A few months ago John heard about a Eureka old-timer who still flies his Piper Cub and has his own airstrip on his property. John has been interested in compiling a history of aviation in the area. So, he contacted Orvin and made arrangements to meet with him. He's been there several times to see Orvin and his wife, Echo (Isn't that a great name?! I've been out there with him once and met them, too). Orvin was a crew member on a B-17 bomber stationed in Europe during WWII. Like most veterans he has lots of stories to tell and he's been able to tell John a lot about aviation in the Tobacco Valley, too. John read a few weeks ago that the Wings of Freedom Tour would be stopping at Glacier Park International airport (Kalispell). They are touring with a P-51 Mustang and three bombers...the B-24, the B-25 and the B-17. He knew Orvin would have a great time seeing the B-17 and reminiscing. He contacted some other Eureka pilots and they cooked up a plot to take Orvin to Kalispell for the famous $100 hamburger (those of you that fly know what that is :). John also contacted the head of the tour to make sure Orvin would get a tour of the plane and this man called The Daily Interlake to let them know that Orvin would be there. It all worked out perfectly. Orvin flew to Kalispell with Dale thinking they'd be meeting some of the rest of us for lunch. The rest of us carpooled and were there to greet them. Orvin was full of smiles and today was the front page headliner in The Daily Interlake.
Here's the Eureka pilot contingent watching the planes land and taxi to the display area...Roy (whom you've met before as our "hangar angel"), Willy, Dale, Orvin, John, and Bob.
