The rumblings had started. The discussion was heated. The group felt it was time for action. And so they did and in the process formed the Order of Daedalians, a fraternal order of military pilots dedicated to the cause that airpower, as primitive as it was in World War I, could and should be part of the military structure of the United States.

That was 75 years ago in September of 1934. Therefore, the members of Cascade Flight #22 and the National Headquarters ask that you join us in the great Pacific Northwest in May of 2009 to celebrate the Diamond Anniversary of the Order.

This promises to be a convention like no other. The Airpower Symposium, built around the theme “Joint Airpower, Today and Tomorrow,” will feature three days of interesting, thought provoking orientations, seminars, and tours. The Symposium will start with orientations at McChord AFB and the Western Air Defense Sector (WADS) and another at the US Coast Guard Station on Elliot Bay in Seattle. Both of these locations found themselves deeply embroiled in the events of 911 and their missions, facilities, and operations have been changed to meet the current threat. These orientation tours will be the starting point for the remainder of the Symposium.

Day two of the Symposium will be highlighted by first hand accounts of joint operations starting with a “Soldier’s View” of the war on terror. Then, the seminars will address joint operations through the eyes of a US naval aviator and a UAV operator. The evening will finish with a dinner at the Museum of Flight at Boeing Field and a presentation by a five-time shuttle astronaut, Dr. Bonnie Dunbar.

On day three, the Symposium will focus on a “View from the Top” where the attendees will hear from senior leadership on the future of joint operations as seen from their perspective. The Symposium will conclude with a luncheon and presentation by senior USAF leadership.

Do not, however, forget the camaraderie of a Daedalian Convention! Golf at the Whispering Firs Golf Course on McChord AFB will kick off first thing Thursday, May 7th. In addition, Cascade Flight is dedicated to bringing you one of the best Hospitality Suites ever! Plenty of room, interesting exhibits, and plenty of “there I was!”

In addition, there will tours of the local area for the spouses/significant others. Shopping tours at the Pike Street Market in Seattle, Pioneer Square, a cruise on Elliott Bay and other local areas of interest will be available for those not attending the Symposium or for those just wanting to relax and enjoy some time in the Pacific Northwest!

Check out the schedule and sign up early for the various venues! See you in the Great Pacific Northwest, May 6 – 10, 2009!