News>Misawa celebrates 50th Anniversary of Sollars Elementary School
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A plaque shares the heroic story of Lt. Col. John A. Sollars at the 50th Anniversary of Sollars Elementary School dedication ceremony at Misawa Air Base, Japan, June 1, 2012. The plaque was originally made for the school in 1962, but was lost when the school was rebuilt in 1998. It had been missing for over 10 years, but was found and rededicated to the school at the ceremony. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Zachary Kee/ Released)
Col. Al Wimmer, 35th Fighter Wing vice commander, speaks to those who attended the 50th Anniversary of the dedication of Sollars Elementary School at Misawa Air Base, Japan, June 1, 2012. The school celebrated the service of Lt. Col. John A. Sollars who gave his life to save the lives of others. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Zachary Kee/ Released)
Takayuki Fukushi, Vice President of the Aomori Branch League for Soroban Education of Japan, Inc., admires the Sollars 50th Anniversary cake at Misawa Air Base, Japan, June 1, 2012. Sollars Elementary School celebrated its 50th year holding the name. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Zachary Kee/ Released)
by Airman 1st Class Zachary Kee
35th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
6/4/2012 - MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan -- Sollars Elementary School celebrated its 50th Anniversary with a dedication ceremony at Misawa Air Base, Japan, June 1, 2012.
Lt. Col. John A. Sollars was commander of the 531st Tactical Fighter Squadron, and died on December 19, 1961, after ejecting from his F-100 Super Saber fighter jet during an instrument approach at Matushima Air Base near Sendai, Japan. He stayed in his jet until he knew the people were not in danger, which saved many lives. He then ejected from his jet after safety was ensured, but he was too low to the ground to survive.
On May 24, 1962, Misawa Air Base Elementary School was officially renamed Sollars Elementary School at a dedication ceremony similar to this one.
"It is important to remember this historical event because it lets the students know what their roots are and the sacrifices that people made for them," said Dana Chandler, Sollars Elementary School principal.
Comments
12/7/2012 9:59:14 AM ET The last portion of the story is not accurate. After LTC Sollars ejected he survived in the water until a USAF rescue helicopter arrived. He was able to initially grab the ladder that was dropped to him but his hand slipped off the rung he fell back into the water and drowned. It was apparent that his prolonged exposure to the cold waters had weakened him and he did not have the strength to hold on.At the time of his death we my father USAF Maj Harry Streufert and family lived next door to the Sollars our address was S36B which in 1961 was accross the street from two large water towers and the base radio station. I was only 11 at the time but clearly remember my father telling us about the incident - it was the first time I'd seen my father cry. LTC Sollars left behind a wife and son who was about 12 at the time.We were packing out to return to the US in June 1962 but knew that the school I'd attended was to be named in LTC Sollars memory. He was a true hero because he did
