The Ops tempo here is still quite brisk and the loads are heavily
tasked to support ongoing operations. The Mid-Atlantic Chapter has
received permission from Air Mobility Command to dedicate the Operations
Group Dormitory in honor of an heroic loadmaster who not only saved
his aircraft but the entire crew while serving in Vietnam. The dormitory
will be named after TSgt Charlie Shaub. Charlie's C-130 aircraft
took heavy ground fire on the way to an airdrop and some Class A
explosives were jettisoned just as they exploded. Charlie received
the Air Force Cross for his heroic actions. The dedication will
be in March 2003 and the facility will be dedicated as Shaub Hall.
The PLA will be heavily involved in the dedication ceremony and
host a mini "gathering of the loads" picnic immediately
following the ceremony. Our chapter is holding a raffle to raise
funds for this event. We will be raffling off a digital camera outfit.
We are looking for support from other chapters and plan on sending
tickets to chapter presidents to sell. All monies raised from the
raffle will be put towards Shaub Hall's dedication ceremony and
picnic. Invations will be sent out and all chapters are invited
to attend to honor one of our own. MSgt Gary Chancellor would like
to thank all the loadmasters who gave him support and encouragement
during his recent battle with cancer. He has recovered and is being
returned to Flying Status as soon as Jessie Callahan gets done with
his ground training. SMSgt Steve Lusk from the 2nd Airlift Squadron
has retired from the active duty and we wish him well in his new
life down in Tampa, Florida. We have some sad news to report. TSgt
Steven Williams passed away suddenly and was buried in Maryland
with full Military Honors. Loadmasters from both flying squadrons
here at Pope attended the funeral and preformed pallbearer duties,
he will be greatly missed here at Pope. SSgt Robert McGuire, from
the 15th Airlift Squadron, a former member of this chapter, was
laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery recently. Pope AFB sent
8 loadmaster for the funeral service to honor another fallen loadmaster
hero. He also will be greatly missed.
Fly safe everyone
And always remember,"Praise the Load"
Pat Farley,
Chapter President |