G. W. Bush, is a conundrum to me. I know, as a crew chief, I strapped him in an F-102 (F and TF) one or more times back in the day. You know, it was F-16s from his old 147th FIG unit that flew escort for Air Force One on 9-11. Under his command, the 147th lost their F-16 fighter assignment and became a UAV reconisance unit flying Predator drones, losing many personnel. During Vietnam, G. W. Bush was part of the "Tiffany Squadron" (Texas congressmen's sons in the unit who were avoiding the draft). I believe the Dan Rather article may have caused him to be disappointed with our unit as he never referenced his time in the 147th. However, the 147th never rejected him. They put over 30 yards of concrete in the ground to support the pipe holding this F-102 in the proper take off climb attitude. This gate guard for the 147th has his name on the canopy. The members of the unit respect and revere him.
On a personal note, after he announced he was a candidate for president in 2000 he was the Marshall for the Belton, Texas July 4th parade. Belton is a very safe place for any Republican/conservative. I video taped my wife shaking his hand as he walked the parade route. He was very happy to be in a safe place shaking everyone's hand when they extended theirs.
Col. Killian is the person who wrote the "Dan Rather" letter. He is standing 3rd person from the left, yours truly is squatting on the right in the front row.
I hear you Ray, he is for me as well, but that has more to do with the people he and his family decided to sing Kumbaya with after he left the White House. I'll never understand politics, and I think that fact should bring me comfort. Nonetheless, to be sitting with him as he, obviously still emotional, walked us through that day, was a unique experience and a privilege. I've spoken with him about many of the other photographers who have captured him over the years and then turned around and trashed him following the privilege. The well known portraitist who conjured up his Dad's "two-faced" portrait was not one of his favorites. When he showed up at The White House to capture his likeness, apparently he got a very cool reception and was allotted minimal time, karma is a beatch.
Before this day gets away from me (and it already has) I wish you all the Peace and Blessings Christmas offers.
I've been creating a "Christmas Miracle" for a client upon whom the year end snuck up so today I'm editing several hours of video captured this week, and getting it all off to them for their end of year message to their investors.
Late yesterday Chandler and I met up at the hangar for some dusk pattern work and the flight was perfection.Velvet air, incredible colors ricocheting off the cirrus clouds, me and Chili suspended in it all, one for the logbooks for sure.
Before Chandler arrived JR and James pulled up and it seemed like a perfect time to give James his first taste of the Cub experience. I put him on my lap and we taxied off. He was mesmerized by it all. Each time I gently added power to turn us around he would look back and up at me as if to say, "are we ok Papa?" I smiled at him and nodded, then he would grin and go back to drinking it all in. We did that for about 20 minutes before Chandler pulled up. Funny how unexpected moments can be so deeply significant.
JWilsonphoto wrote:
James III brushing up on his tailwheel technique............
Very cute shot, Jim! I have been to the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center (part of the Air and Space Museum) near Dulles Airport at least 6 or 7 times but I went again today to see two 3D IMAX movies and took a guided tour for the first time. There is always something to learn. There are a lot of aircraft on display that are of historical significance, here are some examples.
Chandler had quite the flying experience yesterday morning. He and our good friend Adam Baker had some fun doing an aerial ballet in the beautiful Lone Star sky........................
JWilsonphoto wrote:
Apparently his aviation interest are meager a BBJ, Falcon 9X, a couple of helo's and something else. My kind of guy, Capitalism.....take that Bernie!
BTW, 1/20th handheld at 400mm...........
Jim,
As always hope you are well.
I know who you are referring to. Been to and inside his hangar a few times which so far, is THE hangar of all hangars (other than yours of course), before a certain event happened there. Hope you are all well here and plan to catch up on the thread. Finally remembered my FM password and thought I'd check back in.
The last year for me has been full of good events including getting a hangar at KLNC and knocking the rust off as I work on my bi-annual to get current again. Flying a light sport which is way different in feel than my old bird. I have switched to Sony as my platform in the last year and do not regret it for the kind of work I am doing. Doing editorial photography (and writing) for a Texas magazine and have two covers under my belt along with some feature articles. Still part time work for me as a paid hobby complementing my tech career. Anyway, hope y'all have had a great Christmas season and look forward to combing through the fine work above.
so today I'm editing several hours of video captured this week, and getting it all off to them for their end of year message to their investors. 
