Women Airforce Service Pilot Historical Presentation

WASPThe Caprock Cultural Association is very happy to have historian Lou Burleson return to the Heritage House on April 8, 2016 for a performance that tells the story of the “WASP” – women Airforce service pilots. The event begins at Noon with lunch.

Burleson is a retired history and theater teacher who lives in Floydada, Texas. Continuing her love of history, she developed seven “one-woman” shows to share the story of outstanding women in Texas history. “My ‘WASP’ program seems to be a favorite of audiences,” Lou said. “Perhaps because it is a little known part of our state’s history.”

The WASP program was formed during the early part of World War II to compensate for a critical shortage of male pilots. Women were trained as licensed pilots to help relieve the shortage. Approximately 25,000 women applied, 1,830 were accepted into the program. These women were never officially accepted as military until 1977 when President Jimmy Carter signed a law making it official. The Women Airforce Service Pilots were trained at Avenger Field in Sweetwater, Texas. A National WASP museum has been established at Avenger Field to honor this part of Texas history.

This event is sponsored by the Caprock Cultural Association. Cost for the event is $12/person and reservations are required by Wednesday, April 6. Call 806-495-4148 or email ccarts@poka.com for more information or to make your reservation.