On the evening of May 20th, 2006 the Lobo Wing put on what has to be our
most historic event yet. The dedication of the Lobo Wing restoration
facility. Many thanks to the 158 Lobo Wing supporters who turned out for a wonderful evening of
camaraderie and entertainment. Most were amazed at how a plain old
hangar could be turned into a first class dining and entertainment
facility. The facility impressed all in attendance, said Commemorative
Air Force President Bob Rice "What you have accomplished here is truly
amazing and it will be my great pleasure to report back to the General
Staff the full extent of your accomplishments". The event went off
without a hitch and the aviation weather Gods could not have been more
cooperative, said one attendee a week later, "I've been telling by
friends that decided not to go that they really blew it by not going, I
can't wait till next year!" There are many many thanks to be handed
out to all who participated in the planning and set up for this event.
But without the following Lobo's it would not have happened. Team lead
Julie Smith, event planner Pat Whited, team members Dick and Marilyn
Donovan, Ray and Gayle Richmond, and Mike Rice.
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The AT-11 on one of it's last external appearances for some time. |
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The B-29 tail in front of the mess tent. |
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A Civil War era Linen Mess Tent. We cover it all! |
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An all original Jeep ready for action! |
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The Mess Tent being readied for action! |
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The setup area for the silent auction |
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There are pictures and flags so we must be done with construction! |
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HOW MANY tables do we need? |
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The project corner all gussied up. |
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Memorabilia displayed on the camo. |
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The Link Trainer desk. Where is the instructor? |
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Yes, Colonels do peel potatoes! |
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Yes there are blisters! |
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Hand made Stuffing! |
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Virgil Hughes, The 34 year Army vet commands the mess. |
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There were A LOT of potatoes! |
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Yes, ever REAL Colonels peel potatoes! |
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Now that's a lot of Tables! |
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Col. Keen prepares his pet project for display. |
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What is this and where does it go? |
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Plotting silent auction bidding strategy. |
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Yes! I want that! Bidding was brisk. |
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This is a HANGAR? |
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Kansas is still on guard and waiting for work to resume. |
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Ted Kaiser's M-37 Dodge. |
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Now that's an attractive table |
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Set up and more set up! |
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The PX table is readied. |
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A podium with speakers that WORKED! Thanks General Rice. |
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Supervising a mess is hard work! |
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What did we miss? |
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Are we done yet? |
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Tuckered Out! |
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Man oh Man. Lookin Good! |
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THE BAR! |
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How many Colonels does it take to mash 50 lbs of potatoes? |
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Reid always wants to learn new skills. |
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At last the party begins! |
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YES! Spend your money! |
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Yes they do clean up! |
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Let the feeding begin! The hor d'oeuvre's were great. |
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Those shrimp are HUGE! |
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A Colonel with a drink in hand, how odd! |
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No Free advise tonight-just free drinks! |
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The OIC of the CAP Eagle Cadet Squadron honor guard. |
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Even free wine! |
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Honor guard members enjoy an hor d'oeuvre. The kids did a great job! |
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WHO IS THIS GUY? |
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Yes we did have the BRASS! |
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Congressman Steve Pearce chats with Lobo dignitaries. |
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The key to the event - Col Pat Whited |
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Another dignitary. George Applebay, a member of the Soaring Hall of Fame! |
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Team Lead Col. Julie Smith breathes a sigh of relief. |
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COl. Dick Kifer is ALWAYS trying to make us a buck. |
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Our guest speaker. Wilson Hurley. |
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What a great speaker! We really hit the jackpot with this American treasure. |
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A tailgunner's view of Wilson Hurley. |
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Twilight settles over the event. |
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Col. Bob Rice and his wife Vicki arrive at the event. |
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Wing Leader McBride accepts an American flag flown aboard an Apache helicopter in Irag. Tears, What Tears! |
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Master of Ceremonies Frank Gasperich. Great Job Frank! |
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Norm Hughes provides some background on the Mess history |
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Virgil Hughes provides insight on the mess ovens |
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Norm Hughes displays an authentic Officers Mess Kit. |
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Clean up did not take long thanks to lots of volunteer help. |
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Darkness settles over the mess and an amazing Lobo event. |
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