Charlie on Parade!

We did it!  We got Charlie into the 4th of July parade today.

She was all gussied up in new paint and colored balloons, with Captain Syanne Siler as the pilot in command.
(Captain Siler is my nine year old granddaughter.)  The golden blob hanging on the pitot tube (just above the flag) is a vintage Navy flying helmet.

Mike Kazar was kind enough to being his 1953 Korean War vintage Jeep to pull Charlie through town.

Charlie just after the start of the parade;  Syanne waving flag from cockpit.

Our local detachment No. 1110 of the Marine Corps League furnished the color guard for the parade.

Three great shots of Charlie going North on 1st Ave.  Pictures by Roger King, who probably was the number one reason why Charlie was able to roll through town today.  he is the one who completely re-worked the wheels and bearings on all three wheels to make this trip possible.  Not only is Roger a superb machinist and,designer, he is a great photographer.

(Note the top tail rotor blade is missing.  We had to do that in order to clear the lowest wires on the parade route.)

Here is Mike Kazar in front of his Jeep getting ready to pull Charlie from her nest at Quality Collision Repair on So. Ella St. prior to the parade.  He also did and excellent job of putting the helicopter back into her nest with only inches to spare on either side of the gate.  Good job Mike, and thank you very much for you time and the use of your Jeep.

We have another gig on the 10th of July.  There is an annual big veterans picnic/BBQ at Lake View Park for all veterans. Come on down and join us!