Reflecting back on Joe Chovelak's visit to Pratt
the Week of September 21st thru the 25th 2009.
When Joe first mentioned coming to Kansas several
months ago my first thoughts were "What the heck are we going to do for the
whole week".
Well as you all know, we had a full week and then
some.
Joe is very interesting to visit with and is
always "on" for anyone or anything that comes up.
When I first saw Joe coming down the ramp at the
Wichita Midcontinent Airport I knew we had someone very special coming to
Pratt. He had mentioned to watch for a little guy in a wheelchair with
bushy eyebrows and waving an American Flag.
My feeling is Joe enjoyed the visit as
much as we enjoyed having him here.
Everyone did a fabulous job of helping out with the
visit. There were many things to cover and work out but it was
accomplished very well by our group.
The meeting between Joe and George T. Chandler was
very special. To listen and watch these two Combat Army Air Force Veterans
discuss their various flying missions was a moving experience for those present
in the room. Photos and a digital voice recording of their conversations were
made for our Museum History.
I won't mention everyone's contribution, for fear I
will leave somone out.
The open house went very well. Many stopped by to
visit with Joe and the refreshments were very good. Thanks to those who prepared
them.
The two items that were presented to Joe during the
Open House were a very nice remembrance for Joe on his return to Kansas after
some 64 years.
I think some wondered "Just who is Joe" at the
beginning but now we "all" know who Joe is.
Thanks to all for Helping Fly this Mission with
Joe.
"Well Done"
Phillip Schulz
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President Schulz's Summary Of Joe's Visitposted Oct 1, 2009 6:31 AM by Milt Martin |