VOLABAMUS VOLAMUS | June 2021
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TOMORROW'S MILITARY AVIATORS |
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Matching Scholarships
The Daedalian Foundation matches up to $2,000 in Flight scholarship awards, and then adds another $1,000. Thus, $3,000 is the maximum total that the Foundation awards per flight. When a flight awards multiple scholarships, the Foundation's matching, up to $3,000, is done in accordance with flight instructions.
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Freshman, Texas A&M University
Space Flight 6 Matching Scholarship
Flight $2,500. Foundation $3,000.
Served as Varsity Team Captain on both Lacrosse and Wrestling team. JROTC Company Commander,
Senior Class Vice-President. Over 500 Volunteer hours with JROTC, Student Government and the
National Wild Turkey Federation. Key member of the Rifle Team.
Career Goal: “I would like to graduate at the top of my class at Texas A&M and commission into the U.S. Army. My career goal in the Army is to branch Aviation and become an AH-64 Apache Helicopter pilot.”
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MIDN Joseph Clavenna, NROTC |
Senior, Washington State University
Empire Flight 22 Matching Scholarship
Flight $1,000. Foundation $1,500.
Major: Kinesiology
Eagle Scout. Academic Excellence, Color Guard, Drill Team. WSU Academic President's Honor Roll (2019-21), maintaining a 3.72 GPA. Toys for Tots volunteer and all Battalion ceremonies.
Cadet Duties: Currently on Battalion Staff as the S-1, Admin Officer. Performs administrative duties including Fitness reports, Battalion rosters, and updating the Battalion web page.
Career Goal: “My career goals are to become a Naval Aviator, through ROTC. I want to make a career out of the military. After retirement from the military, I would like to be a commercial airline pilot, as I enjoy flying. I think that would be a smooth and easy transition and allow me to enjoy flying for years to come.”
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Cadet Gisella Gonzalez, AFROTC |
Senior, University of Washington
Empire Flight 22 Matching Scholarship
Flight $1,000. Foundation $1,500.
Major: Chinese (Mandarin)
Currently ranked #1 of 13 cadets in her junior class. #1 of 14 cadets at a national level in her Field Training flight. Maintains 3.7 GPA in her major of Mandarin. Dean’s List. Member of the Honor Guard. Student pilot with 43.7 hours.
Cadet duties: Current Field Training Preparation (FTP) flight commander. Train cadets in tactics/knowledge, and cultivate leadership skills to send cadets to Field Training.
Career Goal: “Commission and serve in the United States Air Force as a pilot. I hope to someday also be involved in national security and diplomatic foreign relations.”
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Sophomore, University of Texas - Austin
Longhorn Flight 38 Matching Scholarship
Flight $1,000. Foundation $2,000.
Major: Aerospace Engineering
Accepted into UT engineering honors program. AP Capstone recipient, AP scholar with distinction. AFROTC physical fitness award. Cross country district 26A all-district team in high school.
Career Goal: “My junior year, I plan on competing for a pilot slot. After hopefully commissioning with a pilot slot and completing undergraduate pilot training, I would like to eventually go on to test pilot school.”
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Cadet Wyatt Blount, AFROTC |
Freshman, University of North Georgia
Eagle Flight 39 Matching Scholarship
Flight $2,500. Foundation $1,500.
Major: Aerospace Engineering
Served as Cadet Physical Training Officer and Commander for high school JROTC. Through his outstanding leadership, he led the Cadet Corps to its first ever Raider Team competition and under his leadership the Raider Team placed second in the nation during the 2021 Raider Nationals. Participated in Football, Tennis, Track and Power-Lifting.
Career Goal: “I have strong interest in pursuing a career in the aviation field as a pilot. My second option is to become an Intelligence Officer in a branch of service.”
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Cadet Alessio Williams, AFROTC |
Freshman, Valdosta State University
Eagle Flight 39 Matching Scholarship
Flight $2,500. Foundation $1,500.
Major: Science; Minor: Aerospace Science
Student Pilot with 52.3 hours. In JROTC, served as Flight Commander, Color guard Commander, Raiders Team Commander, Drill Team Commander, and Special Projects Officer.
Career Goal: “After college, I plan to join the Air Force and become a F-22 Raptor pilot. If permitted, I would like to retire from the Air Force. If unable to retire, I plan to continue flying planes commercially.”
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Cadet Carson Smalls, AFROTC |
Junior, University of Nevada, Las Vegas
Fighter Flight 62 Matching Scholarship
Flight $1,500. Foundation $1,500.
Major: History
Eagle Scout. Physical Fitness Award. 3.7 GPA. Volunteered regularly with Sierra Vista High School NJROTC. Rebel Wingman Award for AFROTC. Student Pilot with 17.7 hours.
Cadet Duties: Acted in multiple leadership positions within AFROTC and extracurricular activities, including Arnold Air Society.
Career Goal: “Be a leader that inspires and assists people in achieving their life goals! Fly helicopters or heavy aircraft within the United States Air Force. Make a positive impact on those I work with. Become the best version of myself, as a leader, wingman and mentor.”
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Cadet Kyle Walbroehl, AFROTC |
Sophomore, University of Nevada - Las Vegas
Fighter Flight 62 Matching Scholarship
Flight $1,500. Foundation $1,500.
Major: Mechanical Engineering
Physical Fitness Award. Daedalians Tier 1 Scholarship Award. Student pilot with 32.7 hours
Career Goal: “ To become a Second Lieutenant in the Air Force. Go to ENJJPT and become a fighter pilot flying A-10s to provide CAS and support the ground mission.”
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Cadet Anthony Gilliam, AFROTC |
Senior, Embry Riddle Aeronautical University
Willie Flight 82 Matching Scholarship
Flight $1,000. Foundation $600.
Major: Applied Meteorology
Dean’s List, Academic Honors Award. Distinguished Graduate from Field Training. ROTC Flight Commander. Honor Corp Alumni. Student pilot - 23 hours.
Career Goal: “My current career goal is to become a pilot in the USAF and do 20+ years of service while getting a teaching degree. After my time in the service I wish to retire and pursue a new occupation as a high school JROTC instructor.”
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Cadet Aaron McClellan, AROTC |
Senior, Embry Riddle Aeronautical University
Willie Flight 82 Matching Scholarship
Flight $1,000. Foundation $600.
Major: Aeronautics
“I have been a part of Ranger Challenge for the last two years. I have also been on the Dean’s list for the last three years while being an SMP Cadet and having to pay for my full room and board.” Student pilot - 3.5 hours.
Career Goal: “I would like to fly in the United States Army. My dream airframe would be a Chinook, ideally under Special Operations Command. However, I really do not have a problem with just flying anything! I would like to use the experience I would get in Army Aviation to fly commercial aviation after twenty years. My real dream would be bush flying into remote areas.”
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Senior, Arizona State University
Willie Flight 82 Matching Scholarship
Flight $1,000. Foundation $600.
Major: Political Science
Three-time Dean’s List award, Academic Awards for maintaining above a 3.5 GPA. Color Guard Award and Volunteering Award for volunteering numerous times in the battalion.
Career Goal: “Ultimately, my career goal is to fly any sort of aircraft in the Navy. Currently I plan on staying in for as long as I can, and being a Naval Aviator is something I believe I could stay passionate about for many years.”
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Cadet Bryant Pyle, AFROTC |
Senior - Arizona State University
Willie Flight 82 Matching Scholarship
Flight $1,000. Foundation $600.
Major: Air Transportation Management
Prior Enlisted Liaison, IMT Flight Commander. Student Pilot with 81.5 hours. Completed 2 year mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Eagle Scout.
Career Goal: “My career goal is to serve 20+ years in the USAF. I hope to be selected as a pilot and fly fighters for the first part of my career. I have a desire to also go SF with TACPO or CRO for part of my career also. That will all depend on where my pilot career takes me and how long I will be able to stay in the cockpit for.”
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Cadet Maria Rosales, AROTC |
Senior, Grand Canyon University
Willie Flight 82 Matching Scholarship
Flight $1,000. Foundation $600.
Major: Exercise Science
Detachment Task Force Commander. Wants to attend Medical School to specialize in chiropractic medicine.
Career Goal: “Become an aviator for the U.S Army specifically an Apache or Blackhawk. These are my dreams but I will be happy flying whatever the Army deems is best for me.”
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We're proud to highlight these scholarship recipients who are pursuing careers
as military aviators. If you would like to offer them career advice or words of encouragement,
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Enjoy reading? Want to contribute to our organization? Help us preserve aviation heritage, promote airpower, and support the future of military aviation today. |
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The Daedalians are moving forth with an in-person program scheduled for Friday, October 15th in Washington, DC, hosted by the Mitchell Institute.
The theme will be "The Relevance of Airpower in the 21st Century."
We encourage you to begin making travel arrangements if you wish to attend.
The official hotel for the event will be the Royal Sonesta Washington DC located at 2121 P St NW, Washington, DC 20037.
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Thank you to all those of you who were able to attend our annual meeting, either in person or virtually. We were delighted to see so many friendly faces after a long year apart. For those unable to join us, you may view the recording and copy of our presentation and annual report here.
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Pyschological Impacts on UAV Operators Speaker |
Our virtual flight has begun programming once again. Our next event will be held via Zoom on Tuesday, 27 July 2021 at 1930 EDT. Our speaker will be Capt. Jamal Campbell, USMC who will be speaking on pyschological impacts on UAV operators.
We are requesting RSVPs for the event to access Zoom information. Please do so here.
If you would like to join our virtual flight or update your contact information and preference, please do so here.
POC for virtual flight is taylor@daedalians.org if you have questions or suggestions for future speakers or events.
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The first of our Daedalian history books has been digitized and made available online. We have created an exclusive member portal to view the books here.
Please contact us to receive your login information and instructions.
Digitizing will be an incremental progress, but we will make history books available on website as that process is completed.
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Donations via Cryptocurrency |
Beginning this August, the Daedalian Foundation will be accepting cryptocurrency for donations. Membership dues will still need to be paid via traditional methods. More information will be released as we prepare to lauch this feature. For additional information or questions, please contact maureen@daedalians.org.
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Last Call for Fall Flyer Articles |
If you are interested in submitting a story to be considered for the fall edition of the Daedalus Flyer, the last day to do so will be 15 August.
Our fall theme is "Medicine and Flight" and we have very excitedly been accepting submissions about experiences as flight surgeons, advances in flight medicine, and reflections and commentary on the subject.
We continue to accept flight updates, general reflections, commentary, recollections, book reviews and opinion pieces as well as letters to the editor as usual.
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A new tool is available on our website to get an overview of our scholarships. You can view this scholarship matrix here. Scholarship season is upon us! We have many competitive applicants this year and are excited to continue advancing the future of military aviation by supporting our deserving students.
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23rd Flight Supports Students Taking the Oath |
23rd Flight Daedalian Brigadier General William H. “Bill” Lawson recently officiated at Joshua High School’s Annual Military Signing Ceremony. At the request of LTC Jim Davidson, General Lawson spoke on the meaning of the U.S. Military Oath of Enlistment. He then administered the oath to thirteen graduating seniors during ceremonies at the Owls’ (Joshua) football stadium. The entire school student body was present in the stadium to observe the ceremony and congratulate the graduates.
23rd Flight has established a special relationship with Joshua High School Navy Junior ROTC (NJROTC) and Joshua’s Senior Naval Instructors LTC Jim Davidson, USMC (Ret), and Master Chief Petty Officer Charles Linville, USN.
The concept of the Military Signing Ceremony, as established by LTC Davidson, is quite simple: As schools celebrate athletes signing to play sports for a college/university, we have established a celebration for young patriots who are willing to raise their right hand to join the Armed Forces of the United States and to protect our nation and our freedoms.
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77th Flight Honors a Centenarian |
On 20 May Flight 77, (Elliott White Springs -Myrtle Beach) held its monthly meeting at Brightwaters Adult Residence to celebrate the 102nd birthday of our centenarian Lt.Col. Jim Kendrick, USAF (Ret.), Daedalian Life Member #8500. Jim is in good health, walks on his own with a walker and stays up to speed on the stock market. He is a 1940 Citadel Graduate and a B-17 WWII pilot. In addition to being a Daedalian, he is also a Rotarian and Board of Director Emeritus of the Coastal Carolina Federal Credit Union.
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Jet Fighters for Thailand
From our Member Legacy Archives
by Col. John L. Wagner USAF (Ret.), Daedalian Life Member #5517
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Col. John L. Wagner, USAF (Ret.) recently sent some very happy mail to our headquarters. As we were adding some information to our records, we stumbled on this gem of an article submitted by Col. Wagner some decades ago in our archived materials. While the action takes place in the late 50s, the challenges young airmen were facing in accomplishing the mission, decisions about how American airpower might be used to balance power with peer competitors in the Pacific, budget and acquisitiion woes, worries and disconnects between theory and reality are themes that are just as real in 2021 as they were in the 1950s. And of course, there is some drinking and a few pilot wisecracks in the piece for good measure.
We hope you enjoy the piece and encourage you to check it out on our newly redesigned heritage page, which will continue to feature updated materials from our archive in the months ahead. Thank you Col. Wagner!
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Perhaps the idea to bring the Thai Air Force into the jet age came from someone in the American Embassy, the Thai Government, Far East Air Forces Headquarters, or the Pentagon. In any case, the overall concept of strengthening our allies and containing Soviet expansion via mutual assistance was a chapter right out of John Foster Dulles’ book, War or Peace.
After the fall of Dien Bien Phu in 1954 and the division of Vietnam at the 17th parallel, Secretary of State Dulles made a trip to Manila. The result was an attempt to establish ties and defenses among various southeast Asian countries and the United States. However, the strong words on paper about defending freedom, the treaty organization, and follow on SEATO Headquarters lacked substance until backed up with military hardware.
Undoubtedly, other U.S. Services had to divvy up their share to our new SEATO allies. But that is another story and young lieutenants in the 1950s weren’t allowed much of a peek at the “Big Picture”. Accordingly, my intent here is to cover only a portion of one relatively small activity, albeit one that started the Thai Air Force in tactical jet aviation thirty years ago.
The fellow who said it takes two years to implement any decision from Washington sure hit the nail on the head when it came to this project. This is not to denigrate the system, it merely recognizes the lead times needed to get people, jet trainers, supplies and support in place when the destination is literally at the end of a supply line ten thousand miles away.
Assuming the decision to furnish straight wing F-84s to Thailand was made in late 1954 or early 1955, it was 1956 before our outfit the 49th Fighter Bomber Group was brought into the act. At that time, one flight of the 8th Fighter Bomber Squadron – Blacksheep – was placed on alert for a classified mission. Special instructions were issued regarding flight routes, airlift, tanker and rescue support, clothing for social events, protocol, etc. The rest of us in the group were envious to say the least.
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