Legend of Airpower shares life story

Photo By Staff Sgt. Zoe Wockenfuss | Retired Army Air Corps 1st Lt. Ray Firmani, World War II B-17 pilot, was the guest speaker at the quarterly Hangar Talk May 10, 2018, at Dover Air Force Base, Del. Firmani flew 25 combat missions over Germany, which earned him the Distinguished Flying Cross shown on his hat. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Zoe M. Wockenfuss)  

DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, DE, UNITED STATES

05.10.2018

Story by Airman 1st Class Zoe Wockenfuss 

436th Airlift Wing

Team Dover welcomed retired Army Air Corps 1st Lt. Ray Firmani, a B-17 pilot during World War II, as the guest speaker during the quarterly Hangar Talk, May 10, 2018, here.

The event was sponsored by the Air Force Association, the Airlift/Tanker Association and the Daedalians. The 436th Airlift Wing Heritage event was the last Hangar Talk Col. Ethan Griffin, 436th AW commander, will host before he leaves Dover AFB.

Being only the third of its kind, the Hangar Talk featuring Ray Firmani successfully drew in more than 30 Airmen. The event brought together veterans and active duty service members to listen to the lessons and experiences of Firmani.

“I feel it is important that we pay tribute to those who came before us and continue to learn from past experiences, and what better way than firsthand,” said Capt. Gus Lamadrid, 3rd Airlift Squadron C-17 Globemaster III pilot. “These Hangar Talks provide an opportunity for all Airmen alike, past and present, to experience our heritage and a part of history that not many get the opportunity to.”

Firamani told stories about the 25 combat missions he flew during his time in the Army Air Corps as well as the lessons and experiences he gained throughout the years.

Hangar Talks are held once every quarter and typically showcase a different veteran each time. These guests come and share their stories with Team Dover Airman.

“It is especially important to learn about our early history when airpower was emerging,” said Airman 1st Class Cody Whittenburg, 436th Operations Support Squadron aircrew flight equipment technician. “Knowing where we came from is the foundation of the greatness we are building upon as an Air Force. The points of view and the heritage bring us together to celebrate where we came from and where we can go from here.”

These events are meant to bring Airmen together to learn about the history in the profession of arms and become more aware of the changing operations of the military.

“We want people to have fun and take advantage of being able to have one on one conversations with these ‘legends of Airpower’,” Lamadrid said.

• Date Taken: 05.10.2018
• Date Posted: 05.17.2018 08:54
• Story ID: 277322
• Location: DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, DE, US