The role of the WASPs during World War II will be the topic of a presentation at the Sun Lakes Aero Club gathering on Monday, Nov. 18, at the Cottonwood Country Club Lecture Room. The public is invited to attend. (Photo courtesy of the Commemorative Air Force Museum)
Gary Vacin
The Sun Lakes Aero Club will kick off its 2024-25 season with a presentation about the role of WASPs (Women Airforce Service Pilots) during World War II at its gathering on Monday, Nov. 18, at the Cottonwood Country Club Lecture Room. The session will begin with camaraderie at 6:30 p.m., followed by the presentation at 7 p.m.
The public is invited to attend. Our speaker will be historian Valerie Adams, a faculty member at Arizona State University who formerly taught at Embry Riddle Aeronautical University at Prescott, Ariz. She will discuss the history of women in aviation and the development of the WASP program.
Formed in 1943, the organization consisted of civilian women pilots who were attached to the United States Army Air Forces to fly military aircraft during World War II. Each member’s service had freed a male pilot for military combat or other duties. The WASPs flew more than 60 million miles, transported every type of military aircraft from factories to military bases, towed targets for live anti-aircraft gun practice, simulated strafing missions, and transported cargo. Thirty-eight WASP members died during those duties, and one, Gertude Thompkins, disappeared while on a ferry mission, her fate still unknown.
The organization was dissolved in December of 1944. Adams’ presentation is the first in a series of aviation-related topics given at monthly Sun Lakes Aero Club gatherings November through April.
Future presentations include Dec. 16, Art Vernon, “Pioneers of the Air”; Jan. 20, 2025, Jim Theobold discussing his experiences flying for Federal Express and Flying Tigers Airlines; Feb. 17, 2025, Wayne Marsh discussing his flight around the country from city to city in a sport aircraft; and March 17, 2025, Tom Webster, flying A-10 and F-16 jet fighter aircraft.
For additional information on the Aero Club, contact Cannon Hill at 509-539-7857 or Gary Vacin at 480-298-7017.