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TEXT OF LETTER TO COLORADO GOVERNOR HICKENLOOPER CALLING FOR HIS PROCLAMATION OF
FIRE AVIATION RECOGNITION WEEK
JAN 8-15 2013
AS PUBLISHED AT FLIGHTSPIRIT MAGAZINE (http://flightspiritmag.weebly.com/fire-aviation-tribute.html)
WITH OTHER MATERIAL SUPPORTING THIS PETITION.
CONTENTS:
1) PREVIEW PRESS RELEASE
2) PROPOSED PROCLAMATION TEXT
3) END NOTES
*************
1): PRESS RELEASE: PREVIEW EDITION: RELEASE DATE 21DEC2012
(subject to confirmations)
Spirit of Flight Center is hosting a Fire Aviation Awareness and Appreciation night this(DAY/DATE) from 1-7pm as part of FIRE AVIATION RECOGNITION WEEK JAN 8-15 2013.
Wildfires this year have blackened more than 1200 square miles of Colorado, an all time record by far. Over 40,000 people were evacuated, a figure representing about 10,000 homes. Over 700 of these homes were destroyed in the biggest disaster in Colorado history and recovery efforts are still under way. But the inverse view of that statistic is that when the smoke had cleared, over 9000 of those homes were still standing. Those residents may be thanking their lucky stars, but who they really have to thank are the pilots and crews who fight fire from the sky.
Over 100 aircraft, including numerous helicopters and Single Engine craft, p2v and p4y heavy air tankers of Neptune Aviation and Conair, and C-130 military transports of the Air National Guard combated wildfire in Colorado this year. Over 800 pilots and ground crew sustained the effort to mount over 4000 Fire Flights. These pilots fly into conditions other pilots shun. Dense smoke and soot, shifting hot and cold swirling winds, cyclones, and wind shear hamper visibility, power, and lift and make fire aviation a very risky flight condition. While comprising less than 10 percent of firefighting personnel, Fire Aviation sustains over half of all wildland firefighter fatalities.
Part of the mission statement of Spirit of Flight is "to educate the general public of the significance of aviation, and to inspire future generations." We hope you will join us for this Fire aviation event and learn more about these guardians in the sky. We will have detailed displays on aircraft and crews, photos and videos of Fire Flight operations and narrative accounts. You will also be able to meet aviators and record your own comments for presentation.
This event is to benefit the Wildland Firefighter Foundation as per the request of pilots Todd Tompkins and Ronald Chambless who perished in the crash of P2v Neptune Tanker 11 at Iron County, Utah 3 June 2012 and is in memorium. As part of this, Spirit of Flight is organizing a Flyover Tribute to be flown by volunteer Colorado pilots.
All pilots have good cause to tribute those who go in harm's way and sustain the high standard of Civil Aviation.
Additional viewing assembly areas for this Flyover Tribute are:
1) Air Tanker Memorial, Broomfield. This memorial to Tanker 123 pilots RICK LEE SCHWARTZ and MILTON BERNARD STOLLAK (2002) stands at the entrance to Rocky Mountain Airport, the main base for air tanker operations in Colorado.
2)Scott Carpenter Park, Boulder. Named for astronaut and test pilot Scott Carpenter who began his flying career as a P2v Neptune pilot in the Navy.
3) Mishawaka Amphitheater Fort Collins. This legendary venue survived and overlooks the High Park fire and is holding its own Firefighter Benefit.
Other sites to be announced.
[ VIEW MAP ]
Missing Man Formation is the theme of this Flyover Tribute, but it has been expanded to accommodate solo aircraft participation via specified flightpath over the viewing areas during the scheduled event time-frame. These flights will be documented as participants in Fire Aviation Tribute 2012.
Please see website flightspiritmag.weebly.com for further details.
.
*********
2) PROPOSED PROCLAMATION TEXT
FIRE AVIATION RECOGNITION WEEK JANUARY 8-15, 2013.
WHEREAS The State of Colorado in the year 2012 has experienced the biggest and most damaging wildfire season of all time, and
WHEREAS this includes evacuation of over 40,000 people from over 10,000 homes, and
WHEREAS nearly 900 of those homes have been destroyed resulting in loss in excess $456 million and displacement of 2400 or more persons, and
WHEREAS over 100 fire aviation aircraft engaged in over 4000 sorties against wildfire in Colorado in 2012 and
WHEREAS these air crews fly at high risk into hazardous conditions in an effort to save homes, and
WHEREAS over half of all fatalities of wildland firefighters are sustained in the Aviation sector, and
WHEREAS the success of Fire Aviation is measured by the 9000 evacuated homes that are still standing today and
WHEREAS Firefighting experts agree that Fire Aviation is critical to that success and
WHEREAS Neptune Aviation, which has served Colorado for many years, has sustained 2 pilot fatalities this year in the crash of P2V Neptune Tanker 11 on 3 June 2012, and
WHEREAS these pilots names were: 1) Captain Todd Neal Tompkins of Boise Idaho and 2) First Officer Ronnie Edwin Chambless of Boise Idaho, and
WHEREAS the People of Colorado, on behalf of all the West, owe tribute to the sacrifice of these fire pilots, and
WHEREAS The North Carolina Air National Guard, sister service and co-operative of our own Air Guard has sustained 4 pilot and crewmen fatalities this year in the crash of C-130 Hercules MAFFs Tanker 7 on
1 July 2012, and
WHEREAS these citizen soldiers names were: 1) Lt. Col. Paul K. Mikeal, 42, of Mooresville, N.C.; 2) Maj. Joseph M. McCormick, 36, of Belmont, N.C.; 3) Maj. Ryan S. David, 35, of Boone, N.C.; and 4) Senior Master Sgt. Robert S. Cannon, 50, of Charlotte, N.C. and
WHEREAS the People of Colorado, on behalf of all the West, owe tribute to the sacrifice of these Citizen Soldiers, and
WHEREAS over 400,000 people live in wildfire danger areas in Colorado, and
WHEREAS many of these people do recognize the value of Fire Aviation and desire to express their appreciation, and
WHEREAS these fire pilots are part of Civil Aviation which also provides other lifesaving services in Search and Rescue, Air Medical, and humanitarian and disaster relief, and
WHEREAS, greater awareness of WILDLAND FIRE issues can be achieved through community education, action, and celebration;
Therefore, I, John Hickenlooper, Governor of the State of Colorado, do hereby proclaim
FIRE AVIATION RECOGNITION WEEK JAN 8-15 2013
in the State of Colorado and
I call on citizens to register their appreciation of these efforts by attending assemblies planned and
I call on Civil Aviation to render tribute to these fallen pilots and help give them the sendoff they deserve and,
pursuant to the request of these fallen pilots and others,
I commend to the public the charitable works of these organizations:
Wildland Firefighter Foundation (2049 Airport Way, Boise, ID 83705)
The Friends of the Airmen & Family Readiness Center,
( NC National Guard 145th Air Lift Wing, Charlotte, NC 28208. Charlotte, NC.)
.
Other. (This space for organizations and persons within Colorado that the Governor may wish to include in this Proclamation.)
GIVEN under my hand and the Executive Seal of the State of Colorado, this 7TH day of January, 2013
***********
END NOTES:
All statistics quoted above are derived from published sources and estimates as of Aug 2012 and need updating. In most cases they understate the actual figures at that time.
The dates proposed are pursuant to the 4 week requirement of the Governor's Proclamation Request Procedure. These dates can be further adjusted by the Proclamation if His Honor deems circumstances warrant .The reason for multiple days is weather hedge. Jan 21 is MLK holiday. The name FIRE AVIATION RECOGNITION WEEK refers to the statewide call as specified by the Proclamation and encourages autonomous gathering and program by cities, groups, and pilots. The name Fire Aviation Tribute 2012 refers to the published account and photos sent in by participants compiled as a published tribute. All parties please note the WASP Reunion Event Dec 21 at Wings over Rockies Museum, Denver and our intent to make detailed public announcements of FIRE AVIATION RECOGNITION WEEK at that time.
The Author here is not affiliated with any company or organization mentioned here nor engaged directly in fundraising. Author is an editor of flightspirit magazine who recognizes Fire Aviation as an inheritor of the can-do legacy of Air Transport Command and particularly deserving in this particular season of public recognition and commendation.
Mainstage presentation at Spirit of Flight center is in development and not confirmed as to specific date(s) within the Tribute Week. These elements will be publicized closer to showtime. No other ground production is planned. Viewing areas are assembly only. The cities of Ft Collins, Boulder, and Colorado Springs are forwarded this request and invited to pass similar Proclamations municipally and expand on-the- ground program as they or their local community interest groups may seek to arrange at these sites. Other cities may also designate viewing areas for inclusion on the list. Pilots are urged to act locally.
His honor is advised of parallel effort to reintroduce
'107th CONGRESS 2d Session (2002) H. CON. RES. 457
"Honoring Rick Lee Schwartz and Milt Stollak, who died in a plane crash on July 18, 2002, while fighting the Big Elk fires near Estes Park, Colorado." (complete text at website) which was introduced in 2002 but died in committee. In this 10 year anniversary of that tragedy we are calling for that record to be put right. Also called for is a similar resolution vis current fatalities.
This occasion does not call for participation by fire aviation, but is conveyed as a tribute by other civilian pilots. However, Missing Man Formation is a squadron-to-squadron salute and it is appropriate in the protocols and within the prerogative of the Governor to forward this matter to the commandant of the Colorado Air National Guard.
Thank you for your attention to these matters.
Michael Flanagin [email protected]
DISTRIBUTION LIST THIS DOC: (SIGNAL ARRAY)
OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR, COLORADO
CITY OF FORT COLLINS
CITY OF BOULDER
CITY OF COLORADO SPRINGS
COLORADO DIVISION OF FORESTRY
SPIRIT OF FLIGHT CENTER
WINGS MUSEUM DENVER
WILDLAND FIREFIGHTER FOUNDATION
COLORADO PILOTS ASSOCIATION
COLORADO NINETY-NINES
COLORADO GENERAL AVIATION ALLIANCE
COLORADO COMMEMORATIVE AIR FORCE
COLORADO AVIATION BUSINESS ASSOCIATION
MEDIA:
DENVER POST
BOULDER DAILY CAMERA
FORT COLLINS COLORADOAN
COLORADO SPRINGS GAZETTE
ROCKY MOUNTAIN PUBLIC BROADCASTING (PBS)
COLORADO PUBLIC RADIO (NPR)
CLEAR CHANNEL OF NORTHERN COLORADO
[ NOTE: Clear Channel of Northern Colorado is commended in
H. CON. RES. 457 as sponsors of the Broomfield Air Tanker Memorial in 2002.]
--30--
[ END OF SUBMITTED TEXT]
The Proclamation has been sent to the list above, and you can second the motion to the Governor by way of this text-box link at his website:
http://www.colorado.gov/govhdir/requests/opinion.html
But the Tribute does not require sponsors. It lives with people and pilots acting on their own to give effect to the intent of the Proclamation.
VIEW GRAPHIC VERSION OF PROCLAMATION HERE
YOU CAN SIGN THE PROCLAMATION IN THE BOX BELOW
FIRE AVIATION RECOGNITION WEEK
JAN 8-15 2013
AS PUBLISHED AT FLIGHTSPIRIT MAGAZINE (http://flightspiritmag.weebly.com/fire-aviation-tribute.html)
WITH OTHER MATERIAL SUPPORTING THIS PETITION.
CONTENTS:
1) PREVIEW PRESS RELEASE
2) PROPOSED PROCLAMATION TEXT
3) END NOTES
*************
1): PRESS RELEASE: PREVIEW EDITION: RELEASE DATE 21DEC2012
(subject to confirmations)
Spirit of Flight Center is hosting a Fire Aviation Awareness and Appreciation night this(DAY/DATE) from 1-7pm as part of FIRE AVIATION RECOGNITION WEEK JAN 8-15 2013.
Wildfires this year have blackened more than 1200 square miles of Colorado, an all time record by far. Over 40,000 people were evacuated, a figure representing about 10,000 homes. Over 700 of these homes were destroyed in the biggest disaster in Colorado history and recovery efforts are still under way. But the inverse view of that statistic is that when the smoke had cleared, over 9000 of those homes were still standing. Those residents may be thanking their lucky stars, but who they really have to thank are the pilots and crews who fight fire from the sky.
Over 100 aircraft, including numerous helicopters and Single Engine craft, p2v and p4y heavy air tankers of Neptune Aviation and Conair, and C-130 military transports of the Air National Guard combated wildfire in Colorado this year. Over 800 pilots and ground crew sustained the effort to mount over 4000 Fire Flights. These pilots fly into conditions other pilots shun. Dense smoke and soot, shifting hot and cold swirling winds, cyclones, and wind shear hamper visibility, power, and lift and make fire aviation a very risky flight condition. While comprising less than 10 percent of firefighting personnel, Fire Aviation sustains over half of all wildland firefighter fatalities.
Part of the mission statement of Spirit of Flight is "to educate the general public of the significance of aviation, and to inspire future generations." We hope you will join us for this Fire aviation event and learn more about these guardians in the sky. We will have detailed displays on aircraft and crews, photos and videos of Fire Flight operations and narrative accounts. You will also be able to meet aviators and record your own comments for presentation.
This event is to benefit the Wildland Firefighter Foundation as per the request of pilots Todd Tompkins and Ronald Chambless who perished in the crash of P2v Neptune Tanker 11 at Iron County, Utah 3 June 2012 and is in memorium. As part of this, Spirit of Flight is organizing a Flyover Tribute to be flown by volunteer Colorado pilots.
All pilots have good cause to tribute those who go in harm's way and sustain the high standard of Civil Aviation.
Additional viewing assembly areas for this Flyover Tribute are:
1) Air Tanker Memorial, Broomfield. This memorial to Tanker 123 pilots RICK LEE SCHWARTZ and MILTON BERNARD STOLLAK (2002) stands at the entrance to Rocky Mountain Airport, the main base for air tanker operations in Colorado.
2)Scott Carpenter Park, Boulder. Named for astronaut and test pilot Scott Carpenter who began his flying career as a P2v Neptune pilot in the Navy.
3) Mishawaka Amphitheater Fort Collins. This legendary venue survived and overlooks the High Park fire and is holding its own Firefighter Benefit.
Other sites to be announced.
[ VIEW MAP ]
Missing Man Formation is the theme of this Flyover Tribute, but it has been expanded to accommodate solo aircraft participation via specified flightpath over the viewing areas during the scheduled event time-frame. These flights will be documented as participants in Fire Aviation Tribute 2012.
Please see website flightspiritmag.weebly.com for further details.
.
*********
2) PROPOSED PROCLAMATION TEXT
FIRE AVIATION RECOGNITION WEEK JANUARY 8-15, 2013.
WHEREAS The State of Colorado in the year 2012 has experienced the biggest and most damaging wildfire season of all time, and
WHEREAS this includes evacuation of over 40,000 people from over 10,000 homes, and
WHEREAS nearly 900 of those homes have been destroyed resulting in loss in excess $456 million and displacement of 2400 or more persons, and
WHEREAS over 100 fire aviation aircraft engaged in over 4000 sorties against wildfire in Colorado in 2012 and
WHEREAS these air crews fly at high risk into hazardous conditions in an effort to save homes, and
WHEREAS over half of all fatalities of wildland firefighters are sustained in the Aviation sector, and
WHEREAS the success of Fire Aviation is measured by the 9000 evacuated homes that are still standing today and
WHEREAS Firefighting experts agree that Fire Aviation is critical to that success and
WHEREAS Neptune Aviation, which has served Colorado for many years, has sustained 2 pilot fatalities this year in the crash of P2V Neptune Tanker 11 on 3 June 2012, and
WHEREAS these pilots names were: 1) Captain Todd Neal Tompkins of Boise Idaho and 2) First Officer Ronnie Edwin Chambless of Boise Idaho, and
WHEREAS the People of Colorado, on behalf of all the West, owe tribute to the sacrifice of these fire pilots, and
WHEREAS The North Carolina Air National Guard, sister service and co-operative of our own Air Guard has sustained 4 pilot and crewmen fatalities this year in the crash of C-130 Hercules MAFFs Tanker 7 on
1 July 2012, and
WHEREAS these citizen soldiers names were: 1) Lt. Col. Paul K. Mikeal, 42, of Mooresville, N.C.; 2) Maj. Joseph M. McCormick, 36, of Belmont, N.C.; 3) Maj. Ryan S. David, 35, of Boone, N.C.; and 4) Senior Master Sgt. Robert S. Cannon, 50, of Charlotte, N.C. and
WHEREAS the People of Colorado, on behalf of all the West, owe tribute to the sacrifice of these Citizen Soldiers, and
WHEREAS over 400,000 people live in wildfire danger areas in Colorado, and
WHEREAS many of these people do recognize the value of Fire Aviation and desire to express their appreciation, and
WHEREAS these fire pilots are part of Civil Aviation which also provides other lifesaving services in Search and Rescue, Air Medical, and humanitarian and disaster relief, and
WHEREAS, greater awareness of WILDLAND FIRE issues can be achieved through community education, action, and celebration;
Therefore, I, John Hickenlooper, Governor of the State of Colorado, do hereby proclaim
FIRE AVIATION RECOGNITION WEEK JAN 8-15 2013
in the State of Colorado and
I call on citizens to register their appreciation of these efforts by attending assemblies planned and
I call on Civil Aviation to render tribute to these fallen pilots and help give them the sendoff they deserve and,
pursuant to the request of these fallen pilots and others,
I commend to the public the charitable works of these organizations:
Wildland Firefighter Foundation (2049 Airport Way, Boise, ID 83705)
The Friends of the Airmen & Family Readiness Center,
( NC National Guard 145th Air Lift Wing, Charlotte, NC 28208. Charlotte, NC.)
.
Other. (This space for organizations and persons within Colorado that the Governor may wish to include in this Proclamation.)
GIVEN under my hand and the Executive Seal of the State of Colorado, this 7TH day of January, 2013
***********
END NOTES:
All statistics quoted above are derived from published sources and estimates as of Aug 2012 and need updating. In most cases they understate the actual figures at that time.
The dates proposed are pursuant to the 4 week requirement of the Governor's Proclamation Request Procedure. These dates can be further adjusted by the Proclamation if His Honor deems circumstances warrant .The reason for multiple days is weather hedge. Jan 21 is MLK holiday. The name FIRE AVIATION RECOGNITION WEEK refers to the statewide call as specified by the Proclamation and encourages autonomous gathering and program by cities, groups, and pilots. The name Fire Aviation Tribute 2012 refers to the published account and photos sent in by participants compiled as a published tribute. All parties please note the WASP Reunion Event Dec 21 at Wings over Rockies Museum, Denver and our intent to make detailed public announcements of FIRE AVIATION RECOGNITION WEEK at that time.
The Author here is not affiliated with any company or organization mentioned here nor engaged directly in fundraising. Author is an editor of flightspirit magazine who recognizes Fire Aviation as an inheritor of the can-do legacy of Air Transport Command and particularly deserving in this particular season of public recognition and commendation.
Mainstage presentation at Spirit of Flight center is in development and not confirmed as to specific date(s) within the Tribute Week. These elements will be publicized closer to showtime. No other ground production is planned. Viewing areas are assembly only. The cities of Ft Collins, Boulder, and Colorado Springs are forwarded this request and invited to pass similar Proclamations municipally and expand on-the- ground program as they or their local community interest groups may seek to arrange at these sites. Other cities may also designate viewing areas for inclusion on the list. Pilots are urged to act locally.
His honor is advised of parallel effort to reintroduce
'107th CONGRESS 2d Session (2002) H. CON. RES. 457
"Honoring Rick Lee Schwartz and Milt Stollak, who died in a plane crash on July 18, 2002, while fighting the Big Elk fires near Estes Park, Colorado." (complete text at website) which was introduced in 2002 but died in committee. In this 10 year anniversary of that tragedy we are calling for that record to be put right. Also called for is a similar resolution vis current fatalities.
This occasion does not call for participation by fire aviation, but is conveyed as a tribute by other civilian pilots. However, Missing Man Formation is a squadron-to-squadron salute and it is appropriate in the protocols and within the prerogative of the Governor to forward this matter to the commandant of the Colorado Air National Guard.
Thank you for your attention to these matters.
Michael Flanagin [email protected]
DISTRIBUTION LIST THIS DOC: (SIGNAL ARRAY)
OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR, COLORADO
CITY OF FORT COLLINS
CITY OF BOULDER
CITY OF COLORADO SPRINGS
COLORADO DIVISION OF FORESTRY
SPIRIT OF FLIGHT CENTER
WINGS MUSEUM DENVER
WILDLAND FIREFIGHTER FOUNDATION
COLORADO PILOTS ASSOCIATION
COLORADO NINETY-NINES
COLORADO GENERAL AVIATION ALLIANCE
COLORADO COMMEMORATIVE AIR FORCE
COLORADO AVIATION BUSINESS ASSOCIATION
MEDIA:
DENVER POST
BOULDER DAILY CAMERA
FORT COLLINS COLORADOAN
COLORADO SPRINGS GAZETTE
ROCKY MOUNTAIN PUBLIC BROADCASTING (PBS)
COLORADO PUBLIC RADIO (NPR)
CLEAR CHANNEL OF NORTHERN COLORADO
[ NOTE: Clear Channel of Northern Colorado is commended in
H. CON. RES. 457 as sponsors of the Broomfield Air Tanker Memorial in 2002.]
--30--
[ END OF SUBMITTED TEXT]
The Proclamation has been sent to the list above, and you can second the motion to the Governor by way of this text-box link at his website:
http://www.colorado.gov/govhdir/requests/opinion.html
But the Tribute does not require sponsors. It lives with people and pilots acting on their own to give effect to the intent of the Proclamation.
VIEW GRAPHIC VERSION OF PROCLAMATION HERE
YOU CAN SIGN THE PROCLAMATION IN THE BOX BELOW
EVENTS POSTER
The image above is a photo master for poster publishing which yields 2 long posters per 11x17 page which are then cut. These can also run as a Display Column in newspapers. This master shows both early and late Saturday event dates depending on the final specification of the Proclamation.
___________________________________________
The public is invited to attend the viewing areas denoted on the map below to view the flyovers between
2 and 5 PM any day from Jan 8 to Jan 20, 2013
Also, flightspiritmagazine will publish photos arising from these events from the air or on the ground to be compiled for the
Commemorative Edition.
We will also publish photos of fire-aviation-at-work in te 2012 Season.
The Tribute has already begun.
---------------------------------------------------------------
SEND PHOTOS AS .JPG ATTACHMENT TO EMAIL:
[email protected]
=======================================
2 and 5 PM any day from Jan 8 to Jan 20, 2013
Also, flightspiritmagazine will publish photos arising from these events from the air or on the ground to be compiled for the
Commemorative Edition.
We will also publish photos of fire-aviation-at-work in te 2012 Season.
The Tribute has already begun.
---------------------------------------------------------------
SEND PHOTOS AS .JPG ATTACHMENT TO EMAIL:
[email protected]
=======================================
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