Aviation From My Rocking Chair

One of the great things about writing this column are the wonderful memories it brings back. After a lifetime of Airplanes and Airplane people, allow me to drop just a few names, and share some stories.

Max Conrad (1903-1979) “The Flying Grand Father”

In the fall of 1971, my flight instructor called and asked if I would like to meet Max Conrad. It seems that Mr. Conrad was in Amarillo overnight for a talk with the Lyons Club the next day, but no one knew who he was, or why he was there! As he was unfamiliar with our town, he looked up our FBO in the Yellow Pages (remember them?) and called. Being very surprised that no one was available at the Lyons Club to help. Ken, our FBO owner and my flight instructor offered Mr. Conrad and his daughter a room for the night. Ken also asked if he could invite some of us over for coffee, and Mr. Max Conrad said “Sure”.

Five students and our wives spent three hours listening to stories of record flights, techniques for fuel economy, and sights he had seen. What a quiet, articulate man. At the end of the meeting, I asked Maxes daughter if she had heard these stories before and she gave me a big smile, rolled her eyes, and said “Yeeessss”.

Joe Foss (1915-2003) Leader of “Foss’s Flying Circus.”

While recovering from my neck operation in the summer of 1995, I was wandering (when I could still wander!) about the Camarillo, CA EAA fly-in. It was a hot, sultry, and dusty afternoon, not long before the show ended for the day. Ambling (notice I really don’t walk anywhere? I mostly wander or amble.) down a taxiway between rows of tents, I noticed an oddly familiar gentleman sitting at a table by himself, surrounded by books. Now, the Marine Corps is very proud of their history and they teach it starting in boot camp. Even though I had seen a much younger picture of this man, I recognized him very quickly. He was Marine Major, Air Guard General, and Medal of Honor winner, Joe Foss.

It was troubling to see one of my heroes sitting alone, so I walked into the tent. After announcing myself as Rick Vaux, Corporal, USMC., Mr. Foss stood up, shook my hand, and said; Hello, Marine. We talked nearly 15 minutes about his WWII squadron VMF 121 and the fact that I had spent about a year as an A4 Plane Captain with VMA 121 before transferring to helicopters. Before I left, I bought a copy of his book “A Proud American” and asked if he would sign it. He wrote, “My best wishes to RICK. God bless you! Joe Foss 17 June ‘95”.

He stood up, again shook my hand, and said, “Semper Fi” Corporal, then laughed as I said. “Semper Fi” Major.

If you get a chance, read: “Into the Wind” The story of Max Conrad (Au. Sally Buegeleisen), and,“A Proud American” The Autobiography of Joe Foss (Au. Joe Foss with Donna Wild Foss).

But wait! I have more! Fortunately for y’all, the brain and fingers have again deserted me at the same time (plus I promised Elisa I would tighten up this column!)