John Wayne Airport, Aviator Eddie Martin

Not only should the new terminal building at John Wayne Airport be named after the founder of the airport, Eddie Martin, but the airport itself should be rightfully called Eddie Martin Airport.

Eddie Martin is not a popular movie star, nor is he a well-known political figure. He is, however, the airport founder. For anyone to overlook his contributions to our county, state and the aviation world would be a disgrace to this pioneer aviator. He was there at the Orange County Airport when aviation history was made.

To properly name the airport and terminal building after Martin would not only be a tribute to this great man, but would further the public knowledge about this grand individual. To abandon him now would further abandon a vast legacy that our children and the children after should never forget.

I personally have a great respect for the late John Wayne and feel strongly that something of equal or greater importance be named after him. I feel the same for Supervisor Thomas Riley, who has accomplished a great deal during his political career, including the airport expansion project.

As a professional pilot who flies in and out of the Orange County Airport frequently, I can tell you that nearly every pilot within the airline and private flying community is in agreement that Eddie Martin is the only individual in our past history and present time who comes close to having the worthiness and admiration required to have his name on the airport.

G. KEVIN SAVORD

Garden Grove