Martin Miller, manager of the Great Bend airport, was guest speaker for the September luncheon meeting of Golden Belt NARFE. He was introduced by Charles Waknitz, vice president of the group.
Miller showed a large aerial map of the entire airport grounds, showing how it had grown since it was built in 1943 on farmland. The base, along with similar training fields in Pratt and Walker, were destined to be training centers for for Army Air Force pilots and crews.
Only two of the original hangars remain, Martin said, with other improvements made after the city took over the air field.
Miller described the program for the 2010 Air Show at the airport, with a variety of planes to be on show for the public.
Sharon East gave the opening invocation and led the flag salute with Derida Bussman presiding at the session. Committee reports were given by Vernon Robl, on legislation, Danny Nobles on political action; Mary Jo Schenk on greeting cards sent from the chapter and Waknitz on programs upcoming. The next meeting will be at noon on Oct. 14 at the Club at StoneRidge. The program willI be given by an officer from the Kansas Highway Patrol.