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Sept. 1, 1985

Dear Debbie:

It was nice to meet you at the Ninety-Nines Convention, I am enclosing the newspaper clipping that was published prior to our WASP plaque dedication. I will be writing and article about the WASPS for a magazine, and will send you a copy if you wish. How much space will you dedicate to this? Am also enclosing a copy of the program which has the wording for the plaque on the front cover. You are welcome to use this in your book.

You asked me to tell you a little about myself. My love of aviation goes back to World War II when I was a small child. My father was an officer in the U.S. Army Corps, and while too old to fly, entertained many of the pilots. When we were at various bases [[strikethrough]] pilots [[/strikethrough]], the pilots would takes me ice skating, etc. Probably reminded them of home. I collected the black recognition models that my father brought home of all the new fighters and bombers.

I really didn't have an opportunity to fly until mnay [[many]] years after I finished college. I have an M.A. from the University of Virginia in International Relations. I began to fly in 1968 in Stanley Dancer's (champion Harness Horse race driver) twin-engine Beechcraft Queen Air. I flew from the right seat and his pilots taught me radio work and navigation as well. Deciding to go for my private licence, I went to a near-by small airport to learn to fly a trainer, a Cessna 150. Because of other commitments I didn't get the licence until early in 1973.

Things began in earnest in late 1975 when it was announced that the last Powder Puff Derby would terminate in Wilmington Delaware. As one of the local lady pilots, I volunteered to help with the Race Terminus. At this point I had a Private Licence and about a 190 hours. By early 1976 I had a Commercial Licence. About that time Richard C. "Kip" duPont, who owned an airport in Middletown, Delaware, asked me if I would like to fly in the race one day when I was visiting his office looking for a race prize.

While I was astounded at the [[strikethrough]] idea [[/strikethrough]] thought of flying across the U.S. with my small amount of experience, I couldn't resist the idea. We decided I had better get my instrument rating, so I went back to flying with an instructor. Mr. duPont's company, Summit Aviation, ordered a new Cessna 182 and when it was ready, I rode the airlines out to Wichita to pick it up at the factory. It did not have any radios or navigation gear — they were to be installed by Summit in Delaware. So, my first long cross country trip was by compass only.

As the first plane from Delaware to enter that year's race, we were assigned Race Number "76" in honor of the bicentennial. That was the start of my air race participation which has continued since then. In addition to the Powder Puff Derby, I have raced