Memorial Day- What does it mean to you?
As this much needed long weekend approaches I have been reflecting back on several discussions I have had over the last month. It is apparent, that in this overstimulated, rat raced, narcissistic, disconnected world we now live in (well, isn’t that a positive way to start a post…), many of us have forgotten the reason […]
More From Kodiak, Alaska
There were simply too many extraordinary images to share. Here are just a few more… and then some. 250th Coastal Defense Gun Emplacement at St. Peters Head, Battery No.1 Chiniak Point, Kodiak Island. 2014 The remains of the 8 inch gun after its demise. At least 100ft away from it’s base at the top of […]
Runway Talk
One of my main objectives while I was on Kodiak was to make it to one of the old WW2 Airfields that, according to my grandfather, was only used by the R.C.A.F. while in Kodiak. Although I had previously been advised, that it may not be worth my trip, I was going anyways. Glad I […]
Kodiak In WW2
Day two- wide awake and ready to go. Seeing as I did not want to waste time getting lost in the middle of the Alaskan bush in search of old relics, I choose to hire a reputable guide- Dake, to drive me around. Now Dake, an island transplant, did not know much about WW2 in […]
Pilot’s Eye
Ever wanted to know what it looks like from the cockpit of one of WW2’s best pursuit planes; the P-51 Mustang? Heck ya, I sure have. Pilots, Jeff “Linedog” Linebaugh and partner Larry “Lumpy” Lumpkin do this for fun and from the heart. They are part of the Commemorative Air Force crew and have spent […]
F/L George Talbot Schwalm
This is a much deserved and long overdue post honoring R.C.A.F. 111f Airman; F/L George Talbot Schwalm. F/L Schwalm was from Tottenham, Ontario and joined the R.C.A.F in 1940. He became attached to the 111f squadron in December, 1941 and ended up in Alaska beginning April, 1942 with stints on Elmendorf and Umnak. On June […]
Kodiak. Mine To Explore.
Something about the pureness of the Kodiak air is what I attribute my log like sleep to despite it being just as light out when I woke up, as when I went to bed. Beth, my hostess, at Mrs. Potts Bed & Breakfast laid out my morning coffee the night before which suited me […]
A Daugher & Her War Hero
A few weeks ago, the Commemorative Air Force held an event here in our area. The timing was perfect as my parents had just arrived from Canada making this, the first stop of their trip. I was excited to show my mom, in person, one of the planes her father used to fly while in […]
Rest In Peace Roy
Months back, I received the news that one of the last remaining WW2 Aleutian vets, Roy Frank Winebaugh, 97, had passed away peacefully in his home in Flint, Michigan. Roy was a proud U.S. Medic who served in the Aleutians for four years during WW2 including time on Adak and Attu Island. Thank you Roy […]