In the years following World War
II the greatest aerial armada ever seen was unthinkingly scrapped.
No one! Not even the United States Government, made any effort to
preserve these remarkable aircraft.
In the late 1.950's, a group of South
Texas gentlemen formed a loose partnership, at first, simply for the
sheer pleasure of flying these rapidly disappearing machines. This simple
goal soon evolved into the
Confederate Air Force and a purpose of preservation.
Like the men from the history they
strove to preserve, these Colonels quickly discovered they needed
help in a multitude of ways. And, like that period in history, the women
were ready and willing to support.
No task was too menial or challenge too great. From the grease pit on the
flight line to the finest soiree,
these ladies were always at their men's sides.
By the direction of
Col. Jethro E.
Culpeper , Commander, Culpeper's Angels
became an official
auxiliary
of the CAF. Culpeper's Angels was chartered as a non-profit
corporation by the State of Texas on April 24,
1978, known as the Women's Support Crew of the
Confederate Air
Force. January 1, 2002, the organization
name was officially changed to the Commemorative Air Force.
