I'll let Jack summarize their trip in his own words... Matt: Maj Lance Hill at McGuire AFB, the officer who planned our trip, had arrainged an interesting visit. We were passengers on a KC-10 aircraft during a in-flight refueling examination. On the flight we sat next to the examiner, T/SGT Prosser in the tail section of the aircraft while he conducted the refuel test on the personnal in the aircraft taking on fuel. At Fort Dix Army base we witnessed in a replica village of Iraq attack on a US Army squad on patrol. Then at Lakehurst Navy base a demonstration was given on the new electronic communication program the Navy is setting up. This program will enable the Navy to accurately and much faster keep track of the status of the aircraft on and off the carrier. The reason for the Army and Navy visit, the 3 military bases McGuire, Fort Dix and Lakehurst, are located next to each other. Therefore they are in the process of combining some of the common facilities into one operation as a cost reduction. On Friday we watched the practice day of various aircraft including the Thunderbirds, for the airshow that was being held on Saturday. All-in-all, Maj Hill's program for our visit was well thought out. It gave us many opportunities for gathering reference material. All the artists on the trip enjoyed each others company, and we as a group had a good repor. I have one mis-giving, my name now goes to the bottom of our list. • Our sixth artist out this year was none other then our intrepid treasurer Robert Steele. Robert had the opportunity of a lifetime on his trip in that he was lucky enough to get a trip down to Homestead AFB inFlorida. There he broke the sound barrier all over the Florida keys as he hitched in a ride in the back seat of a F-16. That lucky devil. No words I can write would do this cool trip justice so I'll let Robert describe it himself... MY VISIT TO THE 482nd FIGHTER WING, HOMESTEAD AIR
FORCE RESERVE BASE, Recently I had the opportunity of a lifetime when I was invited by the Air Force Art Program to travel to Homestead AFRB, to fly backseat in an F16, and to illustrate that aspect of the USAF Reserve mission. I cannot overstate how exciting this experience was for me. To compare this flight with any other I’ve ever taken in the Air Force or otherwise would be like comparing a ride in a taxicab to that in a Shelby Mustang. MR. TOAD’S WILD RIDE; A LOG: On June 8, I fly commercial to Miami from San Francisco. The inflight movie is “Astronaut Farmer,” the irony of which is not lost on me. Homestead lies about 25 miles south of Miami which is the World Capital of Road Rage. So I am glad to see the relatively rural landscape of this very tip of Florida, elevated only by nearby Mt. “Trashmore.” Then I remember Hurricane Andrew which in 1992 flattened the area and also destroyed the active airbase at Homestead. Mt Trashmore is its legacy. Homestead has a certain charm being very close to the Keys to the South, Biscayne Bay to the East, the Everglades to the West, and, to the North, Miami. I am certainly charmed when I first drive up to the gate and see ”Welcome Robert G. Steele, Air Force Artist” on the marquee. My guide, civilian Jake Shaw, from the base public affairs office, shows me to the “Q” and says he’ll be back later to take me to dinner. After Cuban steak with plantains and black beans and I am ready for bed. Next morning, Jake takes me in to meet the commander
of the 482nd fighter Wing, Col. Randall Falcon, who could not have
had a better name. He will be my pilot. His resume is impressive and
I am pleased to see that he is not too much younger than I am, although
he’s achieved quite
a bit more. The best thing about my twenty four years in the Air force
Art Program is that the people I meet have always made me feel comfortable
by including me wholeheartedly, however briefly, in Air Force life. After
all, how many middle aged guys get to fly backseat in an F16? I am there for a reserve weekend and things are busy. Most reservists have jobs outside the Air Force that are just as demanding as those jobs they have within it. Their jobs, such as pilots, police, security and administration are often derived from their experiences in the military. Few reservists are in it for the money. Many stay at reserve bases longer than active duty types and they become protective of their realms. Esprit de Corps can sometimes benefit from this. 16 AFR F16s are based now at Homestead but the Wing is growing with the imminent arrival of 8 more. Homestead was closed and then realigned after the hurricane in 1992 but had been an active base since WWII. Located less than an hour by air from Cuba, Homestead is important for the whole South Atlantic region. Therefore, this strategic base is shared by the Air Force, Air Force Reserve, Air National Guard, Army, Army National Guard, Coast Guard and US Customs Department. The main tactical unit of the 482nd Fighter Wing is the 93rd Fighter Squadron, the ”World Famous Makos,” which have supported missions in Iraq, Kyrgyzstan, Turkey, and Afghanistan, and many other deployments. Desert cammi is very evident here as deployments to Iraq and elsewhere are frequent. I am not allowed to photograph names or squadron information on desert cammi. Neither am I allowed to photograph avionics inside aircraft. Security is what you’d expect. After meeting Col Falcon, we visit the control tower which is pretty laid back because there isn’t much traffic; just a C17 trying to load a tanker truck. There is an F16 launch and recovery scheduled for later in the day, so Jake suggests a visit to the nearest corner of the Everglades. There we see a couple of lazy gators but none of the exotic “retired” pets such as pythons which are supposedly taking over this wilderness. “Just don’t walk alone in the woods,” he says. There are plenty of green parrots and large flamingo like spoonbills (more about them later). No site of the caymans, crocodiles, and komodos which occasionally languish on the hot runways. No sight of the elusive manatee, either. Then we go back to base for lunch and launch, and after that weapons qualifying (range firing). I ask if I could paint something. The maintenance crew thinks I’m there to touch up the commander’s jet. Most people can’t figure out who or what I am, but TSgt Dean from the PA office graciously obliges as long as I keep my gear secure so that it can’t be sucked up into air intakes. I attend a retirement ceremony for two enlisted personnel during which it occurs to me what a good deal a twenty year enlistment can be. Job security I’ve never had as an artist, for one thing. For dinner, I drive down to Key Largo where I eat fish and watch a glorious tropical sunset. The next day is Sunday, orientation day for my flight on Monday. But first I visit weapons loading and the maintenance area commanded by Col. Glenn T. Davis. Lots of action and stuff that needs painting. Next is my medical exam. It is made clear to me that this flight will be “my flight” and that I should feel comfortable about it. But it is also made clear that there are real dangers to prepare for. Indeed, I am told about two recent losses during “incentive” flights such as mine, and another recent freak accident. Am I nervous? A little. I must remember to grunt during negative g maneuvers.
I have sushi for dinner – is this a good idea? It’s late but I can’t resist watching the finale of “Sopranos.” Next morning Col. Falcon is the picture of confidence so by take off time, I’m digging this again. They’ve painted my name however temporarily on the canopy. How cool is that? I was afraid I’d feel claustrophobic, but even in the back seat in my pressure suit and helmet, I can see everything. Time slows down now– temporal distortion.I opt for 100% oxygen. I notice everything, trying to take mental pictures because I can’t bring my camera along. Then we rumble out like a spoonbill to the flight line. Takeoff is sudden and nearly vertical to 16,000 feet in ten seconds(!) whereupon we roll out and descend to a couple thousand feet above the brightest and bluest water I’ve ever seen. South Florida is a coral shelf extending out to sea and surrounding the Keys. I try not to howl too loud into my pilot’s ear. Fantastic! I remember that I was told to disconnect my mike if I felt I was going to hurl. Pilot doesn’t want to hear that. Now we’re offshore of the Keys. Amazing visibility. Ships like toys below. A wreck clearly visible in the turquoise firmament. Key West looking very tiny at the South end of the USA. Col Falcon points out old Fort Jefferson built in the 1850’s implausibly at sea off Key West. This is a great visual. Grey F16s, blue sky, creamy clouds, blue green water, red brick fort. We descend and circle twice. Then I start to feel sick. I’m like a horse; usually very hard for me to lose my lunch. But now, I need to. I ask Col Falcon to take it easy for a while and then I’m a little better. We talk about flying. He’s flown in the Air Force since 1974. Thirty–three years and no major mistakes. My job seems boring. We hit Mach 1.1 with nothing to it but some shaking instruments. Heading north flying visual now with huge 30,000 foot thunder heads over Biscayne Bay. Beautiful. Do I want to do some approaches? Of course. We almost touch down and then afterburner (whump!) back up and around. Coming in again we pitch sharply;” Did I see that?” No. what? “We almost hit a spoonbill! Five feet away!” A good day for us and for spoonbills. They can do some serious damage. Back on the ground now. Canopy up. High fives and cheers all around. Jake and Dan Galindo snapping pictures. Is this a great country!? Will I ever do this again? Could I ever top this? Probably not. Later over a mojito at dinner in Key Largo with Col Tom Davis of the PA office watching another tropical sunset, I unwind. And I deflate a bit. I’m just another civilian who had a joy ride. But a very,very exciting one. Many years ago, I was an Army ROTC graduate. Because the Vietnam War was essentially over, more second lieutenants were not needed. After Officer Basic, I took an early out and got on with my civilian life. Good thing, I thought. Morale was terrible. The military was not honored nor appreciated as it is today. Over the years I have felt a nagging sense of unfinished business, to do my part which I never did back then. The Air Force Art Program has allowed me to do this. I believe that it is a good thing for civilians to be able to see the beauty, excitement, and human interest in military lives. I hope that in some small way my paintings have illustrated this for them. Robert Gantt Steele Knowing Robert as I do I was inclined to think he made all that up. But darned if he didn't send along the pics that prove he did all he said he did. I said it before and I'll say it again...lucky devil. Below are his photos. Oh and you'll notice they even painted his name on the canopy rails. Maybe I should review the books and see just where our dues money is going ;-) • Next up was artist number seven and he was none other than Jerry Moore. Jerry ventured not all that far from his home in Washington as he headed just a bit east to McChord AFB to witness the AMC Airlift Rodeo. On a personal note the rodeo will always be special to me in that it was the first Air Force trip I took back in 1989. While they held the rodeo at Pope AFB back then the nature and spectacle of the rodeo is largely unchanged. Here's what Jerry had to say... I recently had the privilege of being a part of The 2007 AMC Rodeo held at McChord AFB. The week long event was attended by more than 2500 competitors and observers from the U.S. and 34 other countries. There were more than 60 different competitions focusing on improving worldwide air mobility forces' professional core abilities. Competition was fierce and serious but friendly. The Rodeo isn't just a quaint competition, every effort is made to duplicate real world conditions. There are a number of other competitions such as fitness and endurance but ERO ( Engines Running Onload/Offload) is the main reason teams come to compete. Loading and unloading aircraft may not sound all that exciting, but when you actually see it done, it's nothing short of amazing. I watched an AFRC team from Charleston AFB do an ERO of a C-17. An interesting departure from the loading operation when the aircraft is shut down. Forklifts, Halverson and Tunner loaders and personnel,,,,Itwas like ants on sugar. The on load was staged to simulate the same conditions that crews encounter everyday in Iraq and Afghanistan. It was also impressive to see so many different aircraft in the same place at the same time. A small part of the guest list included C-5's , C-17's, C-130's, KC-135's and KC-10's along with the usual assortment of C-21's and C-40's. The German team showed up in a C-160 which looks like a C-27 on steroids.
Work hard, play hard! A good description of Rainier Ranch. Once activities are over for the day, everyone is (technically off duty) and the flag is lowered,,,, Rainier Ranch comes to life with a montage of every unit and country joining in one huge, for lack of better words, Block Party about a quarter mile wide and a mile long. A real cultural melting pot. Each unit, U.S. and abroad, have their own area, usually a 30'x50' tent and area in front where they offer the amenities of their particular State or Country. The "Dirt Strip Dutchmen" form the Netherlands, were serving one of their local beers. (Outstanding) The folks from Thailand, introduced us to their version of "Saki". The team from the UAE served a pastry filed with spiced dates (even if you don't like dates, you would have loved this) and a tea,,, well lets just say that if you drank a fifth of Vodka,,,, one cup of this tea would have you stone sober in seconds....and it tasted really good. There were 2 stages set up at opposite ends of the "Ranch". Every night the attendees were entertained by a different type or era of music. 50's, 60's, 70's music, Rock, Country, Jazz. Each Country, also added their own special touch with ethnic music from their part of the world. The South Koreans loved to show off their version of U.S. Rock & Roll while other attendees, like the Turks and Saudi's, had their own unique additions to a throng of musical cultures, food and beverages. Jerry took some wonderful photos of his trip and he
was gracious to enough to send a number of them on to me. In order to
expedite downloading this newsletter I've selected just a few that he
provided. Thanks Jerry for such a wonderful write up and the pics. That then covers all the trips so far this year. I was thrilled to be able to send out so many people I sincerely hope the next twelve months will see similar opportunities for us all. • Chairmans Meeting • I was due to fly back to D.C. this past June for the chairmans meeting. Unfortunately for me the dates for the trip coincided exactly with my eldest daughters graduation from high school. I was looking forward to the meeting but my wife reminded me in colorful yet forceful terms that my daughters commencement activities we more important :-) Thus convinced I should stay home I asked Keith Criss to attend in my place. He cheerfully stepped up to the plate for me and I'm in his debt for doing so. This was a quick trip for Keith. Flight back on one day, meeting the next, and back home again on the third day. A number of issues were discussed but of greatest importance was the announcement of next years presentation dates. Make a note of this... Art presentation is scheduled for Friday, October 24th 2008 at Bolling AFB in Washington D.C. As generally happens they will fly the attending artists to D.C. on a Thursday (in this case the 23rd) and return everyone home either on the following Sunday or Monday. These are great trips and I sincerely hope that whether you took a trip of not that you plan to do a painting and attend. Remember though, if you took a trip you must do a painting. This fact may seem elemental to us all but it never hurts to state the obvious. Naturally as we move into next year I'll be reminding everyone of the dates and details as they emerge. Until then make a note of the dates on your "08 calendar. The other bit of news emerging from Keith's meeting was the theme for the '08 show...the U.S. Air Force in Vietnam. Thus the program will be looking for Vietnam themed works of art. But as you all should know by now you are under to no obligation to do a rendering on that theme. As always, you are free to illustrate any aspect of the Air Force you choose, past or present. • Art Show • Tireless member Keith
Criss features prominently again in this bit of news. Through Keith's
efforts and negotiations he has arranged for NWAFA to have a show of
our aviation art next June at the Hiller Aviation museum. Here's what
Keith wrote me regarding the initial The opportunity to have a public preview exhibit of NWAFA 2008 Air Force Art Works at the Hiller Aviation Museum is official! I've talked with Greg T in DC and he is up for it and he'll coordinate with Rusty as we feed him details. Among things is having to figure a groovy name for this show. I received a follow up call from the Hiller this morning. Our exhibit contact/coordinator is North E. West...no kidding!The official date for the show is June 9th of 2008. They want us for their annual Helicopter Air Show called VerticalChallenge...they get thousands of visitors. There will be an official opening and all that stuff and I believe the show willcontinue through July. This gives us close to half a year to get our act together!! We'll need to get a tight commitment of those interestedASAP in order to coordinate with DC on what they will send out to complement the show exhibit space. The wallspace is roughly 10 feet by 40 feet (h x w). I've attached a few jpg images to check out plus the museum URL.http://www.hiller.org/vertical-challenge.shtml If anyone has prints or originals to sell...they'll be happy to accommodate that. • I would like to clarify a couple points
though. We are hoping to have everyone complete their '08 art contributions
by late May. For those of you familiar with our standard procedure
this is a full 3 months earlier than the typical deadline of late August.
But it would be a great opportunity for our group to showcase our members
art contributions to the Air Force art collection. Depending on what
kind of commitment we get from our members will determine what additional
work will come from the Air Force collection in general to round out
the exhibit. Once the show comes down from the Hiller the work will
then be securely shipped back to D.C. for the show in October at Bolling.
Needless to say Keith and I will be keeping you informed about the
show particulars as we move into the new year. Until then we all owe
a big thanks to Keith for arranging this all on his own. Keith sent
along a few photos of the museum so you can see what the venue is like. • A couple final thoughts Part 1 • • A couple final thoughts Part 2 • Thats it then. Again please accept my apologies for such prolonged period between this and my previous newsletter. Hope though everyone will feel it was worth the wait. Happy Halloween! Matthew Holmes, your humble chairman |
Where to start where to start. Well lets share with everyone all
that has happened so far in 2007 with trips. Our first artist to
head out this year was Keith Criss. He ventured down to Altus AFB
in Oklahoma to watch and participate in in C-5 and C-17 training operations.
Keith shared with me that this was one of the best trips he'd ever
been on as he flew no less than three times while there. From refueling
at night in C-5's to lo level navigation runs over the Oklahoma
prairie Keith said it was a fantastic trip.
My flight will be in a tandem seat F16D with dual controls. Cockpit
training by MSgt Jay Colon and flight gear fitting by SSgt Mark
Patterson lasts four hours. I’m told I must not touch the
stick or throttle because they will be active. Watch my air and
mask. Keep my hands down. The pilot can override me but a lot can happen
fast. And then of course there is the possibility of ejection or ditching.
The ejection handle is right between my legs. Right next to my plastic
bag should I need to hurl.
I also had the opportunity to go out on an actual Med-Evac mission.
What made it even more interesting wasthe fact that the two attending
doctors were from Pakistan. Very impressive. These two gentleman really
knew their stuff. If I were an injured soldier, I'd trust their skills
anytime.
details...