B-58 Designer Robert Widmer Dies

The designer of the world’s first supersonic bomber recently died in Fort Worth, Tex., at age 95.

Robert H. Widmer was an aeronautical engineer and the designer of the Convair B-58 Hustler. The B-58 Hustler wasn't just the first operational supersonic bomber, but also the first bomber to achieve the epochal speed of Mach 2. It was recognized as a notable aerodynamic achievement.

B-58A-30-CF Hustler—#61-2053—as it appeared in the late 1960s when assigned to SAC’s 305th Bomb Wing at Bunker Hill AFB, Ind.

In his later years Widmer worked on the type of unmanned aircraft that became integral to American warfare in Iraq and Afghanistan today. He went on to lead the design and development of major aircraft like the F-111 “Aardvark” and the F-16 “Fighting Falcon” as well as the Tomahawk cruise missile. His designs helped enforce the cold war strategic balance known as mutual assured destruction.

Widmer died June 20, according to his New York Times obituary. 

 

2011 Air & Space Highlights: Councils

Have you heard about the many types of councils that exist under AFA?

These councils prepare input to identify and prioritize quality of life and quality of service issues facing Air Force members to further help drive legislative action. The members work together to develop recommendations on policy issues which impact the Air Force community. At the 2011 Air & Space Conference and Technology  Expo, these councils will have an opportunity to gather and prepare to make advancements in their mission.

Here are five of our seven councils that take the ideas and issues that are important to you and your families directly to the Air Force and Congress.

Company Grade officers Council:
o  They represent officers in the rank of second lieutenant through captain.

Reserve Advisory Council:
o  They represent the different constituencies of the Air Force Reserve.

Air National Guard Council:
o  They represent the different constituencies of the Air National Guard.

Veterans/Retiree Council:
o  They represent this broad constituency and articulate their issues to the Air Force Association.

Enlisted Council:
o  The Enlisted Council is comprised of the 12 recipients of the Outstanding Airmen of the Year Award and senior enlisted members appointed by the Air Force to advise them. They develop policy recommendations that involve the quality of life and service issues that impact the enlisted force. 

If you have any questions or want to get involved, please e-mail grl@afa.org.

Note from the AFA President: 4th of July

AFA Members, Congressional staff members, Civic leaders, DOCA members:

The 4^th of July is viewed by many as a day off; one for parades, picnics, and barbeques.  It is considered the birthday of the United States.  However, few remember that on this day in 1776 the US Declaration of Independence was adopted by the Second Continental Congress.  By the time it was adopted, the 13 colonies and Great Britain had been at war for more than a year.

On this day we should take the time to pause and remember those who gave us the "right" to be free – the men and women of the US military.  Perhaps the best known quote on this subject is usually attributed to Father Dennis O'Brien.  You can find the quote below my name.

Two other quotes about freedom are offered below.  The first by Thomas Paine and the second by President Reagan.

AFA recognizes the sacrifices of all who have served.  We have recently put two videos on YouTube which depict our Air Force in action to the tunes of the Star Spangled Banner:

... and the Air Force Song: 

 

For your consideration.

Mike

Michael M. Dunn
President/CEO
Air Force Association

 

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It's the soldier, not the reporter who has given us
Freedom of the Press.
It's the soldier, not the poet, who has given us
Freedom of Speech.
It's the soldier, not the campus organizer, who has given us the
Freedom to Demonstrate.
It's the soldier, not the lawyer, who has given us the
Right to a Fair Trial.
It's the soldier who salutes the flag, serves under the flag and
whose coffin is draped by the flag,
Who gives the protestor the right to burn the flag.

Dennis O'Brien

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He that would make his own liberty secure, must guard even his enemy from opposition; for if he violates this duty he establishes a precedent that will reach himself. 

Thomas Paine

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Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn't pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same.

Ronald Reagan

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AFA Celebrates Independence Day

On July 4, 1776, we claimed our independence from Britain and Democracy was born. Patriotic displays and family events are organized throughout the United States in commemoration of this holiday, but today is not just a day to recognize the birth of our nation. It is also a time to reflect on the journey taken to preserve our country’s freedom.

We owe a depth of gratitude to the dedicated generations of heroes who have fought, served and sacrificed in the name of liberty. As we celebrate this Independence Day, we appreciate all the members of our Armed Forces and ask that you remember the many military men and women who continue to ensure our safety at home and abroad.

Our nation has a truly diverse heritage created by and filled with dynamic individuals. As we find this beloved country in harsh economic times, may this holiday continue to serve as a reminder for the great achievements we have made and the hardships we have overcome. It is a time for all of us to come together to celebrate our unity and our heritage.

We at AFA wish everyone a great Fourth of July.

Picture courtesy of the U.S. Air Force

And if you're in the DC area celebrating Independence Day, don't miss out on the 8 PM, pre-fireworks concert by the Air Force Band! Our Air Force Memorial was also mentioned on page 28 of the July 2011 Southern Living Magazine as one of the best "secret spots" to watch the July 4th Fireworks in DC!