PETERSON AIR AND SPACE MUSEUM FOUNDATION

NEWSLETTER

PRESERVING THE HERITAGE

VOLUME 6, NUMBER 20	SEPTEMBER 2011

FROM THE DESK OF THE PRESIDENT

WES CLARK

Success at last!! The last of the base overflow occupants are out of the Broadmoor Hangar, and renovation/construction has started in earnest. The plans that have been pretty much on hold for the last couple of years are finally being put to practice. The first of the work was in the new gift shop area, to be followed by the theatre and on to the large museum meeting room and space display area. Can’t say the end is definitely in sight, but the progress at this stage is significant. Congratulations to Gail and Jeff for continuing to push this project along.

The focus on cuts to the defense dollars will probably have some long term implications for the Museum. Couple that with a weak economy, and I believe we are facing a double whammy. Despite these conditions, the Museum remains in good fiscal health, and will continue to be so if our forecasts are right. Our finances are shored up by strong sales in the gift shop, even when Museum attendance is down. Our Museum Board of Directors are putting plans together with an aggressive approach to fund raising that should allow us to continue in a strong fiscal position. Having said that, we still need to keep our visitor count up along with strong sales at the gift shop. Invite your friends, neighbors, and visitors out to see the Museum, and maybe we can weather the storm in good shape.

My thanks again to the many volunteers who support and contribute to the well being of our Museum. They are the ones who bring real value to the objective of what a Museum represents. Please keep up the good work.

NEWS NOTES

ED WEAVER

2011 CONTRIBUTIONS:

The Foundation wishes to thank the following individuals for their contributions during CY 2011: Jack McKinney, Don Kidd, Paul Brown, Scott McLaughlin, Robert Stein, Gus Fryer, 64th FIS, Scott Lee, Ron Solomon, Jim Swale, Bill Lindeman, Barbara Roberson, Chuck Zimkas, Don Kitterman, Ed Weaver, Henry Baird, Brian Binn, Bob Stovall, Wes Clark, and Northrop Grumman. Total amount of contributions was $6,975 dollars. THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!

VOLUNTEERS & VISTORS DATA:

The Museum’s visitor’s number is on track to realize a significant reduction compared to last year. Cold weather earlier this year, world events and base exercises required numerous closures that have taken its toll. That said you would be hard pressed to convince our docents who have racked up the many hours recently. During June and July we had over 4,000 visitors. As of 31 July our visitors count is about 3,400 below this point last year.

GIFT SHOP SALES:

Just as you would expect, low visitors numbers should result in low gift shop sales. Last year, the sales reached a record of 15,927 dollars. I’m glad to report sales are only down 1,800 dollars compared to last year. Again we can thank the very strong sales during the past two months that helped us close the gap.

BLACK GANG IS BACK	:

After many months of planning, construction work within the Broadmoor Hangar is under way. Ron Gray, Scott Lee, Ralph Spraker, Jim Henderson, and the two Eds (Weaver & Mika) have successfully, removed two walls and two doors in the new gift shop area. Except for a “small Flash of Light” experienced by Ron Gay, all went well. Turning their talents to other things, they removed two more doors, three windows and began a major effort to remove the telephone conduit from the ceiling of the new Space Exhibit area. As of this writing we are pleased to report no emergency vehicles found the need to responsd to the building. Lots more work is on the agenda that should take us well into the winter months.

VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR

PAUL BROWN

This honor bestowed to me was and still is a little mind boggling. Wasn’t ever sure I had the know how to be a Docent let alone the Volunteer of the year. I’m very grateful but was not able to properly state that when presented the award. All I seemed to be able to say was, “Thank you” over and over again. Soooo…I’m using this venue to spell out my “thank you”.

There are many to thank for getting me to this point. It all started when two wonderful guys wouldn’t let me get past the entrance after asking if they needed vol-----that’s as far as the word volunteer got when they escorted me to the office to fill out the form to volunteer. John Cawood and Gus Freyer sure did their thing to get me in the museum work!

After talking to Gail Whalen, and telling her all I knew about air defense, she assigned me to John Brown’s guidance. What a choice that was! John explained the whole show without leaving a thing unturned. He seemed to know just when I had enough knowledge to hit the tour road. He explained I could do it and pushed me out the door with my first group.

When I started asking more questions about the Museum I was directed to Ed Weaver. It was explained to me that if anybody knew it would be Ed. I discovered over and over that the statement was true. He gave me books and other items to read that really gave me a much better picture of the Museum’s purpose.

When I got stumped on the Missile Procedures Training unit I ended up talking to a very good source – Ron Gray. I learned all about the Big Blue Box in the hangar and all the fun they had putting it together. It was explained how we happened to get that Big Blue Box, and then I learned how the silos were first manned. Thank you, Ron, for clearing up the misinformation I had previously gathered concerning the MPT and what went on with ICBM folks.

I have to thank John Cawood for filling in all about the Constellation (EC-121). John took me and my son on a personal hour and half briefing aboard the Connie. And, I’m now able to present that big bird of the Air Park in an interesting manner.

I also owe a big thanks to Dave Austin for the Scope Dope look at the EC-121,	which added to my ability to be a better briefer on the EC-121. And, I also found out why I couldn’t get assigned to any of the EC-121 units.

Thanks to Dick Burns for explaining the BMEWS system from the ground up. Yes, I did go to school for basic ideas of BMEWS, but Dick really made it much clearer what the system did and does.

Thanks goes out to Jeff Nash for sticking with me even with all my ignorance. Through his help I know more where the Museum fits into the 21st Space Wing and his explanation where the 21st SW fits into the Air Force. Grateful for the explanations on the history concerning Pete Field, the museum, and the planes we have on display.

Thanks to Gus Freyer for his explanation of flying the F-89 and the F-102. His words surely helped me to fill in what I had learned working in air defense control centers.

Thanks to Jimmie Bowden for his many stories about Peterson AFB and the surrounding areas. What I haven’t learned on my own I got from picking Jim’s brain.

Thanks to Gail Whalen for allowing me to join the volunteer staff. Gail also filled me in on the workings within the missile silos. Found out the in-ground launch unit can be rocked back and forth when there isn’t anything to do. Her explanation of the many things I questioned about the workings of the Museum.

Thanks to Wes Clark for one fine briefing on why he was the FIS maintenance officer without wings. He is the one that filled in all my questions on the Air Force part in the space program. I now feel better about briefing others on the space display.

Thanks to Jack McKinney and Charlie McCarthy for explaining what they do. And, really enjoyed the funny stories that came along with it! Also, to Jack for making me feel I belong to the Museum even if I am a Scope Dope!

I know I’m probably missing someone who has aided my climb in the volunteer group; I’m sorry if I did which I will blame on age!! Yes, I’m very proud of the honor and I will keep trying harder to better myself so the Museum can live up to its reputation. I think I would wear that medallion around my neck all the time but would feel like a fool if I did. I’m not one that boasts about such a thi8ng. I feel very, very honored for the award and will try very hard to live up to such an honor. Thanks to all who came to my aid when I needed it. I am very glad to be part of a great bunch of Museum folks.

INVITATION TO ALL VOLUNTEERS

JACK MCKINNEY

Paul Brown’s piece above caused me to think about all the good stories each of our volunteers is capable of sharing with readers of this newsletter. So the invitation is hereby issue to each and

everyone of you to submit your stories for publication in future

issues of the newsletter.

Keep in mind that we must reserve the right to edit your submission but we will not change your story.

We request that the theme of your story be somehow related to your military experience, or your experience at the museum.

2010 STATS

Statistical data from 2010 provides an in depth

understanding of what takes place at the Museum.

For example: 56 dedicated volunteers contributed 8,592 hours of service with two contributing more than 800 hours each. Other individual volunteer contributions included one at more than 600 hours, three at more than 400 hours, ten at more than 200 hours, six over 100 hours, and the remaining volunteers collectively contributed more than 50 hours. Since 1 January 2003, volunteers have contributed 73,390 hours of service to the Museum.

Cash donations for the year totaled $11,883.00 from 25 individuals, 4 organizations, and untold numbers of donations to the cash box.

Museum Docents escorted 17,014 visitors who toured Museum facilities throughout the year.

And, finally, the Museum web site had 20,631 visitors while the Galaxy of Stars web site hosted 2,780 hits in 2010

PASM FOUNDATION NOTES

ED WEAVER

The National Museum of WWII Aviation recently hosted the PA&SM Foundation’s directors and officers for a working lunch to discuss items of mutual interest. The

president of the new museum provided long range planning for the new museum and a tour of the West Pac restoration facilities that will be co located with the WWII Aviation Museum.

The Board of Directors has issued a call for

individuals who may be interested in serving on the Foundation’s Board of Directors. This would be a three year term that would be from 1 January 2011 through 31 December 2014. For further information, contact Ed Weaver at wwaverek@aol.com.

Once again we pause to thank our dedicated Docent force. Their personal touch given during tours has been well documented. However, we take for granted their helpfulness and salesmanship in operating the Museum’s Gift Shop. Thanks for all you do!

Monies in the bank as of 31 July 2011, was 33,232 dollars. Our Net Assets were 47,008 dollars

FROM THE DESK OF THE DIRECTOR

GAIL WHALEN

We’ve had a pretty darn good year so far; thanks to the careful planning the 21st Space Wing insisted we all do to get ready for Congressional budget cuts. Most of our aircraft received restorative paint jobs this year—a carry-over from fiscal year 2010—but because our Colorado weather doesn’t always cooperate, a lot of the painting was performed this year. The consequence is that most of our aircraft will be sitting pretty for the next several years. By the time they need another makeover, we hope our economy will be closer to normal. Meanwhile, we’re doing our best to find funds to help sustain the EC-121T Warning Star (our “Connie”). She’s the one aircraft who needs the most care right now, especially the beating the upper radome has taken from the rough weather.

We’ve been able to upgrade our exhibits and keep things humming along through the funds supplied by the Museum Store, run by Ed Weaver and his daily docent crew. It’s a small space tucked just to the right of our incredible WWII Second Air Force mural, but it packs a financial punch for the Museum. Sales from the store average between $19,000 and $22,000 annually and directly support our operations. I thank Ed and the guys for really making the store a success.

This year we’ve had several opportunities to assemble along Peterson Boulevard and pay our respects to members of the armed forces who’ve died in Afghanistan or Iraq. We call these occasions “Fallen Warrior formations.” Every non-essential person on base lines the street from the flight line to the North Gate. As the caravan passes, first the Honor Guard, then the family and friends, each of the assembled renders a salute. It’s a very simple ceremony, but it allows us to show our respect for the men and women who have given their lives in service to the country. For our staff, it is a constant reminder that our Museum is here to bear witness not just for generations past and future, but also for the present.

As always, I thank our volunteers and staff who are just as proud of the people we serve, and who do such a great job every day welcoming the public and sharing these stories.

Dining Facility Receives Special Guest
by Airman 1st Class Jessica Hines
21st Space Wing Public Affairs Office
7/1/2011 - PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- A Colorado couple stopped by the Aragon Dining Facility to have lunch and pay respects to an old friend, Staff Sgt. Jose R. Aragon, the namesake for Peterson's dining facility.
Leo and Bette Hrdlicka of Littleton, Colo., were visiting the area June 24, and stopped by Peterson Air Force Base. Hrdlicka served four years in the Air Force in the 1960s and also served one tour in Vietnam. Along with Aragon, he became a crew chief working on Lockheed T-33s under the 4600th Air Base Wing at what was then known as Peterson Field.
During the visit to base, Hrdlicka noticed much had changed since his time in service here, noting the barracks were closer to the flight line but the hangars looked much the same. The staff of the Peterson Air and Space Museum organized their visit to base as well as a tour of the museum. A special stop was made at the Aragon Dining Facility to see the building which held the name of an old friend.
"Everybody liked him, there wasn't anybody that didn't like him, he was just a likable guy," Hrdlicka said about Aragon. "He was a quiet guy, very smart, knew what he was doing."
"He left for Vietnam before I did," he recalled.
Upon visiting the newly renovated dining facility, the couple stopped at the Aragon display just inside the doors and made sure to sign the guest book beneath the dedication display. After capturing a few pictures, Hrdlicka took time to reminisce as he pointed to a picture of Aragon's flight.
"All the faces are familiar, I don't remember everyone's name but I remember the faces," he said.
Hrdlicka could recall at least half the names of the Airmen within the photo, some who he would see again and others who were killed in action during the Vietnam War. A wooden plaque that sits at the bottom of the display box was carved and made by Hrdlicka. The plaque and box are part of a display dedicated at the Aragon Dining Facility years ago.
Aragon distinguished himself by meritorious achievement while engaged in ground support of Tactical Air Operations against an opposing armed force at Bien Hoa Air Base, Republic of Vietnam on May 16, 1965. Through the selfless actions of Aragon, many lives were spared. Several 500 pound bombs had exploded accidentally while four B-57 aircraft were preparing to take off on a mission. Despite the hazards in the area, Aragon remained and assisted in removing injured comrades and clearing the flight line of equipment that at any time could be enveloped in fire.
The dining facility was later dedicated to Aragon's heroic efforts and memory. Originally from Fountain, Colo., Aragon was the first casualty from the area during the Vietnam War. He was awarded the Bronze Star for his actions.
Airmen can view the dedication display during business hours at the dining facility and see pictures of Aragon with his flight while stationed at Peterson, as well as a picture of Aragon's name as it appears on the Vietnam Memorial Wall in Washington, D.C.

13th Fighter Interceptor Squadron Reunion

On September 1st, we met with the members of the 13th Fighter Interceptor Squadron (stationed at Glasgow, Montana in the early 1960s). PASM head docent John Grier and his crew did a terrific job leading the tours, and received many fine comments about their enthusiasm, knowledge, and hard work. Nice to hear others acknowledging our volunteers in action!

The 13th FIS took about an hour to view our F-101 Voodoo (tail number 274), painted in their squadron colors and insignia. Webmaster Erv Smalley was out photographing the occasion for the website, and happened to meet an old friend in the crowd as well! Talk about a small world. All of Erv’s photos should be on the website soon. Lots of great comments about the aircraft, and PASM assistant director Jeff Nash was working the crows for tidbits of info we could use in further presentations. We can’t thank these Viet Nam era vets enough for their service and fine words of encouragement to the Museum.

INTERN OFF TO SCHRIEVER AFB

Meredith Cooper, our first (and only) Palace Acquire intern, has temporarily relocated to Schriever AFB to do some OJT with the 50th Space Wing’s history office under Mr. Randall Saunders. Meredith attended the Basic Historian’s Course this July, and came away with very high marks and apparently even higher expectations (they offered her a position before she finished the course)! Meredith will complete her internship learning the field historian part of the US Air Force’s Heritage Program. Sometime near the end of 2012, she’ll receive her first assignment. We’re crossing our fingers she finds an assignment at or near her fiancé, currently serving with the US Army at Ft Carson.

IN MEMORY OF Chief Warrant Officer (USAF Ret) James Monroe Chastain Jr. (Jimbo) – Roy, Utah

James (Jimbo) M. Chastain Jr. passed away August 2, 2011. He was born December 6, 1918 in Little Rock, Arkansas. A 1937 graduate of Little Rock Senior High School, Jim enlisted in the US Army Air Corps and received an appointment as a Warrant Officer in 1943. On January 11, 1947, he married Genevieve (Jean) Jerla at Mac Dill AAF FL.

For 29 years, CWO Chastain served his country first as a member of the Army Air Corps and then with the US Air Force. He was stationed in the US, Southern Pacific, Philippines, Okinawa, Greenland, Japan and Viet-Nam. Upon retirement from the US Air Force in 1966, he entered civil service at Hill AFB and was employed there until 1981 when he fully retired.
He was a member of Ogden First United Methodist Church and several fraternal organizations including the Freemasons and Shriners. For the past 6 years he served as a volunteer tour guide at the Hill AFB Aerospace museum chapel, sharing with visitors the history of the US Air Force and specifically, the Chapel.

A Shrine Clown since 1955, he spent 50+ years entertaining young and old audiences across the US as well as in Japan and Germany. In 1991 as a member of a clown delegation sponsored by the People to People program he had the privilege to entertain audiences in Poland, Hungary and Russia. He is also a member of the Utah Clown Alley of Ogden and a life member of the Utah Jesters’ Clown Alley of Salt Lake City. Jimbo’s clowning was not just for the fun and entertainment he brought to thousands but was fueled by his passion to support the Shiners Hospitals for Children. He truly lived the Shriners’ motto, ‘No man has ever stood so tall as when he stooped to help a child."

In 2008, he was honored by the Volunteer Center of Weber County and the Hill AFB Aerospace Museum for his outstanding service to the museum and the county as Volunteer of the Year.
We know Jim Chastain as a founding member of one of Peterson Army Airfield’s 1942-43 Photo Reconnaissance Training Units (PROTU) in WWII. His dog, Photopopulas, or “Photopup” was a local mascot and we have lots of photos of him here at the flight line. We’ve been so fortunate to be able to correspond with Jim over the last several years. He sent us a collection of his photos and memoirs that really detail the kind of technical training the men absorbed before deploying in theater to the South Pacific. Jim trained enlisted, NCOs and officers, and his collections of photos are exactly the kind of “snapshot in time” that creates the legacy we can provide to our Airmen.

We know the Hill AFB Museum staff is as proud of their association with Jim Chastain as we are. He is survived by his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

WELCOME (AND WELCOME BACK) NEW VOLUNTEERS

We’d like to extend a heartfelt welcome to our new volunteers, Geoffrey Ashford, Ben Cooper, Jim Henderson, Mike Miller, Tonia Shaw, Buddy Walker, and returnees Bruce Long, James O’Neal and Laura Spindler.

Let’s start by saying good-bye to Laura and Ben. Laura volunteered with us last summer during her break from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, and managed to squeeze in some time with us again this summer before she was off to basic training for Air Force ROTC. We’re sure she’ll be pretty busy working for the USAF next summer instead of the PASM after she earns those golden bars at commissioning. Ben Campbell became a docent this summer after graduating with a B.A. in History from Baylor University. He was a terrific docent (we especially appreciate his firm but playful touch with the kids groups) and wish him good luck with his new position at USAA!

Our “new” volunteers have been with us a while now, but they’re still new guys until they train some newer docents in-turn. Geoff is a senior this year, hoping to enlist in the Marines as soon as he graduates in May 2012. Geoff’s aviator ambitions and extreme approach to memorization has accelerated his docent OJT time. If you’d like to know anything about aircraft, please ask Geoff and he’ll pull out his handy electronic pocket guide to all things that fly.

Mike Miller and Buddy Walker came aboard about the same time. Mike is a retired Air Force colonel, a command pilot, who has really enriched our tour info about the Warning Star, T-33 and EB-57. Buddy Walker (call him Buddy, or call him Chaplain, but don’t call him by his first name), is a USAF major currently assigned to the 21st Space Wing Chaplain’s office here at Peterson AFB. A civilian pilot, Buddy’s love of history and love of talking to strangers led him to our doorstep.

Two moves back to Colorado Springs landed us Jim Henderson and Bruce Long. Bruce Long is a returning volunteer. Bruce brings extensive knowledge of the Connie (and a history of extensive restoration work on the same) and loads of enthusiasm. Jim Henderson is new to the PASM organization, but has already jumped right in and gotten his hands dirty with the Black Gang and has lots of great outreach ideas that we’re excited about. Tonia Shaw is a former Army officer (ordnance and intelligence) and is completing her master’s degree in library sciences, making her a perfect fit to work with the special collections. And finally, James O’Neal is back volunteering with us after graduating with a bachelor’s degree from UCCS. James will be helping with the inventory and collections.

Welcome and a hearty thanks to the newcomers!

More About Lt. Ed Peterson

Ms. Joni Wilson of Wichita, Kansas recently donated photographs of Edward Peterson dating to his high school and college years. The photos came from her uncle, Kenneth Higinbotham, who was a childhood friend and schoolmate of Ed Peterson, along with her father, Bennett Higinbotham. The Higinbotham brothers were fellow members of the Boy Scouts and the Order of the DeMolay with Ed Peterson. Joni also donated a copy of the Peterson AFB newspaper, the “Observer”, from December 1981 covering the dedication of the Edward J. Peterson Museum, along with a program from the event.

In June, we were visited by Mr. Robert Heaton of Welches, Oregon, nephew of Lt. Ed Peterson. Mr. Heaton’s mother, Marji, is Lt. Peterson’s younger sister. The family resemblance was startling to those of us lucky enough to meet him. More startling for Mr. Heaton was to hear his uncle’s voice for the first time. In December 2010, we were able to digitize a college recording made by Ed Peterson. On it, he reads several poems and free verse, and then gives himself a short critique about his own performance. It was quite a moment to watch the expression on Mr Heaton’s face as he listened to the recording. We were so privileged to hear him talk about Ed and younger brother (USAF retired Lt Col) Maurice Peterson, both WWII heroes, and both so much a part of the history of Peterson Air Force Base.

Broadmoor Hangar Update

The Broadmoor Hangar conversion is moving right along, thanks to help from 21st Civil Engineering Squadron cultural resources manager Mark Mann and the PASM’s Black Gang. Mark has taken the conversion plans put together in the PASM Strategic Plan, and gotten permission from the State of Colorado Historic Preservation Office (CO SHPO) to proceed with the plans. All the initial inspections and surveys are complete (except for an HVAC survey), and PASM’s Black Gang have started some initial, albeit limited, demolition. Our Foundation board of directors has been pursuing funding, and the 21st Space Wing has already programmed the projects (pending a good funding year from Congress). Until then, the Black Gang will be seizing any opportunity to remove walls, pull cables, bust out ceiling tiles, and generally keep ahead of any preliminary prep work needed. Our total renovation estimate is a little over $1 million, but we’re trying to keep whittling away at that price with sweat equity. Our priority this year is to prep the Broadmoor Theater and Museum Store areas, and gut the Space Exhibit area.

Broadmoor Hangar’s exterior storyboard sign

Voodoo: Mission Complete!!

Our F-101 Voodoo’s 5 year, 6 month journey is finally at an end. In December 2006, the Voodoo was removed from the West Gate during street construction and remained sitting next to the baseball fields for nearly two and a half years before being moved to “Pete East.” In 2009, construction began on the new display site, and in 2010 the old bird hopped on the back of a flat bed and took her last hop (we hope) for final installation. The new display site, designed by the 21st Civil Engineering Squadron’s landscape architects, is a pedestrian

(friendly and landscape “lovely” area, right across from Base Operations on Hamilton Street

at the south end of Peterson Boulevard. 21 CES came to our rescue again and installed the afterburner canisters on August 25th. This will be our last aircraft installation for some time, so be sure to come by and check her out!

Sign Updates and Installations

We’re pleased to announce that the installation of the Peterson AFB historic district sign was completed in July, and now stands at the corner of Peterson Boulevard and Ent Avenue. The design incorporates all the elements of the historic district: the Spanish revival stucco exterior, the Art Deco stylized eagle, and blue deltas. This was a 21st Space Wing initiative, and we’d like to thank former Wing Command Chief Tim Omdal for the project’s success. We’d also like to thank Mr. Costas Rombocos from the Shrine of Remembrance for sending out a team to refurbish the 50th Anniversary bronze that sits in the flagpole plaza in front of the Museum’s old passenger Terminal building.

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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 States 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.

G. Wesley Clark, Maj Gen (USAF, Retired), President

Jack L. McKinney, CMSgt (USAF, Retired), Editor

Peterson Air and Space Museum Foundation, Inc.

150 East Ent Avenue

Peterson AFB, CO 80914

www.petemuseum.org

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PETERSON AIR AND SPACE MUSEUM FOUNDATION

JACK MCKINNEY

2011-09-11