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At the February dinner meeting we were delighted by a talk given by our own DAF'R Dan L. Delane, USAF L/C, Retired as well as the presentation of the club's first Special Aviation Milestone Award.

We learned all about F-5 which was created by Northrop here in Los Angeles and the special meaning it has to many of our DAF'Rs who worked on or flew in the program. We also were entertained by the film that accompanied it which was created at the Western Museum of Flight at Torrance Airport. Special thanks went to DAF'R Cindy Macha and her staff for allowing the use of the F-5A to complete the filming and commentary. Thanks also went to the film's Producer/Cinematographer/Editor DAF'R President Larry Chapman.

In addition to the F-5 program, Skyor Piper became the first recipient of a new type of recognition from DAF - the Special Aviation Milestone (SAMi) Award. The SAMi is intended to recognize special and significant accomplishments in the aviation world by a club member. Skylor was recognized for his achievements at the 2015 and 2016 Reno Air Races which included being first DAFer to race at Reno (just qualifying is difficult) and winning the 1st SLALOM Match Racing Championship (undefeated in 16 head-to-head races). Congratulations, Skylor! (Additional details and photos here).

video 1January's showing of the film “A Gathering of Heroes: The Last Reunion” was a rewarding experience for all. The film celebrated the highly decorated 352nd Fighter Group in WWII who the Germans called the ‘Bluenosed Bastards’. We learned about these special veteran’s as they told their story's in their own words with archival P-51 gun camera footage and some home movies and photos. The film was both informative and inspiring . Afterwards, Brent Wilson shared his experence in making the film and answered a few questions.

Future Programs: If you have any ideas for a program or you would like to present a program, please call Maggie Smith at 310-408-2592

The Cable Air Show had some surprise performances by the trusty band of DAFers who made the trip. Despite mixed up tower frequencies and vague directions, six planes and a dozen DAFers successfully arrived at Cable, and parked on the show line to join the fun. We hit the food court, checked out the display aircraft and classic cars, and watched the aerobatic displays. It was a perfect day, with clear skies and warm temperatures in contrast to the previous days of rain and overcast. After the show was over, an easy departure and a smooth flight back made for a great experience.

DAFers ended the year in high spirits at our annual holiday party on December 7.  PV Golf Club did a very nice job in getting everyone in the Christmas mood with their ballroom and lounge area decorations.  This year we had a new band: In Contempt.  Led by an exceptionally strong lead singer, the band played a lot of Motown and soul classics that kept everyone on the dance floor.  And this reporter only heard compliments with respect to the food and drink.

The 2017 Board of Directors was announced and it was pretty much the same as the 2016 board with a few changed positions.  Steve and Nancy Sappington will take over Photography from Linda Howard, who will take over Decorations from Maggie Smith.  Maggie will be joined by Laurice Churchill to oversee Progams, replacing Steve and Nancy.  President Larry Chapman advised those in attendance that although the board was able to cover all responsibilities this coming year, "fresh blood" will be required for 2018 since ther will definately people moving off the board at the end of 2017.  He committed to starting the "arm twisting in earnest" early in the new year.

A special shout out to Patti LaGrelius for coordinating this very fun event.