Highlights of Heros, Legends, and Friends

Over the course of his career, Stan Stokes has not only captured incredible aircraft in his paintings but has also shared unforgettable moments with some of the most extraordinary figures in aviation, space, and beyond. From meeting Burt and Dick Rutan, the designers behind the Voyager and SpaceShipOne, to connecting with pioneers like Mike Melvill, the first commercial astronaut, and Maj. Gen. Jeannie Leavitt, the first female USAF fighter pilot, Stan’s journey has been as much about the people as the planes.

Stan has also rubbed shoulders with legendary pilots and heroes, SR-71 test pilot Robert Gilliland, Gregory “Pappy” Boyington of the Black Sheep Squadron, Maj. Gen. Greg Feest, and Bud Anderson, capturing their stories, accomplishments, and personalities in both art and personal encounters. Alongside these aviation legends, he’s met icons from other fields, including Mario Andretti, William Shatner, Harrison Ford, and baseball great Stan Musial, creating a bridge between art, history, and living legends.

Many of these highlights also celebrate camaraderie and shared experiences, from friendships with Tuskegee Airman Rusty Burns to special moments shared with Joan, Larissa, and visits with fellow aviators like Steve and Karen Hinton and Clay Lacy. Whether unveiling a painting with President George H.W. Bush, attending airshows, or capturing the spirit of historic aircraft, these posts showcase the remarkable people who have shaped Stan’s career—and the stories behind each unforgettable encounter.

1. Burt Rutan – Designer of the Voyager, in 1986 became the first aircraft to fly around the World non-stop and un-refueled. In 2004, SpaceShipOne, another of Burts designs, became the first privately funded, designed and flown spacecraft to enter space.
2. Exceptional astronauts, aviators, and people – Maj. Gen. Jeannie Leavitt, astronaut Col. Eileen Collins, Tammie Jo Shults, Maj. Gen. Greg Feest, Vicky Benzing, Lourie DeBore, Stan, Erin Miller, Cdr. Sarah Abbot, Capt. Elizabeth Somerville, Ellen Ochoa, and Lt.General Stayce Harris.
3. Robert Gilliland – SR-71 Test Pilot
4. Gregory “Pappy” Boyington – “Black Sheep” squadron commander, awarded Congressional Medal of Honor. Here is is signing a painting by Stan, being aided by Stan’s daughter Larissa.
5. Boyington again with Larissa telling him “That’s a fine signature”.
6. Stan, Boyington and actor Simon Oakland with Stan’s painting of Boyington’s P-40 behind them.
7. Bruce McCaw, Harrison Ford, Stan, and Clay Lacy.
8. Bud Anderson and Stan with one of Stan’s painting honoring Bud.
9. David Hamilton, Joan and Stan. David Hamilton piloted a “Pathfinder” C-47 mission on D-Day, 1944.
10. David Hamilton with Stan. In this photo, Mr. Hamilton was 99 tears of age. He passed away at 102.
11. Dean and Tammie Jo Shults with Joan and Stan. Both Dean and Tammie Jo were Naval Aviators.
12. Tammie Jo and Joan. Tammie Jo was the hero of Southwest Airlines Flight 1380.
13. Si Robin, Joan, Stan, Emma Pham, and Clay Lacy.
14. Joan, Stan, andWilliam Shatner. Mr. Shatner was being honored at the San Diego Air and Space Museum, not for acting, but for being the oldest person to have flown in space (at that time).
15. Maj. General Greg Feest, General Chuck Horner, Joan, and Stan. Gen. Feest was the first pilot to fly an F-117 Stealth Fighter in combat. Gen. Horner commanded the coalition air forces during Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm.
16. Maj. General Jeannie Levitt and Joan. She was the first woman to become a fighter pilot in the USAF. She flew the F-15E Strike Eagle for many years and loved them!
17. Mario Andretti signing Stan’s painting of Mr. Andretti’s Indy car navigating the “Corkscrew” ay Laguna Seca.
18. Stan, Joan, and Clay Lacy. Clay is a superb pilot and a wonderful guy!
19. Stan with Stan Musial having spent the day signing Stokes’ prints. “Stan the Man” Musial, playing for the St. Louis Cardinals, was considered to be one of the most consistent hitters in baseball history.
20. Stan with Burt Rutan. Burt, in addition to the Voyager and StarShipOne also designed one of the most popular homebuilt aircraft – the Varieze and Long EZ.
21. Stan with Dick Rutan. The older brother of designer Burt, Dick was the pilot of the Rutan “Voyager”, becoming the first pilot to fly around the world nonstop and un-refueled.
22. Mike Melvill and Joan. Mike Melvill, piloting the Rutan SpaceShipOne, he became the first commercial astronaut.
23. David Hamilton, Joan, and Mike Melvill. All the pilots love Joan!
24. Tom Poberezny, Stan, Sharon Poberezny, and Harrison Ford
25. Rusty and Treneda Burns. Upon meeting in the year 2000, Stan and Rusty quickly became great friends! Rusty spent a multitude of hours regaling Stan with all of the finer points of the Tuskegee Airmen and Stan enjoyed very minute of it! Rusty received his fighter pilot wings in December, 1944, at Tuskegee Army Air Field.
26. Steve and Karen Hinton, Steve and Stan first crossed paths when Stan was 10 and Steve was 8. Karen was Ed Maloney’s daughter. They are both outstanding individuals!
27. Steve Hinton circa 1990. This photo was taken by Stan in the back seat of Bob Pond’s P-51D Mustang with Steve at the controls. In Steve’s vaunted flying career, he broke the world speed record, won 6 Unlimited-class air races, and has worked in over 60 movies.
28. Stan, President George HW Bush, Joan, and Barbara Bush. Stan and the President had just unveiled a painting by Stan of the USS George HW Bush. They were both very personable and easy to strike up a conversation with.
29. Yogi Berra. Stan and Joan spent most of the day having Yogi sign prints and found him to be a delight. He had a nice up-beat attitude about life. About a year later, He called Joan just to see how they both were doing!