Flying Boxcar

32 Pages·2015·13.33 MB·English

AIRLIFT/TANKER QUARTERLY
Volume 23 • Number 2 • Spring 2015
The Amazingly Versatile
Fairchild C-119 “Flying Boxcar”
Pages 10-19
Recipients of the 2015 A/TA
Academic Scholarships
Pages 24-25

CONTENTS…
Association News
Chairman’s Comments ........................................................................2
President’s Message ...............................................................................3
Secretary’s Notes ...................................................................................3
Association Round-Up ......................................................................4-6
A/TA 2014 Year-End Financial Report ...............................................8-9
AIRLIFT/TANKER QUARTERLY
Volume 23 • Number 2 • Spring 2015
Airlift/Tanker Quarterly is published four
times a year by the Airlift/Tanker Association,
9312 Convento Terrace, Fairfax, Virginia 22031.
Postage paid at Belleville, Illinois. Cover Story
Subscription rate: $40.00 per year. Change of
address requires four weeks notice.
The Airlift/Tanker Association is a non-profit The Amazingly Versatile
professional organization dedicated to providing
a forum for people interested in improving the Fairchild C-119 “Flying Boxcar” .....................................10-19
capability of U.S. air mobility forces. Membership
in the Airlift/Tanker Association is $40 annually
or $110 for three years. Full-time student
membership is $15 per year. Life membership is
$500. Industry Partner membership includes five Features
individual memberships and is $1500 per year.
Membership dues include a subscription to Airlift/
Tanker Quarterly, and are subject to change. Recipients of the 2015 A/TA
Airlift/Tanker Quarterly is published for the
use of subscribers, officers, advisors and members Academic Scholarships ..........................................................24-25
of the Airlift/Tanker Association.
The appearance of articles or advertisements,
including inserts, in Airlift/Tanker Quarterly
does not constitute an endorsement by the
Airlift/Tanker Association, the Air Mobility
Command, the Department of the Air Force or
the Department of Defense, of the viewpoints, Departments
products or services mentioned or advertised.
©2015. Articles appearing in this publication
may not be reprinted, in any form, without
Air Mobility News & Views ...........................................................20-23
prior written approval from the Airlift/Tanker
Association.
Airlift/Tanker Quarterly is quarterly news cycle- Industry Partner Spotlight: Million Air ...............................................26
dependent and is distributed as follows: Winter:
January / February / March; Spring: April / May
/ June; Summer: July / August / September; Fall: Industry Partner Highlights ...............................................................27
October / November / December [actual distribution
dates vary]. The copy deadline for submitted stories,
articles, letters, etc., is as follows: Winter: December Association Contacts ..........................................................................28
30th; Spring: March 30th; Summer: June 30th; Fall
[Convention Edition]: August 30th.
Airlift/Tanker Quarterly accepts advertising
for the inside front and back covers for the
Winter, Spring and Summer Editions; and for
throughout the Fall Convention Edition.
EDITORIAL STAFF:
Gen. Arthur Lichte, USAF, Retired
Chairman, Board of Officers
Mr. Collin R. Bakse
Editor and Art Director
Mr. Doug Lynch
Business Manager
Col. Ronald E. Owens, USAF Retired
Editorial Advisor
Col. Gregory Cook, USAF Retired
Editorial Contributor/Public Affairs Coordinator On the Cover: A formation of Fairchild C-119s of the 483rd Troop Carrier Wing enroute
to take part in a simulated assault near the front lines in Korea, circa 1950. The rugged,
versatile C-119 “Flying Boxcar” was instrumental in Combat Cargo operations. They were
PRINTED IN U.S.A. designed for easy loading and large capacity. (Photo courtesy of Air And Space Museum).
A/TQ • Airlift/Tanker Quarterly • Spring 2015
1
Paying Homage…
Chairman’s
Off and on for many years the A/TA Board
of Directors and the A/TQ have wrestled
CCOOMMMMEENNTTSS
with the idea of printing the obituaries of
prominent air mobility warriors after they
take their final flight into the wild blue yon-
der. The subject was first brought to the at-
tention of Association’s Board of Directors
while General Al Hansen was Chairman. I hope your flowers are blooming and good weather is upon you.
During those discussions we realized that, We had a very productive winter board meeting at Dyess AFB, Texas.
while on the surface it seems like doing so is The chapter and the Abilene civic leaders welcomed us with open
the least we can do, in practical terms, how-
arms We were able to see up close and personal why the Abilene Tro-
ever, it becomes a daunting task.
phy is so aptly named for wonderful community support. Thanks to
There were a myriad of questions that had
everyone at Dyess.
to be addressed – Who should we consider
As you know by now, our Association’s three main focus areas are:
prominent? Generals? Officers? Enlisted?
Active, Reserve and/or Guard and Civilians? Supporting Mobility Airmen, Preserving Our Culture, and Strength-
Where can this infomation be found in a ening Our Bonds. This year the emphasis will be on Preserving Our
timely, accurate manner? How often should Culture and as I sit here writing this little piece in April, I am re-
this information appear in the magazine? Gen Arthur J Lichte minded of the distinguished men and women who have gone before
How much space should be allocated for the USAF, Ret us and the need to keep their stories alive.
information? How do we make sure no one
Recently we lost one of the founding fathers of the Airlift Associa-
is inadvertantly missed?
tion, Brigadier General Mal Hooker. He was one of those people who lived and breathed air
As you can tell this well-intentioned and
mobility. He loved our Association. With his departure, only four of the founding fathers re-
seemingly simple idea is actually rather com-
main with us—Col. Bob Ellington, Col. Jimmy Maturo, Maj Gen Tom Sadler and Lt Col Hank
plicated. Those early discussion led to the
Van Gieson. I’m told they are all planning to join us in Orlando. I am very sure they will be
“When your time comes to die, sharing lots of stories from the old days. (Some of them might even be true!)
Why do we need to be reminded of their stories and experiences? Without periodic remind-
be not like those whose hearts
ers, people will quickly forget the tremendous lessons to be learned from those who have gone
are filled with fear of death, before us. For example, I asked a few folks in my neighborhood about the Doolittle Tokyo
so that when their time comes Raiders. Not many knew much about them and some had never even heard of them. And one
of them was a schoolteacher!
they weep and pray for a little
On 15 April, the Doolittle Tokyo Raiders received the Congressional Gold Medal from
more time to live their lives Congress. On the 18th of April, we commemorated the 73rd anniversary since that mission
over again in a different way. launched. Only two of those original 80 Airmen survive today. All 80 of them served as role
models for our Airmen of today.
Sing your death song, and die
The Raiders, along with thousands of other supporting military personnel aboard the car-
like a hero going home.” rier USS Hornet, were part of a 16-ship taskforce that departed San Francisco Bay in early
—Tecumseh April 1942. While streaming toward Japan, the armada was discovered by Japanese patrol
boats ahead of the planned departure by the 80 Raiders in 16 B-25, twin-engine bombers. The
establisment of a few loosely applied param-
discovery forced the Raiders to take off 12 hours earlier and approximately 150 nautical miles
eters: Print farewell columns to pay hom-
farther from Japan than planned. The weather conditions were miserable with rain, 20-knot
age to A/TA Founding Members, A/TA Hall
gusting winds and huge waves crashing over the bow of the carrier. Yet, despite knowing they
of Fame Inductees, Past and Present A/TA
National Board of Officers and Staff and were likely embarking upon a suicide mission, the group of 80 volunteer flyers never wavered.
selected others, especially A/TA members, Art Lichte
whose lives and actions warrant mention
in a journal printed for use by members of
the Air Mobility community.
All that being said, there are, sadly, two
examples of recently departed air mobility
warriors who meet the magazines “farewell
column” criteria: Brigadier General Malcolm
P. Hooker, USAF ret, an A/TA Founding Mem-
ber and former Chairman; and, Maj Gen Al-
den G. Glauch, USAF ret, a former 21st Air
Force commander and stalwart, long-time
A/TA member. Their farewell columns ap-
pear on pages 4 and 5 respectfully. As the
A/TA approaches its 50th Anniversary, these
columns will necessarily, unfortunately, in-
crease, – as the old saying goes “Time waits
for no man…”
Collin Bakse, editor
A/TQ • Airlift/Tanker Quarterly • Spring 2015
2
Secretary’s Notes
President’s
It’s April (as I write this) and it’s raining in
North Carolina, if I could figure out how to get
MMEESSSSAAGGEE
some of this water out to the west coast I’d be
a hero, I don’t think my Mobility experience
will help much. Reviewing my last note it re-
minded me that 2014 was busy, 2015 looks to
be the same – busy, but it’s a good busy, busy
Spring has sprung and your A/TA Board is off and running working with an
planning for this year’s Convention & Symposium in Orlando, organization which
Florida. We had a very good hot wash for last year’s Convention & Supports Mobility
Symposium and will use the information to make our 2015 Orlando Airmen, Preserves
the Mobility Cul-
meeting even better for all.
ture and Strength-
Our last Board meeting was held at Dyess, and what a great meet-
ens Mobility Bonds!
ing and wonderful host. The board had very productive meetings
Thanks for the op-
while at Dyess and we certainly appreciate the tours, socials and
portunity to serve.
much more from the local chapter. Thanks go to SMSgt David Evans, Below is a short up-
Chapter President, for his professionalism and dedication and to all date from the Secre-
CMSgt Mike Reynolds the volunteers who support Dave and the Chapter. I would also like tary’s perspective. Col Mike Cassidy
USAF, Ret to say thanks to Colonel Jeffrey Brown for being such a gracious I hope you’ve USAF, Ret
host. The 317th Airlift Group has a great team and great chapter. been to our new web site and seen some re-
cent activity. Please take a look and provide
Most of you know that the one of the primary duties of the A/TA President is to administer
feedback – we continue to work with our
our awards program and one of those programs is the HOF. We have just completed the 2015
friends at 246Analytics and Starlifter Solu-
process, and now we need to look ahead for 2016. Please consider submitting a package for one
tions to make it better – http://www2.ata-
of the many qualified people. It is a simple process and posted on our web site. We normally
link.org/. Please use the feedback button or if
send notice in January each year and the cutoff for delivery of packages is April. What a won- you want to provide me direct feedback my
derful way to show appreciation to a special person. You have time to consider, chose the right email is [email protected]. Also, we’re
person and submit. always looking for web-site content that is
Our next board meeting will take place at McConnell AFB, Kansas, 4 and 5 June. I am per- important or of general interest to A/TA –
sonally looking forward to visiting McConnell as that was my first assignment after joining please send ideas to myself and Greg Cook at
[email protected].
the Air Force. Sure hope I can locate my solid green BDU jacket I left on a seat of a KC-135?
As I introduced in my last note we now
I would like to ask each of you to sign up a new member and for all enlisted personnel to
have two new contracts for A/TA Admin Sup-
go to the A/TA web site and learn about the Enlisted Education Grant. Get involved with local
port and the Membership/Registration Data
chapters, which is a great way to network. And as always, I would like to thank the AMC Staff
Management System. The two contracts sup-
for their continued support. port the transition year with MIS, Inc. in 2015
In closing I would like to say thanks to all the men and women of our great Air Force; Ac- and the first operational year without MIS
tive, Guard and Reserve, for your continued service and dedication to the Air Force and this starting in Jan 2016. There is a lot of work to
great nation. be done but MIS, 246Analytics and Starlifter
Hope to see you in Orlando. Enjoy spring and summer and, as always, be safe. Solutions are working together to make the
transition smooth. As with any change there
Mike Reynolds
will be issues, so please be patient and make
sure you let me know if you see ways we can
improve support for the organization.
We continue our effort to improve our com-
munications using all media formats. In that
PLEASE UPDATE
regard, if you have local social media input,
YOUR INFORMATION
or stories you think are suitable for the A/TQ
Please, Please, Please
please contact Greg Cook (PublicAffairs@ata-
link.org). Regular input from the chapters is
Your A/TA National Headquarters realizes that A/TA may not be the first thing on
your mind when you go PCS, or when you have any type of contact-information change. key to the vitality of the association.
But, every time we do a mailing like this A/TQ or renewal reminder letters, we end up with many Below are schedule updates:
returns because of outdated information in our database. While part of doing business,a single
Let me pile on my thanks to The Big
magazine RETURN can cost us up to $7 – on top of the original postage necessary to send it out PLUS
the cost to re-send it, if we’re able to track down the member and obtain a correct address. Country chapter and their great support for
Obviously, this process very quickly adds up to become a great expense for the Association. our Winter Board meeting.
Therefore, we would like to implore you to please try to remember when your
information changes, to update your info on the website (http://atalink.org, Our Spring board meeting will be at Mc-
and click on the LOGIN tab). It’s easy and quick, and will help Connell AFB, Kansas, on 4 & 5 June, hosted
your Association’s finances greatly.
by the Keeper of the Plains Chapter – please
Thanks,
Pam and Bud Traynor let me if you would like to attend (secretary@
Association Administrators atalink.org). It will be a busy board meeting
preparing for the upcoming convention in
Orlando.
On my last note I stated our summer board
continued on page 5 >>>
A/TQ • Airlift/Tanker Quarterly • Spring 2015
3
F
Association
RROOUUNNDD--UUPP
— In Memoriam —
Brig Gen Malcolm P. Hooker, USAF Ret.
1920 - 2015
Founding Member & Past Chairman Airlift/Tanker Association
General Malcolm Hooker, age 95, passed a thirty day trip to South Africa as a team Distinguished Service medal and the Legion of
away on 19 March 2015 as a result of complica- member visiting many of the major cities to Merit with two oak leaf clusters.
tions from a heart attack. coordinate evacuation routes, if such should General Hooker was one of the founding
A native of Memphis, Tennessee, he attended become necessary, from North Africa. Re- members of a group that organized an annual
Southwestern (now Rhodes) College and the turning to the states in April of 1945, he be- reunion of Vietnam airlifters starting in 1969
University of Memphis Law came Director of Operations in Las Vegas. The annual reunion grew to be-
School. He started flying in the of the Air Transport Com- come the Airlift Association which was char-
summer of 1939. Subsequently, mand training base in Green- tered in 1975. He served in leadership positions
he received his instructor’s rat- ville, Mississippi. He was within the Airlift Association for several years,
ing and became a civilian in- released from active duty in including a stint as Chairman. General Hooker,
structor in the Army Air Corps November 1945 and joined along with his fellow founding members, laid a
primary training program in Slick Airways as Assistant Di- solid foundation upon which the Airlift/Tank-
Pine Bluff, Arkansas. rector of Operations. er Association was built, becoming a very ac-
After Pearl Harbor, he had In September 1948, during tive and highly respected organization whose
three choices: stay on as an the Berlin Airlift, he was re- members are providing and supporting vital
instructor; go with American called to active duty, and was airlift throughout the world on a daily basis.
Airlines, or join the Army Air asked to serve as the Chief of In 1991, General Hooker was elected Presi-
Corps Ferry Command and re- the Liaison and Special Proj- dent of the National Defense Transportation
ceive a direct commission as a ects office for the Combined Association (NDTA), subsequently restructur-
second lieutenant with the op- Airlift Task Force at Rhein- ing the Association and establishing a sound
portunity to fly all types of aircraft all over the Main Air Base, Germany. After the airlift, he financial position for future growth. He served
world. remained at Rhein-Main and became Director as President for five years and was recognized
In March of 1942, he joined the 3rd Ferry of Operations for the 61st Troop Carrier Wing. by the Board and members as follows:
Group at Romulus, Michigan. In June of that In May 1952, he was transferred to the 435th
year, the Ferry Command changed its’ name Troop Carrier Wing at Miami International The idol of those who can’t stand idle
to the Air Transport Command with two di- Airport, Florida and was Commander of the Whose deeds are more
visions – the Ferry Division for the movement 456th Troop Carrier Group flying C-119 air- eloquent than words
of aircraft, and the Transport Division for the craft. A Renaissance man
movement of people and things. Because of General Hooker served at staff level positions A Wizard
his experience, he was made Director of Air in all echelons of command including two Whose vast understanding does
Training and in the next two years he flew 28 years at Eighteenth Air Force Headquarters as not include
different types of aircraft on many missions to Assistant Director of Operations and training, That of a lost cause...”
various destinations all over the world. and four years at Headquarters, USAF where
In April of 1943, he married Margaret he became Deputy Chief of Transport Forces He was Chairman of the Board for two years
“Bunny” Wulbern. She was an aircraft pi- Division of the Directorate of Operations. This and continued to serve on the Board until
lot whom he had met at Oxford, Mississippi division monitored airlift forces worldwide. He 2000 when he was named Chairman Emeri-
while on a cross country training flight in was also the Deputy Director of Tactical Airlift tus. NDTA is recognized worldwide as the pre-
1940. She was also from Pine Bluff and their at TAC Headquarters. mier transportation organization.
friendship grew while he was an instructor He attended Air Command and Staff School While living in Alexandria, Virginia, he was
there. She made the choice to accept his pro- and the Air War College, separately at Maxwell a member of the Alexandria Rotary Club, the
posal for marriage rather than join the Wom- AFB in Montgomery, Alabama. He was also sta- Sticky Fingers Investment Club, the Westmin-
en’s Air Service Pilots Program. tioned three years each in Germany and Japan, ster Presbyterian Church and belonged to Belle
In May of 1944, he was transferred to Accra, and 16 months in Vietnam (2 separate tours). Haven Country Club.
British West Africa and saw service as Chief Pi- In 1968, he was assigned as Commander of a In 2010, several years after his wife’s death,
lot and Director of Operations for the Central C-130 Wing at Langley AFB and was promoted he relocated permanently to Vero Beach, Flor-
African Division of the Air Transport Com- to Brigadier General. He retired in 1975 from ida (having purchased a condo there in 1977)
mand. Their area of responsibility was from duty as Vice Commander of the Military Traffic and was a member of the First Presbyterian
Dakar on the west coast of Africa to Karachi, Management Command, a joint Army/Navy/ Church and the Vero Beach Rotary.
Pakistan and all of southern Africa. Air Force command in Arlington, Virginia. His General Hooker is survived by his two
One of the most memorable events was twenty-three decorations include the Air Force daughters, Jean Hooker and Cathy Moser, a
son Malcolm Jr., six grandchildren and nine
“I knew Mal Hooker for years and years. He was a consummate gentleman, and his
great-grandchildren.
leadership was very instrumental in the early days of the Association.”
—Bob Ellington, Fellow Founding Member and Past Chairman
AA//TTQQ •• AAiirrlliifftt//TTaannkkeerr QQuuaarrtteerrllyy •• SSpprriinngg 22001154
44
F
— In Memoriam — Secretary’s Notes continued from page 3
Maj Gen Alden G. Glauch, USAF Ret. meeting would be held in conjunction
with the Mobility Rodeo at McChord AFB,
1919 - 2015
Washington, however, unfortunately, Ro-
Mobility Warrior & Airlift/Tanker Association Member deo 2015 was cancelled. I’m still finalizing
the details but it looks like we’ll meet at
Alden Glenwood Glauch, born 14 Novem- again joined Military Airlift Command in
McGuire AFB, New Jersey, during the week
ber 1919, died 16 April 2015, was a Major August 1965 as director of current opera-
of 12 Aug – please watch for more updates.
General in the United States Air Force who tions, Twenty-second Air Force, Travis Air
Since this year we’re focusing on Pre-
served as commander, Twenty-First Air Force Force Base, California.
serving the Mobility Culture allow me to
(Military Airlift Command) at McGuire Air From March 1968 to March 1969 he
offer the first —
Force Base, New Jersey. served as director of opera-
Glauch was born in 1919 tions for the 834th Air Di- “Preserve the Mobility Culture Pop Quiz”
in Traverse City, MI, where vision in the Republic of 1) What two major airlifts is Bill
he graduated from Traverse Vietnam. He returned to Tunner famous for leading?
City High School in 1937. McGuire AFB, New Jersey, This one’s easy!
He attended Texas Western in April 1969 as assistant 2) Bonus – What was Bill Tunner’s
College in El Paso, Texas deputy chief of staff, opera- nickname?
and the University of Mary- tions and later was deputy 3) What important airdrop tech-
land, where he majored in chief of staff, operations, nology was first developed to
aeronautical engineering. Twenty-first Air Force. He support combat resupply at
During World War II he again went to Rhein-Main An Loc Veitnam? You Herk heroes
entered active military ser- Air Base, Germany, as com- should know the answer to this one.
vice in December 1942 and mander, 435th Military Feel free to send your answers to secre-
graduated from aviation ca- Airlift Support Wing in [email protected].
det pilot training with a commission as a April 1970. In April 1971 Glauch became Remember, invite someone you know
second lieutenant and his pilot wings in assistant deputy chief of staff, operations, (Guard, Reserve, Active, Retired, Civic
November 1943. Glauch then served as a Military Airlift Command, Scott Air Base, Leader, aircrew, maintenance, port, sup-
fighter pilot in North Africa and subse- Illinois, and in July 1972 was named dep- port, etc.) to join this great organization
quently with the 64th Troop Carrier Group uty chief of staff, operations. He became and get involved with your local chapter.
in Italy, France and the China-Burma The- commander of Twenty-first Air Force, with Thanks for all you do, every day!!
ater of Operations. He was released from headquarters at McGuire Air Force Base, Mike Cassidy
active duty in July 1945 and was a member New Jersey, in May 1975.
of the Inactive Reserve. His military decorations and awards in- Post Script – A Fun Mobility Moment
Glauch returned to active duty in Febru- clude the Distinguished Service Medal, the Last week I was at my local FedEx Office
ary 1949 and was assigned to the 53rd Troop Legion of Merit with Oak Leaf cluster, Dis- Center, scanning, printing and copying
Carrier Squadron at Rhein-Main Air Base, tinguished Flying Cross, Meritorious Service the contracts I mention above to provide
Germany in March 1949, as a pilot and par- Medal, Air Medal with three oak leaf clus- the Administration and Technical support
ticipated in the Berlin Airlift. In September ters, Air Force Commendation Medal with as we transition from MIS, Inc this year.
1949 he was assigned as commander of the two oak leaf clusters, Army Commendation I filled out the paperwork to ship the
2nd Air Postal Squadron, U. S. Air Forces in Medal, Distinguished Unit Citation Emblem hard copy of the contract to Starlifter So-
Europe. In May 1952 he went to Westover with oak leaf cluster and the Armed Forces lutions and dropped it off with the clerk
Air Force Base, Massachusetts, as aerial port Honor Medal, First Class Order, from the Re- behind the counter. He looked at the com-
control officer and later was assigned to the public of Vietnam. He is a command pilot pany name, looked at me and asked, “Star-
20th Air Transport Squadron at McGuire with more than 8,000 flying hours. In 1977 lifter, like the C-141? That’s not a question
Air Force Base, New Jersey, in April 1955 received the Order of the Sword. He was pro- I expected in Durham, NC. I replied, “yep,
and became squadron commander. In July moted to the grade of major general effective where were you stationed” – it turns out
1956 he was appointed deputy commander, 20 June 1973 with date of rank 1 July 1970. Matt was a hydraulic specialist at Mc-
1611th Air Transport Group, also at Mc- He retired on 1 February 1981. Chord from ’91-’97 – not only were we
Guire AFB. Glauch attended the Air Com- Glauch is survived by his wife of 74 years, both “Starlizard guys” but we overlapped
mand and Staff College, Maxwell Air Force Rhea E. (Forton) Glauch, sons, Alden W. a little when I was in the 8MAS.
Base, Alabama, from September 1958 to and Margaret Glauch and of Kissimmee, FL, I left him my A/TA Secretary business card
July 1959. He next went to Thule Air Base, Grant Emerson of St. Petersburg, FL, daugh- and encouraged him to join the Association.
Greenland, as commander, 55th Air Rescue ter, Cheri L. Glauch and fiancé, Dan Bell of I asked him, and he did admit he still misses
Squadron. The Villages, FL. working on the airplane, but not all the de-
From March 1960 to August 1965, The family received relatives and friends ployments. It really is a small Mobility world!
Glauch was assigned to Headquarters U. S. at a visitation held on Tuesday, 21 April
Air Force, Washington, D.C., in the Office 2015. Burial with Military Honors was held Future Convention Locations
of the Deputy Chief of Staff, Operations, at the Florida National Cemetery, Bushnell,
2015: Marriott World Center, Orlando
as chief, MATS and Services Branch and FL on Wednesday, 22 April 2015 at 11:30
later in the Office of the Deputy Chief a.m. Memorial contributions may be made 2016: Opryland Hotel, Nashville
of Staff for Research and Development to Trinity Lutheran Church 1002 S. Maple Note: Convention Start Dates
as chief, Airlift and Services Branch. He St., Traverse City, MI 49864. historically have ended up 31 October
plus or minus a week or so.
“…So go and fly free with the angels, As they sing so tenderly
While nothing is “guaranteed,” that
And please be sure to tell them, To take good care of you for me…”
bracket is a reasonable aim point.
—Anonymus
A/TQ • Airlift/Tanker Quarterly • Spring 2015
5
Eagle Chapter
2015 Winter Social —
A Joint Event by the Dover Chapters of the Air Force Association and Airlift/Tanker Association
David Grant, Eagle Chapter President
“Supporting Mobility Airmen”…“Preserving Our Culture”…“Strengthening Our Bonds”…
which theme to use for a Winter Social dur- for the AN-124 and IL-76 aircraft in sup- success is measured by allowing the cus-
ing the frigid Mid-Atlantic winter? Faced porting CRAF has dropped drastically in re- tomer to be free to focus on other aspects
with the challenge to make the Eagle Chap- cent years, other government users around of their business while a team of logisticians
ter more locally focused, we choose to focus the Potomac have increased their use of executes their movement needs.
on “Strengthening Our Bonds” and sought Volga-Dnepr’s capabilities. Supporting the customer’s logistics needs
a speaker from our expansive list of indus- Traveling the world in the ubiquitous IL76 is a full time job at the Volga-Dnepr Unique
try partners. Sequestration had hit the Eagle or semi-normal AN124 would be the mili- Air Cargo headquarters in Houston, Texas
Chapter hard in both membership and in- tary airlift equivalent of the phrase, “Hid- and the Director, Colon Miller, shows how
terest, so, this plan was chosen to set the Ea- ing in plain sight.” No one sees the airplane a retired SNCO is an essential part of this
gle Chapter apart from other organizations, multi-faceted operation. Like many retired
especially when the industry partner, Volga- Mobility Airmen, Colon’s story is unique
Dnepr Unique Air Cargo, stepped up to visit and motivating to our current junior enlisted
and speak with our members. force. Colon is an amazing asset to the global
We first started this journey at the 2014 airfreight industry and his skills were honed
annual convention with a general discus- inside AMC. During his time speaking with
sion at the Volga-Dnepr booth between my- the Airmen of Dover AFB, Colon showed how
self and the Director of Government & De- never saying “no” to any opportunity during
fense Programs for Volga-Dnepr Unique Air your career can open up doors later in life.
Cargo, Colon Miller. This discussion then Colon was called to run the commercial re-
continued back at Dover AFB with the Vice quirements division of TACC/XOPC, as the
president of the Galaxy Chapter, Air Force Commercial Cell Chief for CRAF. In this are-
Mr. Colon Miller, Director of Government &
Association. A few after work meetings at the na he was tasked to help write and implement
Defense Programs for Volga-Dnepr Unique
KingPin Cafe with myself, SSgt James Joyce the first contracts for IL76 and AN124 aircraft
Air Cargo showed the A/TA and AFA mem-
(treasurer), MSgt Lori Tascione (Secretary), in the CRAF sub-contracting fleet. After re-
bers attending how a civilian version of
Mr. John Murphy (AFA Chapter President, tiring from the USAF, Colon worked for the
Dover AFB, and Air Mobility Command,
retired Major, USAF), Captain Dan Whalen Army at US Forces Command (FORSCOM),
operates during a Winter Social held jointly
(AFA Chapter Vice President) allowed us to until he was asked to start the American divi-
by the Eagle Chapter of the A/TA and the
have a plan to present to Col Grismer, the sion for the largest operator of AN124 aircraft
Galaxy Chapter of the AF at the Air Mobility
436AW/CC and Chief Cadell, our Command in Houston, Texas, as their Director of Gov-
Command Museum at Dover AFB, Delaware.
Chief. The industry partner who was to be ernment & Defense Programs.
(Eagle Chapter Photo by David Grant).
our guest speaker is also a retired Air Force Volga-Dnepr Unique Air Cargo showed
Master Sergeant and KC-135 Instructor- as an out-of-the-normal arrival; add in the the A/TA and AFA members attending how
Evaluator Boom Operator. He is also the Di- on-board crane for both aircraft and you a civilian version of Dover AFB, and Air Mo-
rector of Government & Defense Programs now have a very self-sufficient aircraft and bility Command, operates. We were able to
for Volga-Dnepr Unique Air Cargo based in aircrew. This is vital to operational success glean a few ideas for how our operation is
Houston, Texas. This combination made for when there is a need to keep a low profile, performed in the civilian aviation commu-
an interesting history lesson, a global per- while bringing in a few tons of equipment nity, while being educated in some amaz-
spective for the Airmen of Dover AFB, and and vehicles. Combine a very experienced ing mission-capable rates and airlift perfor-
an outstanding evening presentation. technical crew which stays on the airplane mance. But, the real question is, what was it
When the IL76 and AN124 joined the (bunks are provided) and the airframes are like to host a retired military member, cur-
CRAF as a sub-contractor providing over- kept turning and burning with a targeted rently a Director for the American branch of
sized and outsized airlift, the unique ca- 500 hours a month of flying time, before a Russian airline flying Russian & Ukraine
pabilities of an internal crane and high the need for a maintenance checkup is per- airplanes? One word: Awesome. Colon Mill-
reliability rate meant mission’s completed formed. These stout beasts of military bur- er is an outstanding presenter, and when he
on-time, instead of sometimes. As the world’s den are now generating revenue around the toured and talked with the Airmen of the
largest operator of the AN-124-100 aircraft globe, in an operational format similar to Fuels Flight, Air Traffic Control, and Aerial
Volga-Dnepr is the leading commercial how C-46s, C-47s, and C-54s were used after Port, he exemplified the professionalism a
charter carrier for outsize cargo. This class- the end of World War II. retired Senior Non-Commissioned Officer
leading performance allowed USTRANS- So how similar is the operation to AMC? In brings to a civilian company.
COM to move more than 500 MRAPS a the Houston office, the world is represented Going forward, our two chapters are plan-
month into Iraq and Afghanistan. WARN- by a map with a full time staff keeping tabs ning events to fulfill the three visions of the
ING: the following fact may be hard to and completing all required documentation A/TA and AFA: Support Our Mobility Airmen,
stomach: the AN124 showed a 96-98% re- for every flight into and out of America, and Preserve Our Culture, Strengthening Our
liability rate, while our own C5 was strug- assists in many other countries around the Bonds and Support, Advocate, Educate from
gling in the high 60% range. An interesting globe. As Volga-Dnepr is a “one-stop-shop” the AFA. After this first event, we can mark off
side note is that the total military/govern- for their customers in all aspects of moving Strengthening Our Bonds and Support; only
ment contract is only 5% of their total sales cargo, being able to see the “big picture” is four more visions to go before the end of the
of over $5 billion dollars. While the need crucial to their success. And Volga-Dnepr’s year and we start all over again.
A/TQ • Airlift/Tanker Quarterly • Spring 2015
6
A/TQ • Airlift/Tanker Quarterly • Spring 2015
7
2014 A/TA Year End
Financial Report
Col (ret) John J. Murphy, Jr., A/TA Treasurer
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION 12-31-14 STATEMENT OF ACTIVITIES 12-31-14
UNRESTRICTED NET ASSETS
ASSETS
Unrestricted revenues, gains and other support
Corporate Memberships ...................................$88,980
Cash ................................................................$1,507,734
Individual Memberships ...................................$92,872
Convention Exhibits .......................................$328,205
Investments - US Treasury ...................................$50,000
Convention Registrations ................................$582,595
Magazine Advertising .......................................$66,513
Investment - CSX Stock ........................................$43,476
Dividends ..............................................................$790
Unrealized Gain on Securities .............................$8,952
Inventory - Logo Items .........................................$11,569
Interest ....................................................................$63
Logo Sales, Net ....................................................-$605
Property and equipment ........................................$2,803
Total Unrestricted Revenues, etc. .......$1,168,364

Total Assets ................................................$1,615,582
Net Assets Released from Restrictions
Restrictions Satisfied by Payments ......................$5,571
Total Unrestricted Revenues, Etc. ........$1,173,936
LIABILITIES AND NET ASSETS

EXPENSES:
Liabilities
Program Services .........................................$1,273,977
Management and General ..............................$202,664
Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses ......................$0
Total Expenses.................................$1,476,641

Total Liabilities ........................................................$0
Increase in Unrestricted Net Assets ............($302,706)

TEMPORARILY RESTRICTED NET ASSETS
NET ASSETS ATA Events ..........................................................$4,536
Unrestricted .......................................................$607,443 Award Donation ....................................................$500
Scholarship Fund ...................................................$535
Temporarily restricted (Reserves) ....................$1,000,000
Net Assets Released from Restrictions
Temporarily restricted (Memorial) ..........................$8,139 Restrictions Satisfied by Payments ................($5,571)
Change in Temporarily Restricted Net Assets.........$0
Total net assets ..........................................$1,615,582

Decrease in Net Assets .............................(($302,706)

Total Liabilities and Net Assets .............$1,615,582
NET ASSETS AT BEGINNING OF YEAR .....$1,918,288

NET ASSETS AT END OF QUARTER ..........$1,615,582
A/TQ • Airlift/Tanker Quarterly • Spring 2015
8