Detachment 585
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Kevin J. McManus Squadron
Founding of the Squadron
The Kevin J. McManus Squadron of Arnold
Air Society is affiliated with Detachment 585, which represents Duke and
North Carolina Central Universities. The squadron was originally formed
as the William A. Sally Squadron at Duke University on 25 November 1950
by twelve members of AFROTC. Their goal was to "further the mission of
the United States Air Force at the college or university level by encouraging
greater teamwork, technical knowledge, and cooperation among students enrolled
in the AFROTC program." Additionally, the charter members pledged themselves
to further the objectives of the national headquaters of the Arnold Air
Society then located at the University of Cincinnati.
Who is Kevin J. McManus?
Our squadron is now named in honor
of Lt. Colonel Kevin J. McManus, USAF (Ret). McManus is graduate of the
US Air Force Academy and a former Weapon Systems Officer for the F4C Phantom.
As a 1st Lieutenant, McManus flew combat missions during the Vietnam War.
After completing over 140 missions with the 390th TFS, he was shot down
over North Vietnam on 14 June 1967.
He would remain in captivity for
2067 days, finally being released on February 18, 1973. After returning
to the States, he enrolled at Duke to earn his MBA. At this time, the AAS
squadron elected to change its name in his honor. The change was approved
by the squadron on 6 March, 1974, and Captain McManus was initiated as
an honorary member at a Dining-Out held that night. On 10 March, 1974,
the squadron petitioned to have its name officially changed and recognized
as the Kevin J. McManus Squadron. The change was approved later that year.
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