National WWII Glider Pilots Association

Legacy Organization of veterans National WWII Glider Pilots Association.



National WWII Glider Pilots Association emblem 1971-2018    Troop Carrier Command     Tweleth Air Force Wings of WWII Glider Pilots Association                  






SICILY   BURMA   NORMANDY   SOUTHERN FRANCE   HOLLAND   BASTOGNE   RHINE CROSSING   LUZON

The 94th Flying Training Squadron, based at the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, conducts over 15,000 training and competition glider sorties annually, focused on developing officership, leadership and character for over 4,000 USAFA and ROTC cadets. It is the only unit in the Department of Defense flying gliders.

What is truly amazing is that the instructor pilots are also 1st and 2nd Class cadets. At the end of each academic year 35 third year classmen are selected from eligible applicants to become soaring instructor pilots. One week before graduation, these cadets receive their wings in a special ceremony, the same 'G' wings worn by the WWII glider pilots.

In 2016, then 94th FTS Commander Lt. Colonel Jeremy (Maddog) Lushnat, reached out to our organization to re-establish interaction between the WWII veterans and the future officers of the USAF. The following May, a small contingent of NWWIIGPA officers, including WWII glider pilot instructor Don Ehr, attended the G-Wings Ceremony and we have continued to send a representatives of the NWWIIGPA ever since.

In addition, the 94th has been represented by a contingent of staff officers and cadets at every one of our reunions since 2017. Their participation has given us a renewed appreciation of the WWII glider pilot heritage and the impact that it has on the dedication, determination, and innovation of the future officers of the U.S. Air Force.

In 2018, in order to ensure a continuing bond with the 94th, the NWIIGPC asked to present a yearly award at the G-Wings ceremony. This was granted and the award reads:

The "G-is-for-Guts" award is in remembrance of the brave Glider Pilots of World War II. Through grit and guts, these men faced innumerable obstacles and challenges and overcame them by implementing innovative techniques and taking the risks necessary to complete their missions. This annual award is presented to the First or Second Class Cadet Soaring Instructor who has applied innovation in order to ensure the success of the 94th Flying Training Squadron.

Appropriately, the award is titled 'G' is for GUTS! The following garner the "G is for Guts" award:

2023 Cadet First-Class Isabella Gentille
2022 Cadet First-Class Garrett Dean
2021 Cadet First-Class Andrew D Crites
2020 Cadet First-Class Joey Sladek
2019 Cadet First Class, John Bowes, North Carolina
2018 Cadet Second-Class Austin Good

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