Ella Mae and Leon Franklin in a photo from a 2018 feature article on successful marriages.
Timothy Vaughan
Over 20 years ago I had the pleasure and good fortune to meet Lt Col Irl “Leon” Franklin, Lt Col, USAF, (retired). Col Franklin was a member of the Winnemucca Host Lions Club and was the commander of the Humboldt County Composite Squadron - Civil Air Patrol. I had just joined the Lions, and Leon invited me into Civil Air Patrol, too.
He was always smiling and welcoming. Just like in these photos from 2018. He encouraged me to use my talents to serve CAP. As some of you know, I have some skill in writing. I went on to serve as the squadron’s public affairs officer (among other positions). The writing continued. I found success in writing at the (then) Humboldt Sun as a freelance “stringer”. Leon and his bride, Ella Mae, served as subjects for one of my pieces on long term marriages for a Valentine’s Day special. I won a Nevada Press Association Award for that feature. This would not have been possible without Leon’s steadfast encouragement.
Leon Franklin in his study at home next to a desk model of his Cessna 210 aircraft.
I would be remiss if I did not mention another brand of encouragement, he gave to hundreds of POWs six decades ago. (Then) Major Franklin was the aircraft commander of the lead Air Force C-130 transport, code-named “Cherry1” in the famous Son Tay Prison Raid, in late 1970. Although no prisoners were found on the raid (they had been moved out just beforehand), it forced their North Vietnamese captors to relocate the prisoners, dispersed in several locations, to a central prison camp. Bonds between the men were reestablished and morale rose – as they realized a nation still cared.
It was my pleasure to spearhead a project to add Leon’s name to the Winnemucca Municipal Airport entranceway to memorialize his long and productive service on the Airport Board. Leon has done so much good work for so many people, there is not room enough to list it all here.
Leon was recognized as an FAA - Wright Bros. Master Pilot, for fifty years of safe flying, I wish my friend and mentor, Irl “Leon” Franklin, tailwinds all the way as he has now “flown west,” “slipping the surly bonds of Earth . . . to touch the face of God.”