Maxwell AFB ALABAMA- Fourteen Eagles gathered on Thursday to sign their original portraits during the six-day capstone event for graduates of the Air Command and Staff College at Maxwell AFB. Accompanying them was their fourteen assigned host who assist and guide the Eagles through scheduled events. These hosts have also worked with the Eagles during the year to develop their biographies that are compiled in a commemorative book.
-Eagles gather after lunch to sign their individual portraits and autograph commemorative books, AlabamaAviator image-
Each year the graduating class commissions an original oil painting for display in Spaatz Hall. Since the inception of the Gathering of Eaglesprogram, this painting commemorates the achievements of the aerospace leaders selected by the class to be honored as Eagleseach year.
-Jay Ashurst, artist, with his 2013 Gathering of Eagles Lithograph. Litho sales help fund GOE activities, AlabamaAviator image-
Just as prized by Eagles, graduates, faculty and staff is the Gathering of Eagles limited edition lithograph of the original painting. Each Eaglepencil signs next to their individual portrait. These side panels frame a center panel depicting the Eagle's aircraft or spacecraft. Mr. Jay Ashurst, renowned aviation artist, was present during Thursdays' portrait signing. The lithographs are signed and numbered by Ashurst.
Ret. Master Sgt. Scott Fales, Air Force, Chief Master Sgt. Ramon Colon-Lopez, Air Force, Ret. LT. Col. Richard Cole, Air Force with First Lt. Robert Hoover, U.S. Army Air Force listen to artist Jay Ashurst, shown kneeling, AlabamaAviator image-
Lithograph sales are the primary source of funding for the Gathering of Eagles program, which is borne almost entirely by the student body. The Gathering of Eagles lithograph rivals the graduation diploma for prominent display in command sections in all U.S. services and international offices as well.
Ret. Col. Charles McGee, USAF is one of the famed Tuskegee airmen. His flying service started in WW II and continued into Korea and Viet Nam, earning the highest three-war total for fighter missions of any Air Force aviator, AlabamaAviator image-
-Pearl Judd, WW II WASP, Eagle, of the 25,000 women applicants, she was one of only 1,074 who successfully completed the training program, AlabamaAviator image-
Jay Ashurst, Eagles artist, graduated from Auburn University in 1981 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree. His focus as an aviation and portrait artist has evolved with Gathering of Eagles for 30 years. A worldwide recognized artist, he has highlighted hundreds of aviation pioneers and their aircraft. -B Meyer To read more about the 2013 Eagles and their Biographies see: http://www.goefoundation.com/