COMING SOON....
Friday, April 3, 2009
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASPs)
"The WASPs proved women could do it. They flew through snow and dark and menstrual periods. They flew planes as fast and as far as the men (but safer). They were America's first female military pilots."
Famous aviator Jacqueline "Jackie" Cochran realized when America entered the war there would be a shortage of qualified pilots across the country. Her idea was to hire women pilots to perform all of non-combat aviation jobs to free up male pilots for combat.
The British had women pilots in their Air Transport Auxiliary (ATA) and Cochran along with twenty-five other pilots traveled to England to join them. They flew Spitfires, Typhoons, Hurricanes, Mitchells, and Blenheims from the factories to RAF bases all over England. Even though this was a non-combat role, the chance of being shot down or bombed by the enemy still existed for these pilots.
In 1942 Cochran returned to the United States and was asked to lead the Women's Flying Training Detachment to recruit women pilots for ferrying duties. Another group, the Women's Auxiliary Ferrying Squadron (WAFS) lead by Nancy Harkness Love, was composed of women who already had commercial licenses and over five hundred flying hours. Eventually both organizations were merged into the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP).
When the program began in 1942 each prospective trainee was required to have at least two hundred hours of logged flight time and a commercial pilot's license. They also had to be American citizens between 21 and 25 years of age, and have a high school education. The training program began at the municipal airport in Houston, Texas, but that training area was too limited and the facilities were moved to Avenger Field in Sweetwater.
Although the women were considered Civil Service employees, Cochran made sure they were trained the same as military aviation cadets. She hoped that one day the WASP would be incorporated into the Air Corps and wanted them to be ready. They wore military style clothing, ate in mess halls, lived in military barracks, and lived by military law. From 1942 through 1944 the WASP program had 25,000 applicants and trained 1,830 students, out of which 1,074
earned their wings.
After graduation from Avenger Field the pilots were assigned to the Air Transport Command for ferrying aircraft from production plants to bases around the country. Others went on to fly personnel transports and performed target towing duties. Some test piloted experimental aircraft. Dorothea Johnson and Dora Dougherty were stationed at Eglin Army Air Base, Florida, when they met Lt. Col Paul W. Tibbets, Jr. He took both pilots over to Anniston, Alabama, and trained them to fly the B-29 Superfortress.
The WASP flew every type of aircraft the US Army Air Forces had, logging over 60 million miles. Their safety record was even better than their male counterparts.
(Elizabeth L. Gardner, WASP, at the controls of a B-26 Marauder.)
In 1944 Jackie Cochran pushed to have the WASP incorporated into the military. The women had proved they were up to the job of flying. But the war was winding down and Congress decided they did not need the surplus pilots and deactivated the WASP.
Thirty-eight WASP lost their lives in service to the United States during World War II. Since their country refused to recognize them as veterans, they were buried without military honors. Many times their fellow pilots even had to take up collections to have their fallen comrades' bodies shipped back home for burial.
In 1976, after the Air Force announced that it was training the "first women to fly for the military," the surviving WASP went to work to correct the error of fact. With the help of Colonel Bruce Arnold (General Henry H. "Hap" Arnold's son) and Senator Barry Goldwater (who had flown with WASP aviators in the Ferry Command during the war), the WASP went before Congress to ask for militarization.
Despite strong opposition from various powerful individuals and organizations, the measure passed through Congress. In 1977 President Jimmy Carter signed the bill making the WASP part of the Air Force. They received no back pay or death insurance, but they did finally get the one thing they had fought so hard for: recognition that the WASP had answered America's call when she needed them. They too had fought and died for their country.
(Hazel Ying Lee)
I also learned that there were 2 Chinese American WASPs, Hazel Ying Lee and Margaret "Maggie" Gee. Hazel was the first Chinese American woman to fly for the United States military. She was also one of the 38 WASPs that died in the line of duty.
If you want learn more about the WASPs check out the wikipedia site http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Women_Airforce_Service_Pilots
There is also a documentary about the WASPs titled "Fly Girls". Several books were also written about them. I'm currently reading one titled "WASPs: Women Airforce Service Pilots of World War II" written by Vera S. William. This book has a lot of info and pictures. I recommend checking out this book.
(Four women pilots leaving their plane, "Pistol Packin' Mama," at the four-engine school at Lockbourne AAF, Ohio, during WASP ferry training B-17 Flying Fortress. L to R are Frances Green, Margaret (Peg) Kirchner, Ann Waldner and Blanche Osborn.)
I first learned about the WASPs while checking out the Hill Air Force Space Museum website. My husband, Chris, and I were looking for places to visit in Utah. Since, we just moved here about 6 months ago, there's still a of Utah that we haven't seen yet. Anyhow, I was checking out the Hill Air Force Space Museum web site and found out that they have a exhibit dedicated to the WASPs. Immediately, I wanted to learn more about them. On the day that we wanted to go, my son Jacob, came down with a high fever and infections in both ears. So, we never made it. But we plan to go when the weather is nice again on a day that Chris has off.
Here is some information about the WASPs from the Hill Air Force Space Museum Library Fact Sheet.
I first learned about the WASPs while checking out the Hill Air Force Space Museum website. My husband, Chris, and I were looking for places to visit in Utah. Since, we just moved here about 6 months ago, there's still a of Utah that we haven't seen yet. Anyhow, I was checking out the Hill Air Force Space Museum web site and found out that they have a exhibit dedicated to the WASPs. Immediately, I wanted to learn more about them. On the day that we wanted to go, my son Jacob, came down with a high fever and infections in both ears. So, we never made it. But we plan to go when the weather is nice again on a day that Chris has off.
Here is some information about the WASPs from the Hill Air Force Space Museum Library Fact Sheet.
Famous aviator Jacqueline "Jackie" Cochran realized when America entered the war there would be a shortage of qualified pilots across the country. Her idea was to hire women pilots to perform all of non-combat aviation jobs to free up male pilots for combat.
The British had women pilots in their Air Transport Auxiliary (ATA) and Cochran along with twenty-five other pilots traveled to England to join them. They flew Spitfires, Typhoons, Hurricanes, Mitchells, and Blenheims from the factories to RAF bases all over England. Even though this was a non-combat role, the chance of being shot down or bombed by the enemy still existed for these pilots.
In 1942 Cochran returned to the United States and was asked to lead the Women's Flying Training Detachment to recruit women pilots for ferrying duties. Another group, the Women's Auxiliary Ferrying Squadron (WAFS) lead by Nancy Harkness Love, was composed of women who already had commercial licenses and over five hundred flying hours. Eventually both organizations were merged into the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP).
When the program began in 1942 each prospective trainee was required to have at least two hundred hours of logged flight time and a commercial pilot's license. They also had to be American citizens between 21 and 25 years of age, and have a high school education. The training program began at the municipal airport in Houston, Texas, but that training area was too limited and the facilities were moved to Avenger Field in Sweetwater.Although the women were considered Civil Service employees, Cochran made sure they were trained the same as military aviation cadets. She hoped that one day the WASP would be incorporated into the Air Corps and wanted them to be ready. They wore military style clothing, ate in mess halls, lived in military barracks, and lived by military law. From 1942 through 1944 the WASP program had 25,000 applicants and trained 1,830 students, out of which 1,074
earned their wings.
After graduation from Avenger Field the pilots were assigned to the Air Transport Command for ferrying aircraft from production plants to bases around the country. Others went on to fly personnel transports and performed target towing duties. Some test piloted experimental aircraft. Dorothea Johnson and Dora Dougherty were stationed at Eglin Army Air Base, Florida, when they met Lt. Col Paul W. Tibbets, Jr. He took both pilots over to Anniston, Alabama, and trained them to fly the B-29 Superfortress.
The WASP flew every type of aircraft the US Army Air Forces had, logging over 60 million miles. Their safety record was even better than their male counterparts.
(Elizabeth L. Gardner, WASP, at the controls of a B-26 Marauder.)In 1944 Jackie Cochran pushed to have the WASP incorporated into the military. The women had proved they were up to the job of flying. But the war was winding down and Congress decided they did not need the surplus pilots and deactivated the WASP.
Thirty-eight WASP lost their lives in service to the United States during World War II. Since their country refused to recognize them as veterans, they were buried without military honors. Many times their fellow pilots even had to take up collections to have their fallen comrades' bodies shipped back home for burial.
In 1976, after the Air Force announced that it was training the "first women to fly for the military," the surviving WASP went to work to correct the error of fact. With the help of Colonel Bruce Arnold (General Henry H. "Hap" Arnold's son) and Senator Barry Goldwater (who had flown with WASP aviators in the Ferry Command during the war), the WASP went before Congress to ask for militarization.
Despite strong opposition from various powerful individuals and organizations, the measure passed through Congress. In 1977 President Jimmy Carter signed the bill making the WASP part of the Air Force. They received no back pay or death insurance, but they did finally get the one thing they had fought so hard for: recognition that the WASP had answered America's call when she needed them. They too had fought and died for their country.
(Hazel Ying Lee)I also learned that there were 2 Chinese American WASPs, Hazel Ying Lee and Margaret "Maggie" Gee. Hazel was the first Chinese American woman to fly for the United States military. She was also one of the 38 WASPs that died in the line of duty.
If you want learn more about the WASPs check out the wikipedia site http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Women_Airforce_Service_Pilots
There is also a documentary about the WASPs titled "Fly Girls". Several books were also written about them. I'm currently reading one titled "WASPs: Women Airforce Service Pilots of World War II" written by Vera S. William. This book has a lot of info and pictures. I recommend checking out this book.
Friday, November 7, 2008
Chuck-O-Rama
Last week we went out for dinner at Chuck-O-Rama Buffet with the Claytons. They had some tasty food. They style was mostly American that night. In the desert section they served coffee crumble cake. Hmmm... But... if you look at the sign closely it says...
Ha! Only in Utah! I didn't have any of the fake coffee crumble cake, but I did have some APPLE BEER....
Apple Beer is non-alcoholic. It is a nineteenth century Bavarian tradition made in the Rocky Mountains since 1964. It's got 100% natural flavor, vitamin C, and calcium fortified. It tastes a little bit like apple cider but more frothy... I guess like beer.
Ha! Only in Utah! I didn't have any of the fake coffee crumble cake, but I did have some APPLE BEER....
Apple Beer is non-alcoholic. It is a nineteenth century Bavarian tradition made in the Rocky Mountains since 1964. It's got 100% natural flavor, vitamin C, and calcium fortified. It tastes a little bit like apple cider but more frothy... I guess like beer.
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
The Galatro Family Chronicles
I created a new blog just for my family. Check it out The Galatro Family Chronicles. You will find updates on our family there.
Friday, October 10, 2008
Kaleigh Knows Best
Last night at about 3:00 am Kaleigh crawled into my bed and slept next to me. Ever since Chris went to Utah she's been doing that. I know it's not a good habit, but I don't mind. I like sleeping with my kids. Then at about 3:40 am Jacob started crying. He's been having difficulty sleeping through the night for about 3 months now. I mentioned this to his pediatrician at his follow up visit for acid reflux the other day. She told me to offer him water instead of milk when he wakes up. Eventually, he'll realize that it's not worth waking up for water in the middle of the night. I decided give it a try. But instead of going back to sleep, it just made him mad and cry even harder. Kaleigh did not enjoy being disturbed and tried to cover her ears and then even put her head under her pillow.
After 5 minutes of trying to console Jacob without success, I laid him down on the bed next to Kaleigh. When he saw her he stopped crying. Then Kaleigh reached over with her little hand and held his even smaller hand and said, "Shh... Don't cry, Jacob. It's OK. Go to sleep." Jacob immediately calmed down and closed his eyes. So, I shifted him a little bit and laid down in between them.
10 minutes later, Jacob started crying again. Kaleigh sat up and said, "Mommy, he wants milk!!!" with a "duh" expression on her face, and then laid back down. So, I got up, picked up Jacob and went to the kitchen to make him a bottle of milk. About 5 minutes later, he had drank most of his bottle and fell asleep.
What would I do without my bossy-boss, mini-mommy little girl? *sigh*
After 5 minutes of trying to console Jacob without success, I laid him down on the bed next to Kaleigh. When he saw her he stopped crying. Then Kaleigh reached over with her little hand and held his even smaller hand and said, "Shh... Don't cry, Jacob. It's OK. Go to sleep." Jacob immediately calmed down and closed his eyes. So, I shifted him a little bit and laid down in between them.
10 minutes later, Jacob started crying again. Kaleigh sat up and said, "Mommy, he wants milk!!!" with a "duh" expression on her face, and then laid back down. So, I got up, picked up Jacob and went to the kitchen to make him a bottle of milk. About 5 minutes later, he had drank most of his bottle and fell asleep.
What would I do without my bossy-boss, mini-mommy little girl? *sigh*
Thursday, October 9, 2008
Chantal Kreviazuk - Leaving On A Jet Plane
Just found these videos today on YouTube of my favorite singer and songwriter, Chantal Kreviazuk, performing in Whistler, Canada for the unveiling of the 2010 Paralympic Logo. I think the performance was funny and really shows how laid back Chantal is. For those of you who don't know, her song Feels Like Home was my wedding song and I played it about 15 times. I also got the chance to see her perform live last year and meet with her briefly. The concert rocked and she was really nice! She's an amazing musician. It's too bad she's not more well known in the U.S. Oh, and she's also a mom of 3 boys. Her husband is Raine Maida, the lead singer of the band Our Lady Peace. Be sure to watch both part 1 and 2 of the videos.
Part 1
Part 2
Little Wonders
As I am preparing to move to Utah, I think about the 25 or so years that I've been living in NYC. During that time I have met a lot of people and made a lot of friends. Some people I have spent a lot time with and others only a little. But however big or "small" these hours were, I will always remember them. "These small hours still remain" and will always remain in my heart.
Little Wonders
by Rob Thomas
Let it go. Let it roll right off your shoulder
Don't you know the hardest part is over
Let it in. Let your clarity define you
In the end we will only just remember how it feels
Our lives are made in these small hours
These little wonders.These twists and turns of fate
Time falls away.But these small hours
These small hours still remain
Let it slide. Let your troubles fall behind you
Let it shine. Until you feel it all around you
And i don't mind if it's me you need to turn to
We'll get by. It's the heart that really matters in the end
Our lives are made in these small hours
These little wonders.These twists and turns of fate
Time falls away.But these small hours
These small hours still remain
All of my regret will wash away some how
But i can not forget the way i feel right now
In these small hours
These little wonders
These twists and turns of fate
These twists and turns of fate
Time falls away but these small hours
These small hours, still remain,
Still remain
These little wonders
These twists and turns of fate
Time falls away
But these small hours
These little wonders still remain
Little Wonders
by Rob Thomas
Let it go. Let it roll right off your shoulder
Don't you know the hardest part is over
Let it in. Let your clarity define you
In the end we will only just remember how it feels
Our lives are made in these small hours
These little wonders.These twists and turns of fate
Time falls away.But these small hours
These small hours still remain
Let it slide. Let your troubles fall behind you
Let it shine. Until you feel it all around you
And i don't mind if it's me you need to turn to
We'll get by. It's the heart that really matters in the end
Our lives are made in these small hours
These little wonders.These twists and turns of fate
Time falls away.But these small hours
These small hours still remain
All of my regret will wash away some how
But i can not forget the way i feel right now
In these small hours
These little wonders
These twists and turns of fate
These twists and turns of fate
Time falls away but these small hours
These small hours, still remain,
Still remain
These little wonders
These twists and turns of fate
Time falls away
But these small hours
These little wonders still remain
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