Tony, that was a very interesting read.
One item stood out for me...the reference to flight training out of Falcon Field in Phoenix, Arizona. That airport is still there!!! 3 years ago my son started working at Falcon as a flight instructor and he works there to this day. He lives in Mesa, Arizona just east of Phoenix.
I will be making an annual visit to see him next month...warm enough for shirt sleeves, but not the scorching temps of July.
Rog