WASPs flew military aircraft during World War II

SAGLE - The Bird Aviation Museum and Invention Center will honor the magnificent, pioneering women in the world of aviation during Women of Courage 2010, a celebration with the community and a chance to share memories Saturday, July 17, at the museum.

More than 20 WASPs (Women Air Force Service Pilots), of the less than 300 still alive, are planning to attend this historic, once-in-a-lifetime event that includes the unveiling and dedication of a monument in their honor. The monument also honors other American women who served their country in World War II, including the WACs, nurses, Rosie the Riveters and other courageous women.

"I think it is a great, great tribute to them," said Pam Bird, cofounder of the Bird Aviation Museum and Invention Center. "There are only a few museums in the country that have truly honored the WASPs with a monument dedicated specifically to them, as well as to all women in the military, past, present and future, and those in their community whom 'make a difference'."

More than 1,000 WASPs were pressed into wartime service from 1942 to 1944 and trained to fly everything from fighters and bombers to transport and training aircraft. The first women in history to fly military aircraft, they amassed more than 60 million miles flying and 38 died in service.

Bird added: "I have learned so much since January when I have decided to take on this project. It has been a blessing to talk with these ladies."

In March, many of the surviving WASP members traveled to Washington, D.C., to accept the Congressional Gold Medal, one of the highest civilian honors awarded by Congress.

The public is invited to meet these women who helped pave the way and change history in aviation in this free event.

History of the WASPS: The Women Air Force Service Pilots (WASP) was a pioneering organization of civilian female pilots employed to fly military aircraft under the direction of the U.S. Army Air Forces during World War II. The female pilots, trained at Avenger Field in Sweetwater, Texas, would end up numbering over 1,000, each freeing a male pilot for combat service and duties. They received training as aviation cadets with no combat or gunnery training, but were expected to fly maneuvers that were necessary to recover from any position.

These women were the first women in history to fly military aircraft and paved the way for every female military pilot who is serving our country today. We most likely would not have female pilots in the military without the special passion and dedication of these women who flew over 60 million miles in World War II.

For additional information, please call 208-255-4321 or visit www.birdaviationmuseum.com.

WASPs flew

military aircraft

during World War II

SAGLE - The Bird Aviation Museum and Invention Center will honor the magnificent, pioneering women in the world of aviation during Women of Courage 2010, a celebration with the community and a chance to share memories Saturday at the museum. More than 20 WASPs (Women Air Force Service Pilots), of the less than 300 still alive, are planning to attend this historic, once-in-a-lifetime event that includes the unveiling and dedication of a monument in their honor. The monument also honors other American women who served their country in World War II, including the WACs, nurses, Rosie the Riveters and other courageous women.

"I think it is a great, great tribute to them," said Pam Bird, cofounder of the Bird Aviation Museum and Invention Center. "There are only a few museums in the country that have truly honored the WASPs with a monument dedicated specifically to them, as well as to all women in the military, past, present and future, and those in their community whom 'make a difference'." More than 1,000 WASPs were pressed into wartime service from 1942 to 1944 and trained to fly everything from fighters and bombers to transport and training aircraft. The first women in history to fly military aircraft, they amassed more than 60 million miles flying and 38 died in service.

Bird added: "I have learned so much since January when I have decided to take on this project. It has been a blessing to talk with these ladies."

In March, many of the surviving WASP members traveled to Washington, D.C., to accept the Congressional Gold Medal, one of the highest civilian honors awarded by Congress.

The public is invited to meet these women who helped pave the way and change history in aviation in this free event. History of the WASPS: The Women Air Force Service Pilots (WASP) was a pioneering organization of civilian female pilots employed to fly military aircraft under the direction of the U.S. Army Air Forces during World War II. The female pilots, trained at Avenger Field in Sweetwater, Texas, would end up numbering over 1,000, each freeing a male pilot for combat service and duties. They received training as aviation cadets with no combat or gunnery training, but were expected to fly maneuvers that were necessary to recover from any position.

These women were the first women in history to fly military aircraft and paved the way for every female military pilot who is serving our country today. We most likely would not have female pilots in the military without the special passion and dedication of these women who flew over 60 million miles in World War II. For additional information, please call 208-255-4321 or visit www.birdaviationmuseum.com.

The day's itinerary includes:

9 a.m. Fly-in at the Bird Airport - NW Chapter 99s, Experimental Aircraft Association, Volunteers of the Bird Aviation Museum and Invention Center, Friends of Sandpoint Airport, Coeur d'Alene Pilots Association and the Spokane Bi-Plane Association.

10 a.m. Special unveiling and ceremony in honor of WASPs and all women of courage who have served our country in a variety of ways.

11 a.m. Lunch made available by Shriners and the Community Assistance League (CAL)

10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. - WASPS and other pioneers will "meet and greet" the community, telling their stories, signing autographs, and educating guests old and young alike.