RUSK ROTARY CLUB
BY RENEE MCCRACKEN

Rotarian and Extension "Plant Talk" agent Joe Daniel was pleased to introduce his special guest speaker Kathy Mooring. Mrs. Mooring, a retired teacher from Jacksonville, shared the results from her mission of searching, finding and celebrating the legacy of her father.

What began as general interest after reading the article called "Heirs of War" turned into a four-month mission of her own to discover the truth about her father's sacrifice and service during World War II. When Mrs. Mooring began she only knew that her father served in the Air Force and flew a modified B-24. As luck would have it, records of these flights were recently declassified and she was able to learn about the true hero her father was. She was able to discover that her father, Doyle Corley, was a co-pilot for the "Carpet Baggers," so named by Gen. Jimmy Doolittle. Of the 1,869 secret missions that were flown by the "Kelly Crew-Carpet Baggers," none was so memorable as what became known later as "D-Day."

Mrs. Mooring encouraged everyone who is close to a veteran to capture the small bits of history before it is too late. Her father died just a few months prior to her search and was never able to share his personal accounts.

Those interested in learning more about the "Carpet Baggers" or desire to start their own search for service records may contact Mrs. Mooring at gmooring@msn.com. For more information on Rotary, or to become a featured speaker or guest of the weekly luncheon meeting, contact Rusk President-Elect, Toni Meador at (903) 683-8899 or e-mail tmeador81@ hotmail.com. Next week's meeting will be hosted by President Joe Dorries.