BigRig379

[marchplumber]

Wanted to say a hearty "THANK YOU" to this fine gentleman! Took time and effort away from a hectic schedule to meet, greet, and escort my active duty son and myself at the Collins Foundation tour! Amazingly polite and considerate. Put up with all the "usual" questions with grace and poise. A man who said what he meant and followed through. Thanks again, and if I can EVER be of service in any of your many ventures, don't hesitate to reach out!

Careful bout speeding over that bridge, neither of us would make that million from the story! lol

 

[marchplumber]

Amazing DAY! Thanks BigRig379 =)

Hey there Gents!

I know, I know, everyone has a "Bigger is better" story or an "engine swap" story....................... Recently there was a thread about a radial aircraft engine that caught my attention. A member had done an AMAZING job of making some truly incredible art! SETOYOTA did a bang up job. I was impressed. My Pops failed Army Air Corp training in WWII and became infantry, through that conflict and the next. My Uncle was a bombardier on a B-17 over Europe, my last Uncle was an anti-aircraft gunner for the Navy. GREATEST generation, that's the truth!!

Long story short, I made a comment or two on the thread, complimenting the achievements accomplished. A member I didn't recognize at the time chimed in with a line something like, "you should come see mine"............

Well???? I DID!!! WOW!! What an AMAZING adventure and what an INCREDIBLE young, talented, kind and gifted young man! THANK YOU GARY for your kindness and patience with an old man who just had back surgery and his lovely bride! We couldn't have asked for a better host and guide. Met MANY great people and STILL hope to do a once in a life time event and fly in a 1944 B-25 Mitchell.......

Chaplain knows, there are "NO mistakes in God's world" so, it didn't happen today, and honesty, it might not happen tomorrow, if HE isn't willing. BUT, I did meet a wonderful mechanic and I hope a life long friend! The living history and amazing information is tremendous! I'll post up some pics of my own, if there is interest in this thread *some are good, some ain't so good! LOL*

If ya want they REAL good stuff, go here! https://www.collingsfoundation.org/

That'll show ya the birds from some amazing angles!! Great people!! GREAT WAR BIRDS!!! and amazing fellowship!! Don't get much better!!

 

[USAFSS-ColdWarrior]

Salute & Applause !

 

[98G]

I've dealt with Gary multiple times and it has always gone well.

We drove my M925 over Mt Lemmon in AZ once, and he's come to KS and driven my M818 as well.

 

[Guyfang]

In the last few issues of Air and Space magazine, there is a good article with great pictures coving the Collings Foundation.

 

[BigRig379]

In the last few issues of Air and Space magazine, there is a good article with great pictures coving the Collings Foundation.

I’m in that magazine!!


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[marchplumber]

I’m in that magazine!!


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Show off!!!

Just needed photos of excellent mechanics!! Lol

 

[marchplumber]

Well, they're off to the next LZ.......

Regretfully, my wife and I did not get to fly.........

Wasn't in His will this time.....maybe? next? Praying so......

"Thy will, not mine, be done in this and in all things, now and forever!". Right Chappy? =)

 

[Guyfang]

Everything comes to those with patience. Don't despair!

 

[marchplumber]

Everything comes to those with patience. Don't despair!

Tis true, but when ya get an opportunity, sometimes it's best to "go for it"................ Gary was great at putting things together and from a bunch of different angles, but first and foremost,,,,,,,,,,,,,,wanted to fly with my best friend!!! My wife!!! Second, with such recent back surgery, flight times were limited................(also limited by depth of wallet) LOL but,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,I have a less Faith than a mustard seed, but I try....................so, wife and I turned everything over to the Lord upstairs. His will was that we not fly THIS time..............who knows about next. AMAZING thing is, we met some fantastic people, laughed, joked, learned, got dirty, got oily, and even got in a bit of trouble................. Had a final fly over today of the P-51 two-seater...................THAT sounded SA-WEEET.......another precious gift. Met a fine young man, an excellent mechanic, couple great pilots, ground crew,etc etc..................PLUS!!! I got signed up for the "Honor Flight" to Washington!! WOW!! Does a guy's Thursday usually go better than that? I was allowed some ONCE in a life-time accomplishments that most will NEVER duplicated or forgotten by me! God is GOOD! ALL THE TIME!!

It's an incredible group, and the aircraft are VERY impressive.............the mental imagery of the young men who flew, won, lost, and died in similar aircraft is mind boggling. If you get the opportunity, PLEASE take it! Events and machines likes these are getting rarer by the day!

Thanks BigRig379! Bet they will have ya jumpin up North! Be a LOT busier than here.................Wife and I are extremely grateful for the time, the experience, and the friendship....................stay safe!!

 

[USAFSS-ColdWarrior]

At this thread's OP's request I have merged his two postings about BigRig379.

Tony,
You're very welcome, brother!





And as a private not to you sir (yet for all to see)....

 

[marchplumber]

HIS plan, either A or B, is ALWAYS the best. Not always the most comfortable. Definitely not always the easiest. Yet, trust in Him and live life, "One day at a time".....................Thanks Chappy!