There are few ways to more meaningfully preserve a community’s history than by interviewing those who have helped shape it. Retired Capt. Donald J. (“DJ”) Wright is an example of why oral histories are so important. Capt. Wright, 83, was stationed at NAS Lemoore shortly after it was commissioned in 1961 and held positions of increasing responsibility during his decades-long career in the military, including fighter pilot, operations officer, executive officer and special assistant for air warfare, research and development in Washington, D.C. His stories about NAS Lemoore’s early years, the local community’s strong support for the base, and what it was like to fly jets through the Sierra Nevada and over the wide open spaces of Utah and Arizona are, quite simply, fascinating.
This link takes you to a short “teaser” video that highlights various points in Capt. Wright’s life, focusing on his experiences in Vietnam. (There is also a link to an audio of the full interview.) Many thanks to Fresno State’s Department of Media, Communications & Journalism for their contribution to this project through the talents of producer Kelley McCoy, videographer Candace Egan and video editor Savanna Torres. A special thanks, as well, to Clark Valceschini conducting the interview with Capt. Wright and to local musician Tim Mattos for providing the original music.
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