My father Lt. Ernest Anders Erickson having some fun with his Cadet friends after graduation from Advanced Flight Training at Blackland Airfield in October of 1943.

Blackland Army Airfield located five miles northwest of Waco, was activated in June 1942. It was initially named China Springs Army Air Field and was also known as Waco Army Air Field No. 2 before being renamed after the local black soil. It was first a glider training school and in October 1942 became an advanced two and four engine pilot school.