The following quote from Gen. Don Shepperd following the SSME dedication succinctly summaries this great event.

Terrific experience at the MAPS Museum official opening of F-100 displays in North Canton, Ohio – we all owe thanks to the museum. This would not have happened without the approval of Executive Director Kim Kovesci and extensive help of Ken Ramsay and Mike and Linda Dean, Bob Dunham’s (RIP) original donations, and tens of others who have constructed a living monument to the F-100 that will stand the test of time for memorabilia to our kids, grand kids and theirs, the only extensive sole F-100 display in existence. These displays combined with our website on the MAPS site and Air Force Historical Foundation sites insure we and what we did are enshrined in history.

The F-100, complete with flashing beacon and wingtip lights was the centerpiece for the dinner. Kim Kovesci gave opening remarks about future plans for the museum and its current extensive public outreach – a bright future ensured. Reed Kimball, museum Education Director, gave moving remarks about the stories the display aircraft could tell. Ken Ramsay related the F-100 refurbishing travail. Keith Ferris’ son spoke about his father’s extensive history of aircraft paintings with emphasis on “Super Sabres Respond – Tet ‘68” (displayed at Udvar Hazy) when the F-100 attacked its own airbase that the NVA had overrun. I spoke about flying the early F-100s. George Day, Jr, spoke about his father, Bud Day, the only F-100 MOH recipient. Mike Dean was MC and thanked all who participated with donations and displays.

Hoppy Hopkins’ old F-100 crew chief from Vietnam, Leo Lamoreux, found Hoppy on the Internet and attended, a nice touch. Amazingly, Hoppy’s flying suit still fits. Dewey Clawson also attended and was thanked for bringing the Society to a graceful and dignified close.

Attached are some photos of the event. Bottom line, we can all be proud of the collective efforts that established these displays. Bud Day’s mess dress with MOH (loaned by George Day) is a centerpiece and Dean Echenberg and grandson gave permission for Linda Dean to include a constantly running display of the “Misty Experiment” video. This entire museum effort is one of which we can all be proud of – we did it – many preserved what we did for history – thanks to many from all of us – Shep