I am a Life Member of the National Aviation Hall of Fame. The organization was formed by Congress to honor past and present aviation heroes.
My involvement started through my friendship with Col. Joseph W. Kittinger, Jr. and his family. An accomplished military and private aviator, he is not only enshrined in the Hall of Fame, he is also on the nominating committee. Each year four heroes are enshrined. Two living and two deceased is the normal mix. This year I am nominating an individual who has been talked about here over the last few weeks and in the past. I am a friend of his two sons, Homer, Jr. and Boyd. My nominee is the late General Homer Boushey, the JATO Ercoupe pilot and engineer (1941 and 42 as a Captain) and test pilot for the Bell YP-59 (as Lt. Col.) and later the first jetfighter squadron commander in the US Air Force. He had a close personal relationship with Robert Goddard, the father of modern rocketry, who was Godfather to one of the General's daughters. Because General Boushey holds a place in the history of the Ercoupe and in rocket assisted aircraft research, I am raising this nomination. These nominations can always use extra support. Can I ask each member of the group to send me a letter. The letter should reach me by the end of April if possible as I am submitting the nomination by May 15. The letter is simple and could go something like this and hundreds of the same letter are A-OK. No sin plagerizing here: ### Sally Smith 1 Anywhere Lane Someplace, KY 10201 Phone and email optional April 20, 2001 John S. Craparo 1 Richard Pearse Cove Georgetown, TX 78626 Subject: Nomination of General Homer Boushey into National Aviation Hall of Fame Dear John, I would like to add my name to the list of individuals supporting the nomination of General Boushey for enshrinement in the National Aviation Hall of Fame. I have been an aviator for (X) years and an A&P mechanic for (X) years. (you can list all your rating and hours, military experience, aircraft types flown or admired, etc. if you would like. You do not have to be a pilot to nominate... heck, have all your kids, significant others, and friends write too.). General Boushey deserves a place next to the great women and men already honored by the NAHF. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to lend my name in support of the General's nomination to the NAHF. Sincerely, Sally Smith ### When I receive your letters (and wouldn't it be great to have hundreds), I will scan them into a file which will be submitted to the committee. In addition, if you have any first hand or documented information about the General, feel free to let me know about it if you feel it will help. It may be useful in building our case. Thanks in advance and feel free to respond publicly or privately with questions or comments. Best, John
