By Senior Master Sgt. John Spillane
29th Weapons Squadron superintendent
Did you lead today or did work get in your way?
On most days, I bet the answer to that question is, work got in the way. In our modern day Air Force, e-mail, phone calls, shrinking budgets and consolidation, doing more with less, distract all of us. We get caught up in our jobs and don’t “lead” on a day-to-day basis. So, I must ask you, “Did you lead today?”
Commander’s desks are stacked high with officer performance reports, first sergeants are coordinating everything from luncheon pro-ratas to what’s going on in military fashion, supervisors are prepping continuity books for the next inspection and everyone else is eyeballs-deep just trying to get to the end of the work day.
There are many reasons why this occurs, but the primary reason is we have to get “work stuff” done. We get caught up in this kind of work stuff, because as a society we define each other by our work.
To illustrate my point, when we meet someone new, one of the first questions we always ask is, “So…what do you do?”
So far, in 45 years of asking that question, nobody has said, “I lead!” I think that leadership is getting buried beneath our everyday lives and we need to get it out, dust it off and exercise it a little more often.
As Airmen, non-commissioned officers and officers in the United States Air Force, it is imperative that we lead every day.
Air Force Doctrine Document 1-1 states, “Leadership is the art of influencing and directing personnel to accomplish the assigned mission.”
Most readers already know this because Airman Leadership School, NCO Academy, Senior NCO Academy, the Chief’s Leadership Course, the USAF Academy, Air and Space Basic Course, Squadron Officer School, Air Command and Staff College and the Air War College all teach leadership.
Talking about leadership in an academic environment is easy; practicing leadership in the real world, however, is a bit different. Let’s clear some things up.
Conducting roll call is not leading! Making sure a fleet of trucks get washed is not leading! Being an aircraft commander and flying an airplane is not leading! Checking time cards, reviewing customer comments, responding to office e-mails or attending a staff meeting is not leading!
The Air Force definition of leadership, “the art of influencing and directing,” describes leadership but doesn’t adequately describe how to execute the challenge of leading on a day to day basis.
To help out the Air Force definition of leadership, I follow my own definition of leadership which is, “The art of inspiring others to accept the responsibility of executing the leader’s vision.”
That statement alone gives me a definition and a mission statement. A leader’s job is to inspire! A leader’s job is to get his or her followers to embrace a vision! A leader’s job is to get everyone to accept the responsibility of getting the job done right!
Leadership is hard. Most Air Force members have gone to school to learn about leading.
Most Air Force members can recognize leadership when they see it. As Air Force members, we need to crawl out from under our pile of work and translate our leadership education into leadership action.
The question is: did you lead today? Did you set a great example? Did you inspire a subordinate? Did you boost morale? Did you share the commander’s vision with someone? Did you make the work environment better?
We all have a leadership education, we can all recognize leadership, we all have the opportunity: the question is: “Did you lead today?” If not, “Will you lead tomorrow?”
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
VIEW FROM THE TOP >> Thank you
By Chief Master Sgt. Brooke McLean
314th Airlift Wing command chief
It’s been about 20 months since Maria and I arrived in Arkansas, and it’s been an incredible opportunity for us. We’ve enjoyed living among friends and comrades in arms, interacting with a wonderful community and sharing a sense of purpose and mission.
The Air Force has blessed us with the opportunity to be here and to focus on life beyond our calling. We serve in an Air Force at war going through incredibly difficult times and transformational endeavors.
I have learned in my 25 years of service that our Air Force will prevail. We will dominate the skies regardless of challenge, enemy, change or even who sits in the White House. Another chapter is yet to be written for all of us.
One day we will all wear the uniform for the last time and leave the work to the next generation. It’s equally important to accomplish the mission and to remember we are individuals with life after our service to the nation.
I’ve encouraged countless newcomers to the Rock to strive to improve four areas of their lives during their tour: physical, mental, spiritual and financial. For Maria and I, we can depart the Rock and know we’ve reached many of our goals while still leaving some to tackle.
We will miss Little Rock AFB and the central Arkansas region. Chief Master Sgt. Tony Brinkley and his wife Than will carry on the tasks and certainly bring a new purpose to the men and women they will serve. Maria and I never say goodbye … only see you later. I hope to see you soon.
Combat Airlift!
314th Airlift Wing command chief
It’s been about 20 months since Maria and I arrived in Arkansas, and it’s been an incredible opportunity for us. We’ve enjoyed living among friends and comrades in arms, interacting with a wonderful community and sharing a sense of purpose and mission.
The Air Force has blessed us with the opportunity to be here and to focus on life beyond our calling. We serve in an Air Force at war going through incredibly difficult times and transformational endeavors.
I have learned in my 25 years of service that our Air Force will prevail. We will dominate the skies regardless of challenge, enemy, change or even who sits in the White House. Another chapter is yet to be written for all of us.
One day we will all wear the uniform for the last time and leave the work to the next generation. It’s equally important to accomplish the mission and to remember we are individuals with life after our service to the nation.
I’ve encouraged countless newcomers to the Rock to strive to improve four areas of their lives during their tour: physical, mental, spiritual and financial. For Maria and I, we can depart the Rock and know we’ve reached many of our goals while still leaving some to tackle.
We will miss Little Rock AFB and the central Arkansas region. Chief Master Sgt. Tony Brinkley and his wife Than will carry on the tasks and certainly bring a new purpose to the men and women they will serve. Maria and I never say goodbye … only see you later. I hope to see you soon.
Combat Airlift!
VIEW FROM THE TOP >> 101 critical days – striving for safety
By Brig. Gen. Rowayne A. Schatz, Jr.
314th Airlift Wing commander
It’s great to be home Team Little Rock! I just spent the last month at Columbus AFB, Miss. as the President of a Safety Investigation Board for a T-38 that crashed on April 23, killing both pilots on board.
It was a sober experience walking the crash site, then spending a month trying to figure out what happened. I’ll never forget the smell of burnt aircraft aluminum and jet fuel. It is a smell that gets embedded in your skin as you walk the ground where two valued Airmen/sons/fathers died. It’s something no commander ever wants to smell on his or her watch.
That’s why commanders care about safety. We don’t ever want to walk the ground to investigate why you, one of our valued Airmen, died in an accident.
My first day back was last Friday, just in time to participate in Wingman Day which we purposely focused on safety and getting ready for the 101 critical days of summer. Our Wing Safety team did a great job building the plan for Wingman Day and I look forward to your feedback on how we can work to make Team Little Rock even better.
As we head toward another sunny summer season, we need to remember historically this time period poses the highest risk for accidents. Last Friday, AETC kicked off the initiative “Operation Safe Summer – Campaign for Safety!” offering education on the hazards and dangers the 101 critical days can present.
The Air Force lost 19 Airman during this same timeframe last year. According to the mishap data, 15 of those 19 fatalities were consequences of Airmen making poor choices leading up to these 100 percent preventable accidents. Team Little Rock lost three Airmen to motorcycle accidents last year, and I don’t ever want to give another speech at a memorial for one of our Airmen that was killed in a motorcycle accident. I need you to make safety and personal risk management a priority -- to protect each other, our people…our most valuable resource.
One of our hot safety topics is seat belt use. The leading cause of fatal mishaps during the 101 Critical Days of Summer is off-duty private motor vehicle mishaps. Proper seat belt use is one of the easiest ways to protect yourself. From 1975 to 2000, seat belts are estimated to have saved 135,102 lives, with 11,889 lives saved in 2000 alone. Seat belts remain mandatory on or off base, and on or off duty. No matter where you are or how fast you are going, wearing a seat belt will greatly increase your chance for survival.
Next Friday night we will hold a Team Little Rock D-Day Dining-In in Hangar 276 to celebrate our Combat Airlift heritage. Lt. Col. (Ret) Jack Downhill will be our guest speaker. Jack is a former commander of the 62nd Airlift Squadron and flew as a C-47 aircraft commander on D-Day. Our committee has a great evening planned and there are still some tickets available. I promise a fun night full of camaraderie and heritage—please come join us.
Tomorrow night we gather to say farewell and thank-you to Chief Brooke and Maria McLean. The McLean’s depart early next week for Hurlburt Field, Florida where Chief will assume the duties of the Command Chief for the 1st Special Operations Wing.
Chief, thanks for your selfless dedication to our Airmen and their families.
You and Maria have been a key part of our Team Little Rock leadership team for two years. You have made a positive difference in the quality of life for our Airmen and their families. Kim and I will miss you and Maria, and we join the Team Little Rock Community in wishing you fair skies and tailwinds always. You’ll be missed!
Again, it’s great to be home Team Little Rock. Thanks for all you do every day to help defend our nation and our way of life. Combat Airlift!
314th Airlift Wing commander
It’s great to be home Team Little Rock! I just spent the last month at Columbus AFB, Miss. as the President of a Safety Investigation Board for a T-38 that crashed on April 23, killing both pilots on board.
It was a sober experience walking the crash site, then spending a month trying to figure out what happened. I’ll never forget the smell of burnt aircraft aluminum and jet fuel. It is a smell that gets embedded in your skin as you walk the ground where two valued Airmen/sons/fathers died. It’s something no commander ever wants to smell on his or her watch.
That’s why commanders care about safety. We don’t ever want to walk the ground to investigate why you, one of our valued Airmen, died in an accident.
My first day back was last Friday, just in time to participate in Wingman Day which we purposely focused on safety and getting ready for the 101 critical days of summer. Our Wing Safety team did a great job building the plan for Wingman Day and I look forward to your feedback on how we can work to make Team Little Rock even better.
As we head toward another sunny summer season, we need to remember historically this time period poses the highest risk for accidents. Last Friday, AETC kicked off the initiative “Operation Safe Summer – Campaign for Safety!” offering education on the hazards and dangers the 101 critical days can present.
The Air Force lost 19 Airman during this same timeframe last year. According to the mishap data, 15 of those 19 fatalities were consequences of Airmen making poor choices leading up to these 100 percent preventable accidents. Team Little Rock lost three Airmen to motorcycle accidents last year, and I don’t ever want to give another speech at a memorial for one of our Airmen that was killed in a motorcycle accident. I need you to make safety and personal risk management a priority -- to protect each other, our people…our most valuable resource.
One of our hot safety topics is seat belt use. The leading cause of fatal mishaps during the 101 Critical Days of Summer is off-duty private motor vehicle mishaps. Proper seat belt use is one of the easiest ways to protect yourself. From 1975 to 2000, seat belts are estimated to have saved 135,102 lives, with 11,889 lives saved in 2000 alone. Seat belts remain mandatory on or off base, and on or off duty. No matter where you are or how fast you are going, wearing a seat belt will greatly increase your chance for survival.
Next Friday night we will hold a Team Little Rock D-Day Dining-In in Hangar 276 to celebrate our Combat Airlift heritage. Lt. Col. (Ret) Jack Downhill will be our guest speaker. Jack is a former commander of the 62nd Airlift Squadron and flew as a C-47 aircraft commander on D-Day. Our committee has a great evening planned and there are still some tickets available. I promise a fun night full of camaraderie and heritage—please come join us.
Tomorrow night we gather to say farewell and thank-you to Chief Brooke and Maria McLean. The McLean’s depart early next week for Hurlburt Field, Florida where Chief will assume the duties of the Command Chief for the 1st Special Operations Wing.
Chief, thanks for your selfless dedication to our Airmen and their families.
You and Maria have been a key part of our Team Little Rock leadership team for two years. You have made a positive difference in the quality of life for our Airmen and their families. Kim and I will miss you and Maria, and we join the Team Little Rock Community in wishing you fair skies and tailwinds always. You’ll be missed!
Again, it’s great to be home Team Little Rock. Thanks for all you do every day to help defend our nation and our way of life. Combat Airlift!
TOP STORY >> Just in time for summer: Outdoor fire safety
By Joe G. Willett
314th Civil Engineering Squadron, assistant chief of fire prevention
The smells of fresh cut grass and hamburgers on the grill signal the beginning of summer. Make this summer safe by following these outdoor fire safety tips.
Grilling
• We all enjoy cooking foods outside and making use of the brand new grill we just bought, however; this can also be one of the leading causes of fires and injuries. Before you fire up that grill, please take a few minutes and think.
• When establishing a site for a barbecue, be sure there is nothing hanging overhead and it is a safe distance from trees, buildings and other combustibles, at least 10 feet from any structure to include wooden fences.
• When using starting your fire, use only the lighter fluids designated for use with charcoal grills.
• Never use gasoline to start your fire. Do not set it down by the grill.
• Don’t add charcoal starter fluid to the fire after it has begun. The flames can travel up to the container and cause an explosion.
• Don’t wear loose clothing or robes around charcoal grills. Flaming grease can ignite clothing. Keep a small spray bottle of water handy to douse flaming grease.
• Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) when used to fire a home barbecue, is contained under pressure in a steel cylinder. The contents of an LPG cylinder, vaporized and in a confined area, have the explosive force of several sticks of dynamite. Therefore, the wise user of LPG will be aware of the dangers involved and the precautions that must be taken.
• Read the manufacturer’s instructions and be sure you thoroughly understand them.
• Do not transport cylinders in the trunk of a passenger vehicle. A filled cylinder should always be transported in an upright position on the floor of a vehicle with all windows open. Remove the cylinder from the vehicle as soon as possible. Never leave a cylinder in a parked vehicle.
• Using the proper size of wrench, make sure that all connections are tight. Remember that fittings on flammable gas cylinders have left-hand threads, requiring effort in a counterclockwise direction to tighten.
• Make sure that grease is not allowed to drip on the hose or cylinders.
• Don’t be tempted by a rainy day to use outdoor cooking equipment inside – not even in a carport or garage.
• Never use a gas-fired barbecue inside any structure.
Power Equipment
• Power lawnmowers make the job much simpler than hand propelled mowers. However, if not used with caution, lawnmowers can be dangerous.
• If you own a gas-powered mower or gas powered outdoor yard maintenance tools such as a chain saw, check the condition of the muffler at the beginning of the season. Spark arresters on mufflers should be considered in areas where dry grass is common.
• Hot gasses from defective mufflers often can ignite dry grass.
• Never refuel power tools when the engine is running and never refuel it inside a tool shed or a garage. Do so only outside, in well ventilated areas.
• Once the engine has been fueled, wipe up gasoline spills. Since gasoline vapors can travel along the ground and be ignited by a nearby flame, move at least 10 feet away from the fueling spot, and the vapors, before starting the motor. If you must refuel, cool the motor before doing so.
• Never smoke when you use gasoline. Remember that the invisible fumes from the gasoline can seek out a spark or flame from as far as 50 feet away. Once the fumes meet the spark, you, your clothes and skin could be engulfed in flames. Keep away from cigarettes, water heater pilot lights and any flames if you’re handling gasoline.
• Store gasoline in a ventilated area in tightly closed cans away from children, sparks, and flame sources.
Get out and enjoy summer time activities but please take a few minutes and think about fire safety first.
314th Civil Engineering Squadron, assistant chief of fire prevention
The smells of fresh cut grass and hamburgers on the grill signal the beginning of summer. Make this summer safe by following these outdoor fire safety tips.
Grilling
• We all enjoy cooking foods outside and making use of the brand new grill we just bought, however; this can also be one of the leading causes of fires and injuries. Before you fire up that grill, please take a few minutes and think.
• When establishing a site for a barbecue, be sure there is nothing hanging overhead and it is a safe distance from trees, buildings and other combustibles, at least 10 feet from any structure to include wooden fences.
• When using starting your fire, use only the lighter fluids designated for use with charcoal grills.
• Never use gasoline to start your fire. Do not set it down by the grill.
• Don’t add charcoal starter fluid to the fire after it has begun. The flames can travel up to the container and cause an explosion.
• Don’t wear loose clothing or robes around charcoal grills. Flaming grease can ignite clothing. Keep a small spray bottle of water handy to douse flaming grease.
• Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) when used to fire a home barbecue, is contained under pressure in a steel cylinder. The contents of an LPG cylinder, vaporized and in a confined area, have the explosive force of several sticks of dynamite. Therefore, the wise user of LPG will be aware of the dangers involved and the precautions that must be taken.
• Read the manufacturer’s instructions and be sure you thoroughly understand them.
• Do not transport cylinders in the trunk of a passenger vehicle. A filled cylinder should always be transported in an upright position on the floor of a vehicle with all windows open. Remove the cylinder from the vehicle as soon as possible. Never leave a cylinder in a parked vehicle.
• Using the proper size of wrench, make sure that all connections are tight. Remember that fittings on flammable gas cylinders have left-hand threads, requiring effort in a counterclockwise direction to tighten.
• Make sure that grease is not allowed to drip on the hose or cylinders.
• Don’t be tempted by a rainy day to use outdoor cooking equipment inside – not even in a carport or garage.
• Never use a gas-fired barbecue inside any structure.
Power Equipment
• Power lawnmowers make the job much simpler than hand propelled mowers. However, if not used with caution, lawnmowers can be dangerous.
• If you own a gas-powered mower or gas powered outdoor yard maintenance tools such as a chain saw, check the condition of the muffler at the beginning of the season. Spark arresters on mufflers should be considered in areas where dry grass is common.
• Hot gasses from defective mufflers often can ignite dry grass.
• Never refuel power tools when the engine is running and never refuel it inside a tool shed or a garage. Do so only outside, in well ventilated areas.
• Once the engine has been fueled, wipe up gasoline spills. Since gasoline vapors can travel along the ground and be ignited by a nearby flame, move at least 10 feet away from the fueling spot, and the vapors, before starting the motor. If you must refuel, cool the motor before doing so.
• Never smoke when you use gasoline. Remember that the invisible fumes from the gasoline can seek out a spark or flame from as far as 50 feet away. Once the fumes meet the spark, you, your clothes and skin could be engulfed in flames. Keep away from cigarettes, water heater pilot lights and any flames if you’re handling gasoline.
• Store gasoline in a ventilated area in tightly closed cans away from children, sparks, and flame sources.
Get out and enjoy summer time activities but please take a few minutes and think about fire safety first.
COMMENTARY >> Add some life to your fun
By Col. Jim Summers
By 189th Airlift Wing commander
There are plenty of “Don’ts” in this world, aren’t there? Don’t drink and drive. Don’t forget your helmet. Don’t forget your seatbelt. Don’t go swimming until an hour has passed after eating.
Parents, supervisors, first sergeants and commanders have been taking the fun out of life for years, right? Perhaps you should look at it this way: They’ve been adding life to your fun.
As a supervisor and a commander, I’ve heard all the excuses: “Colonel, I love to feel the wind blow through my hair as I ride my motorcycle through the Ozarks.”
Allow me to counter with: “Would you love the way the asphalt feels as it rips your aforementioned hair from your head as you skid along the pavement after an accident?” That’s why we wear helmets, and yes, I’ve got a motorcycle.
Another excuse I’ve heard: “Colonel, I don’t like feeling constricted, that’s why I don’t wear my seatbelt.”
Allow me to counter with: “Constricted, huh? What would you call lying in the floor of the crumpled heap you used to call your automobile, while the fire department extracts you with the Jaws of Life?” I’d call that more constrictive than a piece of material that crosses over your lap and chest and buckles into a receptacle by your seat.
Do you see the pattern here? Do you smell what I’m cookin’? Both of these examples drive home – pun intended – the importance of taking proper precautions for the activity you’re engaging in. Failing to do so could result in you not coming home at the end of the day.
We’re not trying to take the fun out of your life, we’re adding life to your fun. I want each of you to be able to enjoy all of the 101 Critical Days of Summer between Memorial Day and Labor Day – not just the first three or four.
By 189th Airlift Wing commander
There are plenty of “Don’ts” in this world, aren’t there? Don’t drink and drive. Don’t forget your helmet. Don’t forget your seatbelt. Don’t go swimming until an hour has passed after eating.
Parents, supervisors, first sergeants and commanders have been taking the fun out of life for years, right? Perhaps you should look at it this way: They’ve been adding life to your fun.
As a supervisor and a commander, I’ve heard all the excuses: “Colonel, I love to feel the wind blow through my hair as I ride my motorcycle through the Ozarks.”
Allow me to counter with: “Would you love the way the asphalt feels as it rips your aforementioned hair from your head as you skid along the pavement after an accident?” That’s why we wear helmets, and yes, I’ve got a motorcycle.
Another excuse I’ve heard: “Colonel, I don’t like feeling constricted, that’s why I don’t wear my seatbelt.”
Allow me to counter with: “Constricted, huh? What would you call lying in the floor of the crumpled heap you used to call your automobile, while the fire department extracts you with the Jaws of Life?” I’d call that more constrictive than a piece of material that crosses over your lap and chest and buckles into a receptacle by your seat.
Do you see the pattern here? Do you smell what I’m cookin’? Both of these examples drive home – pun intended – the importance of taking proper precautions for the activity you’re engaging in. Failing to do so could result in you not coming home at the end of the day.
We’re not trying to take the fun out of your life, we’re adding life to your fun. I want each of you to be able to enjoy all of the 101 Critical Days of Summer between Memorial Day and Labor Day – not just the first three or four.
VIEW FROM THE TOP >> Change is nothing to fear
By Chief Master Sgt. Brooke McLean
314th Airlift Wing command chief
It’s venturing into uncharted territory. It’s going outside our comfort zone. It’s changing rank and finding our previous friends are no longer peers … they may even work for us.
Is it fear? No, it’s change. It’s the inevitable evolution of our lives that often leaves us with a hollow pit in our stomach and a dry mouth. Change in our lives can be one of the most traumatic events and has even been known to cause physical illness.
The good news is our Air Force has prepared us from day one to recognize change, assess the positives and negatives and through training, education, and preparation. Transform it into opportunity and success. Impressions regarding the positives and negatives of change are easily influenced by leadership and this is a challenge for all levels of the chain of command.
We’re confronted with issues from housing dilemmas to Air Force wide manpower cuts that affect and touch us every day. Commanders will change and supervisors will rotate. Many of us will begin October in a new major command.
How we react to those changes is what defines us. How we support the chain of command can have tremendous impacts on whether the change occurs easily or meets resistance for longer durations.
The education, training and preparations provided by the Air Force are keys to making changes into opportunities.
In the months to come, Little Rock AFB will pass through a window of change and we’re prepared to make this a great opportunity.
There are certainly going to be challenges and frustrations but we’re prepared and the key focus area of Little Rock AFB, providing Combat Airlift, will not change.
314th Airlift Wing command chief
It’s venturing into uncharted territory. It’s going outside our comfort zone. It’s changing rank and finding our previous friends are no longer peers … they may even work for us.
Is it fear? No, it’s change. It’s the inevitable evolution of our lives that often leaves us with a hollow pit in our stomach and a dry mouth. Change in our lives can be one of the most traumatic events and has even been known to cause physical illness.
The good news is our Air Force has prepared us from day one to recognize change, assess the positives and negatives and through training, education, and preparation. Transform it into opportunity and success. Impressions regarding the positives and negatives of change are easily influenced by leadership and this is a challenge for all levels of the chain of command.
We’re confronted with issues from housing dilemmas to Air Force wide manpower cuts that affect and touch us every day. Commanders will change and supervisors will rotate. Many of us will begin October in a new major command.
How we react to those changes is what defines us. How we support the chain of command can have tremendous impacts on whether the change occurs easily or meets resistance for longer durations.
The education, training and preparations provided by the Air Force are keys to making changes into opportunities.
In the months to come, Little Rock AFB will pass through a window of change and we’re prepared to make this a great opportunity.
There are certainly going to be challenges and frustrations but we’re prepared and the key focus area of Little Rock AFB, providing Combat Airlift, will not change.
VIEW FROM THE TOP >> A night to remember
By Col. Mark Vlahos
314th Airlift Wing vice commander
On the night of June 6, Team Little Rock will hold a Dining-In to celebrate the 64th Anniversary of Operation Overlord or D-Day. This event is exactly two weeks away, and I encourage all military and civilian government employees to attend. Our Team Little Rock Combat Airlift roots can be directly tied to the Airborne invasion--Operation Neptune--that secured the flanks of the five American and British landing beaches.
At approximately 11 p.m. on the night of May 5, 1944, 60 C-47 aircraft from the 314th Troop Carrier Group took off from Saltby Air Field in Leicester, England and began circling as they formed up as part of an American 850-plane formation with some gliders in tow.
Once the formation was assembled, a southern heading was established with a destination of the Cherbourg Peninsula in France. At this time, the 314th TCG consisted of the 32nd, 50th, 61st, and 62nd Troop Carrier Squadrons ... three of which are still assigned to Little Rock AFB today.
At 2:08 a.m. on the June 6, 1944, at an altitude of 500 to 700 feet, the 62nd hit Drop Zone November, just west of Sainte-Mère-Église. The 314 TCG carried paratroopers from the 82nd Airborne Division whose mission was to secure the right flank of the American landing beaches.
At the head of the 314th TCG formation was the 62nd Troop Carrier Squadron and flying in the number-2 plane that night was a young pilot named Jack Downhill. Jack Downhill is now 86 years old and lives outside Los Angeles, Calif. He will be our guest speaker for the Team Little Rock Dining In. We are truly honored to have this living hero as our guest speaker, just his presence will truly make this a night to remember. I’ve met Jack at a couple of previous Yacht Club reunions.
He is quite an impressive man and I know you will enjoy listening to his stories from that day ... D-Day. Jack Downhill rose to command the 62nd in 1946 and retired as a Lieutenant Colonel. With our World War II veterans passing away at the rate of over 1,600 per day, we are fast losing the greatest generation.
After dropping men and equipment, the 314th TCG C-47s continued crossing the Cotentin Peninsula on their way back to England. Of the 60 C-47s flown by the 314th TCG that night, anti-aircraft fire destroyed one plane and damaged 16.
Of the 850 American troop carrier planes involved in the mission, all but 21 planes returned to base.
Of the 400-plane British formation only eight failed to return.
On the morning of June 7th, 39 aircraft from the 314th TCG took off to resupply the paratroopers dropped the night before.
One plane was destroyed, 24 damaged and 2 did not return to base. The men flying over France those two nights were part of something bigger than they ever could have imagined ... the rest is history.
I hope you enjoyed this small slice from our Combat Airlift history. I believe it is important to know your heritage and withhold the high standards that those before us set, so those coming after us will too.
Our heritage continues today, as every combat mission flown by a C-130 can trace its roots in some way to Little Rock Air Force Base. Let’s continue to focus on Job One everyday . . . fixing and flying safe airplanes . . . and make Jack Downhill proud.
314th Airlift Wing vice commander
On the night of June 6, Team Little Rock will hold a Dining-In to celebrate the 64th Anniversary of Operation Overlord or D-Day. This event is exactly two weeks away, and I encourage all military and civilian government employees to attend. Our Team Little Rock Combat Airlift roots can be directly tied to the Airborne invasion--Operation Neptune--that secured the flanks of the five American and British landing beaches.
At approximately 11 p.m. on the night of May 5, 1944, 60 C-47 aircraft from the 314th Troop Carrier Group took off from Saltby Air Field in Leicester, England and began circling as they formed up as part of an American 850-plane formation with some gliders in tow.
Once the formation was assembled, a southern heading was established with a destination of the Cherbourg Peninsula in France. At this time, the 314th TCG consisted of the 32nd, 50th, 61st, and 62nd Troop Carrier Squadrons ... three of which are still assigned to Little Rock AFB today.
At 2:08 a.m. on the June 6, 1944, at an altitude of 500 to 700 feet, the 62nd hit Drop Zone November, just west of Sainte-Mère-Église. The 314 TCG carried paratroopers from the 82nd Airborne Division whose mission was to secure the right flank of the American landing beaches.
At the head of the 314th TCG formation was the 62nd Troop Carrier Squadron and flying in the number-2 plane that night was a young pilot named Jack Downhill. Jack Downhill is now 86 years old and lives outside Los Angeles, Calif. He will be our guest speaker for the Team Little Rock Dining In. We are truly honored to have this living hero as our guest speaker, just his presence will truly make this a night to remember. I’ve met Jack at a couple of previous Yacht Club reunions.
He is quite an impressive man and I know you will enjoy listening to his stories from that day ... D-Day. Jack Downhill rose to command the 62nd in 1946 and retired as a Lieutenant Colonel. With our World War II veterans passing away at the rate of over 1,600 per day, we are fast losing the greatest generation.
After dropping men and equipment, the 314th TCG C-47s continued crossing the Cotentin Peninsula on their way back to England. Of the 60 C-47s flown by the 314th TCG that night, anti-aircraft fire destroyed one plane and damaged 16.
Of the 850 American troop carrier planes involved in the mission, all but 21 planes returned to base.
Of the 400-plane British formation only eight failed to return.
On the morning of June 7th, 39 aircraft from the 314th TCG took off to resupply the paratroopers dropped the night before.
One plane was destroyed, 24 damaged and 2 did not return to base. The men flying over France those two nights were part of something bigger than they ever could have imagined ... the rest is history.
I hope you enjoyed this small slice from our Combat Airlift history. I believe it is important to know your heritage and withhold the high standards that those before us set, so those coming after us will too.
Our heritage continues today, as every combat mission flown by a C-130 can trace its roots in some way to Little Rock Air Force Base. Let’s continue to focus on Job One everyday . . . fixing and flying safe airplanes . . . and make Jack Downhill proud.
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