Sophomore David Carruth helps fit a helmet in preparation for a boy's high-speed ride. (Photo courtesy of Alexandria Rackerby)
By Alexandria Rackerby, Guest Commentary
This semester has been an exciting and busy one for The Richard J. Mallon squadron, the University of Portland's chapter of Arnold Air Society. While we can't pick a favorite volunteer event, the most fast paced event was helping at the Doernbecher Dash.
For two days our club helped sick kids from Doernbecher Children's Hospital get in and out of racecars at Portland International Speedway. The souped up super cars were a blast to see and ride in, and the kids loved it. There was also a silent auction and pinewood derby, which our cadets helped run and clean up.
Commander Chris Schmidt spent his entire weekend at the event, helping coordinate volunteers and selling tickets to anyone who wanted to feel the adrenaline rush of a racecar driver. Everyone had a great time, from the people selling tickets to the professional drivers- all racing for the Doernbecher kids.
Our squadron also helped host an ice cream social at the Oregon Veteran's Home. We met up with our local AFA chapter and had lunch, scooped ice cream, and served it to various veterans right here in Oregon.
One of the highlights of the trip was meeting a gentleman who is an alumnus of the University of Portland. John was a student at the university between 1939-1942, stopping as a junior to enlist in the United States Marine Corps to fight in WWII. He became a pilot in the military because he had taken flying classes at the University of Portland. Back then, all students were offered classes in "civilian aviation" and "civilian-military aviation" as undergraduates.
John described the University as "small and just full of two hundred guys." John crashed mid-air with his wingman in a training exercise, he was hospitalized for over a year. He recovered and became a flight instructor, still helping his nation as best he could. John's story was inspiring, as was seeing pictures of him in uniform and hearing about his student career at the same university we now attend.
Our next project is Veteran's Day, where we will have ceremonies and hold a vigil in conjunction with Army ROTC. Every year we make a "Remembrance Book." These books are compiled from stories and letters written by students to veterans.
Arnold Air Society invites all students to write a letter to be included in this book. We don't have a length requirement, but ask that it be handwritten in blue or black ink and given to Kourtney Kugler. Typed letters will also be accepted.
Miss Kugler can be reached at either kugler12@up.edu, and handwritten letters can be sent through campus mail to Kourtney Kugler, Tyson 214. These books will be distributed to various veterans homes, and are sure to be appreciated by many!
Alexandria Rackerby is a sophomore engineering management major. She can be contacted at rackerby13@up.edu
