Three generations of flying

The Connell family

Flying obviously runs in the blood of the Connell family.  Grandfather Jim Connell was the long-time fixed based operator of the Independence Airport, operating from 1954 until he recently retired.  Father Mike Connell has long operated the Decorah Airport.  The two have recently been inducted into the Iowa Aviation Museum's Hall of Fame.

But daughter Alyssa Connell is attracting her share of awards, too.  She has been named "VIP Woman of the Year" by the National Association of Professional Women.  And the National Association of Distinguished Professionals picked Alyssa as the cover of their upcoming magazine about award-winning professionals who are "Women of Distinction."

That brought a photographer, video camera operator and other magazine editors to the Decorah Airport this week to take photos of the Connell crew.  Jim, Mike, Alyssa, Patrick, David, Kathleen, Karen and Krista Connell all were invited to the photo shoot.

The get together served not only as a family reunion, but a get-together for Alyssa's newest venture--Connell Aviation Group, which she says will be based in Iowa, MInnesota and Arizona and will soon announce a "unique" service.

Three generations of Connells--Jim. Mike and Alyssa

Picture taking time