In April, we shared a story about the relaunch of the Warbirds 20 Under 40 Rising Stars Program. Initiated by the National Warbird Operators Conference (NWOC) in 2019, this program aims to engage younger generations in vintage military aviation, both as pilots and maintainers. Known as ’20 Under 40,’ the initiative recognizes young men and women who have made significant contributions to the warbird community.
That last article back in April encouraged the warbird community to nominate individuals under 40 who they felt were making the grade, and now we can report the 2024 honorees for all to see… the 20 Under 40 Rising Stars of the Warbird World! Congratulations to all who took part … you are all making a difference!
| Katrina Hodges | Keegan Chetwynd | Job Savage | Stephen Koewler | Joe Greene |
| Curt Lewis | Bevan Dewes | Zachary McNeil | Josh Miller | Andres Morales |
| Lain Wayman | Garrett Fleishman | Ryan McNeill | Savannah Weaver | Lindy Linebaugh |
| Sean VanHatten | James Webb | Jennifer Kanakis | Nick Kanakis | Christopher Hicks |
The program was originally developed by Mark Clark and Darcky Kapke of Courtesy Aircraft Sales, who later passed the torch to Peter DeLisa. “What is not often seen or acknowledged is the number [of] younger people who are carrying on the movement. These people need to be recognized and thanked for their efforts,” DeLisa said.
