Founder
Leon J. DeLisle - Founder and President of An Airman’s Story
Leon J. DeLisle was born in Ross, California, September 10. 1950. He is the son of Leon A. DeLisle and Ann DeLisle. He was educated at San Rafael High School, College of Marin County, California. He was an outstanding athlete in football, basketball, and wrestling. Mr. DeLisle’s passionate interests are in promoting enthusiasm for American history and aviation. As a military historian DeLisle has created aviation exhibitions that were highly acclaimed all over the USA. DeLisle has a wealth of “hands on” experience in large scale event productions. He created “Wings of Friendship” international friendship festival in Japan, which created the ripples of goodwill between former WWII combatants.
DeLisle has worked very closely at sensitive levels within the U.S. government. He has interfaced with foreign governments in the Orient and Europe. He has correspondence dating back several decades. This has provided a platform for DeLisle to have known personally and worked with over a hundred veterans organizations from the U.S. and worldwide. DeLisle was directly involved with the planning of the veteran commemorations in Hawaii, the 50th Anniversary of World War II 1941-1945 / 1991-1995. Mr. DeLisle’s current work in progress is epic in scope, powerful yet very sensitive and compelling. He is chronicling on film the personal accounts of veterans who were pilots or crews, who served so valiantly in our nation’s history. The medium of film presents to the viewers the opportunity to share the real stories of these courageous men & women, as they recall their early dreams of flight...their raw emotions, their sense of pride, honor and patriotism.
“At times during the countless interview sessions over the many years with the Pilots & Crews. The tears of sincere Admiration flow freely by those who are all present. These valiant men & women are American Treasures of the highest order. They are America’s “War Fighters.” Their personal stories are Powerful & Profound in so many ways. Their individual stories are one of selfless Service to the Nation. Their Legacies are the living Heritage of Freedom in America. It has been a great Honor for me as I travel on this Journey with these great people. This is my gift to humanity for all Freedom loving people. A living Heritage that will endure time. These courageous men & women are the Heritage. They are Exemplar. Leaders of Character. Every effort must be diligently taken to share the Heritage with future generations of Americans.” - Leon J. DeLisle
“The source of vision is inspiration. The source of inspiration is passion. The source of passion is purpose!”
- Unknown
“When once you have tasted flight you will forever walk the earth with your eyes turned skyward.”
- Leonardo Da Vinci
“Heritage Week”
144th FW
The Template
Many years ago, I envisioned creating a program to both honor and revitalize the long-standing Warrior Ethos within America’s Armed Forces. It would consist of mentoring by former Warfighters, who would relate their visceral experiences, during well-crafted Heritage Symposiums; structured question and answer sessions, and opportunities for multi-generation interaction with the audience of young people who serve in our Armed Forces. Only the Warfighters who have served and fought in every corner of the globe can convey the timeless Rite of Passage that transforms an average man or woman into a WARRIOR. They were there. They lived it. They overcame fear that bred character and courage; endured training that built excellence and confidence. Therefore the winning spirit of the Warrior is infectious to all within the ranks.
The individual stories that their Predecessors share will help build upon our Nation’s Warfighter Heritage. Galvanizing a living, breathing spirit that lives in the hearts and minds of all who served. That spirit is quietly transferred to new generations via tales that emphasize values built on a personal sense of Duty and Courage. Backed with resolve by unwavering commitment to completing the Mission with success. The War Fighter ethos is a belief system. A mantra cultivated by a living breathing Heritage that is passed on to subsequent generations of those who will serve in our Armed Forces. Who will listen and learn from their valiant Predecessors who paved the way. Presented front & center on-stage, or in a packed Hangar. Sharing their stories of valor. Instills resolve and initiative. Builds leaders of character. I have created the template. I am committed to see this program to be expanded upon. I hope our young Warriors who have the opportunity to be a participant in this “Heritage Week” program will walk away with this one thought in mind. “I can do that. Those great leaders before my time did it right and so can I. There is a way. I will commit myself to do my Duty to the very best of my abilities. So help me God.”
Leon J. DeLisle
Col. Walter Boyne USAF [Ret.] R. I. P.
Renown Writer - Historian - Author
“In Spirit a few words of Thanks”
Thanks for always being there for me with our many discussions many years ago. We both shared the same vision and passion about Education with Mentoring our young people who serve in America’s Armed Forces. Your ongoing support inspired me to set forth upon a new Mission for myself long ago. Creating the “Heritage Week” educational program. The importance of passing on the inspiring Heritage of the “War Fighters” ethos to the young generations who will be America`s Vanguards. It took awhile.. but we got there. It was a fight! You never lose as long as you never Quit. Those of us today who you took under your wing by mentoring us are the “Caretakers of the Flame” today. We all sincerely owe you a great debt of gratitude Walt. Blue skies heading west your work is done. - “In echelon we will carry on!”
Heritage Photo Gallery
My Father's Bomb Group
ETO 8th AF 381st BG
Leon's Heritage Biography
A Journey With Great Americans
American Treasures
(Photo by Ron Mullins)
Aces Row
(Photo by Ron Mullins)
USS Arizona Memorial - Pearl Harbor, HI - 1991
1941 - 1991 WWII 50th Commemoration
"Remember Pearl Harbor Keep America Alert Day of Infamy"
- Pearl Harbor Survivors
