EAA Chapter 25 Banquet Features Gary Powers, Jr.

EAA Chapter 25 sponsored a fantastic banquet on Sunday, Oct. 3, at the Crystal Lake Golf Club and Banquet Facility in Lakeville, Minnesota.

The guest speaker was Gary Powers, Jr., the son of famed Cold War pilot Francis Gary Powers, who was shot down over Russia on May 1, 1960, while flying a U-2 CIA spy plane. The downing of the U-2 in 1960 was one of the most talked-about events of the Cold War.

The event was depicted in the Steven Spielberg movie "Bridge of Spies."

Powers was captured by the KGB, subjected to a televised show trial, and imprisoned, all of which created an international incident.

Soviet authorities eventually released him in exchange for captured Soviet spy Rudolf Abel.

Upon his return to the United States, Powers was exonerated of any wrongdoing while imprisoned in Russia, yet a cloud of controversy lingered until his untimely death in 1977.

During his hour presentation, Powers discussed facts and dispelled misinformation about the U-2 incident involving his father and what the family has done to set the record straight.

Before dinner Powers signed copies of two books, "Letters from a Soviet Prison" and "Spy Pilot" while visiting with the 130 plus banquet guests, who enjoyed a social hour overlooking beautiful views of the golf course.

There were two long tables set up with numerous valuable silent auction items, that helped raise money for a "new" future EAA Chapter 25 hangar at Airlake Airport.

After the social hour a buffet dinner was served followed by the FAA's presentation of two Wright Brothers Master Pilot Awards.

Recipients included Retired Northwest Airlines Capt. Jerry Farrell and Jerry Schiroo, a former scheduled Part 135 owner and retired NetJet pilot.

FAA presenter Rod Vigstol from the Minneapolis Flight Standards District Office was very professional yet unpretentious in his presentations. Everybody loved his style, especially the two recipients and their families.

Powers gives his presentation internationally, but if you are lucky, you may get a chance to see him near you or at AirVenture. If you do, jump at the opportunity. If not, visit http://www.garypowers.com. You'll enjoy the presentation and learn something about a Cold War hero and an American patriot.

(Editor's Note: Patrick Halligan is EAA Chapter 25 banquet chairman.)