Mercury's Proud Heritage

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Mercury Sponsors 70th Anniversary Reunion of AVG Flying Tigers

Mercury Air Group was a sponsor of the American Volunteer Group (AVG) Flying Tigers’ 70th Anniversary Reunion over the 2011 Labor Day Weekend in Cleveland, Ohio. Mercury was founded in 1956 by three fighter pilots from the legendary Flying Tigers. The reunion included a Chinese Banquet, special recognition of the Flying Tigers at the Cleveland National Air Show as well as a Reunion Banquet attended by Four-Star U.S. Air Force General Donald J. Hoffman. David Herbst, Mercury’s Chief Corporate Officer, represented the company and spoke at the Reunion Banquet.

In his welcoming message to the Reunion attendees, General Norton A. Schwartz, Chief of Staff of the United States Air Force wrote: “To this day, entire new generations of Airmen continue to be inspired by the Flying Tigers’ heroic and hitherto unprecedented achievements in aerial combat.”

In 1941, Generalissimo Chiang Kai-shek authorized American military aviator and US Army Air Corps Captain (and later Lieutenant General) Claire Lee Chennault to bring together a group of American airmen to defend China at the outset of World War II. With the consent of President Roosevelt, Chennault recruited 97 pilots and 185 ground personnel to join the Flying Tigers. Outnumbered by enemy planes as much as eight to one and living under primitive conditions with shortages of food and military supplies, the dedicated Flying Tigers successfully defended China and in doing so recorded a total air victory unmatched in the history of aerial combat.

Attending Reunion Banquet (L to R): Four-Star U.S. Air Force General Donald J. Hoffman, Nancy Engle, Reunion Co-Chair and Mercury's David Herbst. Lithograph Presentation: Ed Stiles, Jr., presents General Hoffman and David Herbst with a Flying Tigers Lithograph signed by members of the AVG.

“It was a true honor to spend the Labor Day Weekend with members of the Flying Tigers. Their stories of bravery are phenomenal. These men are truly the heart and soul of the Greatest Generation. It was also wonderful to see the children, grandchildren and even great grandchildren of AVG families attending the Reunion as a way to keep their loved ones legacy alive,” said Herbst.

While unable to attend this year’s reunion, but having attended previous AVG reunions, Joseph A. Czyzyk, Chairman & CEO of Mercury Air Group, sent a congratulatory letter which pointed out: “This year, as the Tigers celebrate their 70th Anniversary, Mercury recognizes our 55th Anniversary with gratitude to our founders. As a veteran myself, I could not be more proud of our connection to the Tigers. For me, being a part of this important legacy means stressing teamwork, values and a relentless dedication to our customers. At Mercury, we work every day to honor the memory of our founders.”

Founded in Los Angeles in 1956 by three members of the AVG Flying Tigers---Thomas Haywood, Duke Hedman and Robert Raine---Mercury has grown from five fuel trucks and one contract into a global aviation services company with 63 locations worldwide, specializing in jet fuel sales, air cargo transport and U.S. government contracting.

Mercury’s Chairman Joins 2009 AVG Flying Tiger Reunion

Joseph A. Czyzyk, Chairman & CEO of Mercury Air Group, was the guest of honor at the 2009 American Volunteer Group Flying Tiger Association Reunion held in Boston on July 3, 2009. Mercury was founded in 1956 by three members of the legendary AVG Flying Tigers and was a lead sponsor of the 2009 AVG Flying Tiger Reunion.

Thanking Mercury: (right to left) Frank Losonksy, President of the Flying Tiger Association and Crew Chief, 3rd Squadron thanks Joe Czyzyk, Chairman and CEO of Mercury Air Group for Mercury’s support of the 2009 AVG Flying Tiger Reunion held in Boston. Enjoying Tiger Time: (left to right) Charles Baisden (Armorer, 3rd Squadron); Frank Losonsky (Crew Chief, 3rd Squadron); Joe Czyzyk (Mercury CEO); Joe Poshefko (Armorer, 3rd Squadron) and Robert Keeton (Flight Leader, 2nd Squadron) show off the Reunion Banner.

“It was a real honor to meet the Tigers and their family members. Mercury has a special bond with the AVG. While none of our founders are still alive today, their spirit lives on in our commitment to teamwork and integrity in all that we do. I was extremely moved by the stories that were shared during the Reunion Dinner. As a war-time veteran, I sat in amazement listening to Joe Poshefko and the other Tigers tell their combat stories . These guys were great aviation heroes in service to our country, said Czyzyk, adding, “While these are trying economic times for all of us, I felt it was extremely important for us to help sponsor this Reunion to honor the memory of our founders as well as all of the Tigers.”


About the Flying Tiger image on the home page: "AVG Spirit," © Jane and Larry Bledsoe, is available as a limited edition lithograph. Each print has been signed by the artist Dan Kelly and five of the American Volunteer Group "AVG" Flying Tigers. For Information on this and aviation prints by any other artist, please contact: Bledsoe's Aviation Art by mail at 1749 West 13th Street, Upland, California 91786 or call (909) 986-1103 or fax (909) 986-2898.