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Welcome to this site. I hope you find something here that interests you and, perhaps, entices you to purchase a print or two.
My work
There are three collections here, based primarily on aviation and automotive subjects, all amassed over my more than 25 years as a photojournalist.
The collections are profile illustrations, photographic interpretations and straight photography.
During the 1970s I photographed mostly sports car races, primarily for UPI and the AP. In 1977, I moved into NASCAR country and have covered that ever since with a sprinkling of road racing thrown in to keep me awake.
Aviation has always been important in my life, hence those selections.
When I first started shooting racing, my intent never was straight photography. I have a deep respect for history and view each event in that perspective. In 1976, when Ronnie Peterson was killed at the Italian Grand Prix, Ricardo Patrese was unjustly accused in the death. The ramifications rolled over into the next race at Watkins Glen, where Peterson's teammate, Mario Andretti, came to Patrese's defense. I documented both Patrese and Andretti before and after the meetings of inquiry called upon the subject. Many of my photographs from these events were published in Sweden, Italy and South America.
Despite my journalistic presence at these events, even in 1970, I was collecting images for future use, perhaps as paintings or illustrations. It has been only since the advent of the computer that I have been able to begin putting onto paper what I was seeing in my mind's eye three decades ago.
As for the collection of aircraft profiles - I have plans to do the same for automobiles - my interest has been historical. I grew up looking at black-and-white images of these aircraft and knew that the world, even in a war-torn state, was in color. What did these aircraft really look like?
Again, through the computer, I was able to make contact with people - the pilots, the mechanics, the ground crews - who best knew these aircraft. Through interviews and the very generous offerings of some of their historic images, I have attempted to recreate as accurately as I possibly can what they looked like. I admit that these are not wholly accurate.
When I presented Bob "Punchy" Powell of the 328th FS a proof of his P-51B, he disputed my coloring the map of West Virginia on the plane's side in yellow. "I always thought it was white," he said. I pointed out that there were distinct tonal differences between the "white" of the map on his aircraft and what were definitely white markings on his plane in similar lighting conditions. I also noted the fact that he is an alumnus of West Virginia University which uses a yellow map of the state in its logo. He said, "That makes sense. Perhaps you're right. Hell, go with it. After all I'm the pilot and if I say it's right, who's going to question me?"
So, is it white? Is it yellow?
This is what makes this research so much fun and frustrating. We are dealing with memories that span some sixty years for minutia which didn't mean a whit to someone who could die the next time he sat in the aircraft. This does not give me license for fantasy, but it does point out the frailties of taking anyone's word - even mine - without question.
To that end, I am always willing to listen to criticism of my work and am more than willing to make the appropriate changes given information that can sway my choices.
\A few thanks and notes
The Virginia Air National Guard
My deepest gratitude goes to BG Bill Jones, BG Bob Seifert and COL Steve Hicks of the Virginia Air National Guard who have all taken my questions and probing seriously. I hope that whatever you see of the VaANG on these pages reflects that respect and appreciation.
Special thanks go to COL Pete Bonanni, COL Dave Dornan, COL Don Everett, COL Tony Haynes, COL Bill Martin, and COL Bobby Sandford and all the enlisted men and women who put up with my semingly inane requests.
COL Johnny O. Haikey and TSGT Ed Kelleher have been friends throughout. No amount of thanks can repay them.
In the aircraft history section of the Virginia Air National Guard, you will note that all the links to the Guard's history are inoperable. This is by design. I have worked for more than ten years on this history and am not about to give it away. There are enough facts in the aircraft history section to keep modelers or other enthusiasts happy. I will publish the VaANG history as soon as I complete documentation of every aircraft they have flown. To date, I have documented more than 200 aircraft. Any help in finishing the book would be greatly appreciated...
The 352nd Fighter Group
For the 352nd images, "Punchy" Powell and his wife, Betty, are at the top of the thanks list. Along with Dick DeBruin, president of the 352nd Fighter Group Association, and Sam Sox and Joe Noah, keepers of the Preddy flame. Thanks for their help in furthering my projects but, even more so, thanks for helping to give me a country that allows me to do this.
My Family
Not least on this list are my wife, Cinda, who has consistantly reminded me that I do need a little sleep to keep on working and our children, Chris and Mollie, who have garnered an appreciation of history -- even if it is a touch heavy on aviation and automotive perspectives. How many other 11-year-old American girls have Ralf Schumacher as a hero?
If nothing else, history is the glue that binds humanity, no matter where we find that history. Some of it is just a little more real and meaningful than the rest. I have chosen to look at both ends of the spectrum.
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