As the leader of the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) program in World War II and the first woman to fly faster than the speed of sound, Jacqueline Cochran's impact on Women Aviators can only be described as immense and stellar. As described by Lt.Col. Jill Long in the Presentation Ceremony of Jackie's Congressional Gold Medal on September 29, 2010, (text of speech), the special quality of her leadership was critical to the success of the WASP program, which, in turn, had a crucial impact on the war effort, despite the lack of acknowledgement for so many years. Her many aviation achievements, before and after the war, underscore her position as a critical figure in the progress of our nation to fully integrate women into all aspects of the aviation industry, commercial, military, and advanced research. Her inspiring life, her writings, her achievements all establish her as a beacon, a model for any woman or man who aspires to do great things. She is, in other words, a star to guide you, as well as a star that none in the aviation community should possibly forget.

A group of Jackie's admirers have banded together to raise $10,000 to pay for a STAR honoring Jackie Cochran in the Palm Springs, CA, Walk of Stars (see http://www.palmsprings.com/stars) The actual location is on Palm Canyon Drive from Alejo Road to Baristo Road, Museum Drive in front of the Palm Springs Art Museum and Tahquitz Canyon Way between Palm Canyon Drive and Indian Canyon. (Palm Springs Art Museum 101 Museum dr, Palm Springs, CA 92262 (760) 325-7186) . Jackie's STAR will be installed at a date to be determined in 2011, The STAR is similar to the stars for the Hollywood Walk of Fame seen regularly on the news.

You are invited to be among the contributors to this joint project of the following non-profit organizations: WASP and their successor organization Wingtip to Wingtip Association (WTWA), Women in Aviation Intemational (WAI), and Women Military Aviators (WMA). You are also invited to attend the installation of the STAR in Palm Springs.

Any contribution amounts are welcome, in the form of cash or check, at the WAI conference in Reno this year. WTWA will hold the money raised until the goal amount is reached. You may mail contributions (checks only please) to WTWA, c/o IBLF PC, 1915 Eye St NW Ste 500, Washington DC 20006-2118. Make the check to 'WTWA" with memo line "JC Star." Contact Trish Beckman at trish@trishbeckman.com or 253-202-3777 to volunteer to help or for further details

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