-Scheduled Forum Speakers for 2016-
Multiple Forums will be held all day Saturday, June 18th.
Whether you like WWII stories, motivating leaders, aerobatic pilots, or former Thunderbird pilots, we have something for everyone.
Whether you like WWII stories, motivating leaders, aerobatic pilots, or former Thunderbird pilots, we have something for everyone.
Keynote Speaker: William F. Grimsley
Will Grimsley graduated from Davidson College in North Carolina in May 1980 with a BA in History and was commissioned in the US Army as an Infantry officer.
Throughout the next 33 years he served in assignments throughout the United States, Germany, Korea, Kuwait, multiple combat tours in Iraq, and deployments to several other nations. Grimsley held command and leadership positions at every level from platoon through corps, and served on staffs from small unit levels up to both the Joint Staff and in the Office of the Secretary of Defense; with his last tour as Chief of Staff of United States Strategic Command. Among his many awards and decorations, Grimsley earned the Distinguished Service Medal, the Silver Star, the Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit, multiple awards of the Bronze Star, and the Purple Heart for wounds received in combat.
Will Grimsley graduated from Davidson College in North Carolina in May 1980 with a BA in History and was commissioned in the US Army as an Infantry officer.
Throughout the next 33 years he served in assignments throughout the United States, Germany, Korea, Kuwait, multiple combat tours in Iraq, and deployments to several other nations. Grimsley held command and leadership positions at every level from platoon through corps, and served on staffs from small unit levels up to both the Joint Staff and in the Office of the Secretary of Defense; with his last tour as Chief of Staff of United States Strategic Command. Among his many awards and decorations, Grimsley earned the Distinguished Service Medal, the Silver Star, the Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit, multiple awards of the Bronze Star, and the Purple Heart for wounds received in combat.
Tuskegee Airman--George E. Hardy-Lt. Colonel, US Air Force (Ret.)
MILITARY SERVICE: George Hardy entered active duty in July of 1943. He began
Aviation Cadet Training at Tuskegee Army Air Field in Alabama in December of that
year, and graduated as a pilot in September 1944. He received additional combat
flight training at Walterboro AAF, SC and in March 1945 was assigned to the 99th
Fighter Squadron of the 332nd Fighter Group in Italy. He flew 21 combat missions over
Germany. Following his return from overseas in August 1945, he served at Tuskegee
Army Air Field and at Lockbourne Army Air Field in Ohio, and was discharged in
November 1946.
Hardy was recalled to active duty at Lockbourne Air Force Base in June 1948, and was
assigned to the 301st Fighter Squadron of the 332nd Fighter Group. In September
1948 he was assigned as a student in the Airborne Electronics Maintenance Officers
School at Keesler AFB, Mississippi, and in September 1949 was transferred as a Maintenance Officer to the
28th Bomb Squadron of the 19th Bomb Group that flew B-29s in Guam. In 1950, he flew 45 combat missions
over Korea in B-29 aircraft. From 1951 through 1962, Hardy served in various Armament & Electronics
Maintenance Squadrons in the Strategic Air Command and in Japan as Maintenance Officer and as Squadron
Commander. He received his Command Pilot rating in 1959.
In 1964, following the receipt of a graduate engineering degree, he was assigned to the Electronics Systems
Division at Hanscom Air Force Base in Massachusetts. In August 1966, Hardy was assigned as Chief of
Engineering and Program Manager for Development, Installation and Cutover of the 490L Overseas AUTOVON
Communications System, the overseas portion of the Department of Defense’s first worldwide direct-dial
telephone system. The initial sites were successfully cutover in Europe, Panama and in the Pacific in 1969.
In 1970, Hardy was transferred to the 18th Special Operations Squadron in Vietnam as a pilot in AC-119K
Gunships. He served as Operating Location Commander at Udorn Air Base in Thailand and also at Danang Air
Base in Vietnam, and flew 70 combat missions. After returning from Vietnam in April 1971, he retired from
the Air Force in November 1971 with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.
Decorations include the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Air Medal with 11 Oak Leaf Clusters, and the
Commendation Medal with one Oak Leaf Cluster.
POST-MILITARY: In December 1971, Hardy accepted a position with GTE Communications Systems Division
in Needham Heights, Massachusetts where he served in various areas of program management. Major tasks
included management of the continuing development and related
software upgrade of communications systems for the U. S. Army.
He retired from GTE in July 1988.
RELATED ACTIVITIES: Hardy is a member of the Tuskegee Airmen,
Incorporated and is a past President of the New England Chapter.
He is a member of the Air Force Association, Military Officers
Association of America, the 19th Bombardment Association, the
Distinguished Flying Cross Society, the AC-119 Gunship Association
and the New England Air Museum.
MILITARY SERVICE: George Hardy entered active duty in July of 1943. He began
Aviation Cadet Training at Tuskegee Army Air Field in Alabama in December of that
year, and graduated as a pilot in September 1944. He received additional combat
flight training at Walterboro AAF, SC and in March 1945 was assigned to the 99th
Fighter Squadron of the 332nd Fighter Group in Italy. He flew 21 combat missions over
Germany. Following his return from overseas in August 1945, he served at Tuskegee
Army Air Field and at Lockbourne Army Air Field in Ohio, and was discharged in
November 1946.
Hardy was recalled to active duty at Lockbourne Air Force Base in June 1948, and was
assigned to the 301st Fighter Squadron of the 332nd Fighter Group. In September
1948 he was assigned as a student in the Airborne Electronics Maintenance Officers
School at Keesler AFB, Mississippi, and in September 1949 was transferred as a Maintenance Officer to the
28th Bomb Squadron of the 19th Bomb Group that flew B-29s in Guam. In 1950, he flew 45 combat missions
over Korea in B-29 aircraft. From 1951 through 1962, Hardy served in various Armament & Electronics
Maintenance Squadrons in the Strategic Air Command and in Japan as Maintenance Officer and as Squadron
Commander. He received his Command Pilot rating in 1959.
In 1964, following the receipt of a graduate engineering degree, he was assigned to the Electronics Systems
Division at Hanscom Air Force Base in Massachusetts. In August 1966, Hardy was assigned as Chief of
Engineering and Program Manager for Development, Installation and Cutover of the 490L Overseas AUTOVON
Communications System, the overseas portion of the Department of Defense’s first worldwide direct-dial
telephone system. The initial sites were successfully cutover in Europe, Panama and in the Pacific in 1969.
In 1970, Hardy was transferred to the 18th Special Operations Squadron in Vietnam as a pilot in AC-119K
Gunships. He served as Operating Location Commander at Udorn Air Base in Thailand and also at Danang Air
Base in Vietnam, and flew 70 combat missions. After returning from Vietnam in April 1971, he retired from
the Air Force in November 1971 with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.
Decorations include the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Air Medal with 11 Oak Leaf Clusters, and the
Commendation Medal with one Oak Leaf Cluster.
POST-MILITARY: In December 1971, Hardy accepted a position with GTE Communications Systems Division
in Needham Heights, Massachusetts where he served in various areas of program management. Major tasks
included management of the continuing development and related
software upgrade of communications systems for the U. S. Army.
He retired from GTE in July 1988.
RELATED ACTIVITIES: Hardy is a member of the Tuskegee Airmen,
Incorporated and is a past President of the New England Chapter.
He is a member of the Air Force Association, Military Officers
Association of America, the 19th Bombardment Association, the
Distinguished Flying Cross Society, the AC-119 Gunship Association
and the New England Air Museum.
Former Thunderbird Pilot--Matt Modleski
Matt has extensive experience in strategic leadership, management, and healthcare consulting. Prior to his work in healthcare sales and marketing, Matt was an accomplished pilot moving up through the ranks in the U.S. Air Force. He was the 355th Wing Instructor Pilot of the Year and also the Lead Solo Pilot of the United States Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, The Thunderbirds.
His awards and decorations are numerous and include the Distinguished Flying Cross, Meritorious Service Medal, Aerial Achievement Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, and the Humanitarian Service Medal,
Matt is a member of the Air Force Association as well as the Air Force Daedalians. He is also a member of the Experimental Aircraft Association, and the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association. Matt resides in Carmel, IN with his wife Dianne and their two sons, Keaton and Jacob.
Matt has extensive experience in strategic leadership, management, and healthcare consulting. Prior to his work in healthcare sales and marketing, Matt was an accomplished pilot moving up through the ranks in the U.S. Air Force. He was the 355th Wing Instructor Pilot of the Year and also the Lead Solo Pilot of the United States Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, The Thunderbirds.
His awards and decorations are numerous and include the Distinguished Flying Cross, Meritorious Service Medal, Aerial Achievement Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, and the Humanitarian Service Medal,
Matt is a member of the Air Force Association as well as the Air Force Daedalians. He is also a member of the Experimental Aircraft Association, and the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association. Matt resides in Carmel, IN with his wife Dianne and their two sons, Keaton and Jacob.
James Lee Hutchinson--Radio Operator/Gunner B-17
James Lee Hutchinson is a ninety-one year old WW II Eighth Air Corps veteran. He earned the Air Medal with two oak leaf clusters flying twenty missions as a teenage radio operator/gunner on a B-17 Flying Fortress with the 490th Bomb Group. He has recorded 200 + stories from his combat diary, interviews, memoirs and diaries of airmen who faced enemy fighters and flak over Germany in 1941- 1945. Most have passed, but their heroic flights are saved in his four 300 page books with photos. The retired elementary teacher and Principal calls himself a ‘living antique,’ who speaks and writes to report WW II history from an old man who is running out of time.
He holds three degrees from Indiana University (BS, MS, EdS) and retired from thirty-seven years as elementary teacher and administrator. He is an ordained elder of the First Presbyterian Church, Rotary Club Paul Harris Fellow and a fifty year Mason.
James Lee Hutchinson is a ninety-one year old WW II Eighth Air Corps veteran. He earned the Air Medal with two oak leaf clusters flying twenty missions as a teenage radio operator/gunner on a B-17 Flying Fortress with the 490th Bomb Group. He has recorded 200 + stories from his combat diary, interviews, memoirs and diaries of airmen who faced enemy fighters and flak over Germany in 1941- 1945. Most have passed, but their heroic flights are saved in his four 300 page books with photos. The retired elementary teacher and Principal calls himself a ‘living antique,’ who speaks and writes to report WW II history from an old man who is running out of time.
He holds three degrees from Indiana University (BS, MS, EdS) and retired from thirty-seven years as elementary teacher and administrator. He is an ordained elder of the First Presbyterian Church, Rotary Club Paul Harris Fellow and a fifty year Mason.
Airshow Pilot--Billy Werth
Growing up in an Air Force family, Billy has been around some sort airplane his whole life. He started flying in 1988 and graduated with a Bachelors Degree in Professional Aviation Technology from Indiana State University in 1994. In 1992 he started teaching aerobatics and has been hooked ever since. In 1997 he graduated from Undergraduate Pilot Training and started flying for the Air Force Reserves out of Grissom Air Reserve Base, Indiana where he holds the rank of Major, and an Instructor Pilot on the KC-135R Aerial Refueler. He was hired by Chautauqua Airlines in 2001 and is a Captain on the Embraer 170, based in Indianapolis. Billy has over 11,000 hours of flight time in 20 different aircraft, with 1500 of it teaching folks how to fly upside down. So far serving in the Air Force Reserves, he has been deployed to all corners of the globe, including places like Guam, Diego Garcia, Qatar, Tunisia, France, Spain, Germany, Alaska, Korea, Japan, Turkey, Afghanistan, Iraq, and Korea.
Growing up in an Air Force family, Billy has been around some sort airplane his whole life. He started flying in 1988 and graduated with a Bachelors Degree in Professional Aviation Technology from Indiana State University in 1994. In 1992 he started teaching aerobatics and has been hooked ever since. In 1997 he graduated from Undergraduate Pilot Training and started flying for the Air Force Reserves out of Grissom Air Reserve Base, Indiana where he holds the rank of Major, and an Instructor Pilot on the KC-135R Aerial Refueler. He was hired by Chautauqua Airlines in 2001 and is a Captain on the Embraer 170, based in Indianapolis. Billy has over 11,000 hours of flight time in 20 different aircraft, with 1500 of it teaching folks how to fly upside down. So far serving in the Air Force Reserves, he has been deployed to all corners of the globe, including places like Guam, Diego Garcia, Qatar, Tunisia, France, Spain, Germany, Alaska, Korea, Japan, Turkey, Afghanistan, Iraq, and Korea.
CAF Red Tail Squadron Coordinator--Marvona Welsh
Scheduling and Event Coordinator for the Commemorative Air Force’s Red Tail Squadron. She began her airshow industry career in 2001 as a Volunteer Manager with a community based airshow in her hometown. Today, Marvona spearheads the CAF Red Tail Squadron’s highly successful RISE ABOVE Traveling Exhibit at more than 42 airshows and special events throughout the country. She also serves as logistical support in airshow operations. Marvona has coordinated several air shows throughout the country and has worked in numerous capacities with the Thunderbirds and other Military Jet Team Demonstrations, as well as civilian performers.
Scheduling and Event Coordinator for the Commemorative Air Force’s Red Tail Squadron. She began her airshow industry career in 2001 as a Volunteer Manager with a community based airshow in her hometown. Today, Marvona spearheads the CAF Red Tail Squadron’s highly successful RISE ABOVE Traveling Exhibit at more than 42 airshows and special events throughout the country. She also serves as logistical support in airshow operations. Marvona has coordinated several air shows throughout the country and has worked in numerous capacities with the Thunderbirds and other Military Jet Team Demonstrations, as well as civilian performers.
Dr. Richard Baker--Indiana State University (UAV's)
Dr. Richard Baker is the Chair of Indiana State University’s Department of Aviation Technology, Executive Director of the ISU Flight Academy, and Executive Director of the Center for Unmanned Systems and Human Capital Development. Richard holds a BS in Mathematics and MS in Computer Science from Indiana State University. He received his doctorate in Information Systems from Nova Southeastern.
Dr. Baker is a past military commander and aircrew member with extensive aviation, airspace, and base management experience. Retired as a Colonel from the Indiana Air National Guard in 2003, he held several command positions including the Indiana State Director of Operations. His total military experience includes twenty years in Operations (over 2000 hours in the F-4); eleven years in Logistics; and five years in Support. During his tenure with the Air National Guard, he worked extensively with airspace issues, rapid response teams for counter-terrorism, the Counterdrug Operations at United States Joint Forces Command, and was a trainer for the Air National Guard’s Domestic Preparedness Operations.
Dr. Richard Baker is the Chair of Indiana State University’s Department of Aviation Technology, Executive Director of the ISU Flight Academy, and Executive Director of the Center for Unmanned Systems and Human Capital Development. Richard holds a BS in Mathematics and MS in Computer Science from Indiana State University. He received his doctorate in Information Systems from Nova Southeastern.
Dr. Baker is a past military commander and aircrew member with extensive aviation, airspace, and base management experience. Retired as a Colonel from the Indiana Air National Guard in 2003, he held several command positions including the Indiana State Director of Operations. His total military experience includes twenty years in Operations (over 2000 hours in the F-4); eleven years in Logistics; and five years in Support. During his tenure with the Air National Guard, he worked extensively with airspace issues, rapid response teams for counter-terrorism, the Counterdrug Operations at United States Joint Forces Command, and was a trainer for the Air National Guard’s Domestic Preparedness Operations.
Allen Sanderson--WWII P-47 Pilot
Allen Sanderson, a native of Roanoke, VA, entered the Air Corps in 1942, graduated from flying school--Craig Field, Selma AL, July, 1943. He served in the Mediterranean Theatre, North Africa, Italy, Corsica as a P-47 Thunderbolt pilot with the 57th Fighter Group--12th Air Force--completing 118 missions.
After returning from Europe, he was discharged in January, 1947. Then, Major Sanderson served as head of a Reserve Troop Carrier Squadron in his hometown of Roanoke until his discharge from the United States Air Force Reserve in 1950. Afterwards, he moved to Evansville, IN where he currently resides.
Allen Sanderson, a native of Roanoke, VA, entered the Air Corps in 1942, graduated from flying school--Craig Field, Selma AL, July, 1943. He served in the Mediterranean Theatre, North Africa, Italy, Corsica as a P-47 Thunderbolt pilot with the 57th Fighter Group--12th Air Force--completing 118 missions.
After returning from Europe, he was discharged in January, 1947. Then, Major Sanderson served as head of a Reserve Troop Carrier Squadron in his hometown of Roanoke until his discharge from the United States Air Force Reserve in 1950. Afterwards, he moved to Evansville, IN where he currently resides.
Richard Litov, Ph.D. --Freedom Heritage Museum
Richard Litov, Ph.D. serves as the President of the Freedom Heritage Museum at the Evansville airport. He has always had a passion for history and saw the need for Evansville to learn and remember its fascinating World War II history. The vision for the museum is for people of all ages to remember the “Greatest Generation” and their sacrifices and contributions to protect our freedoms.
Dr. Litov serves as the President and founder of Pedia Research, LLC, with clinics in Owensboro KY (est 1996) and Evansville IN. Pedia Research is dedicated to improving health through clinical research. Pedia Research has supported breakthroughs with diseases such as psoriasis, ADHD, and rotavirus.
Richard Litov, Ph.D. serves as the President of the Freedom Heritage Museum at the Evansville airport. He has always had a passion for history and saw the need for Evansville to learn and remember its fascinating World War II history. The vision for the museum is for people of all ages to remember the “Greatest Generation” and their sacrifices and contributions to protect our freedoms.
Dr. Litov serves as the President and founder of Pedia Research, LLC, with clinics in Owensboro KY (est 1996) and Evansville IN. Pedia Research is dedicated to improving health through clinical research. Pedia Research has supported breakthroughs with diseases such as psoriasis, ADHD, and rotavirus.
Ryan Maxfield--Indy Jet Operations Manager
Ryan learned the aviation business from the ground up by fueling and washing airplanes, sweeping hangar floors, and mowing grass at his local airport. Being around airplanes at such a young age, Ryan was bitten by the flying bug so it was only natural for him to begin flying prior to drivers education! He went on to earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Professional Flight Technology from Indiana State University in 2005. While at ISU he competed, then later coached the ISU flight team for the National Intercollegiate Flying Association competition. He was also a supervisor of flight for the school where he additionally instructed students in instrument flight, tail wheel, commercial flight, multi – engine, and his dearest aviation endeavor, aerobatics. Ryan went on to work for the Indiana Department of Transportation as Indiana’s Chief Airport Inspector and later as the Operations Managers of the Indianapolis International Airport. Ryan also holds a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from the University of Indianapolis with concentrations in marketing and finance. Ryan is a Certified Member of the American Association of Airport Executives, and is President of the newly formed Indiana Business Aviation Association.
Today Ryan is a corporate pilot, General Manger, and periodic flight instructor for Indy Jet Holding’s; based out of the Indianapolis Regional Airport (MQJ). Whether learning a new aspect of the flying business or helping an aspiring pilot earn his wings, Ryan is fully immersed in aviation. He currently holds SIC ratings in the C-525, C-550B, and C-560XL.
Ryan learned the aviation business from the ground up by fueling and washing airplanes, sweeping hangar floors, and mowing grass at his local airport. Being around airplanes at such a young age, Ryan was bitten by the flying bug so it was only natural for him to begin flying prior to drivers education! He went on to earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Professional Flight Technology from Indiana State University in 2005. While at ISU he competed, then later coached the ISU flight team for the National Intercollegiate Flying Association competition. He was also a supervisor of flight for the school where he additionally instructed students in instrument flight, tail wheel, commercial flight, multi – engine, and his dearest aviation endeavor, aerobatics. Ryan went on to work for the Indiana Department of Transportation as Indiana’s Chief Airport Inspector and later as the Operations Managers of the Indianapolis International Airport. Ryan also holds a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from the University of Indianapolis with concentrations in marketing and finance. Ryan is a Certified Member of the American Association of Airport Executives, and is President of the newly formed Indiana Business Aviation Association.
Today Ryan is a corporate pilot, General Manger, and periodic flight instructor for Indy Jet Holding’s; based out of the Indianapolis Regional Airport (MQJ). Whether learning a new aspect of the flying business or helping an aspiring pilot earn his wings, Ryan is fully immersed in aviation. He currently holds SIC ratings in the C-525, C-550B, and C-560XL.
