Aviation's Role in Taking the DCFS to a Higher Altitude
Chapter 3
Historic Jet Trainer Steals the Show in 2010
From Grand Times on Grand Lake with Rusty Fleming
Editor’s Note: When a streaking Korean era flight stole the show in Duck Creek some 15 years back, everyone wanted to know who that masked pilot was. It was Monkey Island’s Dr. John Swartz and he has been back many times in recent years. When the Air National Guard jets were grounded due to budget constraints, he and his son Corey definitely made their absence less devastating. Here’s the history we published on his very unusual hobby following that initial fly-by just like in the Tom Cruise movie.
When organizers of the Duck Creek Fireworks Show added a flyover of F-16’s assigned to the Oklahoma Air National Guard, with a big assist from General Ronnie Turner, it was a huge addition, which many of the thousands gathered in Duck Creek looked forward to with every bit as much anticipation as the big show itself. When vintage World War II aircraft were added, with the distinct sound of those roaring engines and streamers of smoke, it got even better. But when a Lockheed T-33 jet trainer, piloted by Monkey Island resident and Joplin Cardiologist John Swartz, joined Grand Lake’s biggest party, the speed and close proximity of the in air maneuvers left the crowd spell bound and asking, “Who was that pilot from yester-year?”
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John & Corey Swartz |
The jet was a T-33 Air force jet trainer. It belongs to Dr. Swartz, who resides on Monkey Island. He attended the Air Force Academy. He had the choice of going to medical school or fighter pilot school. He chose medical school, but always wanted to fly the T-33 jet. He has been working for the past few years to get his license. The T-33 he was flying is the exact jet he would have trained in. So, he has finally been able to realize both of his dreams. Being a Dr. and a jet fighter pilot. SALUTE! And now....you know the rest of the STORY! We sure enjoyed his passes over Duck Creek!”
Mackey had revealed some of the story to Harwood, but the rest of the story is every bit as unique as the appearance of this historic jet itself. Swartz, a Pennsylvania kid grew up with a dream shared by many youngsters during the early years of the United States space program; to become a pilot and eventually make his way to the astronaut program and be part of the space adventure reserved for American heroes like John Glenn, Buzz Aldrin and more. He was well on his way to chasing that dream, when life got complicated.
Swartz was preparing to graduate from the Air force Academy in 1977, but was faced with a dilemma few could imagine. His other passion in life was the study of medicine and he was about to complete his pre-med studies, with honors. He had already been accepted into medical school, but had also qualified to become an Air force fighter pilot. Those dreams of sorties, duals in the sky and the excitement of space adventure danced through his young mind. He was looking at a serious fork in the road following graduation.
He was also about to launch his married life with Carmel, his wife, mother of their three children and companion. Rumor has it Carmel perceived the future of a medical doctor to be a bit more secure than that of a pilot in harm’s way on an annual basis.
Each year as we look back at the success the show has enjoyed, there are always serious contributors who receive little credit. It's hard to overlook A&M Pyrotechnics, who will be shooting off the show for the 21st consecutive year for sure, but what about people like the South Grand Lake Regional Airport and Brent Howard, who sponsor fly-ins and an on the ground airshow with the Tulsa War Birds? And who can overlook the GRDA and chief of the Lake Patrol Brian Edwards, who are not only a major donor to the show, but also handle on the water traffic control and emergency services. A lot of team players in this major event, but none more important than the donors who support the event year-after-year and made it possible to reach the highest foal ever of $160,000. Grand Lake history has always facinated me and this event has plenty.
See Ya' Around the Pond