Moment in History

FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash., -- On July 11, 1927 Maj. John "Jack" Fancher, 116th Observation Squadron commander, leaves for New York City in his biplane to formalize details of the upcoming National Air Races. On his way back, the major stopped by the summer home of the President of the United States, Calvin Coolidge, in South Dakota to extend him an invitation to the air races. After performing some aerial stunt work, he threw down a silken banner that read, "Greetings to the President" before landing. Although the president was too busy to attend the races, he was sufficiently impressed with Fancher enough to pause for a picture with him and the banner. Both the picture and the banner are still treasured historical artifacts in what is today the 141st Air Refueling Wing.