‘They never expected it to succeed': Sweetwater WASP Museum celebrates 20 years honoring WWII pilots
ABILENE, Texas () – Looking back in history to World War II, the Women Airforce Service Pilots were superheroes of aviation. They were the first women to fly U.S. military aircraft, and most of them trained in the Big Country, at Avenger Field in Nolan County. This year, the WASP Museum is celebrating 20 years of honoring these pioneers who blazed through the skies more than 80 years ago.
Iowa veteran cycles 800+ miles to Sweetwater to honor WASP program
It was 1942 when women stepped up to the cockpit during the war, marking the start of the Women's Air Force Service Pilots, or WASP. Lisa Taylor is the executive director at the WASP Museum. She taught history for many years, and after moving to Sweetwater and taking a peek inside the museum, she was fascinated by their story, one she said she wished she could have taught her students.
'We talked about the Tuskegee and the Navajo Code Talkers, and I tried to bring in all the facets of World War II because there was so much to it. But I had never heard of these women. We talked about Rosie the Riveter,' Taylor said. 'Not only were they just fighting the barriers of being in the army, Air Corps, but just societal barriers as well, because everyone mistrusted their motivation.'
Taylor said she connected with the more than 1,100 female pilots and their resilience.
'It was like, okay, we just can't make it without women. We should start this experimental program. Right. They never expected it to succeed,' Taylor said. 'It was harder as pilots. That was the one area that the government seemed really bent on keeping women out.'
WASPs come home to Avenger Field 80 years later
With little to no resources, the women had to find their own means to get a pilot's license and also travel to Sweetwater for training.
They were given hand-me-down uniforms that the men wore, which were often too big for most women and posed a safety hazard. Jacqueline Cochran, director of the WASP, changed the masculine camouflage to a standout 'Santiago' that still leaves an impact on the U.S. Air Force today.
'Legend has it that she went back and told her, ladies, my girls are not going to wear that dreadful [army green] color,' Taylor said. 'That was how Blue got introduced into the Army Air Corps. That was the first time there was blue. So, I think that we can credit Jackie Cochran with that.'
One woman who inspired her was Betty Blake. She was a flight instructor based in Hawaii with 360 hours of flight time. By the time she finished the program, she had 3,600 hours. Blake, among many of the other women, faced societal backlash and disbelief for their service. Taylor said Blake was arrested due to her uniform having pants when she had to make a pit stop from a flight due to weather.
'Betty Blake, being arrested for wearing pants, this was what they were dealing with because of the scandalous for a woman to be in public in pants like that. They could be denied meals in a restaurant on nights in a hotel room,' Taylor said.
'She inspired us': Dyess AFB pilots continue WASPS legacy
When the program ended in 1944 and the men started to return from war, the WASP returned to their everyday lives, not receiving recognition until more than 30 years later, and being delayed from a return to the skies because of their gender.
'None of the women who had joined the workforce during World War II really got to stay. I mean, the men came home, and they left. It became this 'Hey, that was really nice of you, but we're back,' Taylor explained. 'For a lot of women, it was so hard. They got out and they were determined to find professional jobs in aviation, and they applied to all the commercial airlines, all the private airlines, and they were just told no again and again and again.'
17 WASP have their ashes spread across the Avenger Field as part of a new memorial garden featured outside of the museum.
The museum in Sweetwater is the only one dedicated solely to the WWII WASP veterans.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time Business News
13 hours ago
- Time Business News
The Awesome Journey of the Mid Century Chair
Hey there! Have you ever seen a chair that looks like it's straight out of a 1950s TV show? That's probably a mid century chair! These chairs are super cool because they're stylish, comfy, and have a neat story to tell. In this article, we're going to explore everything about the mid century chair, why it's so special, and how you can use it to make your home look amazing. Let's jump right in! A mid century chair is a chair from the middle of the 1900s, around the 1940s to 1960s. Back then, designers got really creative and made chairs that looked sleek, simple, and totally awesome. These chairs have smooth lines, fun shapes, and sometimes bright, cheerful colors. They're not like regular chairs—they're like art you can sit on! The mid century chair is so great because it fits in any home. Whether you have a tiny apartment or a big house, a mid century chair can make your space look fantastic. Plus, they're super cozy, which is always a big plus! Why do so many people go crazy for the mid century chair? Here's why: It's Stylish: A mid century chair has a cool, simple look that's not too fancy but still stands out. It's Comfy: These chairs were made to feel good when you sit in them. They support your back so you can relax for a long time. It's Always in Style: Even though mid century chairs are from a long time ago, they still look fresh and modern today. It's Super Strong: Many mid century chairs are made with tough materials like wood, metal, or leather, so they last forever. Back in the 1940s and 1950s, the world was full of new ideas. After World War II, people wanted furniture that was different from the heavy, old-fashioned stuff. That's when the mid century chair was born. Famous designers like Charles and Ray Eames, Arne Jacobsen, and Eero Saarinen created some of the coolest mid century chairs ever. Their designs are still loved today! For example, the Eames Lounge Chair is a mid century chair that's like the superstar of chairs. It's comfy and looks like it belongs in a fancy house. Another awesome one is the Egg Chair by Arne Jacobsen. It's shaped like an egg (so cool!) and makes any room look super stylish. There are so many kinds of mid century chairs out there! Here are a few you might find: Lounge Chairs : These mid century chairs are perfect for relaxing. They have soft cushions and cool designs. : These are perfect for relaxing. They have soft cushions and cool designs. Dining Chairs : These are great for your kitchen or dining room. They're simple but make your table look amazing. : These are great for your kitchen or dining room. They're simple but make your table look amazing. Armchairs : These mid century chairs have arms to rest on, making them great for reading or watching TV. : These have arms to rest on, making them great for reading or watching TV. Rocking Chairs: Yup, some mid century chairs rock back and forth! They're fun and stylish. Each mid century chair has its own unique vibe, but they all have that retro look everyone loves. Picking a mid century chair is like choosing your favorite ice cream flavor—it's fun but takes a little thinking. Here's how to find the perfect one: Think About Your Space: Where will your mid century chair go? For a small room, pick a smaller chair. For a big room, you can go for a bigger mid century chair. Pick a Color: Mid century chairs come in tons of colors. Bright ones like orange or green can make a room pop, while black or brown are more calm. Check the Material: Some mid century chairs are wood, some are leather, and others are fabric. Choose what feels nice and matches your home. Test It Out: If you can, sit in the mid century chair to make sure it's comfy for you. Mix and Match: You don't need a whole set of mid century chairs. One or two can look awesome with other furniture. A mid century chair can go almost anywhere in your house. Here are some fun ideas: Living Room : Place a mid century chair by your couch or near a window. It's great for chilling or reading a book. : Place a by your couch or near a window. It's great for chilling or reading a book. Bedroom : A mid century chair in your bedroom can be a cozy spot to relax. : A in your bedroom can be a cozy spot to relax. Office : A mid century chair at your desk makes working feel stylish and fun. : A at your desk makes working feel stylish and fun. Dining Room: Use mid century chairs around your dining table to make meals feel extra special. No matter where you put it, a mid century chair makes any room look cooler. If you get a mid century chair, you'll want to keep it looking awesome. Here's how: Clean It Gently : For fabric mid century chairs , wipe it with a soft cloth. For leather, use a special cleaner to keep it shiny. : For fabric , wipe it with a soft cloth. For leather, use a special cleaner to keep it shiny. Avoid Sunlight : Too much sun can fade your mid century chair 's colors. Keep it away from bright windows. : Too much sun can fade your 's colors. Keep it away from bright windows. Fix Scratches : If your mid century chair is wood and gets scratched, use a special polish to make it look better. : If your is wood and gets scratched, use a special polish to make it look better. Be Gentle: Even though mid century chairs are strong, don't let too many people pile on it at once. Taking care of your mid century chair will help it last for years. Want to get your own mid century chair? Here are some places to look: Furniture Stores : Some stores sell new mid century chairs that are inspired by the old designs. : Some stores sell new that are inspired by the old designs. Vintage Shops : These are great for finding real mid century chairs from the 1950s or 1960s. They might need a little fixing, but they're super cool. : These are great for finding real from the 1950s or 1960s. They might need a little fixing, but they're super cool. Online : Websites like eBay, Etsy, or Amazon have lots of mid century chairs . Just check reviews before you buy. : Websites like eBay, Etsy, or Amazon have lots of . Just check reviews before you buy. Thrift Stores: You might find a mid century chair at a thrift store for a great price. It's like a treasure hunt! When shopping, look for words like 'retro,' 'vintage,' or 'mid century' to find the right chair. You might be thinking, 'Are mid century chairs expensive?' Some can cost a lot, especially if they're by famous designers or are real vintage ones. But here's why they're worth it: They Last Forever : A good mid century chair is super strong and can stay in your home for years. : A good is super strong and can stay in your home for years. They're Unique : Unlike boring chairs, a mid century chair makes your home stand out. : Unlike boring chairs, a makes your home stand out. They Hold Value: Because mid century chairs are so popular, they can be worth a lot if you take care of them. Even if you're on a budget, you can find affordable mid century chairs that still look fantastic. Once you have your mid century chair, you can make it look even cooler with these tricks: Add a Pillow : A colorful pillow can make your mid century chair pop. : A colorful pillow can make your pop. Throw on a Blanket : A soft blanket over your mid century chair makes it look cozy and inviting. : A soft blanket over your makes it look cozy and inviting. Pair with a Table : A small, round table next to your mid century chair gives it a retro vibe. : A small, round table next to your gives it a retro vibe. Mix with New Stuff: A mid century chair looks great with modern furniture. It's like mixing old and new for a super cool style. Let's talk about some of the most famous mid century chairs that people love: Eames Lounge Chair: This mid century chair is super comfy and looks like it belongs in a fancy living room. oflavors like vanilla or chocolate—it's exciting but needs a little thought. Here's how to find the perfect one: Think About Your Space: Where will your mid century chair go? For a small room, pick a smaller chair. For a big room, you can go for a bigger mid century chair. Pick a Color: Mid century chairs come in tons of colors. Bright ones like yellow or red can make a room fun, while darker shades like gray or brown are more calm. Check the Material: Some mid century chairs are made of wood, some are leather, and others are fabric. Choose what feels good and matches your home. Test It Out: If you can, sit in the mid century chair to make sure it's comfy for you. Mix and Match: You don't need a whole set of mid century chairs. One or two can look awesome with other furniture. A mid century chair can go almost anywhere in your house. Here are some fun ideas: Living Room : Place a mid century chair by your sofa or near a window. It's great for relaxing or reading a book. : Place a by your sofa or near a window. It's great for relaxing or reading a book. Bedroom : A mid century chair in your bedroom can be a cozy spot to chill. : A in your bedroom can be a cozy spot to chill. Office : A mid century chair at your desk makes working feel stylish and fun. : A at your desk makes working feel stylish and fun. Dining Room: Use mid century chairs around your dining table to make meals feel extra special. No matter where you put it, a mid century chair makes any room look cooler. If you get a mid century chair, you'll want to keep it looking awesome. Here's how: Clean It Carefully : For fabric mid century chairs , wipe it with a soft cloth. For leather, use a special cleaner to keep it shiny. : For fabric , wipe it with a soft cloth. For leather, use a special cleaner to keep it shiny. Avoid Sunlight : Too much sun can fade your mid century chair 's colors. Keep it away from bright windows. : Too much sun can fade your 's colors. Keep it away from bright windows. Fix Scratches : If your mid century chair is wood and gets scratched, use a special polish to make it look better. : If your is wood and gets scratched, use a special polish to make it look better. Be Gentle: Even though mid century chairs are strong, don't let too many people pile on it at once. Taking care of your mid century chair will help it last for years. Ready to get your own mid century chair? Here are some places to check out: Furniture Stores : Some stores sell new mid century chairs that are inspired by the old designs. : Some stores sell new that are inspired by the old designs. Vintage Shops : These are great for finding real mid century chairs from the 1950s or 1960s. They might need a little fixing, but they're super cool. : These are great for finding real from the 1950s or 1960s. They might need a little fixing, but they're super cool. Online : Websites like eBay, Etsy, or Amazon have tons of mid century chairs . Just check reviews before you buy. : Websites like eBay, Etsy, or Amazon have tons of . Just check reviews before you buy. Thrift Stores: You might find a mid century chair at a thrift store for a great price. It's like a treasure hunt! When shopping, look for words like 'retro,' 'vintage,' or 'mid century' to find the right chair. You might be wondering, 'Are mid century chairs expensive?' Some can cost a lot, especially if they're by famous designers or are real vintage ones. But here's why they're worth it: They Last Forever : A good mid century chair is super strong and can stay in your home for years. : A good is super strong and can stay in your home for years. They're Unique : Unlike boring chairs, a mid century chair makes your home stand out. : Unlike boring chairs, a makes your home stand out. They Hold Value: Because mid century chairs are so popular, they can be worth a lot if you take care of them. Even if you're on a budget, you can find affordable mid century chairs that still look fantastic. Once you have your mid century chair, you can make it look even cooler with these tricks: Add a Pillow : A colorful pillow can make your mid century chair pop. : A colorful pillow can make your pop. Throw on a Blanket : A soft blanket over your mid century chair makes it look cozy and inviting. : A soft blanket over your makes it look cozy and inviting. Pair with a Table : A small, round table next to your mid century chair gives it a retro vibe. : A small, round table next to your gives it a retro vibe. Mix with New Stuff: A mid century chair looks great with modern furniture. It's like mixing old and new for a super cool style. Let's talk about some of the most famous mid century chairs that people love: Eames Lounge Chair: This mid century chair is super comfy and looks like it belongs in a fancy living room. Wassily Chair: Made by Marcel Breuer, this mid century chair has a metal frame and looks futuristic. Egg Chair: This mid century chair is round and cozy, like sitting in a big, comfy egg. Womb Chair: Designed by Eero Saarinen, this mid century chair is soft and curvy, perfect for relaxing. Each mid century chair has its own cool story and style. Guess what? Mid century chairs aren't just for grown-ups! Kids love them too. Some mid century chairs are small enough for kids to sit in, and they're super sturdy, so they won't break easily. Plus, the fun shapes and colors make them exciting for a kid's room. If you're a parent, a mid century chair can be a great addition to your kid's playroom or bedroom. It's stylish for you and fun for them! Even though mid century chairs are from a long time ago, they're still super popular. Designers today are making new chairs that look like mid century chairs but use modern materials. That means you can get a brand-new chair with that cool retro style. People love mid century chairs because they mix old-school charm with modern vibes. They remind us of a simpler time but still fit perfectly in today's world. Whether you're decorating a new house or just want one awesome chair, a mid century chair is a great pick. The mid century chair is more than just a place to sit—it's a piece of history, a work of art, and a super comfy spot to chill. Whether you put it in your living room, bedroom, or office, a mid century chair makes any space look better. With so many styles, colors, and types to pick from, there's a mid century chair for everyone. So, what's next? Go find your perfect mid century chair and make your home the coolest place around! Whether you like bold colors or simple designs, there's a mid century chair waiting for you. Happy decorating! TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Yahoo
a day ago
- Yahoo
80 years after his death, North Dakota World War II serviceman's remains identified
Jun. 28—FARGO — Relatives of a North Dakota serviceman who died as a prisoner of war in World War II finally have the answer they've waited so long to receive. Skeletal remains of U.S. Army Air Forces Staff Sgt. Irvin C. Ellingson have been identified through new DNA technology at a forensic lab in Hawaii, 80 years after his death. Lon Enerson, one of Ellingson's nephews, has led the family effort to bring his uncle's remains home. "We are overjoyed and relieved ... It's a long-overdue answered prayer," Enerson told The Forum, from his home in St. Cloud, Minnesota. Ellingson, who grew up in Dahlen, North Dakota, a tiny community east of Devils Lake, enlisted at age 22 and was 25 when he died, Enerson said. He was serving as a radar observer on a bombing mission to Tokyo on April 14, 1945, when the plane was shot down. Ellingson parachuted to safety but was captured by the Japanese army and held captive at a Japanese prison along with 61 other American service members. The prison caught fire a little over a month later, on May 26, 1945, after high winds fueled fires that were started by an American B-29 bombing raid over Tokyo. None of the American prisoners survived the fire, as they were blocked in by Japanese guards, Enerson said. The remains of more than two dozen American service members were identified in the aftermath but those of 37 others were buried as "unknowns" at the Manila American Cemetery in the Philippines, where they sat untouched until 2022. The remains are commingled, and the Department of Defense has a threshold for disinterment, for at least 60% of those veterans' families to provide DNA samples in order to make matches. Families pushed the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency to disinter those unidentified remains and bring them to a forensic lab in Honolulu, where the newest DNA technology is being used to identify them. Enerson said his uncle is the third serviceman from the Tokyo prison fire to be identified in this manner. The first identification came in September 2024 and the second in January of this year. Ellingson's parents and all of his siblings are deceased, so the next of kin is the oldest nephew or niece, who is Cheryl Severtson, of San Diego. Enerson is fourth on that list. Six groups of Ellingson's relatives have visited the forensic lab in Hawaii since 2022, awaiting his identification, Enerson said. Now that they have answers, some family members may return to the lab to sit privately with Ellingson's remains, which will be placed on an army blanket, he said. The family intends to bury Ellingson's remains in the Middle Forest River Cemetery in rural Dahlen, alongside his parents and other siblings. Enerson said when that day comes, he's been told Ellingson will be buried with full military honors, at government expense. "We just wish his immediate family could have known 80 years ago, but this is the next best time," Enerson said.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Yahoo
Why are flags at half-staff in Iowa? Flags lowered Saturday for World War II veteran
Flags around Iowa will be at half-staff on Saturday, June 28, at the direction of Gov. Kim Reynolds. Flags will remain at half-staff from sunrise to sunset. All flags at the Iowa State Capitol and on public buildings, grounds and facilities throughout the state will be at half-staff. Flags in Iowa will be lowered to honor U. S. Army Air Forces Corporal Melvin L. Huff, of Iowa Falls. Huff was reported missing in action in January 1945 near Wewak in what is now modern-day Papua New Guinea, after Allied forces lost contact with the military aircraft he was aboard. He was 19 years old at the time, according to a news release from the governor's office. More: Remains of Iowa corporal missing in action in World War II to finally be buried After his remains were identified last July, Harrington is finally being laid to rest in his hometown of Iowa Falls on June 28. Half-mast is used when the flag is flown from a flagpole, typically referring to a ship mast or similar structures, according to Federal Flags. Half-mast means the flag is flown two-thirds up between the top and bottom of the flagstaff. Half-staff is the term used for flags on land, particularly in the United States. Half-staff describes a flag that is raised halfway, between the top and bottom of the flagpole. Flying the American flag at half-staff conveys a message of respect and mourning. Federal Flags says this custom is most often observed following the death of a government official, military personnel or in response to a national Moines Register reporter Kate Kealey contributed to this report. Cooper Worth is a service/trending reporter for the Des Moines Register. Reach him at cworth@ or follow him on X @CooperAWorth. This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Why are flags at half-staff today in Iowa? Flags lowered for WWII vet
