Originally published in 1994
The Texas Department of Transportation launched a new program with a kickoff ceremony in the Childress District. The new program, “Real Texans” is a multi-faceted program that is intended to encourage motorists to avoid driver fatigue by taking frequent breaks during long trips, reduce litter on Texas highways and encourage recycling. Signs that provide informative historical notes about “Real Texans”, will be placed at roadside stops to encourage a 5-minute break from driving as well as to provide an opportunity to appropriately dispose of trash.
The program’s first sign honors the Women’s Airforce Service Pilots of World War II (WASP). Special events were scheduled at the Childress Municipal Airport which is the former location of a WWII bomber training site, where a WASP detachment was based in the 1940s.
Aviation Division Director, Dave Fulton, participated in the Childress event as guest speaker at a luncheon honoring Florene Miller Watson, the courageous former WASP commander.
A regional “Young Eagles” fly-in was one of the main attractions. Pilots from the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) donated their time and aircraft to provide almost 160 children and 24 adults with a flight experience.
This event was so well-attended and enjoyed by visiting pilots and the community that other airport/aviation events may be in the future for the Childress Municipal Airport.