Airport Dedication

Well I'm about a week late in posting this.  But during our last visit to Akhiok, they dedicated the airstrip to two beloved Kodiak pilots who were tragically killed in plane crashes.  The community had a big pot luck where everyone brought a dish.  Let me just tell you that people in Akhiok know how to cook!  It was yummers!  Several pilots from Kodiak flew in for the dedication.  Good thing the weather cooperated!

Anyhow to start the ceremony off the local priest, who I just call Father as I don't really know his name(oops!), performed a blessing and the eating was on!

After several memorial speeches and comments, the kids came in with a plane outline, made of metal, that they had welded with Robin and Jim's initials.  Then a troop of dancers performed.  It was so neat.  After that everyone pitched in and helped clean the gym. The pilots left and as they left they buzzed the school which is a piloty way of paying tribute to their fallen comrades.  Eddie (one of the pilots I frequently fly with) stole the show by pulling straight up into the sky.  We all stood on the porch and waved...I ran in to get the camera and COMPLETELY missed his maneuver.

I put some photos and a few snippets of video below so you can get a feel for it.  Was truly blessed to be able to spend time down there.  What a great community!

Bringing in the plane

Flying the plane lol

Waving to planes