Well our 4th Annual Toys for Tots Fly-In came off wonderfully, with exceptional
weather, 29 Mooneys, 2 dogs, and lots of kids. All week long the weather
was iffy. But on Saturday. it was sunny, in the 70s, with a whisp of a
wind, and severe smooth flying. Jolie Lucas thought of practically
everything including Poinsettias, snacks before lunch, a special Toys for Tots
banner, a fantastic catered BBQ lunch, cheap gas, a Toys for Tots cake, Free
Hearst Castle tickets for 2 couples, Stearman biplane rides, and a fantastic
performance at the Great American Melodrama. Thanks to Jolie, Mitch, and
Gabriel for planning and executing a great day for everyone.
Usually good upstanding citizens, these VMG Mooniacs appeared to be enjoying the
seasons a little too much with our reindeer antlers. In all truth however,
Jolie forced most everyone to wear the Red Christmas antlers or the natural
color antlers. Regardless of the choice, it sure made us all look pretty
festive.
More and more often, people have been flying in on Friday afternoon for informal
get togethers. Here you can see some of the folks that flew in and enjoyed
dinner together. Here is Mitch & Jolie in front of the VMG Toys for Tots
"cupcake" cake. We even had a choice of chocolate or vanilla
Before this fly-in, I had one opinion of John Deptula and Donn Larson.
After this fly-in, that has changed. It's hard to believe that these guys
use to help run the VMG. Then Ed Shreffler showed up again (mid morning
even) with his Christmas socks in the correct FAA positions. This is Ed's
second annual "wearing of the socks" fly-in. And Ish and Christine brought
their grandkids to the fly-in to make friends with the other kids and puppies
that joined us all.
How cool is our VMG Toys for Tots banner which was donated to us for this fly-in
and also to use for our future Toys for Tots fly-ins. Current and past
Marine Corps veterans joined us for a flag ceremony, the singing of God Bless
America, and then a rousing "Oooh-Rah Semper Fi US Marines" from us all.
There
was no mistaking that this was a Vintage Mooney Group fly-in complete with not
only our own banner, but a decorated cake. We had quite a contingent of
other people who joined us as well from locals, to Piper and Beech owners.
Even the Sigma Kappa Sorority from Cal Poly came and donated 3 big boxes of
toys. There was definitely a giving spirit in the air, in addition to our
Mooneys. This was especially appreciated since it is a tough time for
everyone, which is when charity means even more to those who can use the giving.
Bailey was able to join us and bring Paul and Gina with him. I think
Bailey looks good with the headset.
Phil did a review of our 2008 fly-ins which included our first 2 multi-day trips
to Mexico and outlined our initial plans for 2009.
Then it was off to the daring Stearman rides with JR. Jolie Lucas and
Linda Corman were the first intrepid riders followed by Kevin and Darci Smith,
as well as others.
You knew this would not be a normal flight when JR initiated a nice steep
climbing turn to the right just after the wheels left the runway. And that
was not all, followed by barrel rolls, wing overs, and a loop. Even the
Marines came back with stars in their eyes.
What a great fly-in! Thanks Jolie, Mitch and Gabriel (who invented and
showed us all his "Secret VMG Handshake"). You'll have to ask Gabriel if
you were not there.
Photos courtesy of members Phil Corman, Jolie Lucas,
and Ed Shreffler
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