Wesley Schierman

[schristo@mac.com]

One of the pioneers of RV formation standards and a founding member of the Blackjack Squadron, Wesley Schierman passed away this weekend. Wes, Marty, and Dick began flying their RV4s in close formation together in the late 80?s and expanded their group by developing a structured training program in the early 90?s that continues to this day. Over the years, nearly 50 fortunate aviators have been ?patched? to fly as Blackjacks.

There are extraordinary people living ordinary lives among us...



Attached is a copy of ?A Bad Day at Son La" the personal story of Major Wesley D. Schierman, a 67th F-105D Thunderchief pilot, who was shot down over North Vietnam on August 28, 1965. Wes was captured and spent 7 1/2 years as a POW. After his release he returned to his civilian life as an airline pilot for Northwest Airlines.

https://skydrive.live.com/redir?resi...nt=file%2c.pdf

A memorial service is scheduled for Sunday at the Museum of Flight with a Missing Man formation by the Blackjack Squadron.

The date of the memorial service has been finalized for noon on Sunday January 26 at the Museum of Flight in Seattle at Boeing Field


The Silver Bracelet - Major Wesley Schierman
http://nancysoasis.com/bracelet/silverbracelet.html

Local Paper - Everett Herald
http://www.heraldnet.com/article/201...er-Everett-POW

[scrollF4]

...as a hero flies west. The Prayer light is on bright flash for his family. Throw a nickel on the grass.

[flyr747]

Stephen, thank you very much for posting the links and information about Wes?s life and unfortunate passing. I flew several trips with Wes serving as his co-pilot on the B-747 at Northwest. He was a true gentleman and great guy to fly with. He would become quiet then reflective as we would fly over Vietnam on our ?south? flights out of Narita but never complained. His story about how he lived his life is a true testimony of his character and integrity.

[Stu McCurdy]

So sorry to hear about Wes Schierman's passing. I first met him and Marty Foy as I was planning the 25-ship Flyover at Oshkosh in 1997 for Van's 25th Anniversary at being at OSH. We talked over the phone, not knowing each other, and planned who, what, where. We each recruited formation pilots until we came up with the 25 required. We officially met at the designated parking area near Theater in the Woods, briefed, and flew to Dodge Co to practice along the way to from, critiquing in both locations. That was the first of many Large Formations at Oshkosh.

Following that Oshkosh, we continued conversations by phone and email, deciding we needed an organization to formalize standards. My discussions with Wes, Tom Poberesny, and Ed Robinson (FAA Airshow Coordinator) and subsequent documents resulted in the founding of FFI in 1999. I visited Wes and Marty at Arlington for three consecutive summers where I flew with the Blackjacks, was patched, and flew to Van's Reunion for flybys, one time doing a formation of all the RV models in one long Echelon for the cover picture of Van's calendar. Wes, Marty, and I were the original BOD of FFI and all the Blackjacks were carded. Then Wes and Marty decided they wanted to withdraw and just do their own thing with the Blackjacks. FFI continued without them.

Wes and I had another connection. He was a POW and I was a Mig Cap leader of the Son Tay Raid where we went in to try a rescue of POWs known to be at the Son Tay prison. Though there were no POWs there at the time, it precipitated the bringing of all the POWs back to a central location and allowed communications and accountability again. That relationship gave us an immediate bond as we forged the original FFI.

Farewell old friend, it was an honor to know and fly formation with you.

Stu (Falcon)

[ArlingtonRV]

My Dad and I spent time with Wes helping in the build of his RV-12 as we had already built one. He was always great to talk to, though he never mentioned his back ground to us.

I flew with Wes a couple of times in my RV-12 as he was preparing for the first flight in his. At the time I had no idea of his back ground. Now that I do, I feel like a total idiot for trying to tell him how to fly.

He was very gracious and truly appreciated the time I spent flying with him.

He will be missed.

[dealfair]

I regret I did not know Mr. Schierman. I morn his passing. My sincere condolences to his family and friends.

[ChrisF16]

Every Thud driver that went north is a hero to me. I regret never meeting him.

[OLDSAM]

I am too moved by the account of this great man to speak.

[zilik]

Originally Posted by OLDSAM

I am too moved by the account of this great man to speak.

Ditto. I could not have said it better myself.

[videobobk]

We are poorer at this passing, both as a group, and as a nation. Let us never forget the greatness in our midst, and the humility that prevents us from seeing it. God bless those who serve...

Bob