Beginnings of the Wright Stuff Squadron

Author: Unknown
Date: Unknown
Media Gallery: Bobcat Prep at Midland and Arrival at Brookville

We all know how it started with the Wright Brothers here in dayton, and jumping years later, we come to 2001.

The wright stuff squadron of greater dayton was conceived in may 2001. the original idea was the earlier brainchild of col. robert lock, from eaton, ohio and the late col. fred cusick of texas. thinking that since dayton was home to the wright brothers when they built their first airplane, it seemed appropriate that there should be a unit with their name on it. earlier attempts a year prior had not resulted in much success, but these two did not give up.

A group of 8 western Ohio members of the Commemorative Air Force (then Confederate Air Force) got together at the Brookville, Ohio Airpark, to discuss the possibility of creating a new squadron in time for the Celebration of the 100th anniversary of the Wright Brothers first flight, an event that would attract thousands to the Dayton, Ohio area in 2003. After the initial discussion, the group agreed to meet again in April. Letters were sent out to area C.A.F. members, advising of the plan and next meeting date.

The April meeting was held, informally, and a larger group continued discussions and began laying out the foundation for the formation of the group. Potential members discussed dues, goals, startup money, projects and C.A.F. requirements.

The group continued informal monthly meetings, and each month was growing in numbers, and each month was growing in spirit.

By July, 2001, paperwork was filed with the C.A.F. Headquarters in Midland,TX, asking for the approval of The Wright Stuff Squadron to be activated as a "stand alone" squadron of the then Confederate Air Force. A squadron that would either stand on our own, or fall on our own.

At the General Staff Summer Conference in Midland,Texas, approval was given to The Wright Stuff Squadron of Greater Dayton to become the newest unit of the C.A.F., marking only what is believed to be, the 2nd time in the history of the C.A.F. that a newly formed unit was formed as a "stand alone" unit, reporting directly to Headquarters and not assigned to a supervisory Wing.

By September,2001, the unit had grown to over 35 members. Elections were held, positions appointed, and official goals defined. Original Elected Officers remained as those who were working in an "unofficial capacity" up to this point. Unit Leader-Lowell Slatter, Executive Officer-Bruce Campbell, Adjutant-Scott Swafford, Finance Officer-Jeffery Mitchell, OPS Officer-Russell Cook, Maint.Officer-William Hatton, and Safety Officer- Larry Underwood were elected to official positions for the group. We were assigned our requested airplane, a Cessna T-50-"Bamboo Bomber". Phone calls had been made weeks earlier, and now were being made again, inquiring the condition of the airplane, which had been sitting in the hangar in Midland since approximately 1994.

By December,2001, arrangements were being made to fly to Midland and work on the airplane, in hopes of flying it back to Brookville, Ohio,where it will be based. Membership had now grown to over 40 members. Weather problems cancelled the trip numerous times, and Col. Bill Goekin, who resided in Texas, worked on the airplane as he could, repairing a known fuel leak, and performing some fabric work, and conveying information to the Unit Leader.

February 16, 2002, an entourage led by Col. Bill Hatton (Maintenance Officer) and consisting of Col. Russ Cook(OPS. Officer) - Col. Jesse Estes and Col. Dean Hawkins left the Brookville Airpark in a rented van for the 24hr. drive to Midland, to retrieve our bird. The group worked day and late into the night, for a week , trying to complete the necessary inspections and corrections to the aircraft, which had been sitting idle for approximately 8-9 years. At the end of the week, the decision was made to return home without the airplane. A problem had come up that would require an outside source to assist with, so arrangements were made for that to happen, and the group returned home, knowing that a future trip of approximately 4 more days of work, would be needed to bring the aircraft home.

On March 27, 2002, it was learned that Col Fred Cusick had passed away. As mentioned earlier, Col. Cusick was one of two Colonels who had the original idea of a squadron named The Wright Stuff in honor of the 2003 celebration of the 100th anniversary of the Wright Bros. First Flight. Fred had earlier sent money for a champagne christening of the airplane for its arrival at Brookville, OH.