WIX Archives
Gathering
Posted by Rob Mears on Sat Sep 07, 2002 02:00:13 AM
In reply top Re: Gathering of Corsairs posted by Pat Carry on Sat Sep 07, 2002 12:39:06 AM
If I wasn't at the show I'd probably think the low number of Corsair attendees would be a let down, but to the contrary it's been quite a wonderful experience so far (excluding the horrendous sunburn). Seven planes still line up the length of a football field wingtip to wingtip :)
The big difference with this get together is the concentrated spirit of "Corsairism" on the field :) There are some hardcore F4U fans here that I never would have met at an average airshow with a high Corsair turnout.
The most valuable aspect of the show has been dwelling amongst the veterans. Once you get past some of the "canned" answers, there are some amazing things to be learned. More than a few times I stood nearby as guys from VMF-214, 215, 221, etc chatted for the first time. Some were expounding on little details about being based at Vella LaVella, while others spoke about obscure operational situations. The voices of a couple of these guys (that had just met for the first time) took on the sound of 19 year old kids as they fell back into their old mindset. It was truly magical and I feel blessed to have overheard a couple of these first time conversations :) One of the 221 guys was talking about doing victory rolls over the field while a 214 vet said "Pappy doesn't let us do that". The reference in present tense was a slip on the man's part, but it spoke volumes about his regard for his C.O.
I've now officially looked men in the eyes that flew with my uncle from the USS Bunker Hill. I can't explain what this means to me since I've never made contact with any of his squad mates before. I've learned alot during the last two days and I've been researching Corsairs for 20 years! Being amongst some of these people has definately lended alot more soul to these aircraft and the truth of the matter regarding their historical relevance.
I've also had the privelege of meeting Mike Sneider, Chuck Gardner, Mint Moore & family, Craig McBurney, Jim Church, and many others for the first time. Putting a prime focus on the Corsair for this gathering really brought a concentrated amount of F4U enthusiasts out of the woodwork and I've met strangers young & old from far and wide that have an inspiring passion for these old blue birds. I think its safe to say the future of warbird enthusiasm is in safe hands. I met a couple of kids here that were as intense about F4U's as I am (and that's saying alot) :D
Dale Snodgrass piloted Jim Read's F4U-5 and is the first pilot I've seen in over a decade that isn't afraid to drop the plane down and cut the grass :) Mike Sneider has some video coming soon that will literally knock your socks off (think 300 mph at 20 feet AGL directly over your head)...literally! :)
Fun times,
Rob