DAR chapter presents program on Women Airforce Service Pilots
Hot Springs of Arkansas Chapter DAR Vice Regent Joan Davis recently presented a program on the role of female pilots during World War II during their monthly meeting at the Melting Pot Genealogical Society.
Women Airforce Service Pilots, or WASPs, were very successful in providing support for the troops, but did not receive recognition for their heroism or status as being members of the U.S. Air Corps for many years, according to Davis.
They were considered as “service pilots” who flew alongside airmen, trained other women pilots for flying combat maneuvers and repaired their own planes. “Just like the men, they risked their lives. Unlike the men, they had the airplanes but not the same uniform. They could not show any affiliation to the U.S. Air Corps (Air Force). It wasn’t until 1977 that they finally received honors and military status as members of the U.S. Air Force. Each were given recognition and medals by President Carter,” according to a news release.
“The Hot Springs of Arkansas Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution supports the men and women of our nation’s military and acknowledges their bravery and sacrifices made in every war and conflict around the globe. The DAR promotes community service through educational programs, historical programs and activities, women’s issues, conservation of our resources and wildlife, preservation of history and the locations, marking graves, as well as patriotic activities,” the release said.
Membership into DAR is open to any woman 18 years of age and older whose ancestor was a patriot in the American Revolutionary War. Call the Chapter Registrar for information and research help at 463-9975.
The next meeting will be at 10 a.m. March 9 in the Melting Pot Genealogical Society Library at 649B Ouachita Ave. It will be a special meeting dedicated to honoring outstanding high school seniors, who have been elected as DAR Good Citizens of their schools, the release said.
The Hot Springs of Arkansas Chapter DAR sponsors Lakeside, Hot Springs, Malvern, Magnet Cove, and Cutter Morning Star high schools not only for DAR Good Citizens Program and scholarships, but any of the aforementioned programs. Call Martha Koon at 262-4278 for more information.