John A. Pope

John A. Pope, USAF, Ret., served in World War II as a transport pilot following graduation from aviation cadet pilot training in April, 1943, with the class of 43-D. He was assigned to the Air Transport Command where he ferried B-17 aircraft from the factory to modification centers and to using tactical units. In 1944, he was assigned to fly C-47 aircraft between England and France and was subsequently transferred to the China-Burma-India theater where he logged more than 500 hours flying over the "Hump" from India to China in a C-87 and C-109 aircraft which were B-24 bombers converted to cargo use.

After discharge in 1946, Pope joined the District of Columbia Air National Guard and was recalled to active duty in 1951-53 for the Korean conflict, in 1961 for the Berlin crisis and again in 1968-69 following the North Korean seizure of the U.S.S. Pueblo. During the latter tour, Pope was assigned to the 314th Air Division in Osan, South Korea, where he became Chief of Plans and Programs. During this tour, Pope was the Air Force Liaison officer in Seoul when the Pueblo prisoners were released by North Korea. Pope retired from the U.S. Air Force in 1979 with the rank of Colonel.

As a civilian, Pope was employed by the National Business Aircraft Association from 1961-1985 and retired as Vice President, Membership Services. Following retirement, Pope established John A. Pope & Associates to provide consultant services to corporate aircraft owners and to do free lance writing. He was a contributor to Aviation International News and Flight Training magazines. The Flight Safety Foundation, an organization dedicated to improving flight safety, published more than 50 of Pope's articles on a variety of aviation safety subjects.

Pope was a founder of the Northern Virginia Chapter of the Air Force Association and served as that unit's President, as well as State President. He was a member of the Congressional Squadron of Civil Air Patrol, Order of Daedalians and the Quiet Birdmen. He was also involved with the Northern Virginia Chapter of The Mended Hearts, a support group for open heart surgery patients. He served as the Chapter Secretary, Treasurer and President.

Pope is survived by his daughters Kathryn Schmeiser, Fairview, NC, Victoria Deppensmith, Buchanan, VA, Son Stephen Pope, Herndon, VA as well as 5 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, please make memorial contributions to The Mended Hearts Inc. Chapter 200 P.O. Box 897 Annandale, VA 22003.