On Thursday, February 24, 2000, a very special plaque was presented to Midway. This plaque was offered in memory of and to those who flew and supported the Airborne Early Warning Squadrons. Between 1957 and 1965, Midway launched a plane every 4 hours with 4 planes remaining airborne at all times. More than 11,000 missions were launched from Midway Island. 

Pictured in the photo, from left to right, MPC Island Manager-Mike Gautreaux, Wes Mortensen, 
FWS Refuge Manager-Rob Shallenberger and Paul Menard. Wes and Paul were key figures to 
having this plaque presented. 

WV2 Mural 16 Checkpool or 16X10 

This mural painted by Roger Buzon, a Philippine National working on Midway Islands, was  commissioned by the Willy Victor Group . It depicts 16 Checkpool banking over the harbor on  Sand Island flying the "Eternal Barrier". This is part of the plaque project and will hang above the plaque in the Hangar hallway lower level. Sixteen Checkpool crashed on Midway killing six crewmen and three firefighters. Their names are listed on the bronze plaque. 

The plaque and mural are part of a tribute to those who gave their lives in performance of duty to the citizens of the United States of America.  The mural is 4X8 feet. The plaque and picture will be installed on the ground floor of the hangar for all future visitors to notice. 

Personal Note - I have lived on Midway for 9 years and only recently learned that our entire (present day) hangar building was built to support the Super Connie missions. Midway has so many stories that we need to be reminded of. I'm hoping that the Midway reunion members will recall more history, like this, that we should never forget. 

Mike Daak