PILOT CLASS 43-D

The Pilot Class 43-D Association was the concept of Frank Dutko, a graduate of Aloe AAF, Victoria, TX. He assembled the first reunion in Ft. Walton Beach, FL. in April 1984, where 17 attended.

At the second assembly at Camp Spring, MD, and Andrews AFB in April 1985, a formal structure was established. Over 74 members and their wives attended. Members agreed the organization would be open to all graduates of 43-D regardless of their graduation field or training command, anyone who began training with 43-D, as well as widows of former members of the class.

Incorporated in the State of Florida in March 1985, the Pilot Class 43-D Association is an IRS approved non-profit service organization.
The roster now exceeds 1137.

The “Delta Eagles”, as they prefer to be called, meet annually at sites selected on a rotational basis between Southeast, Gulf Coast and West Coast Training Commands. The organization’s official newsletter, “THE 43-DELTA EAGLE” is published quarterly, keeps the members informed of happenings, history and antics of fellow members.

The association has grown and gained fame in national air-related publications like AIR FORCE MAGAZINE and AIR POWER HISTORY (formerly AEROSPACE HISTORIAN).

The active membership proudly boasts three Medal of Honor recipients, retired General Officers to include 4-star rank, a former astronaut, and a host of airmen who attained status of ACE. In addition to retired military, there are retired airline Captains, Movie Stars, Authors, Publishers, Lawyers, Doctors, Dentists, and Ministers.

Medal of Honor Recipients:
William R. Lawley, Air Force, WWII
Edward S. Michael, Air Force, WWII
Joe M. Jackson, Air Force, Viet Nam

United States Air Force General Officers
Gen. David C. Jones
Maj. Gen. G. B. Dettinger (Pilot, former Dep. Surgeon-General)
Lt. Gen. Russ E. Dougherty (Exec. Dir. Air Force Assoc.)
Lt. Gen. W. W. (“Bones”) Marshall
Maj. Gen. Herbert J. Gavin
B/Gen. Wiltz P. (“Flash”) Segura
General David Jones, Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff

Astronaut
Donald (“Duke”) Slayton

Familiar names
John W. Conrad, VP Braniff, better known as William Conrad, (Radio voice of Matt Dillion in Gunsmoke, “Cannon” in TV series, and “Jake and the Fatman” TV series).

Jack Palance, TV and screen actor.

This organization is the first known and recognized Pilot Class Cadet oriented of its size and kind. They are dedicated to comradeship among their members and are composed of men whose lives and dreams have been devoted to flight.

PILOT CLASS 43-D Assoc. Officers

BOARD OF DIRECTORS:
West Coast Command:
Jack Patton
George Tripp

Gulf Coast Command:
Frank Rolla
Powell Schuemack

Southeast Command:
Charlie Brown, Chairman
George Savage

PAST PRESIDENTS:

Eugene Causey.......1985 - 1986

Frank Dutko.........1986 - 1987

Eugene L. Riser.....1987 - 1988

Charles Brown.......1988 - 1989

Jack Songer.........1989 - 1990

Ken Harris..........1990 - 1991 

Jack Patton.........1991 - 1992 

Vic Nunenkamp.......1992 - 1993

George Tripp........1993 - 1994

Art Speer...........1994 - 1995

Otis Prichard.......1995 - 1996

Harold Peterson.....1996 - 1997

Robert G. Babb......1997 - 1998

Frank J. Rolla......1998 - 1999

Robert Alter........1999 - 2000

Charlie Brown.......2000 - 2002

Ed Ondre............2002 - 2003

Frank Rolla.........2003 - 2004

Frank Dutko.........2004 - 2006

Robert Alter........2006 - 2008




 
 

 Home