Last night, September 28th, Colorado honored the 120th Fighter Squadron. 120 FS is a unit of the Colorado Air National Guard, which is located at Buckley Air Force Base in Aurora Colorado. The “REDEYES,” as they are called, are a descendant organization of the World War I 120th Aero Squadron who began service on June 27th, 1923. In 1946, they became the first Air National Guard unit to obtain federal recognition, which sparked the motto, “FIRST IN THE AIR GUARD.” The Wings Over The Rockies Air & Space Museum honored the aviation heroes for their knowledge and flight skills. Attendants were encouraged to listen to these legendary heroes as they shared their war stories about the 120th Fighter Squadron’s 90 years of service.
Guests enjoyed a happy hour like setting with stories along with a “triple threat” potato bar, “flying high” buffet display, and a “go in” dessert display.
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Attendees wait for the program to begin
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BG Trulan Erye and BG Tom Peraro
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Keisha Makonese and Melany Barber
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Deb Eyre and Lt Col Floyd Dunstan
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Sarah and Ed Figueroa
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Al Lopez, Dale Boogie, MG Mathias, and Tony Lopez
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Jody and David Dickerson
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Teneyck and Tracy Latourrette–she is one of the first female fighter pilots in the world.
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Adam Borgos and Michele Post
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Bea Wilhite and Greg Brewer
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J.B. Stone, Corie Devay and Joshua Burger
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Andy Love and Buck Buckingham
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Rick Fradl and Mitch Neff
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Denise Melka and Jack Wilhite
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Shauna Petersen and Denise Melka
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Buck Buckingham
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Jeff Martin, Don Crawford, Wes Thorton
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Ellen and Don Berry, Greg Anderson and Steve Strachan
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Mike Paradise and Charlie Betts
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Emil and Cheryl Lessen
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Kristen and Brian Beatty
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“Kojack” and Ike Turner
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Cindy and Paul Franz, left, with Floyd and Sheryl Dunstant
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Jennifer and Javier Perez
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Emily and Tim Conklin
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MG Mathias, DO Neary, Dale Boogie
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Russ and Corey Oakes and Jay Gates
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Monica, Brannon and Mark Johnson
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Dr. Kim Bjugstad and Jerome Dyck
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Rob Bielanski and Craig and Sarah White
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Peter Luce and Carolyn MacRossie
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Janie Williamson and Sherri and David Kerr
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Pat and Leah Hanlon
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Attendees listen intently
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Jose Thomas and Joshua Burger
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Jose Thomas and Joshua Burger
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Wings Over The Rockies Air and Space Museum
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Wings Over The Rockies Air and Space Museum
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Wings Over The Rockies Air and Space Museum
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Wings Over The Rockies Air and Space Museum
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Bistro Boys Catering
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Reminiscing with the speakers
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Bob Beabout and Joshua Burger
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Bob Beabout and Joshua Burger
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Bob Beabout and Joshua Burger
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Enjoying the speakers
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The reception
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Wings Over The Rockies Air and Space Museum
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The mascot, the Colorado Cougar
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Wings Over The Rockies Air and Space Museum
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Jack Wilhite and Joshua Burger
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Jack Wilhite and Joshua Burger
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Flight helmet
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Jack Wilhite and Joshua Burger
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Jack Wilhite and Joshua Burger
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Jack Wilhite and Joshua Burger
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Joshua Burger talks to the audience
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Joshua Burger continues his speech
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Colorado Air National Guard poster
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Sara Platt and Marty Moser
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Displays at Wings Over The Rockies Air and Space Museum
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Wings Over The Rockies Air and Space Museum
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The reception
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The crowd mingles
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John Jones, Karin Marshall and Jeff McDonald