Capt. Lonny McClung
Sue Elsner
Invite a guest, male or female, to the Women’s Connection Guest Month Brunch to be held on Thursday, February 9, at 9:00 a.m. in the Kingston Ballroom of the Oakwood Clubhouse to hear this “High Flying Adventure” speaker Captain Lonny McClung from Phoenix. Capt. McClung is retired from the United States Navy but continues to be a contract test pilot, instructor and aviation consultant. During his 30-year career as a carrier-based fighter pilot, he logged over 7,000 hours, had more than 1,000 carrier landings and flew over 250 combat missions in Vietnam. He served on both coasts and was commanding officer of four different aviation units: F-4 Phantoms, F-14 Tomcats, Topgun (all at Miramar), plus training Air Wing Two in Texas, training pilots to man carrier-based fleet tactical jet squadrons. His military decorations include the Defense Superior Service Medal, three Legion of Merit awards, two Meritorious Service Medals, 22 Air Medal awards, two Navy Commendation Medals, USAF Commendation Medal, Navy Achievement Medal, plus various unit and campaign awards, including the Presidential Unit Citation. He continues to be an active pilot with nearly 13,000 hours.
In addition to sharing his personal life story, Capt. McClung will show the highlights of his flight around the world in a restored 1954 Grumman Albatross Amphibious aircraft, a former military open ocean search and rescue vehicle. As part of that world flight, he participated in the London to Sydney Air Race as one of 36 aircraft participants from around the world. That flight began and ended at Falcon Field in Mesa.
Jesse Washington, resident of Sun Lakes, will be guest soloist for this event. Jesse’s extensive vocal background includes performing in light operas and various cantatas, as well as variety and musical shows.
The cost is $15 payable at the door or $16 for gluten-free/special diet requests. Those meals must be ordered at time of reservation. Reservations are required by noon on Thursday, February 2, as a full breakfast will be served. Please email Shirley at [email protected] or call Lydia, 480-802-2188, or Pat, 480-883-1450, to make your reservation. Deadline for cancellations is Monday, February 6, by 10:00 a.m. by calling Cindi at 515-770-7974. A reservation made is a reservation paid, so please honor our cancellation policy deadline. This event is sponsored by Stonecroft, www.stonecroft.org.