By Kerry Edwards, Public Information Officer
Once again, Cascade Warbirds was blessed with great weather for its Second Annual Fly Day and Party. The event was initiated last year by XO Bob Stoney at Arlington Airport and held this year at Auburn Municipal Airport with plans to alternate between north and south of Seattle. Squadron members were treated to the fantastic hanger-museum and hospitality of Jay Miner.
The Party was also a birthday celebration for member Dick Nelms who’s actual 102nd birthday came earlier this year at a time not so conducive to flying. Dave Desmon again took Dick up in his Navion and Dave swears except for take off and landing Dick did all the flying.
L-17 Navion of Dave Desmon. Note the row of AirVenture participant stickers along the bottom of the canopy.
This Fly Day had 10 pilot owners volunteer rides to members and special invited guests. It was a day filled with 32 flights with 38 passenger seats. Jay Borella came down from Skagit County to head passenger operations assisted by local member Gary Shipler. There were 32 passengers that included squadron members and their families who support Squadron events and two young winners of the CWB Memorial Scholarship. Several got two rides, experiencing rare opportunities.
Eric Olsen treats a full load of members/guests in his Navion.
Kirstan Norris piloted the family IAR 823 at the Fun Day this year.
All were exposed to an amazing variety of aircraft. There was the open cockpit Naval Aircraft Factory N3N-3 of Tom “TP” Jensen, the tandem cockpits of Michael Kopp’s AT-6C, Bob Stoney’s Korea/Vietnam vintage O-1E Birddog, and Trent Hendricks, Varga Kachina. Four place planes included the IAR 823 piloted by Kirstan Norris, two L-17 Navions (Dave Desmon and Eric Olsen), a SIAI Marchetti 1019 on floats of new member Bayan Towfiq, a Cessna 170 piloted by Dan Shoemaker, and the Piper Warrior of Stan “Sundance” Kasprzyk. Joe Griffith had his Nanchang CJ-6C on display.
Trent Hendricks awaits marshaller in his Varga Kachina prior to passenger flights.
Tom “TP” Jensen was worn out by the number of passenger flights he made in his N3N-3 again this year.
Field Operations were well coordinated by a full complement of CWB Marshallers under the direction of Head Marshaller Heijo Kuil including Paul Youman, Rich Cook, Colleen Hale, Rob Mitka, Doug Owens, Tim Pierson, Jasper Scofield, Dennis and Nicholas Van Swol, Alec Felmlee, Pete Jackson, and Brian Ruby. Achieving the goal of safe operations, this team ensured we had no ground safety issues.
Bob Stoney’s Korea/Vietnam vintage O-1E Birddog is a multiyear winner at EAA AirVenture.
AT-6C of Michael Kopp in its 1941 South Africa Air Force livery.
The day long party was treated to amazingly complete complete lunches from Ingallina’s Box Lunch, a local firm who offered a broad choice menu.
Honoree of the Day Dick Nelms, a WWII B-17 pilot who celebrated his 102 birthday earlier this year when flying weather didn’t coincide with the actual date.
Squadron CO Dave Desmon presented Jay Miner with a plaque commemorating the day and an honorary membership. CWB also owes a debt of gratitude to “the other Cascade”, Cascade Helicopters whose Director of Maintenance Justin Heater was super supportive of the event, providing parking and access to the ramp thru Cascade Helo’s gate. And Auburn Airport’s Manager, Tim Mensonides, and his incredible staff also supported the event with ideas and follow through. Cascade Warbirds thanks Jay, Cascade Helos and Auburn Airport!
Group picture of the entire party (minus marshaller Rob Mitka who stepped in to take the picture).
All-in-all it was a great day! We look forward to learning a few lessons and improving so that Fly Day and Party 2026 is even better! Until then, Keep ‘Em Flying.