Gary's Memphis Memorial

[Second Air Force]

Yesterday found Gary's Memphis family and friends at Dewitt Spain Airport to honor his memory. The weather was wonderful and the day was filled with flying, hangar flying, and comeraderie, not to mention a few "Gary stories". Here are a few photos of the proceedings.



The T-33 made several passes earlier in the afternoon. I apologize for the photo.


Kicking tires and talking:


Toward dusk the second flight of the day commenced, first with a wonderful four-ship formation display. Everyone headed out to the edge of the taxiway:


A few moments later, the T-6 broke ground to take our friend aloft for one last time.


The Missing Man:


After securing the airplanes everyone adjourned to the hangar for a wonderful meal, more hangar flying, and storytelling.


Godspeed, Gary Austin!

[Django]

Looks like a really nice send off.

[Bill Greenwood]

I really enjoyed sharing some humor with Gary. I wish I could recall the PM I sent him that he took as I meant it and he got a laugh out of.
I sure wasn't through knowing him, at least from my side.
His name should be permanently on the side of the B-24.

I remember a phrase from a tribute that I believe was for John Kennedy, "You left us too soon".

[flyingsailor]

Bill
The squadron is discussing a way to remember Gary on both the B-24 and the B-29. If you have any ideas, please feel free to pm me, and I will throw the idea out to those making the decisions.

Fly safe,
Chris

[Jack Cook]

Chris,
In all sincerity they should take off the decals from those 2 airplanes. Gary in all his hard work
created more postivie PR, many new members and donations plus a amazing amount of good will
with the CAF has a whole benefited greatly from!.
He truly hated those things on those 2 a/c and the removal IMHO would be the truest and most
lasting way to honor both the man and the aircraft that will fly on for years because of his hard
work, dedication and great spirit!

Last edited by Jack Cook on Sun Nov 15, 2009 8:59 pm, edited 1 time in total.

[Brad]

When I finished flying on Friday I had every intention of going to Memphis. In the end, I just didn't think I could make it through another memorial service so I didn't go. I'm glad I went to the one in Midland and wish I could have forced myself to go to the one in Memphis but I just couldn't do it. Looks like it was quite the party though! I see quite a few people I know in the pictures.

[Dan K]

Bill
The squadron is discussing a way to remember Gary on both the B-24 and the B-29. If you have any ideas, please feel free to pm me, and I will throw the idea out to those making the decisions.

Fly safe,
Chris

Actually, if you know where to look...

[flyingsailor]

Bill
The squadron is discussing a way to remember Gary on both the B-24 and the B-29. If you have any ideas, please feel free to pm me, and I will throw the idea out to those making the decisions.

Fly safe,
Chris

Actually, if you know where to look...

Dan
The image of Kilroy on 'Fifi" with Ol' 927 in the background is going to be included in the upcoming issue of the squadron newsletter that has a tribute to Gary in it. I know that every time I am privileged to fly on either aircraft a part of Gary is with me.

Chris

[rpellicciotti]

As a part of the local Memphis group that put this on, I want to thank everyone that came out. We had a very nice time and I am sure that Gary was pleased with the way it went.

[Second Air Force]

Rick,

From one of the Texas contingent, I would like to express my thanks for all the work y'all put into the day. The Midland service was wonderful and celebrated Gary's work as a superlative mechanic and inspector. Your day captured his absolute LOVE of flying--a dream he was proud to have fulfilled with his Memphis family.

Thank you all,
Scott and Ellen