Neal Aircraft

By:Jenna Howle

   On September 11, Slaton Neal Aircraft Airport welcomed a historic aircraft piloted by Ed Sykes, a veteran and author with Air Capital Press L.L.C. Sykes, who flew F-105s, F-4s, and F-16s, has logged 2,700 hours in the F-105, his favorite aircraft.

   In 1969, Sykes survived a harrowing mission when his F-105 was hit and filled with smoke. After a desperate maneuver and a conversation with God, he safely returned to Thailand, executing high-speed takeoff and landing at 200 and 225 miles per hour, respectively. 

   He carried 750-pound bombs and AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles, but never had to use the aircraft’s panic button.

Sykes’ experiences are chronicled in his book, Patch and the Stream Where the American Fell.    

    He is also researching two lost friends at the Texas Tech Vietnam Archives, one of whom, David Dinan, was later honored at Arlington National Cemetery.

    Sykes’ arrival in Slaton is a tribute to his bravery and a reminder of the sacrifices made by those who served in the Vietnam War.

(Slatonite photo/ Eloitha

Zapata-Martinez)