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Tennessee Flag Bearer

R.Q. Old

The Aircraft

Aviat Husky

Introduction

Hello from Tennessee. My name is "RQ" Old and I am the Tennessee flag  bearer, flying my Aviat Husky, N 981 AM. I am very honored to have been selected by Governor Don Sundquist and Flight Across America to represent Tennessee for these 9/11 ceremonies. I will be accompanied by my co-flyer, Bob Burdette.

On August 28, Governor Sundquist will present us with two Tennessee state flags, both having have been flown over the state capitol. We expect good press and TV coverage of this event. He has also prepared a document appointing us the Tennessee flag bearers and he directs us to make flights to general aviation airports around the state. We are then directed to take both flags to the 9/11 ceremonies.

In addition, he will give us a signature book to be signed by all those we meet at the airports where we land. This signature book will also make the trip with us. The second document to be presented is written to the people of New York City, expressing support by the people of Tennessee to the people of New York City as the first anniversary of our country's great tragedy is remembered. This document will stay with the state flag given to the people of New York City. The Governor and the Secretary of State will sign both documents. I am very pleased that Governor Sundquist and Tennessee general aviation are so strongly supportive of the Flight Across America program.

The flight suits we will wear have a number of special made embroidered patches, to include a large patch on the back with the FLAA logo along with the words, Tennessee Flag Bearer. The right shoulder will have the American flag and the left shoulder will have the Tennessee state flag. The right front side will have the Tennessee Department of Aeronautics patch and the left side will show our names. Since we decided to do the flight suits and received the approval of the governor's office for the design, I note that a number of clothing suggestions have appeared in an effort for conformity. I applaud the initiative of those suggestions but in our case our clothing effort began the day after our selection.

Upon return to Tennessee, the second state flag, copies of both documents, the signature book, some Tennessee state flag lapel pins, the special flight suits and caps will be presented to the Tennessee Air Museum. The governor will make this presentation if his schedule allows.

As a kickoff for the event we have been invited to speak at the Tennessee Aviation and Airport Conference on August 21, attended by airport managers and FBO's. Our flight schedule lists 45 airports to visit between the August 22, and September 4, when we will be in position to depart from eastern Tennessee enroute to Somerset, PA. We will also attend the Pentagon ceremony.

We are seeking sponsors to help defray expenses and that is proceeding reasonably well. In addition, we will sell the FLAA logo patch with the words, Tennessee Supporter. The patches will also be on sale at the Tennessee Air Museum. One of our big days will be August 24, at the annual air show held at Halls, TN, (about 65 miles northeast of Memphis) a former WW II B-17 training base where we will have a booth and pass out FLAA information. All in all we think we have a good program to make FLAA a big success in Tennessee.

I retired from the Air Force with the rank of colonel, having graduated from pilot training in 1944. I was recalled to active duty in 1950 and flew combat missions (64) in Korea in the Douglas B-26 Invader and combat missions (211) in Vietnam in the Martin B-57 Canberra. I served with the Royal Air Force for two years in the mid-fifties flying the Canberra B-2. I have flown slightly over 6200 hours in 32 different aircraft, including the B-1, F-14, F-15, B-17, B-24, B-29, P-38 and the British Chipmunk and Anson.

Bob Burdette is retired from the Army with the rank of Lt. Colonel. He served two tours in Vietnam, the first as an infantry platoon leader and the second as the commander of a helicopter company. He holds a commercial pilot license with helicopter and fixed wing ratings. He is the vice-chairman of the Clarksville-Montgomery County Regional Airport Authority.

With both of us being veterans we feel a special calling to do something for our country in its time of need. In a small way we feel as though we are being called to serve again by being in the FLAA program.

We especially want to commend and thank Molly Peebles and the FLAA staff for everything they have done to put this program together. It makes us very proud to be Americans.

Last Updated: 08/15/02. Copyright © 2002 Flight Across America