2019-01-LR-Final

JULIE VESSIGAULT: MY AIRSHOW WORLD
My ICAS Miracle
An astonishing thing happened to
me a week before the 2018 ICAS
Convention. This is that amazing
story.
It all began, though, in 2011 when I
took on a lifetime role of airshow moral
support that has blessed me with
very unique airshow experiences and
connections. I wear my life purpose on
my sleeve, and that purpose is to make
a difference for good in aviation, especially
airshows.
Back in 2012, I first met legendary
American Barnstormer, Walt Pierce. I visited him a few times
each year at his Avon Park, Florida hangar, eating up his stories
and abundance of airshow knowledge.
In due time, Walt’s well-deserved induction into the ICAS
Foundation Air Show Hall of Fame was announced. He would
receive his honor during the Chairman’s Banquet at the 2018
ICAS Convention at the Paris Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada on December
6.
Up until a week before ICAS, I had no role to justify the expense
of my participating. But then, almost randomly, I arranged
with a friend in Winter Haven to clean the grime off the bottom
of his Super Decathlon and T-34, what I call an airplane “belly
rub.”
When that project was finished, I happened to stop by Steve
Alcorn’s hangar to wish him and JoAnne a Merry Christmas. His
enthusiastic greeting rolled right into Steve offering me a mission
and opportunity – give Walt a ride to the Orlando International
Airport so that he could attend his induction into the Air Show
Hall of Fame. This minor role excited my hope that perhaps I
could follow through as Walt’s escort all the way to Las Vegas and
back, while assisting his family during the convention. The catch
was I had to purchase my airfare on the same Southwest Airlines
flight as Walt’s ASAP.
When I returned home to Kissimmee, I composed a GoFund-
Me campaign, because for me to make this trip out-of-pocket
was impossible. I had confidence that with a little help from
many friends, I could produce an epic win-win experience that
would enable me to help make Walt Pierce’s ICAS experience extra
awesome.
Sure enough, my friends came through and the necessary
funds were raised! While I waited for GoFundMe to release the
funds to me, Mark Sorenson of Tiger Airshows and Jacquie Warda
of Jacquie B Airshows graciously pitched in extra to book my
flight and hotel ASAP. I called Walt with the good news that he
would have me as his airline buddy. He was thrilled to hear it.
I also coordinated with ICAS and Walt’s daughters on their
logistics for Walt, to make sure everything I did was a welcome
bonus to their plans as they already stood. It all came together.
I picked up Walt the evening before our flight, and we reported
to our flight at Orlando International at 5:30 a.m. Just a few
hours later, Ginger and Chandelle, Walt’s daughters, met us at Las
Vegas/McCarren International Airport (LAS). I helped them get
the lay of the convention and Walt settled down to rest for the remainder
of the evening. My availability proved to be a great comfort
and benefit to the three of them.
Walt told me for days after I returned him home to Sebring
that he was still on Cloud Nine. I cannot thank the 26 friends and
members of my airshow family enough for making this “ICAS
Miracle” happen. I am blown away by your generous gestures and
for caring for both Walt and me.
My mission to provide moral support to my airshow family
will continue. Thank you for your boost of confidence. Wishing
you all a successful 2019 airshow season. May your wings be
strong and your flights fulfilling!
ICAS Foundation Air
Show Hall of Fame
inductee Walt Pierce
(center) is surrounded
(left to right) by his
daughters Chandelle and
Ginger Pierce, Jim Zazas,
and Julie Vessigault
(photo by Ricardo von
Puttkammer).