Page 2 - DFCS News Magazine Summer 2012

The DFCS 2012 Convention only to the heroes of our country. People need to know what veter-
and our newly published book, “On Heroic Wings: Stories of the Distinguished Flying Cross” are the main focus of this DFCS News Magazine.
It is hard to believe the 2012 DFCS Convention is almost here. This year’s location is Seattle, WA, and the dates are August 19th through August 23rd. This is our first reunion in the Northwest, and
the Convention Committee has planned many exciting and histori- cal events. The clock is ticking, so don’t miss out on what promises to be a premier event. The Registration Form and list of events are in this News Magazine, plus they are also available online at our website (www.dfcsociety.org). The registration deadline is July 19, 2012, so get those Registration Forms in NOW! For first-time visitors to the Northwest area, this is the perfect time of year to admire the beauty of Seattle and surrounding region. There are many events and functions scheduled for this year’s Convention, including a Silent Auction, fantastic tours, registration gifts, fine meals and a closing banquet that will honor our WWII Veterans with a Special Tribute. I am looking forward to attending and hope to see many of you there.
I am very proud of the book that our Society published this year. “On Heroic Wings: Stories of the Distinguished Flying Cross” in- volved a lot of work by many people, and the final product is beauti- ful and very compelling. This is not just our opinion! We have re- ceived much positive feedback from those who have seen and read the book. The main reason for this project is to continue our efforts in educating the general public about the Distinguished Flying Cross medal and the ways in which its recipients impacted Ameri- can history.
For the members and friends who purchased this book, we thank you profusely for your support. For those who haven’t purchased it, we urge you to do so. You can be proud of showing it to your family and friends. This is an opportunity to get the story of the Distinguished Flying Cross out to the public, and we need your help to do it.
It is an honor to have had the Foreword and Introduction written by famous people (President George H.W. Bush and Jim Lovell) who are also members of the DFC Society. Our readers are impressed by the book’s high quality and low price. The front and back covers are striking, but it is the stories inside that are simply incredible. Sadly, some members indicated they are not interested in buying the book, if their personal story isn’t included. With over 6,000 members in our Society, it is obvious only so many stories could be told; however, the intent was not to tell each recipient’s story. The purpose of this endeavor was to publish a few examples of action that serve to define the DFC awardees who, in turn, are representa- tive of all the recipients of the DFC. This book was published in our effort to preserve the legacy of all DFC recipients.
As mentioned earlier, your help is needed in fulfilling our goal of educating the public about the history of the DFC. Take a moment to think about what the results might be, if each DFC Society mem- ber had a copy of this book on their coffee table. Show it to your family and friends with pride – let them know you have a DFC award, too, even if your personal story isn’t included. I bought ten copies for my children and grandchildren! Put a copy of your cita- tion inside your book! This is a most prestigious award presented
ans have achieved so that we may all live in freedom.
Present a copy of the book to other organizations you belong to or consider buying copies for the local ROTC or JROTC, military groups, local libraries, school/college/university libraries and local gift shops. If you can’t afford to personally purchase copies for the- se venues, take your personal copy and show it off. The book sells itself. When someone is interested in buying a copy, simply contact me, and I will be happy to help them or refer them to our website. If you are an active or retired Airline Pilot, get the word out there to your fellow pilots. Bruce Huffman, a DFC Society Director, sold 42 books to a company that will give them out as gifts for their custom- ers. I visited my local library with a copy to show, and they pur- chased one.
I believe it is imperative that we keep our legacy alive for future generations. We receive inquires daily from people who have lost a loved veteran and their stories are always the same. They didn’t know the deceased person had been awarded this medal; they had never heard any story about the war or occasion that warranted this award. They ask for information regarding what the DFC is and why their loved one was awarded it. We can’t afford to let our lega- cy go unnoticed – we fought too hard for it. This book is our tool to assure this doesn’t happen.
For those who haven’t bought or seen the book, we have included several representative stories from it in this issue of the DFCS News Magazine.
Chuck Sweeney, President & CEO, DFCS
USMC
Summer 2012 Issue Page 2