'Good to Go' VALOR Magazine Signs Off

"I've never tired of flying.

It's ethereal. It's more than just pleasure. It's freedom. You're up there flying the airplane, and you're on a mission, freedom of motion. Up and down, and left and right, just the maneuverability. The maneuverability, and choosing your destination. You're sitting in the cockpit behind that big windscreen with an 180-degree view clear to the edge of the world, just before sunrise, and you're flying into the sun where it gets rosy, and then white ... It's a connection of being closer to the Heavenly Father, and it's just marvelous. The evolutionary process reminds me that we're on a spaceship earth, hurdling through space along with other planets and satellites."

—Col. Gail S. Halvorsen

photo courtesy of the halvorsen foundation / todd phillips

Utah VALOR Magazine editor Michelle Bridges shares a "thumbs up" with WWII Veteran Gail Halvorsen also known as The Berlin Candy Bomber. The two have become friends as they've shared war stories.

courtesy of halvorsen family

'GOOD TO GO'

FROM ONE FRIEND TO ANOTHER

for valor magazine

In a recent visit with Gail Halvorson, we chatted about flying, advice and shared war stories, again. Yes, we go over some of the same memories, because well, neither one of us is getting any younger. Last time we talked was at a Living History event at the Utah Military Academy’s Camp Williams Campus before the COVID-19 sent us all into isolation. The Berlin Candy Bomber story is familiar with most Utah school children, but Gail has other words of wisdom. With this final issue of VALOR, I wanted the chance to share some thoughts with one of my favorite WWII veterans.

Gail said the best advice his down-to-earth parents gave him was to “choose wisely.” They taught him it’s LEARN MORE important to be able to choose for yourself and do for yourself. And people, no matter where in the world, are SHARE GAIL HALVORSEN'S 100TH BIRTHDAY valued—know their worth. Somewhere there is always Watch for 100th birthday highlights, someone in need, help them. Gail taught his children the a message and/or photos will same. “Choose what you want to do and do your best.” appear on thecandybomber.org

Turning 100 this October, Gail has seen much, but Personal greetings or cards sent to: his personal mantra hasn’t. “Attitude. Gratitude. Service Gail S. Halvorsen Aviation Education before Self” is as applicable today as it was 75 years ago Foundation, 2050 N. 300 West, #23 Spanish Fork, UT 84660 when he first developed it. He lives by it and shares it with all who will listen.

One of my questions that never seems to get answered is, “What’s up with the thumb up gesture, Gail?” He chuckles and finally tells me, it’s “pilotspeak.” When a pilot is ready for take off, he holds up his thumb to communicate to his ground crew. When the maintenance guy holds up his thumb in return, his saying its all clear. When they hold up two thumbs, it means “You’re good to go.”

So thumbs readers, VALOR is clear and good to go. It’s been an amazing adventure.