SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO.com) — A Sioux Falls aviation group’s World War II warbird will be part of a large national flyover in Washington, D.C. commemorating the end of the war in Europe.
The Joe Foss Squadron of the Commemorative Air Force plans to fly its single-engine, wood, fabric, and aluminum Stinson L-5 observation aircraft at the Arsenal of Democracy on May 8.
The group is currently fundraising to purchase some new equipment to make the 75-year-old tandem seat aircraft safer to fly in modern skies.
Below with more details is a news release from the Joe Foss Squadron of the Commemorative Air Force.
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SIOUX FALLS, S.D. — The Joe Foss Squadron’s L-5 Sentinel single-engine World War II observation aircraft has been invited to participate in the “Arsenal of Democracy” flyover in Washington, D.C. on May 8, 2020.
The event is in celebration of the 75th anniversary of the Allies’ victory over Nazi Germany in the Second World War. A large number of World War II warbirds will participate in the commemoration.
However, to make the trip, the Joe Foss Squadron, which is part of the Commemorative Air Force, needs to raise funds to make several improvements to the aircraft so it can safely fly cross country to participate in the celebration.
Contributors can contribute directly to the JFS GoFundMe page at shorturl.at/aeowK
The fabric, wood, and aluminum tandem-seat aircraft saw action in Germany at the end of World War II as a liaison aircraft for the U.S. Army’s constabulary service. Following its service for the U.S. Army, it was transferred to the New York Wing of the Civil Air Patrol, where it performed search and rescue and other missions.
The aircraft then ended up in private hands before being acquired by the CAF and the JFS. It has participated since then in a number of events, including the Sioux Falls Air Show, been used in aerospace and historic education for the Sioux Falls Composite Squadron of the CAP, and used to give rides to WWII and aviation enthusiasts.
Contributions are needed to install an ADS-B system to make the L-5 more visible on radar to other aircraft. It also needs servicing on its engine and airframe. Contributions will also go to provide fuel and other support of the aircraft and its two-person(?) crew.
For more information about the project or to become a contributor or sponsor, contact Dr. Mark Gregg, JFS adjutant, at markgreggmd@gmail.com or 605.929.1013.
Besides supporting the history and restoration of the L-5, it supports programs that highlight the contributions and patriotism of South Dakotans in all wars, but particularly World War II. The JFS meets monthly at Maverick Aviation, where it also hangars its L-5.
For more information about the Joe Foss Squadron Squadron, go to https://www.cafjoefoss.com/. For more information about the Commemorative Air Force, go to https://commemorativeairforce.org/. For more information about the Arsenal of Democracy, go to https://ww2flyover.org/.
