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Bowling Green TC Recap
The Billy Sparks Kentuckiana Pack took a road trip to Bowling Green, KY, to visit the Aviation Heritage Park (AHP) to hold their latest Tactics Conference on September 15th. Members came from Indianapolis, Nashville, Louisville, and they even had two members that flew in. The 10 pack members were treated to a guided tour of park, which included docents standing by each aircraft to tell the particulars of each aircraft and who they represent from the Bowling Green area. Aircraft included the F-111F Aardvark, F-9F Panther, F-4D Phantom, T-33A Shooting Star, T-38 Talon, and a UH-1P Huey helicopter. Pack members attending included: Craig "Pontiff” Pope, Bob “Hobo” Carlsen, AJ “Fumes” Pope, Tim “Sparky” Sparks, Bill “Slope” Lindsey, Keith Balcom, Joel Fischer, Al Albrecht, and “Smokin" Joe Bianco. The group also got to stand in front of the newly placed “Brick” that the pack bought to help support the park.
Following the aircraft tour, they were treated to one of the most fascinating military aviation stories ever, presented by Gen. Dan Cherry. Gen. Cherry gave the group his presentation, “My Enemy, My Friend – A story of reconciliation from the Vietnam War”. The story begins with details of the mission in which he shoots down a Mig-21, being involved with the creation of AHP, the accruing of the actual F-4D (tail number 550) that he used to shoot down the Mig, the restoration of it, and finally, locating and meeting the Mig pilot and having him at the dedication of the “550” in Bowling Green at the AHP in 2009. Gen. Cherry even coordinated with the pack for them to buy signed copies of his book, My Enemy, My Friend” to help generate money for the park. Craig “Pontiff” Pope presented Gen. Cherry with a framed River Rats 50th Anniversary print with a pack coin on it, that he will hold on till the new museum is built (kick off for this museum expansion will be held in October). If you every have the chance fly or drive anywhere near Bowling Green, make sure and drop in for a visit.
Autographed copies of "My Enemy, My Friend" books may be purchased by contacting Christine Bobco, AHP Executive Asst., at 270-421-4885 or AviationHeritageParkBG@gmail.com.
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Gym Dedication at U of L - 22 Sep18
Maj. Alan Mateja Gym Dedication
22 Sep 18
The Billy Sparks Pack participated in the dedication of the UofL ROTC gym in the memory of Maj. Alan Mateja on 22 Sep 18. The gym is located on UofL’s campus in Dougherty Hall, home to both the Army and Air Force ROTC units.
AF ROTC Det. 295 PAS, Lt. Col. Pete Day welcomed attendees, including members of the Mateja family, the past Det. 295 PAS, Dr. Neeli Bendapudi and approximately 60 guests.
Dr. Bendapudi spoke briefly about how the dedication affected her personally. Then former Det. 295 PAS, Lt. Col. Jerry Crigger gave the background story regarding the project, including the various obstacles encountered along the path. His emotional connection to Alan was obvious, and there wasn’t a dry eye in the crowd while he was speaking. Sierra Hotel, Jerry.
Lt. Col. Day then presented the plaque which will be placed in the display case in Dougherty Hall’s main hallway.
Billy Sparks Pack member Will Ashlock, representing the River Rats, presented a Flag of Valor. The flag will be hung on the wall next to the new display case above the reading bench. Will, who is personal friends with the Mateja family, gave a heartfelt presentation, which once again brought the crowd to tears. Two of Alan’s grandsons then unveiled the Flag of Honor.
Heather French Henry spoke next of her year as Miss America (2000), during which time she honored Alan's memory by wearing his POW-MIA bracelet as part of her platform of recognizing and assisting veterans. At the end of her year, she placed the bracelet at the foot of the Vietnam Veterans' Memorial. She also spoke of her ongoing support of veterans and of the honor of being named the Commissioner of the Kentucky Department of Veteran Affairs in 2014.
Finally, Alan’s wife, Carolyn gave a moving memoir of Alan, and shared how much this means to her and the entire family. Alan’s two sons concluded with a few words.
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TINS
Do you know the story of this Air-toAir kill?
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Ever thought of using a GBU-10 Paveway II, 2,000-pound laser-guided bomb for an Air-to-Air kill? Well, Tim Bennett did! Here are couple of links for this unusual story:
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Closing Comments
The Billy Sparks Pack has had a great month. First in Bowling Green on the 15th and UofL on the 22nd. The stories are are now on the website with photos.
We soon as we get a date for the next TC, we will get the word out.
As for TINS, if you have any that you would like to share, send them my way so we can all read about it.
If you have anything for the pack, send it my way and I'll get it out.
Check 6/12!
Pontiff
Craig Pope
Billy Sparks Kentuckiana Pack LFC
Kentuckianarr@gmail.com
502-548-265
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