AIR FORCE ONE

Any craft carrying the President is called Air Force One. AF 1 is "the symbol of the Presidency and Power." Different airplanes have served the president well  since its inception with the Eisenhower administration. Members of the media may travel with the President and souvenir items can be passed out by the president.

Two times, in particular, I have had Air Force One experiences.. once at Pease Air Force Base, New Hampshire.. the other at the Thomas Green Airport in Providence. In both cases I perceived this aircraft's presence as imposing. I even took a picture of the craft in Rhode Island and gave it to my Worcester Jr. teacher - David O. Kubly!

I even interviewed a man at the  Leeds VA who served as flight engineer on Air Force One a while back. This veteran relates of all the dignitaries he saw while working with presidents.. He said "when JFK was killed it was like losing a friend." He admits to "escorting Martin Luther  King. Senator Barry Goldwater and Vice-President Spiro Agnew.

Also, this man admitted to spending "many hours with LBJ at the Ranch in Johnson City, TX.!"

Jackie Kennedy was responsible for obtaining the present colors in the red, white and blue fashion.

The majesty of Air Force One both on the ground and in the air is truly imposing! It makes a statement like no other symbol in my view!

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN
Box 11
West Brookfield, MA 01585