Living the Dream
By Betty Meyer
Many times one defining moment will shape a life, a career. So it was with Joey "Gordo" Sanders at age 9. Already interested in airplanes, building models and "string" flying, it was the sight of an F-84 fly by over his daddy's filling station that captured Gordo's imagination. Air Guard, Gen. Jim Brown frequented the gas station and Gordo knew him. The thrill of seeing his military jet thunder overhead would ultimately lead Gordo to a life of aviation achievements of his own. At that moment, he had a dream- to fly low and fly fast.
Many folks in the Lynn Park, Black Warrior River area worked in the coalmines; the Sanders family was no exception. A way of life, an honorable profession, Gordo's father had determined that he would follow the family tradition. However, a timely event occurred that sent Gordo's course clearly skyward. An unpaid debt at the gas station landed Gordo the keys and use of a C-150 trainer.
Just an old half ton short bed ford
My Uncle bought new in 64
Daddy got it right cause the engine was smoking
A couple of burnt valves and he had it going
He'd let me drive her when we haul off a load
Down a dirt strip where we'd dump trash off of Thickpen Road
I'd sit up in the seat and stretch my feet out to the pedals
Smiling like a hero who just received his medal
When Daddy let me drive
from DRIVE Lyrics by Alan Jackson
Spending time at the old Walker County airport with the Cessna, washing, fixing and learning how to fly, Gordo had a pilot's license at age 19. Followed by an A&P mechanics license and CFI he completed training at Hamilton by age 21. From there he flew corporate with Drummond, and waited for his chance to fly military jets for the AL Air Guard. Meanwhile he met and married Debbie also a pilot.
His ultimate dream came true in 1984, Gordo entered the 117th AL National Guard where he learned to fly the Phantom, RF-4C with the 106th Squadron. During his military career, over 1,500 hours was mostly spent flying fast and low at speeds of 600 mph. In addition to his Air Guard commitment, Gordo landed a seat and career with FedEx in February 1988.
One of Gordo's proudest achievements was setting the record for the longest deployment in the history of tactical air command in the F-4. Six Phantoms departed the Birmingham Guard base with their pilots spending 18 hours in the seat and 16 air refueling missions arriving in Bahrain.
In August 1990, the RF-4C (as the only USAF Tactical recon asset) deployed to the Gulf. The first to arrive was six LOROP (LOng Range Oblique Photography) capable 'Rhino's' from the Alabama Air National Guard's 106th TRS. Operating from Sheikh Isa AB, Bahrain, the 106th flew crossborder recon missions during Operation Desert Shield, the Military build up, and Daylight only missions during Desert Storm, including searching for Iraqi mobile 'Scud' Missile launchers.
Life was good until the Phantoms were phased out of the unit and the Air Guard transitioned to a refueling unit with the KC135 tankers in 1994. The missions of the F-4 were gone and the contentment of military flying fast and low was over. Determined to save at least one aircraft, Gordo set about completing an arduous process that yielded one Phantom, serial number #65-0833.
The McDonnell Douglas RF-4C delivered from Birmingham to Jasper, via Army helicopter, displayed at the VFW hall is one Gordo flew. Make no mistake, obtaining this static display was a monumental accomplishment achieved with pride and determination of many in Jasper.
Some who have flown the Phantom have expressed a remorse and certain emptiness after completing their fighter pilot experience. A bonding of man and jet with skills and breath taking speeds flying close to the ground yield feelings not easily duplicated, especially outside the military environment. It is not surprising that Gordo felt something was missing in his life, he was no longer living his dream and he needed it back.
A fellow FedEx pilot, Steve Dilda mentioned to Gordo he knew of a Reno Air Race T-6 for sale and perhaps he would enjoy air racing. At the urging of friend Mark Henley, whose Aeroshell T-6 Team member Gene McNeely also races a T-6 at Reno, he made the phone call. Gordo purchased the historic 1943 SNJ T-6 named Big Red number 5 from long time racer Jerry McDonald, March 2004. Another fellow FedEx pilot Mary Dilda, a Reno National Air Race Champion, came by Jasper to give Gordo a few pointers and check out in Big Red. In September 2004, Gordo was in Reno, Nevada flying Big Red in the mandatory National Championship Air Race "rookie school".
Being brand new on the "Reno Racing scene" is a steep learning curve but with the help and guidance of friends, Gordo's ability quickly drew attention due to skills learned flying the Phantom, low and fast. He was a natural on the racecourse and soon a crowd favorite flying the well-known Big Red number 5 in the T-6 class. Gordo placed 5th in the Silver class his first year out. He then raced the one-time Tunica, MS event and placed first in the Silver class.
The second trip to Reno in 2005 he won the Silver class at 221.135 mph. Last year's third race brought more victory with another win in the Silver class at 221.717 and the opportunity to advance to the Gold class race finishing at 5th place. Gordo's crew is comprised of local friends and pilots who provide invaluable team support. Maintaining and improving Big Red requires Herculean effort and sponsorships. Jerry McDonald the previous owner of Big Red is now a Reno Air Race official. He watches Big Red and Gordo race with a special sense of pride and manages to get by his pit with a comment and encouragement after each race.
Due to retire from the Air Guard this year as a Lt Col after 23 years, Gordo is now an MD-11 Captain and has nearly 20 years with FedEx. He is currently transforming Sanders Aviation into an FBO with some exciting new amenities at the Walker County Airport. When not giving check rides for ATP Professional Flight School, he is developing a Jasper Civil Air Patrol Wing. His most recent accomplishment is a new FAA Aerobatic card.
Married to Debbie for 25 years, they have two daughters, Jessica soloed at sixteen, Iris still too young to solo, is flying with her daddy.
When you walk up to Big Red, you will see a small inscription painted on the pilots side of the plane that reads, "Daddy Let Me Drive", a tribute to his late father for Gordo living his dream.
- Betty Meyer, See Reno Photo Gallery for more
