Saying goodbye to a 'true club' and years of camaraderie

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Veronica McMahon
  • 325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  Camaraderie, friendship and a common bond brought a few individuals together decades ago to share a passion, spread their knowledge and become a club. And for years, that club allowed many to pursue their dreams and learn to fly.
 
After existing for decades, the Tyndall Aero Club has shut its doors, and after managing the club for 33 years, Bill Foley says goodbye to what he called 'a true club'.

"I liked the camaraderie," said Mr. Foley. "We all had something in common - we were a true club."

Entering the Air Force January of 1954, Mr. Foley devoted 20 years serving on active duty. Immediately after his active duty service he worked as a chief instructor at Keesler Air Force Base, Miss., for four years prior to his arrival as the Tyndall Aero Club manager in 1978.

"He has been a mentor and leader in the aero club." said John Finelli, 325th Force Support Squadron community services flight chief. "Over 400 students have become certified to become private pilots, and during his time at the Tyndall aero club and over 50 thousand flying hours have been flown by his students."

Mr. Foley was serving on active duty in the Air Force when he pursued flying in the late 1960's, but has never flown for the military.

"I just started flying one day and liked it so I went with it," Mr. Foley said.

When Mr. Foley first became manager, the club had approximately 70 members and 4 airplanes. Throughout time, the numbers grew and people consistently came to the club to pursue their dream of flying.

"Anyone who had an interest in flying could've joined, and over the years many people did," said Mr. Foley. "At one time we were a high aero club, and my job was certifying."
The club offered courses for private, commercial, instrument, flight instructor and instrument flight instructor certificates.

"It's all been pretty memorable," said Mr. Foley. "And in the 33 years I've been here, no aero club member had to wear a Band Aid."

And along with winning the Air Force Safety Award for 25 of 33 years, the club has also been instrumental in helping local law enforcement in search and rescue operations and established working relationships with base operations, base weather and base education.

The club, being so closely associated with base organizations, fell under the services flight in the 325th FSS. This allowed Mr. Finelli to work closely with Mr. Foley for more than three years.

"He has a wonderful zest for life and is probably the most positive person I've ever met," Mr. Finelli said. "He is very dedicated, 100 percent professional at all times."
And Mr. Foley showed the same gratitude to his students.

"I've met some really great people," said Mr. Foley. "Pilots are cool people, especially military pilots."

Aside from all the accomplishments of the Tyndall Aero Club, many are sad to see it close but remember the years they've spent there. Mr. Foley said he's been receiving calls from colonels, generals and other individuals who he taught to fly when they were just starting or were young lieutenants.

"Of course I am sad to see it go," Mr. Foley said. "But at the same time you might say I went out with my boots on."

He raved about the fun he had during his 58 years he devoted to the military, but the pilot said it's time to do what he moved here to do.

"I'm planning on kicking back and enjoying this place," he said. "I moved here and I love it here. When I saw this blue green water and white sand, and I knew this was where I had to move and I've been here ever since."