Gary Vacin

Two World War II aviators and an armless pilot highlight the Sun Lakes Aero Club (SLAC) slate of speakers for the first three gatherings for 2015-16.

The November 16 speaker will be Air Force Colonel (retired) Richard Bushong, a B-17 pilot who was involved in the first full daylight bombing mission over Berlin during WWII. The raid involved 775 aircraft with 69 being shot down.

On December 21, Sun lakes resident Jack Holder will relate his experiences during World War II, including surviving the Japanese raid on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, and participating in the Battle of Midway.

The January 18 speaker will be Jessica Cox who became the first armless pilot to receive a pilot’s license.

February 15 speaker will be Rear Admiral (retired) Hugh Wisley, a naval aviator, Vietnam veteran, Blue Angels Air Boss and former Captain of the USS John F. Kennedy aircraft carrier.

Speakers for the March and April gatherings will be announced at a later date.

Articles in the Splash will provide additional information on each future program.

Now in its twentieth year, SLAC sponsors programs the third Monday of each month, November through April, at the Sun Lakes Country Club. The programs are open to all Sun Lakes residents and others interested in aviation. More information on the club is available from Bob Walch at 895-8869 or Gary Vacin at 298-7017 or at the club’s website, www.sunlakesaeroclub.org.