Karl Brennan

Karl Brennan – Master Mechanic By Karla Brady, daughter of Karl Brennan Karl M. Brennan, of Lane, Illinois joined the U.S. Army Air Corps in December 1941. After completing Basic Training, he was stationed at Santa Maria Air Base in California where he was...

Bob Ballenger

Bob Ballenger – Flight Engineer 1976 Ballenger during Basic Training Bob Ballenger has seen the world through the windows of a helicopter dubbed “Magic” by the crew who accompanied him on missions for the Illinois Air National Guard. Ballenger grew up in Clinton...

Lee Baker

Lee Baker – Flying Farmer Lee Baker’s occupation was farming but his passion was his work as “ambassador of Illinois aviation.”Baker grew up near Weldon where his love of flying was kindled by the kites he launched over the family farm. In a handwritten account...

Vince Ashworth

Vince Ashworth – Commercial Pilot    Vince’s parents, Robert and Linda Ashworth raised a family of flyers.Robert Ashworth joined the Marines as a military policeman. He used his GI Bill benefits to pay for a pilot’s license at Illini Airport.“He got a...
Skip Armstrong – Helicopter Pilot

Skip Armstrong – Helicopter Pilot

Skip Armstrong – Helicopter Pilot Paul “Skip” Armstrong was expecting the letter from the Selective Service – the draft board was summoning young men from all the small towns of DeWitt County, including Armstrong’s hometown of Wapella. At 23, Armstrong was older...