The 50th National Stearman Fly-In continues in Galesburg today (THURS) with activities continuing throughout the day from 9am to 5:30pm. From 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. there will be narrated tram rides along Stearman flight line for the general public. The cost is only $1 per person. There are 139 planes that pre-registered for this years event. There will be two big seminars today. At 3:30pm, Boeing Stearman ‘”Old Crowe’ Coming Home to the USA” with Hans Nordsiek from the Netherlands and at 6pm, “Remembering 9/11/2001” with former Commander Colonel Mark Tillman, who was the pilot in command of Air Force One on September 11, 2001. Chosen as the nation’s 12th Presidential pilot, Colonel (ret) Mark W. Tillman served as pilot and commander of Air Force One from 2001-2009. Col. Tillman was at the controls of Air Force One through numerous national events. Most notably, he protected the President on September 11, 2001 by keeping him out of harms way and connecting the flying oval office to the nation’s first responders.
Another historic event was being the first pilot to fly the Commander-in-Chief into a war zone. The challenge was unprecedented–transport the most targeted man in the world into the heart of terrorism. One mistake would have left the President open to attack and cost the lives of US service members. Col. Tillman personally orchestrated and executed the covert operation with flawless success. His planning, done in complete secrecy, allowed for a complete surprise to the entire world.
Col. Tillman’s distinguished career spans 30 years in the United States Air Force. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross in 2004 and promoted to Brigadier General by the President of the United States–the first military line officer to receive this honor. For political reasons this was not confirmed by the Senate, hence Tillman retired as a Colonel.
A man devoted to serving his country, this captivating storyteller will give you a first-hand account of remarkable moments in history.
The seminar will be followed by a meet and greet with Colonel Tillman from 7 to 8pm. Both seminars will be at the International Stearman Community Center. The public is invited to attend. Bring a lawn chair.
