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Wall of Honor Level:
Air and Space Leader

Honored by:
Ms. Barbara Behel

Wesley E. Behel Jr., "Lee", originally got his pilot's license in Reno, Nevada in 1971 and has been actively flying ever since.

He spent 25 years in the Nevada Air National Guard flying the RF-101 Voodoo and RF-4 Phantom II. Concurrently to his military career, he owned and operated several automobile dealerships continues to own and operate a Porsche-Audi Dealership in San Jose, CA.

While in the Air National Guard, Lee regularly competed in inter-service "Recce Competitions". These consisted of taking a flight of two recon jets into simulated high threat environment and photographing tactical targets. Points were awarded based upon the accuracy of the photography, as well as precise timing, together with the successful evasion of air and ground based threats. Based upon his outstanding accomplishments in these competitions/ he was selected three times to represent the Nevada Air National Guard in the prestigious Worldwide Reconnaissance Air Meet (known as RAM).

The RAM competitions were sponsored by the USAF and pitted the USAF, US Navy, US Marine Corp, British RAF, and Australian RAAF against each other. Considered the ultimate test of flying skill short of combat, they were only held three times, once in 1986, 1988, and 1990. Lee and his wingman, Maj. Rick Vandam took first place twice out of the three competitions and took second place once, retiring the RAM trophy to a permanent home at the Nevada Air National Guard.

In addition to his distinguished reconnaissance flying, Lee also set two World Speed Records in the Phantom prior to retiring in 1996 as a Lieutenant Colonel. His records are for 100 km and 500 km closed course and still stand. In 1998 he received a certificate of honor from the National Aeronautics Association for his military flying.

After retirement from the military, Lee has been very active in the world of Sport Aviation. In 1998 he, along with two ex-squadron mates, established the new Sport Class for the National Championship Air Races held every September in Reno. Lee has competed every year since the Sport Class's inception and serves as Class President. In addition, he has competed in numerous cross country races, including the AirVenture Cup (Kittyhawk to Oshkosh Race) where he has won his class three times and twice won overall.

In 2001, Lee became the advisor to Lancair on a new turbine powered tandem seat sport airplane which was being proposed to fulfill the role of trainer to third world countries. He had the opportunity to fly the airplane for the first time in September 2002 at the Reno Air Races and set a new 3 km World Speed Record on his inaugural flight.