Solar Eclipse Flight.
On August 21, 2017 the path of a total solar eclipse traversed the continental United States, with the peak of the eclipse being centered in rural Hopkinsville, KY. The Kentuckiana Volunteer Aviators, among others, flew within 20 minutes of Hopkinsville and into the path of the total solar eclipse. Voice Excerpts from Local Louisville Radio Host, Terry Meiners and Captain Gary Katz KVA Pilots and Members Participating Gary Katz, Bob Waggoner, Kienan McCusker, and Austin Lassell Pictures and Video by Austin Lassell (lassellfoto.com)
United States Merchant Marine Graduation.
Founded in 1943 on the Walter Chrysler Estate in Kings Point, New York, the academy is known for it's elite Merchant Mariners who serve on the world's largest vessels as highly skilled captains and engineers. While graduates may choose to serve in the Merchant Marine, in order to fulfill their service obligation, they may also elect to serve in any of the United States uniformed services including Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force or Coast Guard. Just as in the other four service academies, USMMA is known for it's physically intensive training, academic rigor and low acceptance rates due to the excellence of moral character, and the intellectual and physical abilities expected of potential candidates. At the 2017 USMMA Commencement, graduates listened to speeches given by the US Secretary of Transportation Elaine L. Chao, US Senator Roger Wicker, and USMMA 2002 Graduate and US Navy Seal Veteran Adam La Reau. Voice Excerpts from Speeches by US Secretary of Transportation Elaine Chao USMMA 2002 Graduate and US Navy Seal Veteran Adam La Reau Pictures, Video and Audio by Austin Lassell William Lassell