New Hampshire's first-ever Warbird meet is now a reality. Spearheaded by Don Sage, this new event took place on Sept. 26 at McAlister Field in West Deering. Fifteen registered pilots brought 32 model aircraft from both World War I and World War II. There were mono-wing planes, biplanes and triplanes from WWI, and lots of heavy metal from WWII, including the most popular, such as P-51s and P-47s, plus a host of others.

One of the event's objectives was to honor members of the armed services. In an effort to do so, we asked all the veterans in attendance to pose for a photo with the airplanes.

Honoring our military men and women was further accomplished by a surprise flyover of the Collings Foundation's P-51B, flown by Frank Morrell, who made a high-speed pass right over the runway at low altitude. What a sight - be still my heart! We were awe-struck having such a close encounter with this beautifully restored warbird.

This event could not have taken place were it not for a lot of hard work and dedication by the Warbird Fever Staff: Don Sage, event coordinator; Jon Auger, co-coordinator; Ross Power, co-coordinator and security; Dick Smith, safety coordinator; Kevin Perry, registration and impound; Harry Newman, co-CD; and Doug Titilah, Warbird Fever webmaster

We also owe a debt of gratitude to our announcer, Scott Westover, who made each flight come alive with his picturesque commentaries. Feedback from the pilots was very positive.

They liked the site and the overall organization, and many said they would come back next year.

We also want to express our heartfelt thanks and gratitude to Chester McAlister, who sponsored us and allowed the use of his farmland for this event. He and his family watched from across the road and said they enjoyed every minute of it.