DTG 29 July 2001

1. Representative contingent of Dog Pirates of Florida departed on time, 0800 hrs 28 July 01 minus "Cpl. Slovenz" who had gremlin problems with his electrical system. Cpl. Slovenz, using his field expedient training, exorcised the gremlins and caught up with the Dawg Flight at Palatka, Florida. Contingent composed of Cpl. Slovenz, Slick Sleeve Kepler and Deadeye Brewer.
2. Continuing West from Palatka, the weather gremlins continued in their frontal attack mode, thus forcing the Dawg Flight to stop and/or deviate numerous times enroute.
3. End result was arrival at Cornelia, Georgia 1630 hrs. (approximately 5 hours behind scheduled arrival).
4. The Tennessee contingent was attacked by cousins of the Florida weather gremlins, but like the Florida contingent, they overcame the odds. Their arrival was put back to approximately 1745 hrs.
5. On 29 July 01, again the weather gremlins appeared . This caused the
USAF F-16's to be delayed by 7 minutes and also forced them to change their
missing man formation to a straight fly by.
6. The Dawg Flight being in the area of operations observing the memorial
site, surrounding trees and the closing weather, made a last-minute change of
the fly by plan . It was collectively decided that in order for the townspeople to see the fly by, it would have to have an approach directly up the only cleared area adjacent to the memorial site. Thus, the alternate fly by plan was activated. Here is the change of concept that was enacted:
Brian Flax, acting as Dawg flight one (1), flew orbits over the gathering while the Honoree's former Colonel gave a verbal presentation of the Birddog, it's capabilities, it's roles in combat and it's various uses to the gathering at the memorial site . At the conclusion of the presentation, Brian formed up with Dawg Flight which was maintaining an orbit approximately one mile away from the dedication site . At this time, the Dawg Flight was vectored in by Jerry Bourquin, who assisted the Dawg Flight with ground to air comms. Because of the inclement weather, this was most appreciated. Dawg flight then flew a "safe" fly by in trail so that all of the people in attendance at the dedication could visually observe just what the Colonel had previously noted in his speech.
7. Tennessee Flight proceeded to memorial reception . Departure date and time to home station unknown.
8. Florida Dawg Flight departed the AO (Area of Operations) at approximately
1630 hrs after more electrical and brake gremlins appeared. The flight made it as far as Tifton, Georgia before being attacked again by weather gremlins . RON at Tifton and departed for home station 0900hrs 30 July . Arrived at respective Florida airports from 1000 to 1100 hrs. Mission complete. Problems encountered: weather, weather, weather, electrical and brake gremlins.

Conclusion:
The honoree's son and immediate family were given the opportunity to fly in the Birddog as his father had so gallantly done. The townspeople were given the chance to visit the 4 Dawgs at the airport and many photos were taken. The mission was a definite success. The hospitality of the Memorial Committee, the family and the townspeople was outstanding . It was our privilege and honor to do what little we did to help make the Dedication a success.

For the Cpl. (Slovenz)

Tue, 31 Jul 2001 08:06:09 - 0400

Email to IBDA:

Thanks to the 01 Birddog association for your being their to honor
Captain Hilliard A. Wilbanks. The family, memorial committee, and community.

Thank you all from the bottom of our hearts for making the dedication come alive in
his honor. Even when it looked as if the weather was going to make it impossible to land in Cornelia, out of the clouds came three Birddogs and then a few hours later
a fourth broke through and landed, we all are thankful for your commitment and great skills.

It is great to know that such a great group of people are so committed. Thanks again for making this dedication such a success. It is estimated that there were between 700 to 1000 people there, and all were clapping when the 01's past overhead, just 1000 feet above their heads.

Sincerely,

Alan DeWitt