WWSandMan

My apologies for the forum view permissions mess... I had it set to WW squadron view only while we got things together, and completely forgot to open it up for public viewing. Was kinda wondering why we had so little activity in there. At least I know the view permissions really work! For future reference, all things related to the two WW servers (WW1 and WW2) will be in this area of our forums: https://www.wingwalkers.org/forum/213-ww-multi-player-servers/

~~Salute!~~ Thank you, from the Wing Walkers to all of you, for showing up and taking the time to help us give our squadron mate a proper send off. WWNatops is the sixth WW member to join our "Heavenly Flight". And this was the sixth time I've participated in, and the fifth time I've led, a memorial flight. To say that this is the hardest thing I've done for a hobby is an understatement. I've been a member of Firing Squads and Honor Guards for real life military services. But those were always for folks I didn't know ... It's maybe a bit odd to get emotional (at this stage of life) over the loss of acquaintances known mostly through online venues, but I knew (all) and met (all but the first) of the WW members who have passed. I feel very deeply that I have now lost a sister and five brothers. That's not a cumulative loss I would wish on anyone. Thank you for joining us in tonight's Memorial event. The fact you put aside far more entertaining prospects to join us will not be forgotten. JG1 members are the best friends, and adversaries, anyone could wish for. Thank you gentlemen.

In addition, the custom skin pack for the memorial flight is available here: https://www.wingwalkers.org/vault/natops_memorial/wwnatops_memorial_flight_skin_pack.zip Extract the contents of the zip file to: "(your IL-2 installation path)\data\graphics\Skins\P51D15" Or on Haluter's Skin Downloader, search under "skin packs" for "Wing Walkers P-51D Memorial Flight". HSD will automagically put the skins in the correct place.

~~Salute!~~ First off, my apologies for what is apparently a very late invitation (unless WWGeezer has been by and posted an invite some time ago?) The Wing Walkers are honoring another departed member, Jerry "WWNatops" Spruiel, this coming Tuesday evening, Sept. 14th, 8:30pm Central (9:30 Eastern, 6:30 Pacific). See the graphic below. JG1 and any of your friends who would like to stop in and pay their respects are welcome. One difference this time is that we are offering all visitors an open airport after the WW Memorial Flight has ended, meaning you may, if you desire, spool up and make a pass (or three) in honor/memory of Jerry. We will have folks sticking around to record passes made to add to the final video presented to Jerry's widow, with full credits given. Sim flown will be the latest stock version of IL-2 BoS/Great Battles, TeamSpeak will be used for voice comms (and recorded for inclusion in the video.) Again, my apologies for the late invitation. I do hope JG1 will be able to stop by and help us give Jerry a proper salute. Thank you.

Sharing this here as a Thank You to JG1 for taking part in the Memorial for WWIcy. Video created by WWDubya, with input from everyone... https://youtu.be/ZkEbkDFe7Hw

S! Thank you to all who attended the Memorial service (I know there were a lot of you folks there, impressive turn-out!) If anyone has track files, audio and/or video recordings you'd like to share, please PM @WWGeezer or myself with info on how to obtain those files. We're currently working through quite a lot of captured footage and would love to have any you folks may have captured. ~~~ On an unrelated note, if someone could PM me JG1's own TS (and discord or other comms venue) info, I'd appreciate it. Reason? New build PC, didn't back up everything I thought I did. Now my TS server list has only one entry, when I used to have a couple dozen, lol. Thanks in advance!

I'm kinda stoked... JG1: I can create a private area on our forums for you if you like. Within the Rule the Skies campaign area. Just let me know who to allow in, with the caveat those folks must be registered on our forums. Or I can make the Axis HQ 'forum' a direct link to your forums. Either way, let me know what you'd prefer (or if you have a different suggestion/preference.)

S! Thanks again! (we're all looking out for the Duck... he ought to feel special today, LOL!)

~~Salute!~~ Just wanted to take a minute of your time and brag about a group of friends who have been flying flight simulations since 1992: The Wing Walkers (virtual) Combat Squadron. It's been my distinct pleasure to be a member of the WW's for 99% of that time... While I wasn't one of the few who started the squadron, I was part of the first rounds of recruits to join a couple months later. I am also one of the few remaining from the 1992 era who is still actively part of the squadron. Earlier this month the WW's had their 20th Anniversary "Get Together" in San Diego, California. The center-piece of the WW Get Together was enjoying the MCAS Miramar Air Show. Once I get our site's gallery issues figured out, I'll have links to hundreds of photos from the airshow and other events and venues we visited while in San Diego. For now, you can browse manually through the various contributor's folders on our web space here: http://www.wingwalkers.org/vault/2012_SanDiego_Gathering I wanted to highlight a couple things... First, a group photo of the attending Wing Walkers members: Back row, l-r: Tom "WWGeezer" Emme; Peter "WWPierre" Legere; Dan "WWPlague" Strayer; Monte "WWSandMan" Lewis; Ron "WWChunk" DeRespini Front row, l-r: Jay "WWDubya" Stein"; Ron "WWSpardog" Street; Erik "WWFlybert" Aamot; John "WW8Ball" Fesler Missing the "Get Together" after making plans and reservations, but real-life health, employment and/or family issues made it impossible for them to attend, Tom "WWHappy" Madron; Ian "WWWringer" Smuck; Brian "WBrian" Sawyer; Pat "WWTaco" Mesich. ~~~ Tom "WWHappy" Madron was awarded the prestigious "Art Stacy Memorial Award", commemorating the life and friendship of Art "WWKat" Stacy, who was the first WW member to have passed away. This award is given to the active WW member who best represents the ideals and philosophies of the Wing Walkers squadron. It is the highest honor amongst the WW squadron members to be presented with the Art Stacy Memorial Award. For WWHappy, it was a well deserved and well-earned honor. We have a video of the award ceremony, such as it is, recorded during our visit to the 94th Aero Squadron Restaurant in San Diego. As a plug for the restaurant, if you have an interest in WW1 history (and of course in fine dining!) then this is a "must see" spot in San Diego. Low quality .wmv file of presentation speech of the Art Stacy Memorial Award to WWHappy (in absentia) (I hope to get a high-quality version posted to YouTube soon) ~~~ A special part of the Get Together this year was meeting Chris "WWFalcon" Herr in person... Chris is an active duty U.S. Marine Corps RQ-7B operator. Chris first joined the WW's when he was 16, demonstrating a maturity level beyond his youthful age (the WW's generally don't consider applications from folks under 18). Chris was, and is, a very good combat simulation pilot... and we like to think that his success in the Marines as an RQ-7B operator was at least partially due to his time spent flying with us. Well, it sounds good any way... Here is Staff Sergeant Chris Herr, U.S. Marine Corps: ~~~ As a final note our current Commanding Officer, WWTharn (a musician at heart), put together a heart warming original musical tribute for the WW's 20th Anniversary... For any online gaming group/clan/squadron/unit who do most of their group activities via TeamSpeak, Ventrillo or any other real-time voice communications method, this song will certainly feel 'real'. Friendly Voices, by WWTharn (.mp3 file) Here's looking forward to the next 20 years of flight simulation! Cheers!