Capt. John Manstrom remembers 9-11-2001

 Each September for the last 21 years (as of 2022), we remember those who lost their lives in the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center, in that Pennsylvania field and at the Pentagon in Washington, D.C. I've always wondered what our two Hiliners61 classmates were doing on that morning when they were confronted with the news. Although Capt. Roy Lang retired in 2000, Capt. John Manstrom was in his Delta cockpit getting ready for a flight to Salt Lake City. He was about to fly the same aircraft type that attacked first the north Tower of the WTC and then the South Tower in New York City. I visited with John regarding what he remembers about one of the worst days in American history. To view my interview with John, click here.

Speaking of aviation, our Hiliners61Organizing Chair, Barb (Sheppard) Lang adds: "My husband, Art Todd, a private pilot, was able to ride in the back seat of an F4 with the Hooligans  back in the 1980's when he was a state senator (Capt. Roy Lang was member of the "Hooligans.").  

"Art had to have clearance from Washington, DC, then a bunch of training at the air base in Fargo in order to be able to "get out" if necessary, then they flew to the Grand Forks Air Force Base, where he was allowed some "stick time" and do touch and go's . . . then on to Devils Lake where they did some aerobatics!  It was about a two hour experience.  Art says the pilot was Jim Nelson, who was a Vietnam vet, and had over 100 missions in Vietnam.  Art's comment is that the F4 was a very responsive airplane.  He loved it, and has the pictures hanging on the wall to prove it!  

"He got to take his camera along and was told that if we had to eject for any reason, he had to be sure to get rid of the camera so that it would not be found in the wreckage.  Apparently, at that time, the government did not want details of the cockpit floating around.  We just looked at his 4x6" pictures again this morning, and Mr. Nelson, the pilot, most definitely looks like a hotshot - a Tom Cruise look-alike!!  Wish I had been able to take that ride."

Thanks, Barb, for that bit of history and I deeply appreciate Capt. Manstrom's willingness to share his memories and his thoughts about aviation and pilot training today. - Larry Gauper 9-21-2022