Ray Ward, a resident of Waverly and an Air Force historian, author, and World War II veteran, was pleasantly surprised to find himself remembered in a directory listing pioneer helicopter pilots. During World War II, Ward flew the Army Air Force's first helicopter model, the R-4 Sikorsky, his aircraft #16 being displayed in the USAF Museum at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, Ohio.

 Ward stated that about 400 men were trained at various locations inclusive briefly at Sheppard Field, Texas. A document attests he soloed May 7, 1945 - fifty-eight years and one day removed from receiving the directory.

 Twirly Birds, the name chosen for the veterans association which was founded in 1949, is an exclusive and elite international organization of the pioneering pilots of helicopters and other vertical take-off aircraft. Those who have soloed a helicopter or other vertical take-off aircraft in sustained complete flight, including a take-off and landing prior to V-J Day ( 14 August 1945 ) are Founder Members of the association. Those who have soloed a helicopter or other vertical take-off aircraft in sustained complete flight, including a take-off and landing over 20 years ago are General Members. Of the 130 listed, only 18 are designated founders. Included in the dwindling number are three who soloed in an autogiro, predecessor aircraft. 

 Last year while visiting the USAF Museum, Ward was shocked to find that R-4 #16, the one in which he flew, had survived. "The fragility and untested characteristics dictated against its preservation. Until M*A*S*H came along featuring the Bell, the public had little knowledge of the helicopter role in rescue work. Nor could we foresee their ultimate reconfiguration as a lethal though vulnerable support platform," he noted.  Four of the 18 founders reside in New York State. "Many," added Ward, "went on to have illustrious careers." Ward himself is author of the much respected work Those Brave Crews, which describes the valor of the young men who flew during the first year of World War II in Europe and North Africa and details the Ploesti Mission. 

 Ward was formerly deputy Metro Director of the Southern Tier National Alliance of Business, and was the first Tioga County Chamber of Commerce Chief Executive. He takes an active part in the area Glenn H. Curtiss Memorial Fliers, an aerospace group that seeks members of any age interested in aviation history.