Michigan Air Guard Historical Association Website: www.selfridgeairmuseum.org Email: [email protected] (Newsletter editor) Email: [email protected]

April – June 2021

TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGE Note from the Editor 1 Taps 2 127th Wing Happenings 3 - 4 110th Wing Happenings 5 From the Archives 6 - 7 Museum Happenings 8 – 22 Activity Pass & Macomb County Heritage Alliance Passport Program 23 Museum Events 24 – 27 Memorial Wall Brick Program 28 MAGHA Membership Application 29

Note from the Editor: MAGHA members, please remember to keep the museum office updated on your current mailing address, email address, telephone number, etc. Please email the newsletter editor or museum office @: mailto:library- [email protected], call or write. Just a reminder that as of 2021, the “free” membership newsletter is the email version. If you wish to still receive the printed B&W version mailed to you, you will have to remit $10 annually, payable to MAGHA. This will help us offset the costs of printing and mailing. The other option is to view it from the website. Here is a link to the Museum’s website: https://selfridgeairmuseum.org Once you’re at the homepage, click on Museum Support tab, then click on Museum membership and scroll down to the newsletters. The Michigan Air Guard Historical Association and the Selfridge Military Air Museum are working on putting memberships and renewals online through our website. It will be set up under a ‘Membership Only’ page with a login and password required. Eventually that is also where your newsletters will be Archived for a year or more. Additional information will be provided as the time to roll this project to completion comes closer. The Selfridge Military Air Museum can always use YOUR help as a weekend docent in the Gift Shop, Flight Training Room, SPAD hangar, or as an Inside Floater. Fill out the application, which can be found on our website selfridgeairmuseum.org and bring it by the Museum office on Tuesdays or Fridays. We are also in need of regular Tuesday/Friday/Saturday volunteers in Restoration, Maintenance, Grounds, IT, Library-Archives, and the Uniform Storage Area, along with administrative help in the museum office. Lori Nye Newsletter Editor & Library-Archives Team Chief

1 MANGBANG April-June 2021

TAPS

NAME MI ANG SERVICE DATE OF DEATH Thomas Wafer ???? - ???? 2021 SMSgt Gerald William Hanna ???? – 2003 27 May 2021

SMSgt Gerald William Hanna (23 July 1946-27 May 2021) Gerald William Hanna, age 74 of ClayTownship, Michigan, passed away 27 May 2021 at the Ascension River District Hospital. He was born 23 July 1946 in , Michigan to the late William and Helen (Riopelle) Hanna. He married Mary M. Hartwell 21 May 1988 in Mount Clemens, Michigan.

SMSgt Gerald W. Hanna (Retired), served as an aircraft mechanic and pilot in the Air National Guard for 35 years. He took great pride in his honor and service to the country. After his military career he went on to teach auto mechanics at the Frederick V. Pankow Center in Clinton Township until 2008. He was a member of the Pearl Beach Lions Club, a member of the Academy of Model Aeronautics, and a member of the Richmond V.F.W. Post 6802.

Mr. Hanna is survived by his wife, Mary, children Kathy Battin, James (Dawn Houle) McCulloch, Gerald, Jr (Betty) Hanna, William (Nicole) Hanna, Jennifer (Scott Satterly) Hanna, and Brian (PJ) McCullouch, grandchildren Jessikah (Zachary) Zegelien, Brett Hanna, Mason Hanna, Maddie Hanna, Jacob Hanna, Hunter Hanna, Ryan Hanna, and Bane McCulloch; great grandchildren Chloe Zegelien, Kori Zegelien and a sister Janice (Mickey) Hanaway.

A memorial service was held at 1 p.m. Tuesday, 1 June 2021 at the Algonac Baptist Church, 1003 Washington Street, Algonac, Michign 48001. Memorial donations may be made to eh Family Wishes. Arrangement by the Gilbert Funeral Home, Algonac.

2 MANGBANG April-June 2021 127th Wing, Selfridge ANG Base What’s been going on around base with the 127th Wing and 191st:

Last week, we had a stopover from our friends at the 180th Fighter Wing when a couple of their F-16C Fighting Falcons landed for refueling. Joseph Fournier, a fuels distribution technician with the 127th Fuels Management Flight here, refueled the aircraft assigned to the 180th Fighter Wing, Toledo, Ohio, here on June 23, 2021.

Airman 1st Class Kristen Julius, an aerospace medical technician with the 127th Medical Group here, obtains a routine blood sample from Master Sgt. Daniel Heaton, public affairs superintendent with the 127th Wing Headquarters here on June 23, 2021. Julius said she initially joined the Michigan Air National Guard to gain clinical experience after graduating from Oakland University. “I’ve since grown to love the work that I do, the people I serve with and the community that I serve,” Julius said. At the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, Julius was part of the 127th Wing’s COVID-19 response team. “I never even dreamed that I would be working on something that important, I felt intimidated at first, as the most junior Airman on the team, but I was treated with respect and felt as if I was really a part of the team," Julius said. "This job challenges me to go above and beyond every day and I love that.” To learn about becoming a member of Michigan’s elite Hometown Air Force, call the 127th Wing Recruiting Office at 1-800-432-4296. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Terry Atwell) Airman 1st Class Jonathan Drake is a Command and Control Operator for the 127th Wing Command Post at Selfridge Air National Guard Base, Michigan. Drake, who comes from Fort Gratiot, is a Drill Status Guardsmen who also serves his community as a Paramedic in Macomb County. As a member of the Michigan Air National Guard, Drake enjoys the educational benefits of up to $14,000 per year while staying close to his family in Michigan. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Terry L. Atwell)

3 MANGBANG April-June 2021

Tech. Sgt. David Klemanski, a member of the 127th Wing Inspection Team, conducts chemical gear training for Airmen from the 127th Maintenance Group at Selfridge Air National Guard Base, Mich., June 6, 2021. The Airmen conduct training to be able to operate under a variety of contested environments.

191st Aircraft Maintenance Squadron:

Crew chiefs from the 191st Aircraft Maintenance Squadron conduct training on changing the landing gear tires on a KC-135 Stratotanker at Selfridge Air National Guard Base, Michigan, June 5, 2021. Michigan Air National Guard Airmen are in a constant rotation of upgrade and refresher training. Tech. Sgt. Jessika Chatfield conducted the training. Among those pictured and receiving the training are Airmen 1st Class Terrian Gage and Tyler Clements and Senior Airman Kendra Drew.

4 MANGBANG April-June 2021 110th Wing, Battle Creek, Michigan Happenings around 110th Wing, Battle Creek: In honor of Public Service day, the 110th Wing would like to thank those individuals in our Wing and our community who put their life on the line every day in the name of service before self. Our public service partners play an important role in teaching valuable lessons to prepare for emergencies as well as keeping our communities safe. To the men and women in uniform, beyond our Air National Guard members, thank you for your service.

Airmen and guardians will get to shake up their workday wardrobe with ball caps and coveralls as the Air Force revises its uniform standards this summer. However, it is not a chance to flaunt a favorite team or a squadron patch. For enlisted airmen, the only authorized add-ons are a “spice brown” name tape, centered on the back of the caps with Velcro or thread. Enlisted airmen and guardians across 11 career fields will also be authorized to wear maintenance coveralls every day. Officers can pin, sew or Velcro their rank insignia centered on the front of the hat. Chaplians can sew on their job’s badge in the same spot as well. More changes to the regulations will roll out later this year, so stay tuned to study up on the new AFIs! To read the full story, go here: https://www.airforcetimes.com/…/air-force-to-let-troops-we…/

5 MANGBANG April-June 2021 From the Archives

THE THREE MUSKETEERS OF SELFRIDGE FIELD By Joseph N. Mazzara

Since the day the Wright Brothers took to the air in December of 1903, the world has been fascinated with flight. The daring exploits of fliers like Charles Lindbergh, Amelia Earhart and Jimmy Doolittle have captivated the imagination of generations of Americans. From the earliest days of aviation, fliers have entertained the public with dazzling demonstrations of what an airplane can do in the hands of a talented pilot. In the latter part of the nineteen-twenties, Selfridge Field had a trio of aerobatic pilots who were so good, they were known throughout the world as The Three Musketeers.

The Three Musketeers were the first military aerial display team in the . Formed in 1928 at Selfridge Field, they gave their first performance on September 8th to 16th of that year, at the National Air Races held at Mines Field, Los Angeles, California. The original three pilots were Lt. John J. “Willie” Williams of Moab, Utah, Lt. William L. “Wick” Cornelius of Antlers, Oklahoma and Lt. Irvin A. “Bert” Woodring of Enid, Oklahoma.

Lt. Williams was the leader of the group, and the first of the three men to die in the cockpit. It is no secret that the early years of flight were fraught with danger, as the airplanes were not nearly as safe as modern aircraft. Add to that the hazard of flying aerial stunts and the risks multiplied accordingly. Lt. Williams was killed during their first demonstration at the aforementioned air races.

Lt. Williams, a 25-year-old graduate of West Point, was thrilling the crowd on September 10, 1928 while flying in formation with the other two Musketeers. He had just completed a coordinated loop and was flying upside down, when his engine faltered and belched smoke. At 150 mph and 100 to 200 feet above the ground, the plane fell and one wing dug in to the earth, causing the plane to flip and disintegrate. Lt. John J. Williams died that day at Culver City Hospital near Los Angeles. In his absence, From left – Lt. Cornelius, Col. Cornelius and Woodring continued to fly stunts to entertain Lindbergh and Lt. Woodring the crowd. Also, so as to not disappoint the audience, none other than Col. Charles Lindbergh, a friend of the three, filled in as the third Musketeer for the remainder of the event.

6 MANGBANG April-June 2021 Just two weeks later, on September 25, 1928, Lt. William “Wick” Cornelius was the second of the Musketeers to be killed in a flight. The aerial team had added Lt. Roger Williams to replace the late Lt. John Williams. At an event in San Diego, California, the Musketeers were flying in a “Lufbury Circle” formation at an altitude of 1,200 feet, when the planes of Cornelius and Williams locked wings. As the two planes fell to the earth, the pilots deployed their parachutes. Lt. Williams’ chute deployed successfully and he landed safely with minor cuts and bruises. Lt. Cornelius’ parachute unfortunately became entangled in the cockpit and he fell to the ground with his plane. After his death, Lt. Cornelius was replaced on the team by Capt. Claire Chennault, later of Flying Tigers fame.

The third of the original Musketeers, Lt. Irving A. Woodring, continued flying for another five years. He left Selfridge field and became a test pilot for the . On January 20, 1933, Lt. Woodring was flying an experimental prototype of the Consolidated P-30 aircraft Lt Woodring at Wright Field, Ohio, when the

plane exploded and disintegrated in mid-air. Woodring never had a chance to deploy his parachute and he Lt Woodring fell 2,000 feet to his death. With the last of the original Three Musketeers now gone, Claire Chennault re-organized the aerial performance team under a new name: Consolidated P-30 “The Men of the Flying Trapeze.”

The city of Enid Oklahoma, Lt. Woodring’s hometown, would later honor him by naming the local airport the Enid Woodring Airport in honor of their hometown hero.

7 MANGBANG April-June 2021 Museum Happenings

ANNOUNCING AN INCREDIBLE AUCTION. The Selfridge Military Air Museum is sponsoring an Aviation Adventure Auction featuring a chance to get your fantasy flight of a lifetime. Win a flight on a P-51 Mustang or a F-100 Super Sabre or one of any 7 other dream flights. Further information can be found on our website by clicking on this link: https://selfridgeairmuseum.org/aviation-adventure-auction/ All proceeds from this auction will go toward the building of our Aviation Education Center and Hanger as well as the on-going restoration of our FG-1D Corsair fighter of WW II fame.

Pick your dream flight and make a bid to help support the Selfridge Military Air Museum. Our mission is to advance aviation through education and first-hand experience with aircraft from all eras of military flight. In addition to the actual aircraft on the grounds, SMAM offers insights into historic aviation events through displays within the museum. More About SMAM As an added plus, SMAM is a 501c3 charity, so your winning bid is tax-deductible. Bidding Begins at 18:00 hrs. on July 30, 2021 Bidding Ends at 18:00 hrs. on August 6, 2021 What you should know before you make a bid:

Statement of Understanding

All bidders must be 18 yrs of age or older. Winning bidders will be provided the contact information for each donor in order to coordinate the date and location where the flight is to

8 MANGBANG April-June 2021 Museum Happenings (cont.) take place. The winning bidder must be physically able to participate in each flight experience. The winning bidder will be required to complete appropriate documents releasing the pilot, owner of the aircraft, The Selfridge Military Air Museum, and its officers from any liability in participating in this auction. Flights in each of these aircraft are subject to pilot and aircraft availability and weather conditions. Failure to comply with any of these requirements can lead to forfeiture of the prize and re-assignment to the next highest bidder.

Aviation Education Center & Hanger All Proceeds from The Aviation Adventure Auction will be dedicated to the construction of an Aviation Education Center and Hanger and the ongoing restoration of a Goodyear Manufactured FG-1D Corsair fighter of WW II fame. This center will be a place where students and like-minded individuals can learn about the science and technologies that evolved from the aerospace programs. The new Hanger and Aviation Education Center is just one element of the rebranding and facilities upgrade effort we are making here at the Selfridge Military Air Museum as we move forward with our vision for 2021.

Goodyear Airship Ride

Now is your chance to experience what very few people will ever be able to in their life time, a flight for two in the Goodyear Airship. Take this magnificent journey in one of only 3 airships currently flying in the United States.

See Details Here

9 MANGBANG April-June 2021 Museum Happenings (cont.)

P-51D Mustang "Gentleman Jim" Ride No words can describe the thrill of flying in a P-51D Mustang. This legendary aircraft gained fame in WW II by taming the mighty German Luftwaffe and blunted its attacks against the USAAF bombing campaign against the Third Reich. See Details Here

North American T-33 Jet Trainer Ride Do you feel ‘The Need for Speed? Do something that very few people are able to brag about, flying in the iconic North American T-33 jet trainer. The aircraft that taught so many fighter pilots the skills needed to fly the advanced jet fighters of the 1950s and ’60s is now ready for you to experience the thrill of a lifetime. See Details Here

B-17 Yankee Lady Ride

What can one say about the thrill of taking a flight in this historic warbird? The Yankee Air Museum’s iconic B-17 ‘Yankee Lady’ provides the aviation buff the thrill of flying in the legendary aircraft. See Details Here

10 MANGBANG April-June 2021 Museum Happenings (cont.)

Curtis JN-4 "Jenny" Ride

An extremely rare opportunity to fly in this legend of early aviation. An authentic Curtis Aircraft Company produced JN-4 ‘Jenny’ of WW I and post-war fame.

See Details Here

T-6 Texan Ride Now is your chance to take a flight in the iconic AT-6 ‘Texan’ advanced trainer of WW II fame. This aircraft was the high-speed, high-performance trainer flown by every pilot in WW II and beyond.

See Details Here

Detroit Aerial Tour

A personal aerial tour for two of Detroit. This romantic adventure will fly above Motor City’s landmarks.

See Details Here

11 MANGBANG April-June 2021 Museum Happenings (cont.)

M-4 Sherman Tank Driving Experience

Ever thought of driving a WW II era Sherman Tank? Now you can with the addition of the ‘Sherman Tank Driving Experience’ to the Air Adventure Auction.

See Details Here

F-100 Super Sabre Ride

It’s the closest thing to a Top Gun flight the average Joe will ever get. Climb aboard an F-100F two- seat Super Sabre for a flight adventure you can’t get anywhere else.

See Details Here

All proceeds will go to the Selfridge Military Air Museum to further their mission. The Selfridge Military Air Museum is a non-profit, 501c3 organization dedicated to the preservation of the history of the men and women who served at one of America’s oldest military flying installations. Founded in 1917, Selfridge has been home to some of the United States’ outstanding aviation pioneers. Carl Spaatz, Curtis LeMay, Charles Lindberg, and Ralph Royce are but some of the USAF’s outstanding leaders who have spent parts of their career at Selfridge. Today, Selfridge is the only Air National Guard Base that operates its own aerodrome and supports two ANG flying units, the 107th Fighter Squadron and the 171st Aerial Refueling Squadron of the Michigan Air National Guard. Not bidding? Please consider a direct donation. DONATE

12 MANGBANG April-June 2021 Museum Happenings (cont.)

Gift Shop/Museum Host Team: We are looking for “new” faces to help fill out our Host Team for 2021 and beyond. If you have some free hours and wish to help us out, check out the Museum’s website at: https://selfridgeairmuseum.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Museum-Volunteer-Packet- Application.pdf, and fill out the Volunteer Application and mail it or bring it to the Museum. Address is: Selfridge Military Air Museum, 27333 C Street, Bldg 1011, Selfridge ANG Base, MI 48045. We try to have our hosts dedicate at least 8 days throughout the season, but if that is not something that can be done, sign up for only what you can do. Please consider volunteering for our 2021 Season, which began 10 April 2021 and runs through 31 October 2021. We have a few “NEW” docents and volunteers that are part of the Museum’s WOW Chapter of the American Rosie the Riveter Association. For more information on the WOW Chapter, contact Bette Kenward @ [email protected] or inquire about an application when you’re in the Gift Shop visiting the Museum. Their mission is to “honor the working women of World War II by recognizing and preserving the history and legacy of working women, including volunteer women, during World War II; to promote cooperation and fellowship among such members and their descendants; and to further the advancement of patriotic ideas, excellence in the work place, and loyalty to the United States of America.

Debra Wake: Debbie is interested in serving as a Host/Decent as well as Gift Shop and Inside/Outside Floater and looks forward to helping with Selfridge Air Shows and other events. Deb recently retired from the Henry Ford (Henry Ford Museum & Greenfield Village) where she spent 24 years inspiring guests to learn from history and managed Youth and Family Programs. Debbie volunteers with the WOW Chapter of the American Rosie the Riveter Association and is a Tribute Rosie at the Yankee Air Museum. Since relocating to Holland, MI last Fall she has begun researching the women who work in the boat building and other West Michigan industries during WWII. Her dad, Jerry Wake was a member of the Air National Guard during the Korean War and dedicates her volunteer work at Selfridge to him.

Carol Pezet: Carol is standing on the far left in the photo. Carol Pezet lives in Allen Park with her husband Lou celebrating their 48th anniversary this August. She has been involved with the Tribute Rosie’s of Airport. She got involved when her oldest daughter Jeanette joined the Rosie’s She started asking questions her Grandmother who worked at the Packers plant in Detroit in the 40’s. She was an Original Rosie. Carol decided to meet with the Rosie’s at a tea the Tributes were hosting. This is where she met Bette Kenward and decided to join right then. When Bette started her own chapter naming it W.O.W. Rosie’s of Eastern Michigan she decided to join Bette and is now the Treasurer.

13 MANGBANG April-June 2021 Museum Happenings (cont.)

She is continuing her Mother’s Legacy being a Rosebud working with the Original Rosie’s and volunteering at the Museum at Selfridge. Participates in Wreaths Across America and numerous parades and other functions. Carol is now retired from her position as a loan officer with a local credit union. She loves to quilt, sew, knit, weave, spin and wool applique. She has several looms and spinning wheels. Another thing she loves is cardio drumming! Carol also volunteers time helping Bette Kenward, President of the local WOW Rosie’s Chapter (in front of Carol in photo) with the Tribute Rosie ‘Rose Garden’ at the Selfridge Military Air Museum and in the Museum’s Library-Archives. She is working on indexing the newspapers located in the archives that were published on base during World War II.

Another “NEW” Gift Shop Docent who also fill in as an Inside Floater or as a Docent in the Flight Training Room and SPAD Hangar:

Mark Davidson:

Mark enlisted in the U.S Air Force in 1972 after graduating from Fraser High School. After attending basic training, he moved on to Keesler AFB to train as a ground navaid electronic technician working on ILS, TACAN and TVOR systems. While attending tech school he was also a member of the U.S. Air Force Keesler Blue Knights Drum and Bugle Corps. The next assignment for Mark was at Wright Patterson AFB where he traveled to most of the bases in the Midwest performing maintenance and installing the newer solid-state equipment that was replacing the old vacuum tube units. In 1974 he was also part of a crew that removed the giant FPS-35 radar antenna (operated by the 661st Radar Squadron) from the top of the 6-story building next to the museum here at Selfridge. Mark finished his Air Force career at Eielson AFB Alaska. Quote “ I have always had a tremendous fondness and respect for our military and its history” That respect is what brought him to the Selfridge Air Museum to work as a volunteer and to be around those that shared the same interest.

Restoration Team: The Corsair’s R-2800 engine has been almost completely disassembled to facilitate its a ppearance restoration and to preserve its internal components from further corrosion. The aluminum crankcases and magnesium housings were chemically stripped of many layers of paint, then blasted with frozen CO2 to complete their cleaning. (See photo #1). The 18 cylinders are being bead blasted to remove corrosion and many colors of paint by Supreme Media Blasting at no cost to the Museum. Thank you!

14 MANGBANG April-June 2021 Museum Happenings (cont.)

New work was started to further smooth the repaired surfaces of the fuselage, cowling, inboard wing panels, flaps and tail surfaces that were damaged during the Corsair’s previous life as a city park display in Lincoln, NE and as a target at the military gunnery range at Yuma, AZ. (See photo #2). The history of our plane and some previously unreleased photos were the subject of an article in Air Classics magazine of March, 2021. This article was shown in the January-March 2021 MANGBANG Newsletter. Additional cleaning, structural repairs, and fabrication of many missing parts is underway. The two existing unreinforced cowl panels will be receiving newly fabricated internal stiffeners to duplicate those used on the original panels. (See photo #3). All this work will be completed prior to painting the aircraft, which will likely begin in a few months. Interested in volunteering, but still got to work Monday-Friday 9 to 5, consider volunteering on the Saturday team in Restoration. We could use a ‘few good, dedicated men and women’ on this project.

Paul Werner:

Paul has been a volunteer with our Restoration Team since March 2020. He and the team are concentrating on restoring our FG-1D Goodyear Corsair. Paul became a volunteer through his friendship with Harold Tiburzi who he met through his work on restoring windows at the Detroit Piquette Avenue Model-T plant. He is an engineer and pilots charters out of Pontiac, Michigan. Paul loves to ride motorcycles, hunt, and do wood working.

15 MANGBANG April-June 2021 Museum Happenings (cont.)

Air Park Team:

Our Air Park Team managed to keep themselves occupied with other projects over the Winter months when it was not possible to work on maintenance/restoration issues with the aircraft and other vehicles in the Museum’s air park. Now that spring has turned into summer, the Air Park Team has been trying to finish up the C-130A. Most of the top has been power-washed and they think all the ‘water leaks are fixed’ so it will not “rain inside the airplane”. Hopefully in the near future, they’ll be able to remove the 20 water buckets and can get started on painting the top of the aircraft. Ed Cuneo, Air Park Team Chief, would like to give a ‘big Thank You and shout out” to the Air Park Crew and Paul, Jerry, and Gary for all the hard work they’ve done under not ideal conditions.

Library Research Team, Archives & Uniform Shop: The Library-Archives team has almost fully returned to volunteering after the extended hiatus from COVID. Pat Williams has returned and is continuing her scanning/indexing project; Mary Lou Pearsall has also returned and is working on her scanning/indexing project where she left off pre-COVID. Frank Brown, our most senior volunteer at the young age of 96 has also returned. He’s been diligently building an index of the Library-Archives flat files. Joe Mazzara and team chief, Lori Nye, have worked continuously on their projects either remotely from home or in Lori’s case, coming into the library throughout 2020 and solely working in the Library-Archives on various projects while still doing some Administrative level work. Lori is also researching Capehart Housing for images for the ‘new’ Veterans Home that will be opening this year on the property that once housed military families. Alas, though she’s sure that photos exist in one of our multiple file cabinets of that housing area, without an index of the contents of those file cabinets her team has been diligently working on, she hasn’t had any luck so far. Lucky for her, TSgt Chelsea Fitzpatrick from the 127th Wing Public Affairs Office came through with at least one photo that may work.

The only Library volunteer yet to return is Dawn Dobbelaer, who has taken a hiatus from volunteering for 2021 while she concentrates on finishing up her college degree. Dawn is majoring in History, which will be an added bonus for the Library-Archives Team! Yea, Dawn!!

16 MANGBANG April-June 2021 Museum Happenings (cont.) Grounds Team:

The Grounds Team volunteers have lost a few great volunteers during 2020. Both Denise Ridener and Sharron Butala chose to retire. Bette Kenward, a Tribute WOW Rosie working with the American Rosie the Riveter Association, is helping Debbie Triplett with one of the gardens located by the SPAD Hangar. They have created a “Rose Garden in memory and honor of local Rosie’s”. Pictured are two of the Museum’s Tribute WOW Rosie’s, Bette Kenward and Carol Pezet, working on the Tribute Rose Garden. Our Grounds Team could use some additional help, so if you enjoy gardening or lawn work, please consider joining this team and helping the Museum out with beautifying the Museum grounds.

Maintenance & Operations: From Roger Krings, Director of Operations: Our volunteers continue to maintain operations on old equipment (donated) to 'get the job done'...... very proud of all of them. All museum buildings have been upgraded to LED lighting at this time. Hopefully this project will reduce our operating expenses. This project was headed up by Brian Charron and Pat Callihan. Through their efforts, they have saved the museum thousands of dollars!

Adopt-a-Plane Sponsors Program: Following our shortened 2020 season, our Adopt-a-Plane Sponsors have come out joyfully so far in 2021 to help and assist the Museum’s regular volunteers with keeping our aircraft and vehicles in the Air Park looking pristine and clean! Here are a few highlights from the various groups that have been out so far this year! SERVICE CIRCUIT: Aviation Education Center added to Selfridge • By Linda May For MediaNews Group, 18 June 2021

Volunteers wash and clean the aircraft at the air park at the Selfridge Military Air Museum. Boy Scout troop 127 cleaned the A-7D Corsair II and F-100 Super Sabre in June along with Cub Scout Pack 206 volunteers wash and clean the AH-1 Cobra helicopter and the US-2A Tracker.

Boy Scout Troop 127 with A-7D Cub Scout Pack 206 with AH-1 Cobra Corsair II (left) and (left) and US-2A Tracker (right) F-100F Super Sabre (right) 17 MANGBANG April-June 2021 Museum Happening (cont.)

SERVICE CIRCUIT: Aviation Education Center added to Selfridge (cont): Proceeds from an Aviation Adventure Auction — that runs July 30 to Aug. 6 — are dedicated to the construction of the center and a hanger, and the ongoing restoration of a World War II Goodyear-Manufactured FG-1D Corsair fighter plane. The center is where people can learn about science and technologies that evolved from aerospace programs. The auction’s highest bidders will win flights on a P-51 Mustang, or a F-100 Super Sabre, or one of seven other “dream flights.” See: Selfridgeairmuseum.org/aviation-adventure-auction. The museum is a 501c3 charity, so winning bids are tax-deductible. Bidders must be at least 18 years old and be physically able to participate in the flight experiences. The Aviation Adventure Auction includes a Goodyear Airship Ride in one of only three airships currently flying in the United States, and a Detroit Aerial Tour. There is a Sherman Tank (M-4) driving experience on which to bid. Other aircraft rides include: P-51D Mustang Gentleman Jim; North American T-33 Jet Trainer; B-17 Yankee Lady; Curtis JN-4 “Jenny”; T-6 Texan; and F-100 Super Sabre. Both the museum and the air park depend on volunteers. The current air park has nearly three dozen aircraft and vehicles on display. Volunteers from Scouting units, veterans organizations, and service clubs come in yearly to clean and wash them. “We have a program where you can ‘adopt’ an airplane," museum director Steve Mrozek said. "A lot of scout troops and groups like the Young Marines and Sea Cadets come in and clean the aircraft. We have carts with brushes and hoses and everything they need. They give each aircraft the TLC they need." The Richmond Lions Club cares for an F-86A Sabre jet and the Selfridge North Macomb Lions Club has responsibility for the UH-1H Iroquois helicopter. Other service organizations and their aircraft include: Macomb County Young Marines, A- 26C Invader; U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps Tomcat Squadron, A-4B Skyhawk and the USNSCC Anchor Division, C-130A Hercules; Macomb County Young Marines, C-130E Hercules; Civil Air Patrol Van Dyke Cadet Squadron, C-45B Expeditor and CAP 176th Selfridge Composite Squadron, F-100D Super Sabre; and American Legion Frank Wendland Post 253, O-2A Skymaster. The Selfridge Military Air Museum is dedicated to the preservation of the history of the men and women who served there, one of America’s oldest military flying installations. Founded in 1917, Selfridge has been home to aviation pioneers Carl Spaatz, Curtis LeMay, Charles Lindberg and Ralph Royce. Selfridge is the only Air National Guard Base that operates its own aerodrome (a location where aircraft flight operations take place) and supports two ANG flying units, the 107th Fighter Squadron and the 171st Aerial Refueling Squadron of the Michigan Air National Guard. Mrozek was hired this year to be the new museum director. He is a retired veteran — after 26 years — including with the Michigan Army National Guard, and a veteran of the war in Afghanistan with the 82nd Airborne Division. He has worked for many museums and national parks, conducts World War II re-enactments in Europe, taught classes, and participates in underwater exploration. Military history is his passion. He said Selfridge ANG base has a long and illustrious history including providing training for World War II pilots such as the Tuskegee Airmen. “There has been a lot of discussion about how to allow the museum to be more publicly accessible. We are looking at the possibility of adding another entrance,” he said. “We are open on the weekends, Saturday and Sunday noon to 4:30 p.m. People just go through the main gate and get

18 MANGBANG April-June 2021 SERVICE CIRCUIT: Aviation Education Center added to Selfridge (cont): vetted by Security with their driver’s license, and proof of insurance, and registration, and get a visitor’s pass. We are open from April to the end of October. “The museum is run purely by volunteers. We have a dedicated core of volunteers who keep the museum open and share their knowledge and experience. We have a lot of enthusiastic volunteers who are here to talk and answer questions. The quality of our collection is excellent, from Selfridge’s early days, to what is happening in aviation today,” Mrozek said. Adult admission is $5; $4 for military and seniors; $3 for children 3- to 12-years-old. “We are a private museum on a military base,” Mrozek said. “We receive no money from the government or the military or tax dollars. Everything is generated by volunteers. One of the unique things about our museum is that you can actually touch the aircraft. People love that. It makes a lasting impression on them. Other museums put up barriers. We talk with young men and women who have an interest in aviation and we tell them about the capabilities of each aircraft. “Some of the aircraft are dedicated to the pilots who flew them. We have an F-106 with Digger Odell’s name on it,” he said. The late Donald “Digger” Odell was a Mount Clemens area resident who was a pilot and prisoner of war in North Vietnam for more than five years. Mrozek said the museum is fortunate to have volunteers who have engineering and technical expertise with the aircraft, and that they welcome more to join. See selfridgeairmuseum.org for more ways to donate and support the museum.

More Adopt-a-Plane Sponsors cleaning their aircraft so far this year: 9 May – Macomb County Young Marines

22 May – Cub Scout Group 90 ‘watching the Sherman tank move’ after washing the RF-101C ‘Voodoo’

19 MANGBANG April-June 2021 Museum Happenings (cont.)

5 June – American Legion Frank Wendland Post 253: O-2A Skymaster & D.E. Lectronics

Selfridge North Macomb Lions Club – UH-1H Iroquois

20 MANGBANG April-June 2021 Museum Happenings (cont.) CAP, 176th Selfridge Composite Squadron washing the F-100D Super Sabre Other Adopt-a-Plane sponsors that have been out here so far this year in 2021 are: Cub Scout Pack 290 (F-14A); Macomb County Young Marines (A-26C); CAP, Van Dyke Cadet Squadron (C-45B); Fingal, Upleger & Czapla Families (F-4C); Boy Scout Troop 272 (A-10); Boy Scout Troop 209 (F-89C and for this year only the T-33A); SMSgt Ralph Watkins (TF-102A); Louis A. Cetrone, Jr. (SAM A-7 Nike Ajax and SAM N-25 Nike Hercules); The Fountain Family (T-6 Texan); Boy Scout Troop 127 also washed the F-100F Super Sabre and M151A2 Mutt; and Pete Saldana and Dan Spranger (M113A2). Thank you to All of our Adopt-a-Plane Sponsors past and present for helping up keep our aircraft and other items in our Air Park clean. Interested in participating in our Adopt-a-Plane Program, call 586-239-6768 and speak with Pam or email: mailto:library- [email protected]

Fundraising efforts: Go-Fund-Me The Selfridge Military Air Museum is continuing with their “Go-Fund-Me” initiative to raise funds for improvements to the Museum’s infrastructure. We are hoping that we will be able to build a “new” home for the USMC FG-1D Corsair that is currently being restored by our restoration team and the T-6 ‘Texan’. Please help if you can!! For more information, watch the video by clicking on the link below or copying and pasting the link into your URL bar: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gCoHEr0GNy4. If you’re interested in helping us out with this project, you can make a donation by clicking on this link or by copying/pasting the link into your URL bar: https://www.gofundme.com/f/7tqvzq-maghaselfridge-military-air- museum?viewupdates=1&rcid=r01-159966432152- 8c49a1875e334fda&utm_medium=email&utm_source=customer&utm_campaign=p_email%2B1137-update- supporters-v5b

Kroger Community Rewards Program HELP Support the Selfridge Military Air Museum! Kroger Community Rewards Program: This program will link purchases made with your Kroger’s Plus Card to the Selfridge Military Air Museum so that a portion of the sale is donated back to the Selfridge Military Air Museum. Directions for signing up with this program can be found on the Museum’s website: https://selfridgeairmuseum.org/museum-fund- raising/

21 MANGBANG April-June 2021 Museum Happenings (cont.)

Amazon Smile

For information about the Amazon Smile Program that the museum is enrolled in, check out the website: https://selfridgeairmuseum.org/museum-fund-raising/

Museum’s RV STORAGE

This lot is located on Doolittle Avenue, across from the Museum grounds. If you are interested in renting an RV storage space from the Museum, please email the RVS Coordinator, Lori Nye at [email protected] or call 586-239-6768 and either Lori or Pam will get back to you. To be eligible for RV Storage, one must be a Life Member of the Michigan Air Guard Historical Association (MAGHA) and have a government ID for base access. Please visit our website for the membership form: https://selfridgeairmuseum.org/michigan-air-guard-historical- association/. The Museum has 30’ spaces for $275/year and 50’ spaces for $320/year. There is generally a waiting list.

For more information, call 586-239-6768 and leave a message for Pam or email: mailto:library- [email protected]

Please sign up today!

22 MANGBANG April-June 2021 Michigan Activity Pass: The Selfridge Military Air Museum has joined the Michigan Activity Pass. The pass will be: Buy one Adult, Get One Child (ages 4-12) Free. Check the Michigan Activity Pass website: https://tln.lib.mi.us/map/ for locating the Museum’s available pass for our 2020 Season. If you have not checked-out the ‘Michigan Activity Pass’ website, you really are missing some wonderful opportunities. You can save you pass to your ‘smartphone’ and show it to the Gift Shop Docent instead of printing it out. There are some really great places to visit for free or with reduced prices with the pass.

Macomb County Heritage Alliance Passport Program: The Selfridge Military Air Museum is once again participating in the Alliance’s ‘Passport Program’. The Alliance has restarted this program since its initial debut in 2018 and passports are available at the Selfridge Military Air Museum during our ‘open season’ that runs through 31 October 2021. So, stop by the Museum for a visit and grab your Passport into Macomb County history….

For more information on this program, visit the Macomb County Heritage Alliance website. Obtaining your “passport into history” is free, however, some of the historical sites, museums, homes may charge an admission fee.

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23 MANGBANG April-June 2021 Museum Events The museum recently hosted the AFA meeting and the Selfridge Security Police Alumni. Interested in hosting a squadron event, birthday party, retirement party or even a wedding, contact the Museum Office @ 586-239-6768 and speak with Pam who will help you with arranging your event within the Museum’s Air Park.

AFA Meeting:

24 MANGBANG April-June 2021 Museum Events (cont) Selfridge Security Police Alumni:

25 MANGBANG April-June 2021 Museum Events (cont)

Upcoming Events

July 30 – 6 August. Checkout the information earlier in the newsletter or the Museum’s website for complete details.

26 MANGBANG April-June 2021 Museum Events (cont)

Checkout the Museum’s website to register and pay for this event.

Executive Director: Steve Mrozek Newsletter Editor: Lori Nye Contributing Writers: Joe Mazzara

27 MANGBANG April-June 2021 MEMORIAL WALL SELFRIDGE MILITARY AIR MUSEUM

The Michigan Air Guard Historical Association (MAGHA) has completed construction of a Memorial Area in the center of the Air Park at the Selfridge Military Air Museum. The memorial is a place to honor all members of the military who gave their lives in the line of duty and in the service of this great nation, to recognize all those who have in the past or who are currently serving their country, and to acknowledge the contributions made by families and companies to the preservation of freedom. Pictures of the Memorial Area and the Memorial Wall are above. The centerpiece is an elevated F-86 Sabre aircraft, an aircraft flown, maintained, and supported by three Michigan Air Guard units in the mid-1950s. Flanking the F-86 is the Memorial Wall topped by engraved Memorial Bricks such as those shown below.

We invite you to become part of this memorial and to recognize a unit, an individual, or a family by purchasing an engraved b rick that will become a permanent part of the Memorial Wall. Cash donations for the Memorial project are also welcome. All memorial brick purchases and donations for this effort are tax-deductible per Section 170 of the Internal Revenue Service Code. Engraved memorial bricks cost $100.00 per brick for non-members (cost includes a one-year membership in MAGHA), $75.00 per brick for members, and $50.00 per brick when multiple brick orders are made. For example, a one-brick order from a MAGHA member would cost $75.00, a two-brick order would cost $125.00, and a three-brick order $175.00. Information about MAGHA can be obtained by calling 586-239-6768, by visiting our web site at www.selfridgeairmuseum.org, or by writing to us at the address below.

If you would like to participate in this worthwhile project, please complete the order form and indicate your payment method below and mail this form to MAGHA, 27333 C Street, Bldg 1011, Selfridge ANG Base MI 48045. An asterisk (*) will be added after the honoree’s name for veterans.

MEMORIAL BRICK ORDER FORM

Name: Address: Day Time Phone Number:

Please install an engraved memorial brick in the Memorial Wall at the Selfridge Military Air Museum in honor of the following. This individual is a veteran. Please add an sterisk (*) after their name. This individual is not a veteran. Please send me information on joining the Michigan Air Guard Historical Association.

Three lines are possible with a maximum of 12 characters per line and a maximum of 36 characters per brick. Periods, commas, asterisks, and spaces between words counts as characters. You will be sent a receipt with a proposed layout.

O Check # dated enclosed. Checks should be made payable to “MAGHA”.

Please charge my: O VISA CARD O MASTER CARD O AMERICAN EXPRESS CARD O DISCOVER CARD Account# ___ CVV: ______Expiration Date: _____ Signature: ______

28 MANGBANG April-June 2021 MAGHA MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION ___ NEW MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION

____ RENEWAL MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION

LEVELS OF MEMBERSHIP:

____ PATRON MEMBERSHIP ($1,000.00)* _____ SUSTAINING MEMBERSHIP ($500.00)* _____ LIFE MEMBERSHIP ($250.00)* _____ REGULAR MEMBERSHIP ($25.00)* ____ DONATION ONLY

RANK & NAME ______

UNIT OF AFFILIATION (ONLY ONE PLEASE) ______

MEMBER OF THE MI ANG/BRANCH OF SERVICE (YEARS ONLY) FROM _____ TO _____

ADDRESS ______

CITY ______STATE ______ZIP CODE ______

E-MAIL ADDRESS ______

HOW WOULD YOU PREFER TO RECEIVE YOUR NEWSLETTER (PLEASE CHECK ONE)

____ By EMAIL ___By US MAIL* ___ Off website (www.selfridgeairmuseum.org)

*US Mail will require an additional payment of $10/year to help us offset the costs of printing & mailing

Complete your payment information below and mail to: MAGHA, 27333 C Street, Bldg 1011, Selfridge ANG Base, MI 48045

Your support of MAGHA is gratefully appreciated and REMEMBER your membership donation is IOO% TAX DEDUCTIBLE

MICHIGAN SOLICITATION LICENSE NUMBER: MICS 26603 O Check #______dated______enclosed. Checks should be made payable to "MAGHA" Please charge my: O VISA CARD O MASTERCARD O AMERICAN EXPRESS CARD O DISCOVER CARD

Account #______Exp. Date: ______CVV: _____

Signature: ______

29 MANGBANG April-June 2021