Gentlemen,
In my opinion, the best thing about any gathering of Ford GT Forum Members is that they are all exceptional individuals in many different ways. The GT obviously appeals to accomplished, interesting men who have a story to tell. But even in this august group a few owners really stand out. I spent my day today with the GT Forums fastest man and the only active duty armed services member in our ranks, United States Marine Corps Lieutenant Colonel Jason Waldron (call sign and GT Forum name "Waldo"). For the last two years Jason has been commander of Marine Attack Squadron 214 based in Yuma, Arizona. They are better known as the Black Sheep Squadron that was formed during World War II in the Pacific by Pappy Boyington. Lots of World War II photos of Boyington and his squadron mates flying Corsairs adorn the hangar walls. Jason and his squadron fly Harrier jump jets today (that can take off and land vertically like a helicopter) and they are also taking delivery and bringing into service the brand-new vertical takeoff version of the F-35. Jason assumed command of the Black Sheep when their previous commander was killed in an ambush of their base in Afghanistan. After being deployed countless times and having spent years away from his wife and two beautiful children, Jason will be retiring in the months to come after serving 21 years. I am honored that he invited Susan and I to attend his change of command ceremony today. Involving nearly 300 Marines and with three Marine Generals in attendance including a 3-star, the proceedings were very moving, beautiful, and meaningful.
Jason’s silver/black stripe GT was parked outside hangar 78 and his personal squadron AV-8B Harrier was parked inside the hangar. Jason’s name was painted on the left side of the canopy and, carrying on a squadron Commander tradition, the name of the squadron’s first Commander was painted on the right-hand side of the canopy, Major Pappy Boyington. When the ceremony was finished Jason gave me a personal tour of his aircraft and then we all drove over to the Officers Club where food and beverages were served.
I flew my Glasair III to Yuma and it was the first time I had flown into that base since I performed in their airshows during the late 90s. From 1996 to 1999 the United States Navy’s F-14 Tomcat airshow demonstration pilot was Dale Snodgrass. Dale and I got to know each other well and while talking to Jason I was very surprised when Dale walked up and said hello. He had flown into the base to attend the ceremony in an A-4 Skyhawk and we had a good time catching up.
Jason’s beautiful wife, son, and daughter were all there and are looking forward to having Jason around a bit more after he retires and moves to Texas to work for Lockheed Martin.
In any event, Semper Fidelis and a huge thank you for your service from all of us Jason. God bless you and the United States Marine Corps. All the best.
Chip
In my opinion, the best thing about any gathering of Ford GT Forum Members is that they are all exceptional individuals in many different ways. The GT obviously appeals to accomplished, interesting men who have a story to tell. But even in this august group a few owners really stand out. I spent my day today with the GT Forums fastest man and the only active duty armed services member in our ranks, United States Marine Corps Lieutenant Colonel Jason Waldron (call sign and GT Forum name "Waldo"). For the last two years Jason has been commander of Marine Attack Squadron 214 based in Yuma, Arizona. They are better known as the Black Sheep Squadron that was formed during World War II in the Pacific by Pappy Boyington. Lots of World War II photos of Boyington and his squadron mates flying Corsairs adorn the hangar walls. Jason and his squadron fly Harrier jump jets today (that can take off and land vertically like a helicopter) and they are also taking delivery and bringing into service the brand-new vertical takeoff version of the F-35. Jason assumed command of the Black Sheep when their previous commander was killed in an ambush of their base in Afghanistan. After being deployed countless times and having spent years away from his wife and two beautiful children, Jason will be retiring in the months to come after serving 21 years. I am honored that he invited Susan and I to attend his change of command ceremony today. Involving nearly 300 Marines and with three Marine Generals in attendance including a 3-star, the proceedings were very moving, beautiful, and meaningful.
Jason’s silver/black stripe GT was parked outside hangar 78 and his personal squadron AV-8B Harrier was parked inside the hangar. Jason’s name was painted on the left side of the canopy and, carrying on a squadron Commander tradition, the name of the squadron’s first Commander was painted on the right-hand side of the canopy, Major Pappy Boyington. When the ceremony was finished Jason gave me a personal tour of his aircraft and then we all drove over to the Officers Club where food and beverages were served.
I flew my Glasair III to Yuma and it was the first time I had flown into that base since I performed in their airshows during the late 90s. From 1996 to 1999 the United States Navy’s F-14 Tomcat airshow demonstration pilot was Dale Snodgrass. Dale and I got to know each other well and while talking to Jason I was very surprised when Dale walked up and said hello. He had flown into the base to attend the ceremony in an A-4 Skyhawk and we had a good time catching up.
Jason’s beautiful wife, son, and daughter were all there and are looking forward to having Jason around a bit more after he retires and moves to Texas to work for Lockheed Martin.
In any event, Semper Fidelis and a huge thank you for your service from all of us Jason. God bless you and the United States Marine Corps. All the best.
Chip
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, and got chatting to Jason. Very. Laid back, very cool, then when I found out he flew Harriers, and told him my father built the originals in the UK, we were chatting for ages. 
