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By Leo Cachat and Fred Harl |
The Aero Experience was on the road early Saturday morning as
we set off at 5 a.m. heading for Southern Illinois Airport in
Carbondale, IL to photograph the vast array of warbirds that were expected to takeoff
around 9 a.m. for Williamson
Co. Regional Airport in Marion, IL. As we entered the Southern Illinois Airport
around 7 a.m. there were no
warbirds in sight, so we tracked down a
gentleman leaving the airport and inquired about the aircraft. He
told us that they had departed last night and were in Marion, IL. Undeterred by
the setback, we headed a little further east to Williamson Co. Regional
Airport.
As the airport came into view so did
the mighty warplanes on the ramp, the B-25, SB-2C-5 and B-24 were silhouetted against a beautiful morning sun and
cloudless blue sky. As we pulled into the parking lot, we then saw the mighty
B-29 Fifi on the east end of the ramp.
We went to the Midwest Aviation entrance
where we received a warm greeting by employee and ramp boss for the day, Mr.
Sean Rabideau. He then directed us to Mr. Charlie Rodriguez, who along with EAA
Chapter 277 and the Williamson Co. Regional Airport Authority, organized this
great gathering of Commemorative Air Force warbirds. Mr. Rodriguez also
informed us that the aircraft arrival late Friday afternoon, and that this
gathering was really a tribute to the veterans who have served this great
country. He also mentioned that groups including The Rotor and Wing Association
of America and students from Southern Illinois University had worked very hard
in pulling this gathering together. A student named Johnny had come by and we
were informed that he alone had worked night and day since Wednesday to make
this event happen.
The Aero Experience would like to extend a
hearty thank you to all those mentioned above, along with Airport Manager Mr.
Doug Kimmel, for their professionalism, kindness and for providing uncommon accessibility to the aircraft. An event like this, with a staff like this, deserves to be
commended. They epitomize what The Aero Experience strives to portray - a great
Midwest aviation experience.
Here are some views of the Commemorative Air Force warbirds from Saturday's visit:
Boeing B-29A Superfortress, "Fifi," on the ramp and a local flight
Consolidated B-24A Liberator (No. 18), "Diamond Lil"
North American B-25J Mitchell, "Show Me"
Curtiss-Wright SB2C-5 Helldiver
Boeing (Stearman) A75N-1 (PT-17)
Douglas DC-3 from the Flagship Detroit Foundation
Other Aircraft were using the airport as well...
(Editor's Note: The Aero Experience thanks contributors Fred Harl and Leo Cachat for this excellent coverage of the CAF Warbirds Salute to Veterans).
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