15 Nov 2002

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