Texas Wing Cadets Enjoy AE Discussion On The Subject of Airport Management

By 1st Lt Denise Thompson
Civil Air Patrol Public Affairs Officer
Texas Wing, Group 4, Thunderbird Comopsite Squadron

6 February 2006

West Houston Airport, Houston, TX- Thunderbird Composite Squadron learned about another side of aviation for the Aerospace night on Tuesday February 6, 2006. Woody Lesikar, owner of West Houston Airport, presented a very enthusiastic discussion beginning with the history of the airport. He began the discussion by talking about the former Lakeside Airport, now West Houston Airport. He displayed a photograph from the sixties when it started out as a grass air strip along with articles from the Houston Chronicle and Houston Post from that era. He discussed the differences between Hobby and Intercontinental Airports and he explained the special lighting around IWS, some plans for the future and encouraged every cadet to come and learn by ”hanging out” around the property.

For over twenty years Woody has provided Thunderbird with a home in various locations throughout the airport property. DCFC 1st Lt. Stephen Starke presented him with a certificate of appreciation from the squadron along with a photo of a Stearmen in front of the terminal. Woody’s love of aviation is evident to anyone as he talks about flying, airplanes and the airport. It is people like Woody, with their continued support of CAP, that ensures our young people will continue in their quest for careers in aviation.