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Daedalus warned his son not to fly too close to the sun, as it might melt his wings, and not too close to the sea, as it might dampen them and make it hard to fly.
This story from Greek mythology inspired the Order of Daedalians, an organization of military pilots which was founded in 1921 by Brig. Gen. William “Billy” Mitchell. He envisioned an organization that would perpetuate the deeds and memories of the first American pilots who flew during World War I.
Ramstein’s local Daedalian 19th Flight is comprised of approximately 35 military aviators that range from lieutenants to retirees, said Lt. Col. Kurt Raffetto, Daedalian Chapter 19 vice-flight captain and 86th Airlift Wing exercises and inspections chief.
“We would love to expand our chapter,” said Col. Hank Sanders, Daedalian 19th Flight flight captain and 86th Operations Group commander. “Military aviators from all branches of service are invited to join.”
The local chapter meets monthly and showcases a guest speaker, said Colonel Raffetto. Beyond meetings, the chapter gives scholarships to local high school students, presents awards to junior reserve officer training cadets and is starting an enlisted flight orientation program.
Colonel Raffetto, an 18-year Daedalian member, said the organization gives current pilots an opportunity to connect with previous generation’s pilots, and for retired pilots to stay in touch with the current aviation world.
To join the local Daedalian chapter, send an e-mail to daedalians@ramstein.af.mil or kurt.raffetto@ramstein.af.mil.
Daedalians offer scholarships
The Daedalian Chapter 19 organization is sponsoring two $1,000 scholarships for deserving high school seniors who intend to pursue a career in military aviation.
Interested persons can submit an application found at www.daedalians.org/foundation/scholarships.htm, and forward it to PSC 2 Box 9985, APO AE 09012 by March 31. The National Daedalian Foundation may match the scholarship to double the award. For details, contact the JROTC advisors at Kaiserslautern and Ramstein high schools or e-mail daedalians@ramstein.af.mil.
