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FINI FLIGHT HONORS KOREAN WAR ERA VETERAN 2LT JIMMIE L. “JIM” HAMILTON (Page 8)

Columbia, South Carolina – The Celebrate Freedom Foundation (CFF) will host the Fini Flight of 2LT Jimmie L. “Jim” Hamilton in a Cessna L-19 Birddog at the Celebrate Freedom Foundation Hangar, located at 2533 Airport Blvd., West Columbia, SC 29170.

Hamilton flew the Birddog as a U.S. Army pilot from 1949 to 1958 while stationed in Germany with the U.S. Army of Occupation. His distinguished career includes service as an artillery officer, aviator, and paratrooper, followed by decades of leadership in South Carolina’s aviation community.

Hamilton served three terms on the South Carolina Aeronautics Commission, including two as chairman, and also led both the South Carolina Aviation Trades Association and the Columbia Hangar of the Quiet Birdmen. As founder of Midlands Aviation Corporation and longtime operator of Columbia’s Owens Downtown Airport, Hamilton has been a cornerstone of aviation in the state.

In 1974, he founded the Jamil Flying Fezzes, a Shrine flying group that continues to transport children to Shrine Hospitals. Hamilton also co-founded the Celebrate Freedom Foundation, reflecting his lifelong commitment to aviation, veterans, and community service.

His many honors include the Order of the Palmetto, the Shrine Bowl Walt Disney Award, and recognition as South Carolina Aviator of the Year. Jim Hamilton Boulevard in Columbia stands as a lasting tribute to his service and legacy.

About Celebrate Freedom Foundation

The Celebrate Freedom Foundation (CFF) is a nonprofit, veteran-led organization based in Columbia, South Carolina. CFF is dedicated to honoring military service, promoting aviation, and inspiring future generations through STEM education and outreach. The Foundation preserves military aviation history and connects veterans, students, and the community in celebration of freedom and service.

Cessna L-19 Birddog Print

FINI FLIGHT HONORS KOREAN WAR ERA VETERAN 2LT JIMMIE L. “JIM” HAMILTON

2025-11-10
On: November 10, 2025
In: Events, Military

Columbia, South Carolina – The Celebrate Freedom Foundation (CFF) will host the Fini Flight of 2LT Jimmie L. “Jim” Hamilton in a Cessna L-19 BirddogContinue Reading

Lastinger Secures Republican Primary Runoff Victory for South Carolina House District 88

2025-11-07
On: November 7, 2025
In: Community News

Lexington, S.C. – Pastor John Lastinger has won the Republican Primary Special Election Runoff for South Carolina House District 88. Lastinger expressed deep gratitude toContinue Reading

Leesville Man Charged After Drugs, Guns, and Cash Found in Home

2025-11-07
On: November 7, 2025
In: Public Safety

LEXINGTON, S.C. – A Leesville man is facing charges after narcotics agents discovered cocaine, firearms, and cash in his home, according to the Lexington CountyContinue Reading

The S.C. Military Veterans Hall of Fame will hold press conference Nov. 14

2025-11-07
On: November 7, 2025
In: Events, Military

Medal of Honor recipient, military leaders, other VIPs to attend afternoon event at Columbia Convention Center next week The S.C. Military Veterans Hall of FameContinue Reading

GCA tennis, River Bluff volleyball headed to state finals

2025-11-06
On: November 6, 2025
In: Sports

By Thomas Grant Jr. Gray Collegiate Academy girls’ tennis (Photo by George Matsui) It’s a “Super Saturday” for River Bluff and Gray Collegiate Academy teamsContinue Reading

Golf Tips for Seniors: Time Management

2025-11-05
On: November 5, 2025
In: Sports

Golf Tips for Seniors: Time Management By Robin All How early should you arrive at the golf course for a 9 a.m. tee time? DependingContinue Reading

The sweetest smoke a man was ever to smell

2025-11-05
On: November 5, 2025
In: Columns

By Tom Poland, A Southern WriterTomPoland.net Photo: The ash door to the smokehouse in Historic Brattonsville. To some, the smokehouse remains a symbol of theContinue Reading

Jason Giulietti Earns National Economic Development Honor

2025-11-05
On: November 5, 2025
In: Business

Jason Giulietti, President & CEO of the Central SC Alliance, has been named to the inaugural class of ResearchFDI Academy’s Foreign Direct Investment Professionals (FDIP),Continue Reading

State Museum Hosts Accessibility Morning This Saturday

2025-11-05
On: November 5, 2025
In: Entertainment

The South Carolina State Museum will host an Accessibility Morning this Saturday, November 8, from 9–11 a.m. Accessibility Morning offers a quieter, sensory-friendly experience designedContinue Reading

Brookland-Cayce, GCA open playoffs with rematch

2025-11-04
On: November 4, 2025
In: Sports

By Thomas Grant Jr. Feature photos by Thomas Grant Jr. – Brookland-Cayce quarterback Andrew Frick Playing on the newly-christened Les Evans Field, Airport looked toContinue Reading

Gray Collegiate Hosts First “Boo and Birdies” Tournament

2025-11-01
On: November 1, 2025
In: Sports

By Thomas Grant, Jr. The Gray Collegiate Academy girls’ golf team and head coach Kathryn Cook held the program’s first-ever “Boo and Birdies” tournament atContinue Reading

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