Pilot Barney Wasowicz with his son Tony Wasowicz in the cockpit of a B-26. Courtesy photo

Pilot Barney Wasowicz lived to be 97 and didn’t share his stories until he was in his 90s. Courtesy photo

By BERNADETTE LAURITZEN
Executive Director
C’YA

On Monday at 2 p.m., Mesa Public Library (MPL) will host the author Tony Wasowicz of “Ask Your Father: Conversations with Pop about War, Food and Following Your Dreams”.

Wasowicz had donated copies to MPL and will have some for sale at the presentation. His father Barney was a B-26 pilot shot down and became a prisoner of war. He was eventually reunited with the last known flying B-26 at the Fantasy of Flight Museum in Florida.

Wasowicz has allowed a local non-profit Champions of Youth Ambitions (C’YA) to collect thank you cards for local Veterans, pet food, treats and toys for a “Vets with Pets” project and local/regional animal shelters. Used items in good condition like blankets, towels and toys clean and in good condition will be gladly received.

Call or text questions 505.695.9139.