2024 A Significant Year
Dear Friend of the Billy Fiske Foundation,
2024 was a remarkable year for the Billy Fiske Foundation and the legacy of William Meade Lindsley “Billy” Fiske III. The accomplishments of the Foundation in 2024 are a testament your efforts and the power of personal friendships that Billy Fiske represents and the enduring spirit of “The Special Relationship”.
January – St. Moritz, Switzerland
The Billy Fiske Foundation donated a new sled to the RAF Cresta Team. Billy Fiske was a two-time Grand National Cresta Champion at the St. Moritz Tobogogning Club. Flt Sgt Steve Barnes, who rides the sled and is considered one of the all-time best RAF Cresta riders has aptly named it “The Billy”.
RAF Flt Sgt Steve Barnes stands with Billy Fiske Foundation President Kevin Billings and “The Billy”.
The RAF Cresta team after the 2024 Interservices Cresta Championships.
June – United States Embassy, London
The effort to dedicate a statue of Billy Fiske at the new US Embassy in London was realized after eight years of hard work. On what would have been Fiske’s 113th birthday the statue by renowned sculptor Jenna Gearing was unveiled in an event that included representatives from each part of Billy’s remarkable life — RAF 601 Squadron, Trinity Hall Cambridge, The St. Moritz Tobogganing Club, members of the financial community, Aspen, Colorado, and of course many of who are simply inspired by Billy’s remarkable life.
The highlight of the event was the powerful tribute delivered by former US Ambassador to the United Kingdom Matthew Barzun. The statue holds an appropriately special place at the entrance to Office of Defense Cooperation in the Embassy.
August – UK Embassy, Washington, DC
On a beautiful August evening, the 9th Annual Billy Fiske Dinner was held at the British Embassy in Washington. This year’s event was truly exceptional, filled with warmth, camaraderie, and a sense of shared purpose. The event serves annually as a testament to the power of personal friendships that Billy Fiske represents and the enduring spirit of “The Special Relationship”.
It was with great excitement that the Billy Fiske Foundation announced its newest initiative — the Billy Fiske Centenniary Scholarship in partnership with Fiske’s alma mater Trinity Hall Cambridge. The one-year scholarship for the academic year 2028 will be awarded to a deserving American student who shows the initiative and drive that reflects the life of Billy Fiske.
In closing, as we reflect on a significant year and anticipate the 85th anniversary of the Battle of Britain, let us give thanks for the remarkable life and legacy of Billy Fiske.
Yours aye,
Kevin
