Free trader-journal. (Ottawa, Ill.) 1916-1920, 1919-04-10
MAYOR GETS WORD TWO
FLYERS WILL BE
DETAILED HERE
SEEKING RECRUITS
FIVE OFFICERS WILL COME IN
TWO FIGHTING MACHlNES-TO
PUT ON AERIAL STUNTS OVER
CITY WHILE CAMPAIGNING FOR
ENLISTMENTS.

Ottawa in the near future is to be
visited by an aero squadron of five
officers. with two army aeropanes,
and the people OF this city will be
shown all the manuevers and eXhibi-
ton flights the boys in the air scry-
this proposed visit was received by
Mayor Bradford this morning from
Capt. Howard b. Oursler publicity
manager Of the Q. VI. c. Of Chanute
field at Rantoul, H.
The party is to visit Ottawa on a
recruiting mission for the army air
purchased by the government as a
permanent army training camp, for
the training of aviators, and it Is
now the wish of the war departm mt
that this camp shall be filed with reg
ular army men A recruiting com
mission is~being sent to various towns
in the middle west. explaining the
work of the army air men. and inter
esting young men in the profession
OF flyers.
The communication from Chauute
field to the city Of Ottawa ald May
or Bradford's reply are published in
full below;
Air Service Flying School, Chanute
Field, Rantou, H.
April O. 1913
The Honorable Mayor,
Ottawa, Illinois
My Dear Sir:
The secretary Of war recently au-
thorized the closing of the options
preparatory TO the purchase of a mum
Der Of the sites upon which the train
ing Of our military forces have been
accomplished during the past two
years.
Including among these new military
posts which will be made permanent
is the aviation field located at Ran
toul, ILL.,, and more familiarly known
as Chanute Field. We like to think
of this military activity as an Hi
nois institution. as well as a national
government institution of our military
'ces.
Can we appeal to you and all pa.
triotc American citizens of your To-
cality to help in making Chanute
Field popular, efficient and desira-
Bile place for tht trainng jof our
young Americans, especially those
who are interested in aviation and can
appreciate the valuable instruction
which they can secure, even aside
from normal military training?
The commanding officer is partic,
ularly interested in having large
percentage of his command composed
of those whose homes are within a
reasonable distance from the field.
From three to five officers of the
air service are under orders which in
the near future will bring them to
your city for the purpose of interest
ing your young IicH III tIlS NOHuGiIul
service.
This recruiting detail will travel to
your city by two pursuit aeroplanes
and will give an exhibition over the
city during the time the advantages
of the air service are being explained
to those who indicate an interest
therein.
This opportunity is taken to solicit
your interest and cooperation and to
ask that our officers, who are per
forming these duties very large ! from
a patriotic viewpoint be afforded such
facilities and accommodations as your
generosity and interest may Indicate
Details of our program and items
for the press will precede our arrival,
if you will be kind enough to express
your approval and interest and inform
us by return mail if there are any
suc' 5stions you desire to make.
With thoughts of our country and