Warbird Information Exchange

Gary,

We are gonna miss you, Big time.... You have raised the bar at the CAF and we thank you for that.

I was looking forward to you coming to ND this spring to Bless the Red Tail....

I will tell you what my last boss told me when i quit my last job and bought my business, "Before you go, find your replacement."

In the short time you were in the chair you moved the ball. Good on you!!!!

Tailwinds,
Rozy

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Tailwinds,
Doug Rozendaal

Best of luck Gary. The CAF has lost one of its most valuable assets in my opinion. Things will get better for you I'm sure. I'm sure I speak for most if not all of us here on WIX when I say, if you need any help don't hesitate to ask us.

All the best,

Zack

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Volunteer Coordinator/Curator - Military Aviation Museum - Virginia Beach, VA
"America's Flying Museum"
http://www.militaryaviationmuseum.org

You take care of yourself Gary! Keep your chin up! I'll do my best to keep "your baby" at her best!

Talk to you soon!

JT

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Jay
Just another WarBirds Fan!

I've had the privilege of working around and with Gary for several years and can only echo the sentiments expressed by all of the previous posters on WIX. Gary is the ultimate professional and his passion for aviation is all-consuming. I'm very hopeful that he will be able, in the not too distant future, to return to it. I haven't visited with Gary since he made his decision, but can understand completely with his reasoning. The CAF will definitely be the worse for his departure.

One of my fondest memories was when Gary allowed me to do some very minor work on the stab of his racer #44. I was the only person Gary allowed to actually touch the darn thing: he is very particular about who does work on these machines. I was deeply touched that I was included in a very small circle. Working on the B-24 was another positive experience I had with Gary (an experience shared by Scott and others) and I hope everyone will now see Ole 927 as the ultimate Gary project, and not simply a big ol' bomber.

I'm sure that all who have seen him in action can attest to these observations. I wish him nothing but the best.

Old Shep

Amen, Shep.

Working with Gary is the highlight of my career as an aircraft mechanic. Thrashing on the Pig in 2007 with Gary as Crew Chief was a year that Ellen and I will always treasure.

Scott

I have to say that from what I have seen I think Gary really raises the bar and credibilty of everthing he is involved in, whether we are talking about the CAF or WIX. That can only be attributed to his dedication and passion.

I hope things work out for you - while they usually do in the long run sometimes the journey can be a PIA so best of luck and don't be a stranger.

Steve

Gary, as you know I have already expressed my thoughts privately. This is a public ATTA BOY for all the excellent work you have done with the CAF (and your little racers). I wish you the best in the future and hope you come back to us soon.

Gary,

I'm not usually one to post in these kinds of threads (dunno why, just never really have), but I for one want to thank you for the work you've done on 'Ol' 927' and for the CAF. I've only gotten to meet you a couple of times so far, but each encounter has been a learning experience for me. Your enthusiasm and dedication to the CAF is what's pushed me to be more involved with 'Ol' 927' and hopefully more involved with 'FiFi' when time and money allows me to make more frequent trips to Midland. I hope that you don't go too far from Midland and aviation and we see you back in the future. It would be too great a loss to aviation to have you leave forever.

I wish you well in wherever you go from here.

Well Gary,
A lot has been said and its all true. What else can I add. I have never met you but hope to some day. If you ever get to travel and come up in new england way, gimme a shout and you got a bed to stay in. We can chat about everything but airplanes. Dont be a stranger on WIX and good luck!!!

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Long Live the N3N-3 "The Last US Military Bi-Plane" 1940-1959
Badmouthing Stearmans on WIX since 2005

Gary, sorry to see you go, I think you've really boosted the image of the CAF in recent times, from the "inside". Good luck with your future plans.

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Roger Cain
www.sfahistory.org
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Stearman/


We must limit politicians to two terms:
one in office and one in jail.

Gary,

You along with the new leadership had a significant, positive impact on my previously skeptical view of CAF. I'm now a pilot sponsor of the CAF WI Wing PT-26 and look forward to regularly flying it. You're a class act and I hope to see and hear about you in the warbird world in the future. All the best to you as you embark on a new path.

Paul, not to hijack the thread, but we have a "shiny and very flyable" T-33 down at Midland, that needs a sponsor! Sorry Gary! Alan

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Just call me Al.

Gary is absolutely right and it really shows his great wisdom. His decision must have been very hard, but it is definitely the right one to make.



We should all learn something from Gary's decision making. Just like pushing the weather, or flying when you know you're fatigued, or flying when not 100% mentally prepared..... Gary in his situation make the right decision and we all owe him a pat on the back for it. Heck, Gary... Next time you're Vancouver, BC let me know and I'll treat you to whatever your poison may be.

Good luck Gary!

Cheers,

David McIntosh

I’ve been a CAF member for over 20 years now, and all during this time have either been an elected or appointed Staff Officer at several Wings around the country. Gary has a unique talent of putting a human face on the organization here on WIX, which has helped our organization immensely. I think I’ve lost count of all the folks that have mentioned their view of the CAF has changed, and decided to become active with us.

Gary, we owe you a debt of gratitude, and wish you the best in your future endeavors!

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Commemorative Air Force
Experimental Aircraft Association
Warbirds of America

What are you waiting for? Join us!

Best way to contact me- email my last name @gmail.com

Well, I reckon I can officially say......."I'm outta here!"

Just finished packing up my stuff here at the CAF and am officially unemployed. I'm now going to start the difficult task of identifying, organizing, and selling all of my aviation "stuff" at Austin Acres, so I may post a picture here on WIX from time to time, trying to get some thoughts on the identity of certain objects. Additionally, I may turn some of the items into various pieces of furniture for your "Man Caves," much like the MotoArt folks in Californy do.

And once again, thanks for all of the kind words that have been posted on this thread.

I'm outta here!

Gary