Today we’d like to introduce you to Devereaux Cannon.
Hi Devereaux, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I moved back to Nashville in 2015 after getting out of the Army. I had an interest in aviation and went to a few airport events over the years. When the Commemorative Air Force presented the idea of starting a unit in Lebanon after Covid, it presented an excellent way for me to get into that world. In the last four years, I’ve learned an incredible amount from the other members and been able to get my pilot’s certificate and learn about these historic aircraft.
The Music City Wing of the CAF has been able to accomplish a lot in the few years we’ve been around. We have two WWII training aircraft, a PT-19 and a SNJ-4. We take these planes to events around the state where we can provide rides and talk about the history of the planes, pilots, and Tennessee’s contributions to WWII. Our cadet program gives children the opportunity to work on these planes, learn about aviation, and provides a unique experience for kids that have an interest in aviation to become involved.
As a volunteer organization, we are very dependent on our members and sponsors to make all of this happen. Almost all of us have full time jobs outside of the CAF. However, the joy that we can bring to people seeing these old planes fly makes it worth all of our time to keep them in the air.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
For me personally, getting into aviation was very difficult. I was medically separated from the Army with an 80% VA disability rating. It seemed very unlikely that I would be able to pass the medical requirements to get my pilot’s certificate. Once I got involved setting up the Music City Wing, I found out that the medical process is a lot more granular than advertised. It took some effort getting all my documentation together, but I was able pass it. More importantly, I’m now a 100% VA rating and can still pass the medical requirements. I think it’s very important for people to know that’s possible and use myself as an example.
Organizationally, things have gone better than anyone could have foreseen. We have a bunch of talented mechanics, pilots, and dedicated volunteers. With support from local sponsors and the CAF headquarters, we have been able to grow rapidly. Of course, keep 80 year old airplanes flying is not easy or cheap and we’re always looking for more people that want to be involved at any level.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
My day job is as an IT Project Manager for HCA. HCA is a great company to work for and goes out of its way to encourage employees to work with volunteer organizations. It is also a veteran friendly organization which is seen through the recognition it receives every year by various veteran organizations. I was able to translate my military experience into project management practices and try to help veterans coming into HCA do the same.
Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
Readers can find out more about what we do and upcoming events at our website https://www.cafmusiccity.org/
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.cafmusiccity.org/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CAFMusicCity
