Howdy from the Michael P. Lutzko chapter, Abilene, TX. This chapter started out as the Big Country Chapter in 2001. Our founder and force behind birthing this PLA chapter was Michael P. Lutzko. After the death of Michael in 2017 we felt that honoring him by changing our name to the Michael P. Lutzko Chapter was the next step in the life of our chapter. In his obituary in the July 2017 Loader, it was stated that he was awarded two DFC’s during 2 combat missions in Vietnam. Mike was actively involved with various associations and clubs, military and nonmilitary.
Michael was instrumental in creating the “In Memory of Loadmasters” bench in front of our VFW Post 6873 where we hold our PLA meetings. Based outside the main gate of Dyess AFB, we are part of the welcoming mat for new arrivals to the base. Dyess AFB has had a long history of airlift considering it was a Strategic Air Command base and now Air Combat Command Base. Airlift operations from Dyess AFB have continued since February 1961 to present. Our C-130 history started with the C-130A, C-130D ski equipped, C-130-E, H and now the C-130-J Super Hercules. Welcome to the Michael P. Lutzko Chapter.
Chapter Officers:
President - Juan Levario
Vice President/Secretary/Webmaster - Frank Young
Treasurer - Robert Staples
Chaplain - Robert Leet