TROY — Thursday, Feb. 9, 7 p.m., as part of the 2022-23 Aviation Lecture Series, Eric Combs will share the amazing feats of WACO test pilot, Freddie Lund. Although Freddie was WACO’s Chief Test Pilot from the late ‘20s to early ‘30s, it is the stories of his exploits with the Gates Flying Circus and his dogged determination to put the WACO Taperwing Aircraft on the map that will have you on the edge of your seat. Combs will also explore his life from his days on a Minnesota farm to his enlistment into the 4th Pursuit Group in France and beyond.
Eric Combs is currently WACO Air Museum’s Director of Operations. He is also the owner and keynote speaker of Eric Combs Consulting, as well as a professional development instructor with the Center for Teacher Effectiveness. Eric holds a master’s degree in Social Studies Education and Educational Leadership, Bachelor’s Degree in Anthropology, and an associate’s Degree in Anthropology, Emergency Medical Services, and Industrial Security. While a history teacher at Fairborn High School, Eric received the Teacher of the year award from the State of Ohio in 2006.
Combs is also a retired Senior Master Sergeant from the 88th Security Forces Squadron, Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio where his last position was the Force Protection Operations Superintendent. During his 20-year career, Sergeant Combs has been stationed in South Korea, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Germany, Wyoming, and England and has been on numerous deployments in the Middle East, North Africa, and Europe.
Combs is married to Elizabeth and they have one daughter, Olivia, and two granddaughters, Sophia and Kaylee. In his free time, Eric enjoys diving
All aviation lectures are free and open to the public and are scheduled to last one hour, beginning at 7 p.m., with questions to follow. The lecture is held in the Willis Wing of the WACO Air Museum at 1865 South County Road 25A, Troy. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. Donations to the WACO Air Museum are gratefully accepted. All lectures are sponsored in part by Collins Wheels and Brakes. For questions, please call 937-335-9226 or visit www.wacoairmuseum.org.
