Copyright: LarryKushner2026
Wings Over Wendy’s (WOW) a group of veteran aviators, celebrated its 25th anniversary last week with a huge group photo with its members.
It was originally founded by Fred “Crash” Blechman, a Navy Corsair Pilot, and Lee Auger, who is the longest living member and still attends meetings. They started meeting at lunch at Wendy’s at the Platt Village in West Hills, hence the name. Wendy’s owners Ron and Diane Ross gave the veterans a special break on coffee and bagels, and eventually opened early every Monday for them. Eventually the group grew too big for the space and in March 2020 they relocated to the El Camino Real Charter High School Auditorium and meet now both in-person and on Zoom.
The group meets every Monday, says the Pledge of Allegiance, shares stories, laughs, raffle items and guest speakers. Meetings sometimes include military-oriented films.
Members include veterans, veterans’ supporters, aviation buffs and military aficionados. The group has pilots, bombardiers, tail gunners, and radiomen from World War II, Korea and Vietnam.
The group also includes women. An original “Rosie the Riveter,” Ethel Margolin was an active member of WOW until just a few weeks before she passed in 2025.
Annemarie Radel, Peter Helm and Jan Edwards are the last three still coming to meetings who attended the original lunch meetings.
The oldest member who still attends meetings – and drives himself to them – is Bill Dillon, at age 101.
For more information on Wings Over Wendy’s or attending a meeting, visit wingsoverwendys.com.
