Le Ann – The Airplane

Bobby asked George if he would like to see the airplane that his daddy and I helped him to build. He said this with a feeling of excitement in his voice. George took off with him to the barn. A few minutes later they were airborne. Linda, Daddy, Momma and I came out to gaze at the show.

They were doing loops, curves, dives and shooting straight up like a rocket. It was spectacular and scary at the same time. I had my concerns, but Bobby was happy with his flying ability.

George looked strange. He happened to be thinking out loud when he suggested that Bobby fly his plane to the base Wednesday morning, April 20, 1960. The main group that was going to put on the air show had to cancel because of mechanical problems.

George sadly confessed that they attempted to find a replacement, but were unable to do so. Quietly he spoke that what Bobby had demonstrated today would be the perfect substitute. He pleaded with Bobby to do the show, and that it would be great to follow it up with a question and answer session about his plane. Bobby stated that he would be glad to do it, but he didn't know if people would like it.

Building the plane was a labor of love, but he did it to give him a chance to show what can be achieved through affection. Bobby claimed to be a little bashful. George disclosed they would write a set of questions and answers ahead of time. He said that the crowd will love it.

George went on to explain that the money they raised would go to help needy military families. He bragged that Linda had become chair of the project. I questioned if there happened to be anything I could do? She insisted that I meet with the Servicemen's Wives Club at 8:00 A.M. the day of the show, where I would be put to work.

I flew in with Bobby. Linda hugged me tightly and George shook my intended's hand. They both expressed a thank you for us coming, as we departed the area where the plane was parked. Linda snatched and hugged me again. We met a group of about twenty-five women of various ages. I was introduced as First Lieutenant Robert Olander's fiancée, Le Ann. George led Bobby to the coffee shop near where the plane sat. They went over the questions and answers.

I was assigned to work the ticket booth with Ginger Bauch (pronounced like book.) She is the former Ginger Foster from Champaign, Illinois. Her husband is First Lieutenant Stuart Bauch. I became thrilled as she happened to be a local girl.

We replaced two women that had been working since 7:00 AM. Ginger was a year older than me. She had graduated from the University of Illinois last year with a degree in science education and was now working at Champaign Junior High.

Although I did not know her, we knew of each other's families. My brother had dated her older sister once before he entered the Army. She knew Bobby because he was a friend of Rusty's. According to her, I was getting a great catch, because his name was in the papers all the time as a local hero. I became entertained by her impressions of Rusty and Bobby.

Bobby's plane was introduced as an experimental one-the Olander X1A, designed and built by the pilot, with assistance from his father and his bride elect. First Lieutenant Robert Olander is a graduate of the University of Illinois with a degree in Aeronautical Engineering and airplane design.

The audience watched in awe at the stunts performed by Bobby. They gave him a standing ovation when he exited the plane. George was the emcee. He motioned for Bobby to come to the microphone.

George proclaimed with admiration, "We need to let the pilot have a few words." Bobby said, "I want to thank my dad, the late Robert Olander, Sr., and, my wife to be, Le Ann, for helping me to build this plane. I want to thank my future in-laws, Rufus and Martha Olander for the place to build the plane and the space to practice flying it. Finally, I want to thank Brad Johnson at Brad's Siding and Roofing for contributing the materials to build the plane." He was fluent and comfortable speaking. Bobby added, "Because these people cherished me and believed in me, I was able to make this a reality." My heart swelled, and my love grew even stronger.

A General Gofourth inquired, "What kind of materials were used in constructing this aircraft?" Bobby responded, "Sir, this is an aluminum alloy. It is thirty percent aluminum, thirty percent steel, thirty percent nickel, seven percent manganese, one percent titanium and two percent other metals and metal oxides.

It is lighter than most titanium alloys. It is as strong or stronger than any material we use in our current planes or rockets. It costs a lot less than titanium It made my plane cheaper, lighter and faster than any plane in its class today." I thought my man must be the most intelligent individual on earth.

Gofourth further responded, "From where did this alloy come?" Bobby said with a hint of a grin, "Sir, we received it from a local siding and roofing company. He let me and my dad have left over scraps. We made our own tubing for framing and used the rest for the skin." He wasn't boasting. He was knowledgeable and instructive, and was eager to explain in an uncomplicated manner.

Gofourth had one more query. "When are you going to fight again? I saw you in Texas at Lackland a few months back, almost putting down the World Champion, Jerry Lee Lockhart." Gofourth continued, "I praise God that we have young men like you fighting our wars. We need more men with your knowledge, and the guts to follow through." My heart surged again.

Bobby assured the General, "Sir, we are trying. He looked at me and imparted, "We have precious people here that we hold dear and are treasured. That motivates us to do our best. However, The United States Air Force provides the best training for us. I am proud to serve any way I can." The crowd gave Bobby another standing ovation.

George told me and Linda that it appeared that Gofourth was impressed with Bobby. He is the most influential general in Southeast Asia. His support carries a lot of weight in the Air Force as far as advancement is concerned.

Linda said, "General Gofourth mentioned something about a fight. I wonder if Bobby would consider doing an exhibition fight for needy military families."

"You can always ask him."

"You can read about things like that in the Air Force Times (AFT). She had a copy of the last issue of AFT with her.

She read, "The Texas Cancer Foundation announces that at 1:30 PM, May 9, 1960 at Lackland AFB, World Champion Jerry Lee Lockhart, aka Jeopardy, will have an open challenge. A registration fee of $200.00 per challenger is required. Spectators tickets are $5.00 per adult, and $2.00 per child under twelve. The proceeds will go to The Texas Cancer Foundation for research. The challengers will battle in elimination fights. The top five will face Jeopardy. Anyone who beats him will win a $2000.00 prize sponsored by A. P. Craft Hardware Store, San Antonio, Texas."

I believe Bobby is smart enough to handle his own destiny. However, having a little help from time to time wouldn't hurt. General Gofourth's endorsement could facilitate his advancement. I told Bobby that Linda was going to ask him to do a contest fight to raise money for disadvantaged military families.

He said that would be fine, but it needed to be in August or September because there is one at Lackland AFB in May. If you schedule them to close together you will not have good participation. I indicated that we would discuss it at the next wives club meeting.

Daddy and Bobby were arguing who was the best fisherman as they returned from Crystal River. Daddy claimed Bobby was unsurpassed. Bobby asserted that Daddy hammered him by a mile. Mamma and I looked in their catch baskets and declared that they had tied. They were proud of each other. We had the most enjoyable northern trout for supper.

If Momma or I complained about one of them, they would come to the other's defense. They were best friends who acted like father and son rather than distant cousins.

Except for the difference in age, one could not distinguish between them. Their mannerisms were identical. Their favorite sports teams were indistinguishable. The inflection of speech was alike. Even the way they walked mirrored one another. There was no conflict. They bonded and were inseparable, except for work. George Roth fit in with them, as he integrated into the family.

I am thrilled that Bobby landed on our porch when I needed him the most. It was as if our destinies intersected at the right time. I could not ask for a better man to come into my life. He is my hope and my future. I could not have arranged it more suitably. Kindness is part of who he is. Humility guides his actions, and fairness drives his thoughts. I am proud to stand beside him. Wherever he lands, I hope to be with him.

I do not know what direction I would have taken, resulting in me suspecting great happenings at what we will experience together.