Flown west: john daraska and will martin

I regret to inform the Midway Historians of the passing of two of our members:
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John Daraska the holder of the Charles Taylor Master Mechanic Award has Flown West. John, spent the majority of his career at MDW, having started as a fueler with TWA in 1957. In 1958, John enlisted in the Air Force and served 4 years maintaining B-47's, B-52's, and KC-135's. Returning to civilian life John went to work for B&M Aircraft as an A&P at both Elgin and Rosell. He also served as Director of Maintenance for Graubart Aviation VPZ. In 1966 he was hired as Director of Aviation for MDW Mooney dealer Illinois Aircraft, then Morgan Aviation and Arcy Aircraft Sales. As a Commercial pilot, he also flew as Co-pilot/Mechanic for Chicago & Southern Commuter Airlines, Executive Airlines and Rynes Airlines. In 1973 John started J&D Aircraft Maintenance in 1973 at MDW and for many years had his business in the original TWA Hangar/ CHA Hangar 5240 W. 63rd St. Our condolences go out to his family. May you have a smooth ride and tailwinds, John.

Will Martin has also Flown West. Will was the owner of P-51"El Gato Rapido." El Gato was based at MDW for a number of years. Will was the author of the book "So I Bought an Air Force: The True Story of a Gritty Midwesterner in Somoza's Nicaragua".  Will attended our Spring meeting in 2014 and entertained us with his stories of buying and flying P-51's and P-47's from the Nicaraguan Air Force. At the same time he was selling A-26's and flying them down to Nicaragua — many of these aircraft passing through MDW. This book is a great read capturing the excitement of dealing with a dictator in the "Wild West" of a Central American country and living with continually changing "deals". Will founded the Squadron 4 Warbird Chapter of the EAA. The EAA has established a scholarship fund in Will's name that will provide young people the chance to learn to fly. If you wish to donate, visit www.eaa.org/donate and select "Other Named Scholarship" then enter "Will Martin Flight Training Scholarship." Our condolences go out to Will's family. May you have a smooth ride and tailwinds, Will.

Until we meet again,
Bob Russo
​President -- The Midway Historians

John Daraska

Will W. Martin