Warren “Roy” Dorfler
A.K.A. My Grandpa, Peepaw
WWII Veteran
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Baltimore — The Movie “Memphis Belle”, a restored WWII B-17 “flying fortress” bomber and Rare Curtiss P-40 Warhawk took to the skies over Baltimore on their first national tour Monday.
“I’m glad they’re still flying,” Warren Dorfler said. “I was hoping they’d keep them going so that the present generation could see what we were in.”
Dorfler, an Army Air Force veteran of World War II, flew in the B-17 for the first time “since May 8, 1945,” as he recalls.
The aircraft will be open to the public and available for flights. The flights as well as ground tours will be available August 18-19. In addition, two local WWII B-17 veterans will be on site as well to greet and speak with guests.
The flights cost $450 for 45 minutes. The money is critical to keeping the aircraft flying.
“Keeping this out on tour in a year for a full year, we’ll probably spend a million dollar or a little more keeping it out on tour,” Keith Youngblood of The Liberty Foundation said. “So, it’s a pretty pricey endeavor.”
The B-17 costs between $3,000-$4,000 per hour to maintain. It burns 200 gallons of gas per hour.
“It’s not so much about the plane, it’s about the 10 guys who flew in the plane, so that’s what we try to keep alive,” Youngblood said.
The goal of The Liberty Foundation is to educate individuals about the WWII aircrafts as well as the veterans.
Free ground tours of the aircraft will be available at Martin State Airport in the afternoon.
Monday, August 13 2012, 10:30 PM EDT
FOX NEWS LINK:
http://www.foxbaltimore.com/newsroom/top_stories/videos/wbff_vid_14695.shtml
GRANDPA & GRANDMA’S 90th BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION
THE DORFLER BOYS: Ron (Dad), Roy (Grandpa), Tom (Uncle) & Mike(me)
Mike,
Love it! I saw your Aunt Darlene in Panera recently. I inquired about her parents and she mentioned her dad’s flight in the WWII plane. Roy is truly an inspiration!
I regret missing your family’s summer party this year. I enjoy catching up with all of you.
Brigid
Hi Brigid,
Oh, thanks for commenting…I agree, he is inspiring! Yes, we missed seeing you too at Mom’s. Hope all is great!
Keep those Ravens winning up there!!
See you in November for Mom’s retirement party.
Have Great Day,
Mike
Ahh, yes; When America actually aecperiatpd what the Armed Forces did for them instead of put them on blast every chance they get. GO ARMY! and NAVY and so on