Weir Cook Project/Restoring Honor-Airport!

jc · 24 February 2003, 03:34 PM

The Weir Cook Project is back & ready for battle again!

We had gotten stuck with waiting for the airport to do or say anything. It has almost been a year since I met with them. All I got out of it was wait & see attitude!

As of today we are rallying back up again! Mainly due to the loss of another good friend & educator. This man was taught to fly by the best Col. H Weir Cook. He was a dedicated pilot,Weir Cook supporter, modeler,friend & a patriotic soldier(air force). He never once let me down when it came to educating me of planes,war,Cook & giving me the will to continue through the rough times with the airport. He will be sadly missed!
And with his spirit I found a second wind.

I doubled back with my notes taking names & finding phone numbers making call after call. Finally a break through. Now politicians are stepping forward to see something done. Organizations are going around for the second time. I hoped it get this done it wouldn't have to be with the help of politions. Never the less if it gets done so be it. Can't forget about our pilots! A lot of them have been w/us and continue supporting us.

Today I sent a letter to the airport asking them for a YES OR NO on this matter. I was told by a politician who had talked w/them . He told the airport that their was going to be a resolution written up & wanted to know where they stood on the matter of Restoring Weir Cooks name? The airport said; it probably would not name the whole thing again after him & that he would talk to the members. Another talk the airport said was they could name the new terminal or a street after him.

The resolution was written asking them (airport) to restore Cooks name if not the whole airport then the new terminal. Now we know what they might do something, now its time to set a date! I don't want to loose anymore friends to get a second wind at this. I want them to be around for the celebration that WILL come!

A few days ago, I made a call to a person ( Pres. in 78 of the airport board) who was responsible for the name change. Asking that question "WHY"? He told his story;saying he took all the heat then & now. That at the time he was Pres. he did it for the good of the port. Now knowing what I'm doing, he will support our cause & help where ever he can. To me that is one victory!
jc

24 February 2003, 05:27 PM

Hi jc,

It has been awhile since I last read about your crusade. It is a good and honorable cause and I am glad to hear of the progress you have made. Col. Cook was a great American, and it was a shame when they removed his name from the airport. If you need letters stating a deep interest in renaming it back to it's rightful name, let me know. Good luck in the future.

regards

jc · 25 February 2003, 04:38 AM

Wingedwarrior,
Hello & THANKS for your show of support!
I have the two crusades going on the airport restoring & the museum. Both I feel are doing well.
When it comes to support letters I can always use them! They (airport) don't really like that THE PEOPLE are forcing the issue! You know the airport governs them self (HA,HA).
Heres the address of the port:
Indianapolis Airport Autority Board
Att.:Lacy Johnson,Pres.
2500 S High School Rd./suite 100
Indpls, IN. 46241
This is not only due to Weir Cook he was not one to brag or take all the credit. This is for the honor! To prove that you don't give & then take it away! In this case put his memory in baggage!
They thought wrong when 20 some years ago they thought this subject matter would go away! The people then didn't get this far.
Again thanks for showing your support!

jc

Billy_Bishop · 25 February 2003, 10:03 AM

Something to point out to the Airport board, in Milwaukee, their airport is Mitchell international Airport, named after Gen. Billy Mitchell. They didn't see fit to change it to Milwaukee International. So why can't these bozos give the name back that it deserves??

VBR,

Al

25 February 2003, 12:56 PM

Thanks for the address jc, I will fire of a letter ASAP. Anytime I can speak up for an American hero that has past on is an honor in itself.

regards

jc · 25 February 2003, 02:06 PM

Al,
Your right & thats just one example.
I think their just waiting for me to go away.

Wingedwarrior,
Thanks!!!

What I would like to see is about 499 letters come knocking at their door. They wouldn't know what flew by. I have sent all the ones who posted last year & i'm pretty sure it's working! They know it's you who fly in & out of their airport! Their's only seven of them, lets see them pay for everything.
jc

25 February 2003, 05:00 PM

Quote:

Something to point out to the Airport board, in Milwaukee, their airport is Mitchell international Airport, named after Gen. Billy Mitchell. *They didn't see fit to change it to Milwaukee International. *So why can't these bozos give the name back that it deserves??

VBR,

Al

Good point, Al, but I think I gave my perfectly adequate CYNICAL explanation why they changed the name in another post, and why they would likely be annoyed at public pressure to change it back. BTW, I have heard rumblings that some folks in Chicago want the name O'Hare changed to something more modern and "relevant". Hope it's just a rumour. Also, JC, I would be glad to write a letter, all the while keeping it polite, knowing that telling these people what I really think of them would do the cause more harm than good.
Not only has Cook been neglected, but there were a goodly number of Indiana boys who served in the USAS, and none of them has received any notice or mention, despite the fact that Indianapolis boasts having the "greatest number of war memorials in any city of any size". Our World War Memorial/Museum gives only scant mention to Cook, nothing to the others. BTW, was H.W. Cook any relation to Everett Cook, CO of the 91st Aero?
He was also from the vicinity of Indy, and back in those days, brothers,cousins, etc, especially if they were from prominent families, often made a point to join up and serve as amatter of honor(unlike today).

jc · 26 February 2003, 01:04 PM

Zigomar,
I sure hope Chicago people watch & learn. And if you heard a rumor you better believe it could be happening! Thats what happen here. Go & ask don't let it happen at least with out public input. Indpls. knew the publics opinion & chose not to bring it up, that how they did it. The one man ( I know for fact) didn't like how long the title was & changed it.
Yes, please do send a letter. I don't care if its sweet. They know how bad I want it. The letters come in all moods.
I know their are a lot of forgotten but with our museum we hope to knowledge that problem. Like one of our flying Tiger aces. I have been in touch with their family & they think its a nice idea. Remember they say buildings! Really the VFW & legions have more stuff then the city.
As for Everett Cook.
I saw his name two years ago but I haven't had time to double back to check into it. I know Weirs brother Peter also lived in Indy. Their were a lot of Cook family members in the military. Even Weir Cooks daughter Sue, still living. The next gen. no as far as I know. Weir Cooks Brother Peter wasn't famed in the military but afterwards. His life is very impressive too! This family was well educated & loved by all. They were not stuck on themselves by their accomplishments. One example the cabin ejection seat. I read a letter where Weir was giving all the credit to one man when he was doing all the work & talks behind the scene for him. So much more that I just can't wait to tell everyone about him!