Veterans honored during base's air expo

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Michael Battles
  • 60th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs Office
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  Recently, several veterans were recognized for their contributions to the U.S. armed forces Sunday during the 2011 "Skies Over Solano" Air Expo here.

The group was composed of veterans from Northern California who served in World War II and Vietnam as well as a Tuskegee Airman.

Col. James Vechery, 60th Air Mobility Wing commander, along with the rest of Team Travis leadership personally greeted the veterans and welcomed them to Travis and the Air Show.

Among the veterans was Capt. John Baeta, former Army Air Corp B-25 Mitchell pilot during WWII, who spent 14 months flying combat missions and was shot down twice by enemy forces.

"It's strange to come back during a big gathering like this," said the 91-year-old veteran. "It's unbelievable to come back and see the changes that the military has become. When we flew missions we had a needle, ball and compass now the planes fly themselves."
Captain Baeta joined because they bombed Hawaii, he said.

"I admire all service members here for joining and serving knowing they are joining during a time of war," he said.

Also in attendance Tuskegee Airman George Porter, who served 12 years with 99th Fighter Squadron, which later became known as the 332nd Fighter Group. Tuskegee Airman Porter began his career as a crew chief, but transitioned into being a flight engineer.

Tuskegee Airman Porter never saw combat, but due to his mechanical knowledge finished out his 12 year enlistment training other Airmen at Tuskegee, Ala.

"Coming to the Air Show I truly see that technology makes all the difference," said Tuskegee Airman Porter. "I've come to several air shows at Travis and this one is the best."