Page 27 - DFCS NEWS MAGAZINE 2018-2

Ira Eaker Chapter Twentieth Birthday
October 7, 2017
By Carl E. Hudson, VP Membership
The Ira Eaker Chapter of the Distinguished Flying Cross Society celebrated their twentieth anniversary in Little Rock, Arkansas on Saturday October 7, 2017.
Danna Kay Duggar, Manager of the Jacksonville Museum of Military History, assisted President Bob Davis, Bill Kehler, Gary George, and Jim Elmer in planning and preparing the facility for the 87 people who attended the event.
Arkansas State Representatives Jane English and Karilyn Brown attended the party. They are willing advocates for the state veterans for special issues. They were successful in removing the state tax requirements from all military retirement benefits.
Friends and family members also celebrated the event with all their DFC loved ones.
Chuck Sweeney, the National President/CEO of the DFCS, was the guest speaker. He discussed the 2017 DFCS reunion with six “Heroic Women of the DFC” in attendance, the documentary “Distinguished Wings over Vietnam”, as well as covering some aspects for all chapters including membership, delinquent dues, and caring for members.
Chuck Sweeney has been President/CEO since February 2009, a most accomplished nine- year run.
Arkansas State Senator Jane English presented Chuck with an Arkansas Travelers Plaque.
The chapter was started by President/Secretary Jim Farrar in 1997, coordinating with the DFC National Office with what I believe was six members. During the years before Jim's death, the chapter rose to 135 members which was the highest attained in twenty years of service. Jim settled on naming the chapter after General Ira Eaker because the general served in WWII and was deemed a highly decorated aviation pioneer.
The Chapter consists of Gentlemen Officers, Pilots, Navigators, NCO Flight Engineers and Loadmasters. All are willing workers. This combination of great members, plus their wives, contribute to successfully completing all projects, including donations of money when needed.
During the meeting some of the chapter members gave briefings on important subjects.
Jim Elmer tolled the bell for each of the chapter’s deceased members, a very moving and emotional service.
Bill Kehler reminded members who missed Wilmer Plate's 99th Birthday recently that we only have two remaining members from WWII in our chapter, which includes Dub Toombs.
Gary George spoke about our chapter receiving the Chapter of the Year award for 2008.
In 2009 Becky Hartley received a very special award for designing the DFC Flag, a most rewarding effort on her part.
Rick Ivars was able to present Becky with a new DFC flag for her keeping.
As a tribute to the chapter’s volunteer service, we have received many thank you letters from the Red Cross, Children's Hospital, and Little Rock River Front activities.
Everyone enjoyed a catered meal by N&N Restaurant and many a war story was shared.
28 / DFCS News Magazine / WINTER 2018