Naperville, IL.
Gene is the retired owner and CEO of Martin Cement Company, a large, Romeoville based commercial concrete contractor. Gene has accumulated over 4,000 hours in a 40 year flying career. He is the current owner of a Citabria and Apache in addition to his T-34. He and wife Debbie split their time between residences in Naperville, Steamboat Springs and Venice, Florida...with new daughter Molly. Gene was the founder of the team and retired in 1996. Gene passed away in August of 2006.
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Lou "Cool" Drendel
Venice, FL Lou Drendel
is a world-renowned aviation artist. His paintings have appeared in the
Chicago Tribune, Time-Life Publications, Berkely Books, The Journal of the
American Aviation Historical Society, EAA Warbirds Magazine, and in the
50+ books he has authored on military aviation for Squadron/Signal
Publications and for ARCO Publishers. His art can be seen at www.aviation-art.net
Lou is a founding member of the Lima Lima Flight Team. He has flown both
leadership positions on the team. (Team Lead and Solo Lead.) He has logged
over 3,800 hours in the T-34 Mentor and is the former President of the
national T-34 Association . He is
a Life Member of EAA and a former director of the EAA Warbirds of America.
His continuing “Flyers Series” of paintings for American
Flyers website celebrates famous aviators and famous aircraft.
Lou and wife Carol are residents of
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St. Charles,IL
J.O. is a retired United Airlines Captain, and USAF fighter Pilot. He flew the DC-10 for United and the T-6, T-28, T-33, F-80, F-84, F-86F and F86L for USAF. He is also an ardent golfer, skier, and tennis player. Such is retirement! J.O. and wife Arlene reside in St. Charles. He flew in the number three position from 1994 through 1997. jomfly@aol.com
Ottawa, Illinois
Bob is the former owner of Bob Morse Ford in Ottawa, IL retiring in 1985. He is a former Naval Aviator. He flew the Douglas AD Skyraider from a variety of aircraft carriers. Bob was the solo lead for the team from 1985 through 1993. Bob now lives in Punta Gorda, FL.
Ted "Stick" Adams
1924-2005
Wheaton, Illinois
Colonel T. J. Adams, USAFR (ret) was the founder of T. J. Adams & Associates, Inc., a large Oakbrook based insurance firm. He retired from the firm in 1990. Ted is a World War II Army Air Corps veteran who flew P-47's in the Pacific. Ted was a founding member of the team and flew from 1984 through 1992. He passed away on May 14, 2005. Ted and his wife June lived in Wheaton, IL for over 48 years. Ted passed away in May of 2005.
John "Clag" Russell
Wilmette, Illinois
John is the founder of the Arthur Fredric Company, which provides computer professionals to industry. A former Naval Aviator, John flew the F-8 Crusader jet fighter. He flew with the team in the number two position from 1988 through 1992. John now works for Coopers & Lybrand and lives in Wilmette, IL. john.f.russell@worldnet.att.net
George "Colonel Crunch" Kubal
Mt. Prospect, Illinois
Colonel George F. Kubal USMCR (ret). George flew F4U Corsairs, FJ4 Furies and F9F-2 Cougars in the Marine Corps. During the Korean War he flew 78 combat missions in the Corsair and received the Purple Heart. George spent 35 years in the real estate business before retiring in 1988. He flew the number two position on the team from 1988 to 1991. George is still very active with the Shriners and now resides in Mt. Prospect, IL with his wife Ilse. Gfkubal1@aol.com
Naperville, IL
Tim is actually the second oldest member of the
team (if you count time cleaning dirty airplanes at airshows that your dad
dragged you to). Tim has been announcing for the team for two years
as well as ferrying the T-34 from coast to coast to get them to airshows.
He recently joined the Kentucky Army National Guard and is currently
flying Apache helicopters.
He is a graduate of Emery Riddle University. Tim and his wife Mel make
their home in
Northern Kentucky.
squeaks@limalima.com
Jerry "OB" O'Brien
Elgin, IL
Jerry is a First Officer on B767s with American Airlines. His flying career began in the USAF in 1982, where he flew the T-37, T-38 and EF-111, which he flew in 38 Desert Storm missions. Jerry flew the number two position the team from 1993 to1996. phlyer00@hotmail.com
Keith "Torch" Evans