Page 6 - Aerotech News and Review, July 20 2018

High Desert Hangar Stories
Joe Walker: Aviation hero and family man
time looking for a judge for beauty pageants, chili cook offs, community queens and a whole host of other activi- ties, not to mention a stint with the An- telope Valley Fair’s Rural Olympics!
But the one story that is so Joe Walk- er is the one about the year he coached the Quartz Hill Little League team, the Stars!
See WALKER, Page 7
by Bob Alvis
special to Aerotech News
Many times I wonder what the next installment of High Desert Hanger Sto- ries will be.
After all these years, it amazes me that every time I sit down it doesn’t take long for another aspect of val- ley aviation history to make its way through my keyboard, to the pages of Aerotech and to you.
A couple of phone calls last week- end with some childhood friends ended with me having a conversation with Jim Walker, one of Joe Walker’s kids. We got on the subject of community service and how the test pilots of that time were very family- and community-oriented.
When the phone call was over, I knew I had my column for this week. It’s a joy to pass this little bit of a Val- ley icon’s life on to you, with a unique look at the man whose achievements live in the history books and who flew during a very special time in aviation history.
Joe Walker, a decorated World War II P-38 pilot and NASA test pilot, was the man who inspired many a young aviator with his comic book cover and action-hero lifestyle. He was respon- sible for many aspiring flight test engi- neers or pilots who went on to study the disciplines of flight, launching journeys
house for a period of time and helped with implementing many of the pro- grams that helped Valley youth to be better citizens and team-oriented when it came to group activities. Later, he brought the same message to the Boy Scouts of America here in the Valley when his son Jim joined those activities.
Joe was always in high demand and the community came calling many a
Joe Walker was a P-38 pilot in Italy during World War II.
Courtesy photograph
in higher education that would benefit all mankind and spur adventurous spir- its to challenge the unknown in air and space.
But what many folks never realized was Joe’s commitment to the communi- ties he lived in and how far he would go after a day of busting records and risk- ing his life to be just another father and family man, taking part in community activities in order to give his family as normal and full a life as possible.
Joe was a regular attendee at the Methodist church here in Lancaster on West Ave. J and would root his family
in the teachings of the ‘Good Book.’ He was involved with many outreach programs that were put forth by that church, which still stands today!
Thinking back, can you imagine how cool it must have been to sit at a Sunday service and realize the guy sit- ting next to you flew the X-15 and was searching for the same spirituality as you in a Sunday sermon!
Joe was also a member of the Ante- lope Valley YMCA. Looking at some documents from my time as an Indian Guide at the “Y” along with my dad, I noticed that Joe was Chief of the Long-
Joe Walker the family man.
Courtesy photograph
July 20, 2018
YOU DON’T HAVE TO LEAVE
ANTELOPE VALLEY TO GET
INNOVATIVE CANCER CARE
Maria C.B. de Leon, M.D. • Hans Schoellhammer, M.D. • City of Hope is a pioneer in innovative cancer treatment and compassionate care. Our world-class cancer expertise is available right here in Antelope Valley. We offer a full range of services such as medical and surgical oncology, infusion therapy and chemotherapy. Plus, our patients benefit from our ongoing clinical trials and research. We also accept a wide variety of insurance plans. To make an appointment or find out more, call 877-828-3627 or visit us at CityofHope.org/Antelope-Valley
FIND A NEW HOME BASE FOR YOUR TROOPS
When you receive your PCS the clock starts.
You need to move soon and sell your current house even sooner. As a Military Relocation Professional (MRP), I understand your unique situation and have the knowledge to make the most of every transaction, selling and buying. My goal is to find a location and community quickly, so that you and your family can feel at home.
Thank you for your service and welcome home
ADRIAN RISSLING CalBRE # 01810117 REaltoR assoCiatE
MilitaRy REloCation PRofEssional (MRP)
661.618.8130
AdrianRissling@gmail.com
Making the dReam of homeownership a reality
Whether you’re buying, selling, refinancing, or building your dream home, give me a call and I can help make the dream a reality.
Ask me about using VA Bonus Entitlement
VA • FHA • Conventional USda Financing
JeANette DuARte
loan offiCER
661.810.5611
jeanette.duarte@mwfinc.com
nMls# 253913
6
Aerotech News and Review www.aerotechnews.com ........ facebook.com/aerotechnewsandreview
©2018 City of Hope