Fighter pilot luncheon attendees at Birnam Wood. Photo by Adam Lewis.
SANTA BARBARA — Seventeen pilots, current and former, came together at Birnam Wood Golf Club for a luncheon in February to bond over stories of flying and catch up on the latest in military and aviation.
Coordinated by the Pierre Claeyssens Veterans Foundation, the luncheons have been occurring several times a year for more than five years. Most of the attendees are local, but one hailed from as far as San Diego.
Gen. Bill Begert – who served as commander for the Pacific Air Forces, among many other leading roles in the Air Force – provides military briefings and the latest news on the warfront, new weapons and aircraft. Begert is also a member of the PCVF Board of Directors.
Some of those who attended help with the flyovers on Veterans Day weekend in Santa Barbara, which are organized by Michael “Viper” Maloco.
The attendees’ experience spans from military flying in World War II, in which Air Force Colonel Hugh Dow served, to more recent wars as well as commercial flying.
About Pierre Claeyssens Veterans Foundation: Pierre Claeyssens Veterans Foundation is committed to honoring the men and women who have served in U.S. military efforts. PCVF does this by supporting veterans and active duty members, and related partner organizations, in Santa Barbara and Ventura counties as well as preserving military history and legacy. The Foundation works to uphold Pierre Claeyssen’s vision that those who have served are “Never Forgotten.” PCVF is funded entirely by private donations. For more information, visit www.pcvf.org or call (805) 259-4394.