INTRODUCTION

The WASP, their Legacy and the plane that several flew while cadets, named “Nella” after the WASP mascot Fifinella, is briefly represented in the gallery and the  introductory video.

Look at the Gallery at the top of this page

The gallery is a sample of Nella’s and the Squadron’s activity;

more info is available at WASP Squadron website

Squadron members receive a monthly update on activities; membership is available at the website

Follow us on Facebook and Instagram as CAF WASP Squadron

See the Gallery image by image: 

1. 1. 1. 1. The video shows one 13 year old’s reaction to flying in Nella
         2. One young man waits his turn to fly while his brother is on board to ride
         3. The artist is a young woman, capturing Nella for the crew at the event
         4. Children all want to take a look
         5. Nella returns to Avenger Field, twice this year (short video with radial engine sound)
         6. Attendees at annual ground school gather with Nella
         7. Pilot Savannah checks out Nella
         8. Nella was there at WASP Homecoming, but out of sight, while Officers, Elaine Webb and Jordan Drischler visit with WASP Nell Bright’s daughter
         9. Visitors came to ride in Nella, and do a reenactment of a WASP cadet photo 
         10. Nella flies averaging 225 hours per year for the past 3 years
         11. Nell Bright, 43-W-7, with a print of Nella   A gift from the Squadron, for her birthday this year, she recognized Nella immediately with the comment “I flew this plane”.
         12. Nell and 6 other WASP have flown Nella and signed her luggage compartment; this year Nella spread the ashes of WASP Jean “Jeep” Harman 44-W-9 at Avenger Field during the WASP Museum’s annual Homecoming
         13. Pilots Sandy and Savannah after a day of welcoming, story telling and flying Nella
         14. Children appear everywhere to touch and be with Nella
         15. First at 5, and now 9 years old, always dressed as a WASP, we saw her 3 times this year. She aspires to fly the B-29 Fifi. She (her mother) invited Nella to the Bartlesville OK Flyin which was originally started by WASP Mary Regalbuto Jones; Mary was also the first woman to serve on the American Airlines Board of Directors.
         16. The picture that is used most often to introduce Nella, taken at Oshkosh in 2017, with WASP Jane Doyle in the rear seat
         17. Nella in formation with the CAF Tuskegee P-51 
         18. Nella delivered a Squadron Commemorative Challenge Coin to the WASP Museum for their opening a new exhibit.
         19. Nella as the representative of all AT-6's; this is from Wikipedia
         20. December 16, 2923: Nella goes to the Independence Bowl to do a flyover as part of the recognition of the WASP at halftime 

What else:

• children are everywhere, learning, touching and imagining their future as pilots (there are so many pictures but all  require permission to be published)

• The care of Nella by pilots and Squadron members that goes on continuously - they are not very interesting!

 MISSION

The WASP Squadron operates Nella, as part of fulfilling its mission to Honor the legacy of the WASP, Educate others on their accomplishments and Inspire the next generation  to achieve success, possibly in aviation. Each appearance and every Squadron pilot tells the story,  contributing to the success of that mission.

The WASP were innovators, and created evidence for those that followed that they could accomplish what they set their minds to. This evidence is needed for the vast majority where the phrase “you can’t be what you can’t see” applies.  This phrase is attributed to Marian Wright Edelman, the founder and president of the Children’s Defense Fund (CDF). In the mid-1960s, Edelman was the first Black woman admitted to the Mississippi bar.

The WASP Squadron continues to produce more evidence and reinforce the Legacy of the WASP throughout the year. 

Nella is Visible 

 While on Tour - click here

Squadron Pilot Kevin Price tells about Nella

When researching online  - at Wikipedia When reading EAA Sport Flying

Squadron Officers Curt Lewis and Jordan Drischler bring Nella to Oshkosh to be on exhibit

The PROBLEM

Because Nella has become well known and in demand. she flies over 225 hours per year. She gave over 300  passenger rides  each year 2021-2023. As a result of this activity she will require an overhaul at the end the 2025 season. Without a backup engine she will sit on the ground for 14-18 months while her only engine is overhauled. (The same would be true if she experienced a significant engine failure).  Nella's audience would be lost, interest would go elsewhere, and she would miss a year of interaction with young potential achievers and  aviators.

She is also a respected member of the Commemorative Air Force fleet and participates in the Air Power Squadron's Air Power History Tour. They each would be impacted by a loss of her visibility and contribution. 

The SOLUTION

Secure a second engine that would be ready to be installed when needed. There is no immediately available running AT-6 engine with low TBOH. Therefore, the team needs to source the best possible pieces to be assembled to create the new "ready-to-go" engine. The total cost of the project, at today's prices is estimated to be $100,000, not including the actual install. 

The Squadron has already committed $15,000 to the securing of a suitable engine core. We are hopeful and optimistic that Nella's need will be seen as noteworthy and that her supporters will rally to make the completion of a second engine a reality.

ALTERNATIVES

Nella could be grounded while her engine is overhauled, losing her significant momentum.

A second alternative is to secure a sister aircraft, with Nella-like credentials, that would take over while she is being overhauled. No known aircraft of this description is available. 

HUMOR: Have first rights to an overhaul shop that gives Nella priority for immediate overhaul when needed. This is a fantasy!

YOU MATTER - now and in the past years

Because of Nella's supporters: Nella had an overhaul in 2020, she had radios installed in 2021 and the latest Garmin Avionics, with vintage appearance, were installed in 2022.

Contributors to  Nella are already heroes and a part of what Nella is today. We can not thank them enough. 

If you able to help this year, you will have a lasting impact. This year's goal is strategic, it will make a difference for years to come. It is a move that preserves the ongoing missions of the CAF and the Squadron.

RECOGNITION FOR YOUR SUPPORT

Based on your donation level, you have the option of claiming a reward. Any donation of any amount makes a difference to keeping Nella flying. The Squadron appreciates any support you provide for Nella, the WASP and their legacy, all of which benefits future and present generations  

Note that donors of $2,500 or more may have permanent recognition at The Victory Plaza located on the CAF National Airbase in Dallas, Texas. The Plaza is outside of the Henry B. Tippie National Education Aviation Education Center (NEAC), where Nella is on display when at home. 

• $25    WASP Squadron Decals - set of three  (unlimited) 

$5000 1 night stay at Brush Creek Ranch Saratoga, Wyoming (limit 10)

This is a western adventure / experience of a lifetime.. 

No single picture can do this exclusive opportunity justice;

View the website and its gallery to see fun and adventure in ALL seasons

Brush Creek Ranch - clink here for info

• • 
  • Location: 13 miles from SAA, with an 8,800’ runway; http://www.airnav.com/airport/ksaa
    • United Airlines into Laramie Wyoming ; pick up provided by Brush Creek Ranch
  • Experience family-friendly ranch adventures and luxury lodging in the American West.
  • 5-Star Ranch. All-Inclusive
  • Immerse yourself in over 30,000 secluded acres and pause from life's everyday demands under starlit night skies.
  • Reconnect, relax, and rejoice in unbridled luxury at an award-winning ranch destination
  • Certificate valid thru December 31, 2024 - additional nights  available   

• $2,500    CAF Victory Plaza Brick Campaign - custom brick    (limit 20)

  • Your contribution will (optionally) create a brick labelled as you specify
    • Currently one of the bricks reads: 

Recognizing all WASP      
 CAF WASP Squadron

Several individual WASP are also honored 

• • See here for details Victory Plaza Brick Campaign
  • $250 of your donation will go directly to the NEAC and contribute to maintaining Nella's home

Nella Anniversary Gear    Custom made in honor of Nella's 1943 - 1944  time at Avenger Field

 $500               Nella Anniversary Bomber jacket  - custom name on right front    (limit 50)

 $ 100          Nella A nniversary Challenge Coin   - uniquely numbered  (limit 50)  

    $50       Nella A nniversary Ball Cap    (unlimited)

one size fits most

velcro closure