CAF Headquarters Announcement

[SPANNERmkV]

[quote="Second Air Force"]Gary,

Your dedication to safety above everything else was the primary reason I got involved. Your attention to detail and passion to do things correctly are a rare commodity nowadays.


Like SCOTT said!

You have improved the B17 immeasurably.
There's never been a time when we didn't take what you suggested as a "BEST PRACTICES" and tried to change our plan accordingly.

Best wishes from meself and David Carr and the rest of GCW!

SPANNER

[tulsaboy]

We're sure gonna miss you, Gary, but we know that you're headed to some more great adventures! All the best, and thanks for keeping us in the loop!

kevin

[B29B24crewchief]

Does anyone know what his new endeavor(s) is/are? Or is that Classified?

That's something I'm sure he will share with you when the time comes.
Dave

[Bill Greenwood]

I hope this was Gary's choice or even better that the choice was mutual. As a CAF life member since the 80's, my thanks to Gary for the good work he has done, and hope that whatever his future course is that he have blue skies and fair winds.

[K Gottschall]

Gary you will be missed! Thanks for all you have done, especially getting the Zero going again in Midland, just one of many reasons you will be a hard act to follow. Make sure to call if ever you need a helping hand in the future.

Ken

[67N20]

Best of luck to whatever career field you end up in.

I've learned so much by reading the conversion of Diamond Lil to Ol' 927, to think I could "almost" change a prop or even "start" a B24 after reading all the info you gave to us.

[henning]

hey there gary,
I just want to add a word of thanks, not only for your contributions to the many threads
but also for all your help on the PT26.. It was very much appreciated and brought many
feelings of comfort for sharing your knowledge. We'll miss you here in the CAF.

Sorry to have missed you at OSH. Don't be a stranger, hope to shake your hand one of these days..and say thanks in person! .

henning

[Chief]

Good luck Gary. I really hate to see you leave. Thanks for your advice and counsel during the days and nights we worked together on the B-29 and B-24.

[Sabremech]

Good Luck Gary, It's been a pleasure to have your insight on the WIX forum. Hope you'll check in on us from time to time.

David
WHF Maint

[Steve Rister]

Gary, hate to see you go man. I'll never forget that before Airsho you
helped me into the Liberator that was being towed. You helped me because I had just gotten a dose of Chemo and couldn't get in myself.
You know, that alone made the show for me...

Take care my friend!

[Alan Brooks]

"Say it ain't so, Joe!" :shock: Gary, I know you have to do what you feel is best for yourself....... That being said, this is just kind of... well killing me..... and I cannot imagine being in your shoes on this one..... we will now have to have a new "Pied Piper" to follow, but for right now, it just does not sound appealing at all...... See ya' in a couple of weeks... Stephanie says hello... and says she can tell lots about life changing events... Best regards and wishes to you always Mr Austin!
Alan Brooks

[MattP38]

All the best Gary, as others hae said perhaps one of these days I'll be able to shake your hand in person. The conversion of Lil alone is nothing shy of monumental. Good luck and you will be missed.

[retroaviation]

Wow.

I want to thank everyone for the very kind words. I apologize for the late reply here, but I've just not been in high enough spirits to post anything (I've also been kind of busy around here...go figure). The decision for me to move on is completely my own, contrary to some of the rumors apparently starting out there. I have some personal issues going on in my life that I need to tend to, and working on and inspecting airplanes that require 100% of my focus, isn't the place for me to be right now. As I've told many of my friends now (which I also consider y'all WIXers to be), it's just time for me to step out of the batter's box for a bit, until I get things worked out.

There's an old saying that I often refer to when I work on or fly these old airplanes......."These planes were designed to kill people, and they've been doing it ever since." Different things work for different people, but when I keep that thought in the back of my mind, I tend to be more careful when I work and/or fly. With these current issues I've got, I'm not able to stay as focused as I feel I should, which could result in bad workmanship or airmanship. The thought of me doing something that causes harm or even death to someone, is terrifying. If I can't keep up with my own standards, then I shouldn't be in this line of work....period.

So with that being said, I'll likely be more of a lurker than a participant on WIX for a while, but I may drop a line in from time to time. Either way, it's been fun and educational having the conversations I've had with y'all.

I'm not at liberty to say exactly what I'm going to be doing in the future, as I have several options I'm working on sorting out. In the short term, I will just do what I have to do to keep the bills paid. So whether it's me selling off parts at Austin Acres or me "Super Sizing" your next meal at the drive thru, be sure to let me know you're a WIXer, and maybe I can sneak you in a discount.

Sorry for the rambling, and best regards,
Gary

[warbird1]

Good luck Gary! I feel like a big part of WIX is leaving us with your departure. You know you are among friends here. Whatever obstacles and conflict you face, there are probably several of us here who have faced the same strife. You're always welcome to talk to us for whatever ails you!

Even though I'm disappointed, I understand and respect your decision. At least you have the foresight to recognize when you are not at your best given that maintenance plays such a critical role in keeping people safe.

Gary, will you be moving from Midland and if not, will you have any presence whatseover at HQ?

[engguy]

FiFi's gona be sad.

Good luck Gary, your not alone with problems, I'm sure most of us have our share too.