RAF MEET AND GREET FLY-IN AT MELROSE

Florida’s 2017 Fly-In season has officially started with the RAF Meet and Greet at Melrose, (FD22). Again, the RAF partnered with Florida Sport Aviation Antique & Classic Association (FSAACA).  Even with ominous weather forecast, folks started showing up on Wednesday and continued through Saturday. The grounds filled up with motorhomes, under-wing tent campers and numerous transient day-trippers. 

Over the five days, approximately 275 meals were served, with all the credit going to Kim Capozzi, Ann Barton, Kevin Allen (who promised made-to-order omelets next year), Regenia Bracewell and Diane Bracewell. 

The Camp Blanding Museum visit was well-received, requiring trips on both Friday and Saturday. Several Floridians did not even know it was there, nor what it had accomplished since its conception in 1939 as an infantry replacement training center, and induction center. Few realized it had served as a German prisoner-of-war compound, and holding center for 343 Japanese, German and Italian immigrant residents of the United States. See http://campblanding-museum.org/ I informed the group of recent RAF successes at Creighton Island and Trigger Gap, and reminded visitors of the upcoming Arcadia/RAF Rodeo weekend. The pilots viewed the “RAF Trail” map.   Entertainment Thursday evening included music by Wayne Whitley who was able to coax the audience to sing-along.  Saturday evening music was courtesy of Lonesome Ride and Karan Newman, supported by Pat and Bill from New Mexico.

 Several new members signed up and the RAF family continues to grow!

 Watch a video of the weekend from RAF member, Wes Whitley.

Submitted On January 25, 2017.