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Name registered Aug. 3, 1926 X No. 2162140.
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1978 TXU unpublished copyrite
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All copyrights reserved for fiction, drama or photoplays based heron. Hattie Meyers Junkin
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The Human Investment In Waco
As Seen by Mrs. Waco

When America entered the war in 1917 in a state of unpreparedness no need of the army was more pressing than that felt for flying instructors to assist in carrying forward the enormous aviation program which had been planned. There were few officers in the army who had any experience in flying or could take a ship up. The War Dept. issued an appeal to all civilian flyers in the country to volunteer to render a special and peculiar service as flying instructors. The response was immediate, practically every professional and civilian flyer in the country volunteered. The total number was about 35. They were called civilian flying instructors. The occupation of these men was most hazardous. They not only taught the 'green' flyers but they tested the new machines, [[strikethrough]] and they repaired machines and This was then the study of aerodynamics. Today aerodynamics is a science and a course taught in college learned principally by the application of mathematics to the number of lives lost or bones broken or bodies permanently crippled by this small band of courageous Youth. [[/strikethrough]] The pioneer pilots were self-taught

George (Buck) E. Weaver was one of these. When the call was issued he was 22 years old. He had spent three seasons on the road with exhibition flyers. i.e., Carl Miller, Laddie Laird and Katherine Stinson. Mr. Charles Dickinson, founder of the Aero Club of Illinois, in behalf of Buck Weaver wrote Major Christie who was stationed at McCook Field, Dayton Ohio. Buck was then stationed at McCook Field as a junior flying instructor. The Oath of Allegiance to the Constitution of the United States [[left margin]] Rich Field[[/left margin]] was sworn and subscribed to, in December 1917 in Waco, Texas, where the one unit aviation field called 'Richfield' was established. The record of Richfield was [[strikethrough]]t[[/strikethrough]] one of the best, having the fewest fatalities and graduating students who, during the war, distinguished themselves and are the headliners of today. What was the answer? Eleven civilian instructors. When the Armistice came the duties of these boys were over. In testimony to their potential value, readiness to accept heavy responsibilities and the brilliant manner in which they discharged the same, the commanding officers and students gladly gave their instructors their just due. Buck Weaver graduated William P. MacCracken, Jr., ass't secretary of aeronautics, who says "every pilot should have a deep respect for the men who turned him "solo"." "Certainly I have for Buck Weaver who tied the white handkerchief on the rudder of an old Standard, spoke a few forceful but effective words of encouragement and warning, which were easily heard above the snorting of the Hall Scott, and let me go."

Lester Maitland was another of Buck's students. Lester Maitland says "While I was a student flyer in 1917, I was one of several hundred cadets who stood in awe and admiration when "Buck" flew. He was indeed an "early bird" and is a great pilot. He gladly volunterred his services to the Government in 1917 and engaged in the most hazardous occupation there is, and that is teaching people to fly, when we know very little about flying or how to teach it, and he is alone responsible for the basic instruction of some of the greatest pilots this country has known. With all his ability as a pilot, his personality and kindliness aided many a student who was doubtful in getting through a most difficult course.

According to the records of Richfield, Waco, Texas, Buck Weaver, at the time of his discharge, had been a flying instructor for a period of 13 months, had a total time of 1,255 hours, signed by Lieutenant. M. A. Sharp January 1st, 1919.

Major John Garrett Whitesides, A. S. A., commanding officer at Richfield said of Buck,[[strikethrough]][[illegible]][[/strikethrough]] "You reported at this field for duty as civilian flying instructor on December 13, 1917, since which date you have been continuously engaged in that duty. Your conduct and ability as a flyer have won the respect and admiration of the entire personnel of this field and the high standard of your ability as a pilot and instructor is best measured by the great ability of the cadets graduated under your instruction."

[[lower margin]][[arrow up to end of paragraph starting with {Lester Maitland} and ending {with difficult course.}]]No matter how long I fly I shall never forget and shall always be grateful for the basic training I received from Buck Weaver." 
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