Military

A Special WWII Veteran

ca-proud-bird.jpgOn this Veterans Day of 2007, in addition to thanking all the veterans for their service, we wanted to recognize a special veteran, David Tallichet Jr. who recently passed away here in Southern California.

Image right: Proud Bird Restaurant – click for large view.

alvo-crew.jpgTallichet flew 20 missions over Europe in the second world war, and then came to California where he became a successful restauranteer and entrepreneur. He was best known for his Proud Bird Restaurant located right next to the final approach path at LAX. David also established Ports O’ Call Village in San Pedro, California, which is a nautical-themed collection of restaurants and shops.

Image courtesy 100th Bomb Group – Milton Alvo crew. Standing (left to right): Walter M. Gibson, Jr., Milton Alvo, David C. Tallichet II and Donald E. Israel, Kneeling: George I. Murray, Boleslaw V. Bitel, Farrell J. Davis, Woodrow W. Wilson and Leonard G. Woodruff. Click on the image for close-up view.

Read the complete article about the life of David C Tallichet, II, from the South Bay Daily Breeze:

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B2 Spirit

I found this photo in my archives and wanted to share it here. Little that I have done in my career in aerospace has made me prouder than to have been on the team that produced this magnificent aircraft.

b2_in_trail

Flag Day and the Army’s Birthday

June 14th is a day to celebrate the Star Spangled Banner and also to recognize the anniversary of the establishment of the Continental Army on June 14, 1775.

old-glory.jpgInspired by three decades of state and local celebrations, Flag Day – the anniversary of the Flag Resolution of 1777 – was officially established by the Proclamation of President Woodrow Wilson on May 30th, 1916. While Flag Day was celebrated in various communities for years after Wilson’s proclamation, it was not until August 3rd, 1949, that President Truman signed an Act of Congress designating June 14th of each year as National Flag Day.

army-flag.jpgThe modern Army had its roots in the Continental Army which was formed on June 14, 1775, before the establishment of the United States, to meet the demands of the American Revolutionary War. Congress created the United States Army on June 3, 1784 after the end of the war to replace the disbanded Continental Army. The Army considers itself to be descended from the Continental Army, and thus dates its inception from the origins of that force. Hooah!

Armed Forces Day Preview

bob-helicopterToday we stopped over to the Del Amo Mall for a preview of Armed Forces Day. The exhibits were still being set up, so we’re going back again on Sunday. The parade and flyover will be tomorrow. Verna took this shot of me posing by an Army Black Hawk Helicopter — A very cool machine. Click the image for full-size.