DONATED PHOTOS
(Click to enlarge)
These photos were taken at various air shows, some by Tripod Dan. The "cloud" shot was on the wing of the Camarillo B-25, heading north to the "Wings Over Wine Country" airshow. There are some real beauties in here!
We're trying to identify the two P‑38ers in photo #8, so if anyone recognizes them please let us know! UPDATE!
Glad to say we have an ID from the photo we mentioned above. Keith Breckler came through with the name of (and story about) his grandfather Lt. Joe Breckler of the 402FS, 370FG. Keith tells us the whole story:
"I had the pleasure of seeing him climb into the P‑38 in the background for a couple pictures [ed.note: see above -- we added this one.] and for the memories. It is a great story. I found an article about the airshow and noticed a link, so I clicked on it. It mentioned a private showing at Kaiser Air, very limited number of tickets.
My father and two brothers escorted my grandfather to this special event. He was thrilled to say the least. There was the 38, and P‑51 which he also flew, along with a P‑40. We talked to the pilot, Jeff Harris (great guy, many thanks!), and Joe did a lot of talking with people young and old.
Towards the end I had this idea, so I walked up to Jeff and asked about the possibility of somehow letting my grandfather climb in for just a minute, for old times sake. He just looked at me for a minute, and enthusiastically said "Let's make it happen."
Well this was quietly organized and suddenly there were a hundred people watching as Joe climbed in. Those special folks clapped, cheered and waved him on. It was very emotional for many there. (Click photos to enlarge.)
After that my brothers and I helped the other pilot in as well, he was so excited. He asked why strangers would help him in there like that, and I told him at that time, in this place, he was family.
His name is Bill Palmer. Joe is the taller one on the left of the picture.
Special thanks to Jeff Harris, Dave Pinsky, Glenn Barret of Kaiser Air, and the great volunteers of Pacific Coast Air Museum for making a magical moment in time that my family, my grandfather, and all those there will remember forever."
