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| More Anecdotes Charley Porter's Final Flight and After- Action Report Charley Porter's final flight was a joyful gathering of family and friends. We all celebrated his life, told stories and perhaps some stretched truths ( but not many). Dave Henry picked me up in Apopka, FL ( outside Orlando) and drove over to Brooksville with the aid of a mapquest map and my Garmin Gps navigator (which did not show the actual street we were heading for). All this aided by excellent "fixes" for final approach which were provided by Betty... enroute Dave and I had 2 hrs to recall the old B-66 days at Spang and Chelveston.. As usual there was always the questions of what happened to Turk Thompson and Paul Hennig...it was a warm up catharsis for the gathering. We were met at the gate by Jeannine Hatcherson, Charley's daughter, and Hostess for the ceremony. She opened the gate (closed to insure that the three resident horses did not get out). Then Linda the older daughter greeted us and finally Betty, herself hugged and kissed us in warm greeting. Dave and I were introduced to all the other attendees and we smoozed and recounted tales of Charley. The local press was also on the scene, taking notes of the event.... Finally, it came time to assemble in the corral (romping ground for the horsies). Betty read outloud , joined by the others, "Final Flight". Next Joan from the company of the www.eternalascent.com (who has patented this procedure) came out with a small balloon to test the winds. This was set aloft by Hunter, great grandson, then out came the 3-4 ft diameter red balloon that was to be Charley's final charriot. Betty and the girls held on as Jeannine gave it an inidan blessing.... Then waiting for winds to abide and with ATC and family clearance, Charley Porter launched on his final ascent. We watched as the winds carried Charley westerly and up and up through the clouds... finally loosing site of him we adjourned to the covered patio and partook of refreshments. It was a quiet but upbeat gathering as we had our last sharing. If this is wordy, it's because I have studied at the foot of Bill Starnes. Warmest Regards, Stan Goldstein Following is the list of attendees forwarded to me by Betty..... Betty Linda Labor - daughter Hans Labor - son-in-law Lisa Rollins - grandaughter Ric Rollins - Lisa's husband Hunter Rollins - great-grandson Siegfried ( Zig) Labor - grandson Dara (Zig's fiancee) Jeannine Hatcherson - daughter (Hostess for the ceremony) Lee Hart - longtime friend Jessica Hatcherson - grandaughter Joshua Slaght - (Jessica's fiance) Frank Fritts - former flight engineer with Charlie and friend for 40 years (all the way from PA.) Dave Henry - retired pilot and longtime friend Steve Mason - musician , friend Stan Goldstein - retired navigator and longtime friend. Copyright © 2002-05 All rights reserved. |
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