Well, the Air Show is over, fini, kaput and done. I'm always sad at that but also a little thankful. It is a tiring experience spanning 5 days if one is working on it, as I do. But mostly sad. Every year we lose several of the "old regulars"....the guys who flew these planes when they were 18, 19 or 20 years old, but who are now approaching 78, 79 and 80. Brave young guys who really didn't want to go to war, but went and did their duty to the best of their ability. Many never made it back, and now the ones who did are "Going West" at a rapidly rising rate. That's the main reason I love the Air Show....to hear their amazing stories in the little time they have left.
And not all from the American side. I have become good friends with General Arika Inoue, retired vice-commander of the Japanese Air Force. He comes from Japan with his buddies every year, in a spirit of friendship, to see the planes and for the comradeship that most people who have never been in the miltitary don't understand. He comes to honor all those who gave their lives, even those who tried to shot him down all those years ago. And what stories he has. He started off his flying career as a Kamikaze pilot......need I say more.
And not all from the American side. I have become good friends with General Arika Inoue, retired vice-commander of the Japanese Air Force. He comes from Japan with his buddies every year, in a spirit of friendship, to see the planes and for the comradeship that most people who have never been in the miltitary don't understand. He comes to honor all those who gave their lives, even those who tried to shot him down all those years ago. And what stories he has. He started off his flying career as a Kamikaze pilot......need I say more.
With the King Ranch stunt plane
