Marine invasion

While the Spirit of Innovation was in its annual maintenance period last week, the other pilots and I were up in Akron for an airship operations meeting. Just because we aren't flying doesn't mean all the action stops. We were honored at the base with a visit from the Marine Corps Band. I'm sorry that I missed meeting all the men and women from the band, but I heard they had a great time touring the base and airship.

We had some shirts and pins to give the band members, but after they arrived it was clear we were going to run short. It was decided that the shirts and pins would be given out starting with the highest ranking band member and working down. The surprise came when our Crew Chief Steve Hogan called up the lowest ranking Marine and presented him with the American flag that was flown on our airship prior to maintenance.

As the son of an Air Force pilot, my hat always goes off to our soldiers. I just hope I'm in town the next time they visit.