April 07

PETERSON AIR AND SPACE MUSEUM

FOUNDATION

 

NEWSLETTER

 

VOLUME 1, NO. 4                                                        APRIL 2007

 

        

VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION DAY

ED WEAVER

 

Over sixty people gathered in the Museum’s Old City Hangar 12 February, to honor and celebrate our Volunteers for their efforts during 2006. The Peterson Club catered the affairs with heavy Hors D’Oeuvres. Ron Gray and Gail Whalen introduced volunteers selected for special recognition.

During the past five years, Museum Volunteers have provided a remarkable 31,831 service hours – 8286 during 2006. You may review their hours at our web site www.petemuseum.org/files/CumVolSvcHrs02_06.htm.

The Volunteer of the Year (2006) was Erv Smalley. Erv was cited for his 2272 service hours (2002-2006), for creating our web site in 2003 that has received over 69,000 hits since inception, continues as our webmaster, has worked extensively in the creation of the Air Defense Exhibit, provided much TLC to our (he thinks it his) F-106 aircraft, and his photography efforts.

Mike Drennan presented the “President’s Awards” for Outstanding Achievement to the following individuals:

VIDEO PRODUCTION TEAM: Ernie and Jane Newman

DOCENT TEAM: Dan O’Connell, Dave Austin, Jimmy Bowden, John Cawood, Ann Foster, Gus Freyer, John Grier, Dave Lankford, Norm Moyer, Jim Palmer, Ed Weaver

RAMP RATS: Jerry Kovach, Ed Mika

INVENTORY TEAM, Charlie McCarthy, Tonya Pfennig, Jack McKinney

MISSILE WARNING TEAM: Larry Flynn, Dick Burns, Rob Knoth, Larry McDonough, Terry Galbreath

The “Chairman’s Awards” for Outstanding Achievement for individuals or group of individuals who made an extraordinary contribution to the Museum were presented by Ralph Spraker. Two groups were honored:

302 Airlift Wing-for their support of ongoing aircraft restoration efforts

21st Civil Engineering Sqdn-for ongoing support of upgrades of the Museum’s grounds and facilities

Outgoing Foundation Board of Director’s Members Joan Sell and Jim Rix were also cited and honored for their years of service to the Museum.

Pictures of the event are available on our web site at http://www.petemuseum.org/VolApDayFeb07Page.html  

 

FROM THE PRESIDENT

MIKE DRENNAN, PRESIDENT

 

 

It continues to be a busy time at the Museum. We held our Board of Directors (BOD) meeting on 16 February 2007, where we discussed the challenging times ahead, especially with the Air Force funding challenges in the next few years. The BOD is working on an aggressive funding raising campaign which you will hear more about in coming months.

Gail Whalen discussed the Broadmoor Hangar Usage Plan and the BOD took a tour of the Broadmoor Hangar. The BOD was informed that there might be a change in plans for the usage of the Broadmoor Hangar as there might be a military need for the facility. This potential change is being worked hard and you will hear more on this topic in the future. Out goal is still to take possession of the Broadmoor Hangar since it will add significantly to the museum experience; however, we all will need to understand should the military need come to fruition and the wing retains usage of the hangar.

Finally, spring is approaching and the activity at the museum will continue to increase. Work is progressing with our many displays and our docents continue to be great ambassadors for the Foundation. Keep up the great work and thanks again to each of you for all your efforts.

 

HELP WANTED

 

 

       The impending move of some Museum activities into the Broadmoor Hangar will require that we have more volunteers to manage our visitor program. Because the Museum staff consists of only two people – the Director and Assistant Director – it is the volunteers who fill out the manning requirements in support of almost all facets of Museum operations.

Consequently, the immediate need is for volunteers to act as RECEPTIONISTS (to greet visitors)intheTerminal Building, the Old City Hangar and the Broadmoor Hangar, likewise, there will be a requirement for MUSEUM STORE ASSISTANTS.

         Many other volunteer opportunities exist, including but not limited to the following areas: Aircraft restoration and upkeep, archives and inventory, public affairs, membership recruitment, exhibit preparation and construction, and docent program. For more information check-out the website at www.petemuseum.org.

         If you would like to join our volunteer brigade please call Gail Whalen, 556-4915, or email her at Gail.Whalen@peterson.af.mil.

 

FINANCIAL SUPPORT

ED WEAVER

 

The Peterson Air & Space Museum Foundation would like to acknowledge recent contributions. The Association of Air Force Missileers donated $3,000 dollars for the construction of the ICBM heritage exhibit. Northrop Grumman presented a check for $1,000 dollars also earmarking the monies for the ICBM exhibit. The Foundation appreciates both organizations for their continued support of the Museum.

 

Peterson Air & Space Museum Foundation

Abbreviated Financial Statement-CY 2006

ASSETS                                            LIABILITIES

            INCOME                                           EXPENDITURES

Membership Dues         710             Operations & Maintenance            12,986

Contributions           19,672             Gift Shop Operations          8,551

Gift Shop Sales        13,135             Administration                          248

Interest                          431            Volunteer Support                    736

Pavers-Tiles                 3,385            Marketing                             8,810

Refunds                               9            Organization                                         971

OTHER ASSETS:

Gift Shop Inventory10,359

TOTALS:                  47,701                                                             32,302

 

GO-TO-GANG REPORT

ED WEAVER

 

Some days it seems like we will never complete work on the Cheyenne Mountain Operations Complex exhibit. We are putting the finishing touches on four new display cases. These are a bit different fr
om the stand alone cases we constructed for a number of other exhibits. The four were built inside of the existing walls complete months ago. All but done is the “rock bolt” display. Thanks to Ed Kelly and many, many gallons of paint, the entrance to the exhibit has been finished and is a vast improvement.

 

 

ARTIFACT OF THE QUARTER

                 

         The IBM Clock which sits in the

Old City Terminal Building was manu-factured and shipped to Peterson Field from the IBM International Time Recording Division in Endicott, NY, in April 1942. It rested in the Peterson Field Officers’ Club until 1945. Where it was kept until it came to the Museum is unknown. It keeps perfect time.

 

In future issues of the Newsletter we will continue to feature artifacts, most of which are not presently on display or exhibit.

 

 

 

NAME THE NEWSLETTER

 

         The Museum Foundation needs your help. Now that the Newsletter is established we feel it is time to name our newsletter. Therefore, we are asking your inputs or suggestions for an appropriate name. You may submit your suggestions to j32lmck@aol.com, www.petemuseum.org, or by telephone to 719-556-4915.

         A mystery prize will be awarded to the winning suggestion’s originator.

 

 

 

 

BROADMOOR HANGAR

 

         Museum occupancy of the Broadmoor Hangar, Building 982, has been put on hold. Transition was to have taken place in January or February 2007.

We will keep you posted on future developments.

 

WORLD WAR II INFORMATION

GORDON H. SCOTT, COL, USAF, RETIRED

 

         I am writing a story about the Army Air Corps participation in combat air operations against the islands of Iwo Jima, Haha Jima, Chichi Jima and any B-29 bomber raids that required landings back on Iwo Jima Island. The combat air operations by B-29s and P-51s against the Japanese Islands have been extensively covered in many stories by other authors but I would like any inputs of any exciting stories about B-29 missions with P-51 fighter escorts. As an ex-Japanese P.O.W. at Kempi Tai Prison in Tokyo, Japan, I need information of other P.O.W.s experiences from 1944 and 1945 in the Pacific Theater. If you were involved please give me a call at (719) 481-3942 or drop me a note at Gordon H. Scott, 1455 Peregrine Vista Heights, Apt. # 108, Colorado Springs, CO, 80921-4136.

         THANK YOU IN ADVANCE FOR YOUR INPUTS!

                                   

WHO ARE MUSEUM VOLUNTEERS?

 

       If you have ever wondered who are our Museum volunteers, maybe the following will give you a better understanding about what it takes to become a volunteer.

         For instance, some of our volunteers have crewed an SR-71, been air/security policemen, worked for the Nevada Gaming Commission, wrote and published poetry books, police officer, machinist, 100% disabled veteran, cattle and horse rancher, animal rescue volunteer, manager of television studios, electronic engineering, printer, Army radio communications, pilots of everything from F-86 to C-121, forward air control, command inspector general, ballistic missile technician, missile maintenance officer, command at many levels, personnel specialists, secretarial, “scope dope”, first sergeant, newspaper reporting and editing, squadron chief clerk, senior enlisted advisor, etc., etc., etc.

         The point of all this information is simply this – it matters very little what you have done before, it’s what you would like to help us accomplish at the Museum. Other articles have indicated where we need your help, but the bottom line is that we need help and only you can provide that. Most of our volunteers are doing things here at the Museum that they never experienced before joining our staff. However, they believe in our mission and want to be a part of accomplishing that mission.

         Call us at 719-556-4915, and join the team!  

 

RAMP RATS REPORT

JERRY KOVACH

.

P-47N:  Efforts this month concentrated on obtaining and making a pilot’s stick, stick well boot and throttle grip. WestPac Restoration loaned the museum an original stick and boot; John Caywood’s friend and ace machinist, “Ralph“, made a perfect copy of the stick.  The302nd came through again; MSgt Charlie Huffman, machine shop, made the throttle grip (unique to the ‘N’ model), and he arranged for the Life Support folks to make us the stick boot. Installation of these parts will make the cockpit 90% complete.

The CF-101B is living up to the Voodoo’s reputation of ‘leaking’ hydraulic fluids.  Those of us, who flew it and loved it in cold weather climes, knew that if didn’t leak, lookout for problems!  Doors were dropped and engine areas cleaned up.

Consistent good weather will allow us to do our outdoor improvements, which are numerous.  What is not numerous is our volunteer staff; the Ramp Rats need help!

 

DIRECTOR’S REPORT

GAIL WHALEN

 

I’m going to start by thanking our volunteers and members who have poured their hearts and other body parts into the Museum this past year. I wanted to see how many services we could provide to our visitors and clients, and asked our folks to provide more and more time in support of that. As always, they not only stepped up, but pushed me out of the way. I love it!

We entertained more than 8,700 civilian visitors this year with guided tours, special receptions, and educational experiences for the younger crowd. Our military users, more than 3,300, continue to utilize the City Hangar, Airpark and Medal of Honor Park for changes of command, promotion ceremonies, retirements, and special events. All of the comments I receive are very complimentary, especially towards the volunteers and staff (and by staff, I mean Jeff Nash). We can expect to see a lot more college ROTC groups and local school groups this year as our value to the community continues to grow.

One of the reasons we’re getting more attention from the Colorado Springs community is because you are advocating so well for us. Our Board of Directors is making special efforts to “bring the outside in” and working very closely with the Colorado Springs tourism community. We get several visits a month from reunion and convention planners who are interested in bringing groups to see the museum. I say, bring ‘em on!  

Although it’s been a rough winter, it’s been a good way to determine if the buildings, newly landscaped grounds, and aircraft displays can stand a beating. My assessment: not too bad. Our new HVAC system in the City Hangar performed fabulously until January, when the exterior pipes froze and the condenser poured water back into the Hangar. It was a terrific mess, but luckily, the Air Academy High School JROTC was there to save the day and mop their hearts out. They have visited the museum five times this year, working various service projects for us. In the Terminal Building, we had a very difficult time with interior condensation. That was finally cleared up after asking that the humidity controls be turned completely off. So much for conservation standards. However, the new heating syste
m in the Terminal Building simply couldn’t keep up with the intense wind and cold this winter. We supplemented with space heaters and small fuzzy animals. Our landscaping, including the newly completed Medal of Honor Park, held up remarkably well. However, sidewalks suffered in some spots, especially the faux brick walks behind the Terminal Building. Repairs, including installation of the remaining commemorative tiles, are scheduled to begin in April.

 

VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION DAY

 

In February, we held our second Volunteer Appreciation Day. Our thanks go especially to Ed Weaver for organizing everything, to Ron Gray for stepping up to the microphone to assist as emcee, and Ralph Spraker for stepping in to represent the Chairman of the Board of Directors. This year, we thought it was very important to recognize two non-member groups on Peterson Air Force Base who have been instrumental in the success of the museum: the 302nd Airlift Wing, and the 21st Civil Engineering Squadron (Base Development Team). These units have provided so much support for us, almost any time we ask, that a simple thank you isn’t always enough. Both groups have been very short handed while many of their troops have deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan. We are so thankful that all returned safely. We invited the key players in each outfit to our Appreciation Day, and surprised them with certificates of appreciation, commemorative tiles, and witty repartee from Ron Gray.

All of our museum volunteers were recognized as well, and I want to thank them again for their outstanding work and devotion to the museum. As always, it was difficult to select one person for the Volunteer of the Year, but Erv Smalley was an easy choice this year. An incredible amount of time and frustration goes into creating and maintaining a website, and Erv has single-handedly steered this ship since its inception. It is probably the single most valuable tool we have to reach the widest national, and apparently, international audience for the museum. Add to that his scary knowledge of almost all the ADC interceptors, and his willingness to brave the artic elements in pursuit of updating current museum events, and I think you’ll agree that Erv Smalley is the choice for Volunteer of the Year.

I’ve been asked to explain the Director’s Awards, which really is just a silly way for me to thank a few individuals who have gone out of their way to help more than usual each year, or who’ve provided some of the best entertainment for the rest of us on occasion. Ed Weaver received a Portable Confession Booth, because he really does receive everyone’s whines and complaints and ideas with calm and cool resolve. Erv Smalley accepted the Polar Bear Award for his service beyond the call of duty on a December day when the F-101 aircraft was pulled off its pylon. When the entire base was evacuated because of the winter storm, Erv remained on site and shot photos until the Voodoo was gone. Then he snuck over to my office looking for a warm bathroom and cup of coffee. Ed Mika accepted for Jerry Kovach the Howling Head Plush Toy. Jerry graciously escorted a film crew from the Cheyenne Mountain Resort up to and onto to the P-47. The individual who was being filmed on the P-47 became so excited about the shoot, that she began vocalizing in a manner eerily reminiscent of a howling coyote. So we found a plush toy that howled and screamed when it hits the floor. We thought Jerry might like that. Charlie McCarthy, Jack McKinney and Gus Freyer received stick-on Superman insignias. Charlie and Jack rebounded magnificently from personal challenges this year. I just gave it to Gus because he lives so high in the mountains and suspiciously seems to miss all the snowstorms. So I fantasize his house must look like Superman’s Arctic lair.

 

AIR FORCE DESIGN AWARD

 

The 21st Civil Engineering Squadron’s Base Development Team, the folks who are responsible for developing our museum complex, submitted the design of the Medal of Honor Park for a design award this year. The Medal of Honor Park took the top award for the entire Air Force. This is very competitive award, and very unusual that a squadron level design team won. They called to thank the Museum Foundation, many of whom had key inputs into the design. We know it’s the finest example in the country.

 

 

ADOPT-A-PLANE

JEFF NASH

 

The Adopt-A-Plane program was briefed to the Wing Commander and unit commanders in January, and we’ve had seven groups respond to the call with the following adoptions: P-40 – 76th Space Control Sq; T-33 – 16 & 18 Space Control Sqs; F-86 – 21st SW Director of Staff; F-94 – AFSPC A-2; F-4 – 21st Civil Engineer Sq; F-15 – 21st Aerospace Medical Sq & Air Academy HS JROTC; and EB-57 – 544th Information Operations Sq.

The idea is to have adopting units assist the Museum in cleaning and minor maintenance. We hope to have a kick-off in mid-April.

 

MY FAVORITE MEMORIES ARE

JON CHEL

 

                  I was working the Peterson Base Main Gate on Christmas Eve; I wore a Santa Suit, General Chappy James drove into the gate and stopped; he had his mother in the care and she was sooo excited to talk to Santa. I made a dream come true for her (she passed away shortly after). General James personally made sure I was made aware of this special treat for her.

         Again, at the main gate, I was looking down the road and found a small aircraft landing on the road instead of at the airport.

         We had a small aircraft crash on the runway and I was the Law Enforcement Officer on the flight line. A partner and I responded with the USAF Fire Department. Once we were relieved, I asked the driver on the fire rig to get permission to cross an active runway to return to the base. He told me it was clear, so as I started to cross the runway I had a strange feeling. I looked left and right and it was clear, but failed to look up and left – I was nearly hit by landing fighter aircraft.

(ED’s Note: Jon’s memories came to us via e-mail. We would like to have your memories, too, of time spent at Peterson AFB or Pete Field. Address them to www.petemuseum.org)

 

 

 

 

NEW MUSEUM VISITING HOURS

         New hours for visiting the museum are 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Tuesday through Saturday.

 

 

 

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The Peterson Air and Space Museum Newsletter is published by the Colorado Springs Peterson Air and Space Museum Foundation, Inc., a private entity no way connected to or with the United State Air Force. Contents of the Newsletter are not necessarily the official views of, or endorsed by, the U. S. Government or the Department of the Air Force.

 

Jerry M. Drennan, BGen (USAF, Retired), President

 

Jack L. McKinney, CMSgt (USAF, Ret
ired), Editor

 

150 East Ent Avenue

Peterson AFB, CO 80914

www.petemuseum.org

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