Gill Robb Wilson (1893-1966): A legendary New Jersey aviation advocate who promoted aviation with the enthusiasm of an evangelical preacher. An analogy rendered even more fitting since he was also an ordained minister! He conceived the Civil Air Patrol in the late 1930s by foreseeing aviation’s role in war and general aviation’s potential to supplement America’s unprepared military. Wilson, an aviation editor of The New York Herald Tribune and later New Jersey Aeronautics Commissioner played a major role in the creation of the Civil Air Patrol. The new National Aeronautic Association came to life in early 1940 under the guidance of his dynamic leadership. He was the ideal man for reorganizing the association to address the needs of general aviation. He had previously served as the first spokesman and advisor to the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA). To show its gratitude for his service the AOPA gave Wilson membership number 1. Gill Robb Wilson published over 50 aviation poems in several books about flight. He created the first aviation poetry book in 1938 called, Leaves From An Old Log, published by American Aviation Associates, Washington, D.C., 1938. His most famous book, The Airman’s World, was published by Random House, NY, in 1957.