Jim and Joanna Fairweather receive Certificates of Appreciation at the January Catalina Mountain Satellite meeting
Colonel Rett Benedict
The speakers for the January 21 meeting of the Catalina Mountain Satellite were SaddleBrooke residents Jim and Joanna Fairweather relating the story of “where they were” on September 11, 2001. They were flying former President George H. W. Bush and his wife, Barbara, from Washington D.C. to Milwaukee and then to the Bush home in Kennebunkport, Maine.
Jim was a USAF and corporate pilot and his wife had been a school teacher of English and journalism and a part-time corporate flight attendant. Jim flew several different aircraft in the Air Force, served in Vietnam and retired after 20 years to join the flight team of an insurance company in Minneapolis. The insurance company invited the pilot’s wives to train as flight attendants so they could help as part of the aircrew and get a chance to travel. This is how they came to this adventure.
On the morning of 9/11, Jim and Joanne and the rest of the crew departed from Reagan National Airport early in the morning (prior to the first tower being struck) with former President and Mrs. Bush and their Secret Service detail to take them to give a speech at the insurance company in Minneapolis. Jim remarked that both the airport and the flight radios were quiet, very unusual, almost eerie. Gradually they learned about the tragic events with the World Trade Center Towers and the Pentagon. As they were trying to learn more, Jim and the co-pilot picked up a transmission from United Flight 93 claiming there was a bomb on-board the United plane. It was one of the terrorists trying to threaten the passengers but, instead of using the intercom, he was on the FAA channel. During this time, Mr. and Mrs. Bush were given updates about the terrorist attack and the status of their son, President George W. Bush. They flew first to Milwaukee and the next day Jim and Joanne flew them to Sanford, Maine near the Bush home in Kennebunkport. They described their passengers as very concerned, but also very collected.
After landing in Maine, as Jim and Joanne were completing their duties regarding the airplane, Mr. and Mrs. Bush asked them their plans. Upon learning they were going to have to stay until the airways were re-opened, they invited Jim and Joanne for cocktails at the Bush residence. To their surprise, the former president opened the door as they arrived. They spent two hours and were very impressed with how gracious and down-to-earth Mr. and Mrs. Bush were. Jim and Joanne were given drinks and a tour around the Bush home and a fantastic story to tell. What a great experience!
Our next meeting will be held on Saturday, February 18, 2017, in the East Room, MountainView Country Club, 38759 S. Mountain View Boulevard, Tucson, Arizona 85739, phone 818-1000. Lunch can be ordered starting at 11:30 a.m. The speaker will be Golder Ranch Fire District Fire Chief Randy Karrer. He has been the Chief since 2010 and is also the Chairman of the State Fire Safety Committee. Spouses are welcome and invited.
For additional information contact Colonel Rett Benedict, president, 825-7424, [email protected] or Colonel Tom Owens, MOAA Tucson President, 760-3476, [email protected]. Check website: www.tucsonmoaa.com for information.