Thanks to the L-Birds that attended the Fly-In: 3 L-2 Taylorcraft, 1 O-58B (L-3) Aeronca , 3 L-16 Aeronca , 1 L-4 Piper, 1 NAVY NE-1 (L-4) Piper, 1 L-5 Stinson & 1 rare Stinson 10A (L-9) in civilian dress. All were very authentic appearing, beautiful examples. In addition, The Fort Mead Flying Facility (club) brought a Cessna T-41C "Mescalero" (210 h.p. 172) which had served at the U.S. Air Force Academy to train cadets in the 90's.

At least 13 or 14 other guest aircraft also flew in including a second (civilian) Cessna from the Fort Mead Flying Facility and also a Let Z-37 Èmelák ("Bumblebee"), former Czechoslovakian cropduster with a 315 h.p. Avia M-137A radial engine.

Congratulations to Michael Meyers of Owings, MD on the immaculate and beautiful restoration of his 1959 Cessna 182B N2604G - should be an award winner! For contrast there was a brand new 2007 Cessna 182T (sorry, I don't know who is the owner of N935FA).

While a military convoy & battle did not take place the L-Bird Reenactors held their encampment and enjoyed the perfect September weather. The half-track was busy giving demonstration rides and I understand it even made a late evening trip to Millington for refreshments. Thanks to all the reenactors. We look forward to seeing you again next year.

A small contingent of German Luftwaffe reenactors also camped out over the weekend. They were accompanied by a Russian Front Ace & Prisoner of War: Leutnant Gottfried Dulius, JG-53, Me-109 Pilot, who was inducted this year into the Gathering of Eagles at Air Command and Staff College (ACSC), Maxwell AFB, Alabama. Among previous honorees are: Jimmy Doolittle, Curtis LeMay, George Gay, "Chuck" Yeager, Gail Halverson, Paul Tibbets, "Gabby" Gabreski, Robin Olds, Neil Armstrong, "Pappy" Boyington, Benjamin O. Davis, Jr., & John Glenn. This is very esteemed company!

Former German soldiers are still understandably controversial and it is impossible to escape some measure of doubt about their wartime activities. I have not researched the man's record and must rely on the Maxwell AFB Eagle committee for authentification. Personally, I was more intrigued by Mr. Dulius' experiences as a Russian prisoner of war because I knew that only a very small fraction ever returned and he has an extremely disturbing story of his 3 years as a slave laborer. (Ironically, Mr. Dulius was swindled out of his life savings recently over the foreign publication of his book "Another Bowl of Kapusta"). He has led an "interesting" life.

Don Sloan offered and Gottfried accepted a ride in the Stearman and I believe he was very moved by Don's generosity and thankful to have the opportunity to take the controls once again at the age of 82.

Finally, Thank you to Lex Dupont for the Fly-By in his FM-2 Grumman Wildcat, MOST IMPRESSIVE! A perfect ending to the day.