VOLABAMUS VOLAMUS | August 2021
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TOMORROW'S MILITARY AVIATORS |
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Spencer Scholarship
San Diego Flight 13 was selected to receive the Loren and Randy Spencer Scholarship for 2020. Four Daedalian flights are chosen each year based on successful recruiting of new Daedalians for that year. San Diego flight named Michael Chang for the $1,000 scholarship.
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Cadet Michael Chang, AFROTC Det 075 |
Sophomore, University of California - San Diego
Major: Structural Engineering
Cadet Chang has maintained a 3.89 GPA. Provost Honors, 3 time Presidential Volunteer Service Awards. Ranked 2/59 in his class and consistently exceeds Cadre expectations. Warrior Spirit, the AFROTC Achievement Award, American Veterans Award, and Cadet of the month. Candidate for Arnold Air Society, having been ranked in the top third of the candidate class by his peers.
Career Goal: “I studied aerospace engineering at UC Davis for a summer and have had experience in this field at United Airline's maintenance shop at SFO. Additionally, I was part of my local Civil Air Patrol squadron and learned their responsibilities as well as basic aviation knowledge. I hope to become a rescue pilot for the USAF. Having grown up next to Moffett Federal Airfield, I always appreciated the 129th Rescue Wing training and fighting wildfires above our heads. I wish to do my part in "the things we do so others may live", especially having experienced losing my home to fire before.”
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USAF Pilot Training Class 62A Scholarship
awarded a Daedalian Flight Scholarship
In honor of the service and sacrifices of their departed classmates
Honor the service & sacrifice of others;
Paying Back for their own experiences;
and Paying Forward to continue our aviation heritage.
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Midshipman Logan Williams, NROTC |
Sophomore, Prairie View A&M University
Major: Construction Science
Class 62A $1,000. Foundation $2,000.
3.62 GPA. 2021 Dean’s List Honor Roll. Naval ROTC Academic Achievement Award. In high school was selected as a Young Eagle and the experience inspired him to be a Naval Aviator.
Career Goal: “To commission as an officer in the United States Navy with a career as a Naval Aviator."
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Matching Scholarships
The Daedalian Foundation matches up to $2,000 in Flight scholarship awards, and then adds another $1,000. Thus, $3,000 is the maximum total that the Foundation awards per flight. When a flight awards multiple scholarships, the Foundation's matching, up to $3,000, is done in accordance with flight instructions.
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Senior, Texas A&M University
Stinsons Flight 2 Matching Scholarship
Flight $3,000. Foundation $1,000.
Major: Meteorolgy
Cadet Noble is a student pilot with 13 flight hours. Raised 2 guide dogs for Guide Dogs for the Blind for 3 years. Coordinates regular park cleanup events with Corps unit at College Station parks.
Leadership Accomplishments: Top 20% at AFROTC Field Training Platoon Leader for AMC Honor Guard Fire Team Leader in Corps of Cadets.
Awards received: AFROTC Commendation Award AFROTC Academic Honors Award, Distinguished Student Award, Silver Star Academic Award.
Career Goal: “My primary goal is to be a Pilot for the Air Force, but there are other options on the table as well. Being a Weather Officer for the Air Force is always an option, and now that the Space Force has recently sprouted from the Air Force's Space Operations, I also have the chance to serve there. In short, my life goals consist of having a steady military career, supporting my family, and serving my country.”
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Cadet Teresa Schwab, AFROTC |
Junior, Texas A&M University
Stinsons Flight 2 Matching Scholarship
Flight $3,500. Foundation $1,000.
Major: Industrial & Systems Engineering
Cadet Schwab is a student flight with 2 flight hours.
Leadership Accomplishments: Corps of Cadets Fire team leader, Public Relations Corporal, most outstanding sophomore award, Platoon Sergeant, Public Relations Sergeant , Parsons Mounted Calvary.
Service: Outreach director, Membership director for Women in Aviation.
Career Goal: “My goal is to commission into the Air Force with a rated position and to be a pilot for several years. Currently, I see myself having a military career but afterwards, if I do not retire from the Air Force, I would like to fly as a commercial pilot for a company like UPS.”
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Cadet Joshua Stine, ARTOC |
Senior, Texas A&M University
Stinsons Flight 2 Matching Scholarship
Flight $2,500. Foundation $1,000.
Major: Industrial Distribution
Congressional nomination to West Point by Congressman Kevin Brady, nominated for TASSP by State Representative Valoree Swanson, Army ROTC contract recipient, International Baccalaureate program graduate, competed and placed at the U.S. Army Small Arms Championships ("All Army").
Cadet Duties: I was selected as the Operations and Logistics Officer for Army ROTC's 1st Brigade (outfits B-1, F-2, L-1, and A-2) making up ~1/3 of the Army cadets on the Quad. I will have many duties in my position and more so as a Brigade staff member.
Career Goal: “My career goal(s) is to graduate from Texas A&M by May of 2023, commission as a 15A to the 158th AV RGT in Conroe (already accepted to), work with TDIndustries (company I have been a full-time intern for the last 2 Summers) until Army flight school date, complete Army flight school, save up money or take out loans to get my restricted ATP license to fly for regional airlines, eventually become a pilot for a major/ legacy airline. Though this is a very long-term plan it is something I am really wanting to do.”
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Cadet Jacob Bemis, AFROTC |
Senior, Miami University
Frank P. Lahm Flight 9 Matching Scholarship
Flight $1,000 Foundation $1,000
Major: Political Science
Cadet Bemis is a student pilot with 6 flight hours. President's List for 4 semesters, Dean’s List for 2 semesters. Outstanding First Year Student in Russian Award.
Cadet duties: Training Readiness Squadron Commander and Field Training Preparation Squadron Commander.
Career Goal: “My Air Force career goal is to serve 20+ years as a pilot and eventually command at the squadron level or higher. After the Air Force, I hope to find a second career that will allow my family to settle down in one spot.”
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Cadet Nathan Gleckler, AFROTC |
Senior, University of Cincinatti
Frank P. Lahm Flight 9 Matching Scholarship
Flight $1,000 Foundation $1,000
Major: Health Sciences
University Dean’s list (4 semesters). AFROTC Academic Honors Award (5x). Honor Flight Award. Air Force Basic Parachutist Badge. Detachment 665 Commander's Gold Award. Has received the Physical Fitness Award, Recruiting Award, and Honor Guard Award. Strong community service including Bearcat Buddies Tuto, devoting 40 hours tutoring 3rd/4th grade students in math and writing.
Cadet duties: currently the Operations Group Cadet Commander at Detachment 665. My duties include overseeing the entire Operations Group that consists of 2 squadrons and a total of 17 cadets. Also the lead Candidate Training Officer in Arnold Air Society for the Henry "Hap" Arnold Squadron.
Career Goal: “After graduation and commissioning, I will attend Combat Systems Officer (CSO) training at Naval Air Station Pensacola. Through hard work and dedication, I intend on becoming a Weapons System Officer in the F-15E Strike Eagle. I have a passion for the F-15E and have learned much about the aircraft from my brother-in-law who currently flies the Strike Eagle. After my 6-year requirement as a CSO, I wish to become a pilot and fly a fighter aircraft. I am extremely committed to the United States Air Force and hope to become a commander and serve over 20 years. After the Air Force, I plan on using my degree in Health Sciences to pursue a Doctorate in Physical Therapy.”
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Cadet Jill Petrie, AFROTC |
Senior, Bowling Green State University
Frank P. Lahm Flight 9 Matching Scholarship
Flight $1,000 Foundation $500
Major: Science
Student pilot with 13 flight hours. Dean’s List (6 semesters).
Awards: Reserves Officers Association Award, ROTC Achievement Award, ROTC Commendation Award, American Legion Scholastic Excellence Award, Academic Excellence Award, NCO Award, Physical Fitness Award, Recruiting Award, Honor Guard Award
Cadet duties: Flight Assistant, General Military Corps Advisor, Flight Commander, Training Assistant, Director of Operations
Career Goal: "I intend to become an Air Battle Manager in the Air Force."
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Senior, University of Cincinatti
Frank P. Lahm Flight 9 Matching Scholarship
Flight $1,000 Foundation $500
Major: Science
Student pilot with 8 flight hours.
Awards: Physical Fitness, Academic Honors, AFROTC Achievement, Warrior Flight, AAS SQ Level Award, Dean's list (6 semesters).
Service: Volunteer for Louie's Legacy.
Cadet duties: Public Affairs Officer, Cadet Group/CC, SPO, Flight/CC, MSS/CC.
Career Goal: “Currently selected to be an RPA, I hope to cross train and become a pilot someday. Flying fighters or training new pilots is my goal."
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Freshman, University of South Florida
Shangri-La Flight 21 Matching Scholarship
Flight $2,000 Foundation $1,500
Major: Environmental Sciences
Cadet Driskell achieved a 4.569 weighted grade point average, earning Academic Honor Roll during all four years of high school and ranking in the top 13 percent of her graduating class. She has continually broken out as a top achiever in high school, and within a AFJROTC unit, which are recognized for high performance. Her military aptitude personal recognition spanned selection as Freshman of the Year from among nearly 100 cadets, to earning her program's highest honor, the Silver Eagle, during her senior year. Member of National Honor Society and National English Honor Society. She lettered all four years in varsity sports, and served as Captain of Gulf Breeze High School Swim Team during her senior year.
Career Goal: “I aspire to gain more than a college degree and would be honored to serve as an officer in the U.S. military. A dream of mine is to follow in my father's footsteps and become a pilot. I recently took my first steps toward that dream when I took a lesson this summer in a Piper Warrior with my dad who is a 1995 USNA graduate. I couldn't imagine a better career. Upon graduation, I hope to attend Officer Candidate School, and fly for a military service.”
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Freshman, Marion Military Academy
Shangri-La Flight 21 Matching Scholarship
Flight $2,000 Foundation $1,500
Service Academy Program (SAP)
Cadet Lamb graduated Summa Cum Laude with a 4.43 weighted grade point average, earning numerous recognition awards for academic achievements and completing 27 college credits prior to graduation. He was selected to lead his unit of nearly 100 cadets as Cadet Commanding Officer, and his leadership was instrumental to earning consecutive Unit Achievement Awards. He has completed several leadership training courses aboard NAS Pensacola, and has earned awards from the Surface Navy Association and the Navy League of the United States. His passion to pursue his dream of becoming a military aviator is reflected in his completion of his first solo flight and 35.9 flight hours. Physically fit and competitive, he served as Orienteering Team Commander, was a member of Cross Country and Track teams, lettering all four years while earning numerous athletic awards, and maintains a current Third Class FAA Medical Certificate. His leadership, commitment to achieving excellence, and his personal results have demonstrated his exceptional potential to successfully earn his wings as a military aviator.
Career Goal: “Ever since I started school, I had a strong sense of patriotism . From a young age, I knew I wanted to serve my country. Inspired by my sister, a sailor, and my brother, a marine, I wanted to join the Navy. I plan to pursue a career as a U.S. Naval Aviator preferably flying fighter jets . Many of my friends say I watched too much Top Gun growing up, but my inspiration is derived from Pensacola. Pensacola is the cradle of Naval Aviation -no matter if someone is enlisted or an officer, they are trained here. Moreover, the home of the Blue Angles is in Pensacola. I have been to multiple air shows and practices, and I still stand in awe at the precision and excellence the demo team represents. If I am not selected for naval aviation, I have thought of careers as a REO, navigational officer, or a SWO. Furthermore, I plan to major in Aerospace Engineering or Physics to expand my career opportunities. After retiring from a military officer career, I would like to become a commercial pilot or an engineer for an aerospace company.”
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We're proud to highlight these scholarship recipients who are pursuing careers
as military aviators. If you would like to offer them career advice or words of encouragement,
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Enjoy reading? Want to contribute to our organization? Help us preserve aviation heritage, promote airpower, and support the future of military aviation today. |
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We have a goal of $40,000 and are counting on your generous support to help us continue to grow our scholarships and flying training programs! There are several opportunities to maximize your gift this year via Match Minutes.
During Match Minutes, all online gifts up to $100 which occur during the designated minute will be matched dollar for dollar until the $10,000 runs out. This year we have minutes at 0915, 1215, 1415, 1515, 1815, and 2315 hours.
You can send in a pledge for your donation in and advance and our staff will work to enter as many as pledges as possible during the match minutes.You can access the pledge form via this link: https://bit.ly/3jPD5aM
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Additional History Books Posted |
Since the founding of the Order of Daedalians in 1934, the organization has kept essential records and documents on an annual basis. Our physical records are available in our headquarters building and can be viewed by in-person visitors. We are working to digitize our records and make them available to members to read and research online.
Access to view the books is exclusive to members at a password-protected page. For member use only, you can access the current version of the webpage with password Icarus1934 at the link below
We have added the complete books for the years 1934-1949, and 1950-1957 thus far. They are among the most colorful, as they detail the early history of thr organization, and well worth a closer look.
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Fall Theme: Medicine and Flight |
Our fall publication theme is medicine and flight. We are seeking flying stories, lessons learned, editorials, and recollections at the intersection of medicine and military aviation.
If you've got a medical mission story, have a unique experience with aerospace physiology, or a perspective about how medicine and aviation relate to each other, we'd love your submission. Flight surgeons, we want to hear from you! We are seeking your stories and interested in having you engage with us as virtual flight speakers.
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PCI Oral History Project Update |
PCI has been reporting record numbers of participation for our oral history project in parnership with them. Thank you to all of you who have been willing to share your stories. We are excited to preserve your contributions to military aviation for posterity.
Please not ethat their initial outreach efforts requested membership verification via postcard, email and/or phone. Participation is completely optional, and they have been sending these notices to verify contact information for those who wish to participate.
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Annual Ballots Coming October |
Our annual ballots to vote for Order leadership will be arriving in the mail in October. The online ballot will go live in early October. Please be on the lookout for those as fall is around the corner. We are grateful for your voting and reviewing the information on the ballot.
Please consider contributing to our end of year donation request that is included in our ballot mailer. Your support during this initiative plays a critical role in the success of our educational programs and we are grateful for your support.
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Scholarship Committee Update |
Our scholarship awards committee met for their annual meeting in early August, led by Trustee Will Hendrix. He, OIga Custodio, Dan Mullinix, Mike Buck and our chairman Chad Manske spent hours processing dozens of applications to many qualifying students. We awarded $83,000 to 24 students in support of our educational programs, the largest amount of students we have ever reviewed in a one-day meetingSpecial thanks to the extensive, exceptional efforts of our dedicated Program Manager, Kristi who worked tirelessly sorting and vetting the applicants and made all of this possible. The many students who will serve our nation and benefit from this support are truly grateful, as are all your national staff. |
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Thank You to our Flight Champions |
Thank you to the following flights for signing up as our Big Give 2021 Flight Champions! Our flight champions will receive 5% of donations from their members back to their flights for use anyway they choose. Way to step up! Headquarters is excited to see your programs continue to grow!!! The customized links below should be used by your members to track donations that need to be accredited to your flight:
The flight champion opportunity encourages Daedalians as well as others - family, friends, and contacts in the community and your networks - to give on behalf of the champion using your unique donation page. The additional money each flight has the potential to earn can go a long way to help an additional student get their first flight time, award an additional scholarship, or help do additional outreach and education to share the importance of airpower and celebrate military aviation excellence.
A $10 donation from your neighbors can mean a lot and it is an easy ask. We encourage you to reach out to those you know, share what we do, and continue to post on social media sharing the opportunity and the great work you do! Additionally, we will be featuring our flight champions on social media leading up to the event! You can maximize your gift by pleding in advance at the link above and taking advantage of our match minute opportunities. We encourage everyone to continue spreading the word.
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Flight 21 DFT Scholarship |
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Flight 9 Scholarship Program |
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Flight 48 Community Outreach |
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Hero Medals for Mixer and I
War Story
by MAJ Rob Nelson, USA (Ret.), Daedalian Life Member #4970
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Whenever Charlie (the VC – also known as Chuck, Charles, Gooks, Slopes or Dinks) mortared our airfield at Vinh Long, it was always at night, between the hours of midnight and 0200. They’ d set up a mortar tube, launch anywhere from four to twelve rounds and then break up and skedaddle out of the area before anyone could react.
To combat this little bit of skullduggery the Army came up with a counter-mortar radar that would detect the incoming rounds and through triangulation figure out where the rounds were coming from. The Vinh Long airfield operations center also kept an armed Cobra on patrol overhead from the hours of 2200 to 0400. Two aircraft, with crews, were on alert with the flying broken up between the two birds.
Our Apache troop pulled the alert duty every third day and was rotated among the members of the gun platoon. The other two nights were covered by the guns of B and C Troop. One particular night, I was tagged for alert duty along with a new guy as my front seat, Donn Wilimzic, later with the call sign “Mixer”, and another crew with their aircraft. We would report for duty around sundown to our own Apache operations center and then go out to the line and preflight our aircraft, move them to the alert pad, shut them down and have the aircraft “cocked” for instantaneous departure in case of attack.
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