Our Mondongueros Brother Joe Hitch passed away at home on Wednesday, 18 December 2013, surrounded by Eva, his wife of 63 years, and their four children.

Joe has been a stalwart member since his retirement and move to Reno in 1998, and a good friend to every one of us in too many ways to list. His seventy years of experience in the aviation industry made him a legend to many of those famous people who advanced the industry in general, airline and military aviation from 1942 through the 1990s.

After another summer of adventure flying his 1944 Beech Staggerwing throughout Europe, the airplane has been bedded down for the winter, and Captain Windsock has returned. We all look forward to his extemporaneous presentations from time to time over the winter about particular events of note in the 2013 Wanderings.

Members can read more on Biff’s Web-Site: http://www.CaptainBiff.com

Over the weekend of September 14-16 2012, Member Bill Charney and his 1944 Beech D17S Staggerwing were the center of attention at the annual Goodwood Revival in the United Kingdom. From all of the vintage cars and airplanes at the event, the Grand Prize was awarded to Bill’s immaculately restored airplane – named “The Red Rockette” in honor of his daughter’s dancing career with the famed New York City dance company.