Hangar Happenings

HANGAR HAPPENINGS FEBRUARY 2019 1 NEWSLETTER OF THE YANKEE AIR MUSEUM HANGAR HAPPENINGS ISSUE FORTY-FOUR WHAT’S HAPPENING THIS MONTH IN AND ABOUT THE YANKEE AIR MUSEUM FEBRUARY 2019

INSIDE THIS ISSUE HISTORIC PRESENTATION NIGHT: SUNKEN WWII 1 AIRPLANES VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT: 2 NICK PREDKO

SUMMER CAMP 2019 3

AIR ADVENTURES 4

VOLUNTEERS OF THE YEAR 5

BEHIND THE SCENES 6 Sunken WWII

DEVELOPMENT CORNER 7 Airplanes of Papua New Guinea THE “VERTICAL VICTORY 8 APRESENTATIONBY OUTOFTHEBLUEPRODUCTIONS PIANO” PROGRAM SPEAKERS: HANGAR 1 Jim & Pat Stayer HOSTEDBYTHEYANKEEAIRMUSEUM REPLACEMENT PROJECT 9 World War II came to the Australian territory of Papua New Guinea in January 1942 with the invasion of the island of AMERICAN BISTRO NIGHT 10 New Britain by the Imperial Japanese Army. The struggle for control of this territory became a major campaign in the Paciﬁc Theater of war, lasting until Japan’s surrender in 1945. The New Guinea campaign was characterized by ﬁerce MEMBER GETAWAY: air battles with heavy losses on both sides. Many aircraft were shot down; others suffered mechanical failures or got 11 TRAVERSE CITY lost and ran out of fuel. Most of these planes have never been found because they crashed in remote jungle locations or far out to sea. Divers, educators, and maritime historians Jim and Pat Stayer describe underwater wrecks that have MEMBER GETAWAY: been found, unlocking each one’s special story while sharing a diver’s unique insight into these tragedies. 12 OSHKOSH Wednesday, February 6th 2019, 7:30pm MEMBER GETAWAY: 13 General Purpose Room, YANKEE AIR MUSEUM, Willow Run Airport • Free Admission LOUISVILLE Doors open at 6:30pm • NO Admission after 8:00pm

ECORSE RD. WINGS & WHEELS

14 . YANKEE AIR MUSEUM WILLOW RUN EAST SIDE, WILLOW RUN AIRPORT D ST. . AIRPORT BECK R D 47884 D Street T.O.M. TICKETS ON SALE 15 Belleville, MI 48111 YANKEE AIR TYLER RD. MUSEUM

THE YANKEE AIR MUSEUM IS 10360 BELLEVILLE RD., JUST NORTH OF I-94; GENEROUSLY SUPPORTED IN PART BY and 2141 RAWSONVILLE RD., SOUTH OF I-94 HANGAR HAPPENINGS FEBRUARY 2019 2

ON THE HORIZON Volunteer Spotlight: NICK PREDKO This month, we would like to highlight Nick Predko in our Volunteer Spotlight. Nick has volunteered for the Museum for over 2 ½ years working with our Security team, as well as special events such as the American Bistro, Bombers and Brews, and Thunder Over WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 6TH Michigan. Nick has spent countless hours HISTORIC PRESENTATION helping to improve the security systems at the NIGHT: SUNKEN WWI museum including updating the cameras. AIRPLANES See page 1 Predko lives in Chesterfield, MI with his wife, Mary, as well as Horace, a 180 lb. St. Bernard. SUNDAY FEBRUARY 17 Nick graduated from Mona Shores High School THE “VERTICAL VICTORY in 2001 (located in western Michigan) and PIANO” PROGRAM attended Ferris State University in 2006. See page 8 He is now a Stationary Operating Engineer Apprentice at Quicken Loans and Meridian Health headquarters in Detroit. TUESDAY FEBRUARY 19 Nick was drawn to the Museum from his love of aviation and wanting to TICKET RELEASE FOR contribute to a worthwhile cause. The Museum’s mission in history, education, BEHIND THE SCENES TOUR and the future of aviation inspires today’s youth to “reach for the clouds.” See page 6 Nick’s suggestion for anyone who would like to volunteer at the Museum? “Do it! Being a part of a small but growing organization allows you to really make an impact! The wide range of backgrounds among the volunteers makes every day at the Museum a learning opportunity.”

We all at the Yankee Air Museum would like the give a huge “thank you” to Nick Predko for his volunteer efforts on behalf of the Museum. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Tom Carroll at 734-483-4030 or at [email protected]!

If you would like to volunteer at the Yankee Air Museum, please contact Tom Carroll at 734-483-4030, or at [email protected]

YANKEE AIR FORCE, INC. CONTACT US FOR MORE INFO hangarhapps@ 47884 D Street (48111) 734.483.4030 yankeeairmuseum.org YankeeAirMuseum.org Belleville, Michigan USA 48112 HANGAR HAPPENINGS FEBRUARY 2019 3

summer camps are back at and this year. Over 50 camp sessions for Preschool—8th Grade leave you with lots of ways to discover, explore, and take flight this summer!

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VOLUNTEERS OF THE YEAR 2018

Thank you to all who attended the Volunteer Appreciation Dinner on Saturday, January 26! We had a wonderful time celebrating and honoring our volunteers who work so hard on behalf of the Museum! We have become who we are today due to all of your hard work, determination, and passion. As our Executive Director, Kevin Walsh, said best “passion is what drives all of us here at Yankee Air Museum” and that was certainly apparent on Saturday evening!

On behalf of all of us here at Yankee Air Museum, thank you for being a part of this organization! Thank you for being so generous with the giving of your time, energy, and passion to make this Museum the best it can be, an institution that we are all proud of!

This year, along with our annual Volunteer Hours ceremony where pins and patches are awarded for cumulative hours volunteered, we also honored several “Volunteers of the Year” for specific departments. Below are our 2018 Awardees! Congratulations to all!

DEVELOPMENT ONE DONOR CORNER MAKES A DIFFERENCE - DR. JOHN A. CLARK

Can one donor make a difference on behalf of the Yankee Air Museum? The answer is most certainly “yes” – such as through the Legacy Giving Circle. Through this program, the Museum can be named in the will as a beneficiary of whatever assets the donor chooses – thereby moving us closer to our goal of moving into the last 144,000 square feet of the Willow Run Bomber Plant.

The Museum is proud that our first Legacy Giving Circle member is Dr. John A. Clark, Professor Emeritus of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Michigan. Dr. Clark’s devotion to serving others is an essential part of his extraordinary life story.

Consider: After growing up in Royal Oak, MI, Dr. Clark became a B-17 co-pilot with the 100th Bomb Group, Eighth Air Force, completing 32 missions over Germany in WWII. He authored a World War II memoir, An Eighth Air Force Combat Diary, and received many military decorations for his service – such as the Air Medal with five Oak Leaf Clusters. He continued serving his country as a pilot with the 107th Bomb Squadron, Michigan Air National Guard. In recognition of these many achievements, Dr. Clark was inducted into the 2016 Michigan Aviation Hall of Fame and was also awarded the French Legion of Honor.

After WWII, John Clark earned degrees from the University of Michigan and MIT. After teaching at MIT, he was appointed to the University of Michigan faculty as Professor of Mechanical Engineering, later serving as Department Chairman for two terms. He has published many technical papers, led numerous research efforts, and received several professional honors and awards.

In his personal life, John Clark found an extraordinarily talented life partner, Marie Mountain, who he married in 1945. Ms. Clark was a pilot who served in World War II as a member of the Women’s Air Force Service Pilots (WASP) and published her memoir, Dear Mother and Daddy: World War II Letters Home from a WASP. She was inducted into the Iowa Aviation Hall of Fame and was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal for her WASP WWII service. Ms. Clark passed away after 63 years of marriage in 2008.

Dr. Clark’s record of serving others has continued; he is a Senior Life Member of the Yankee Air Museum. In Dr. Clark’s view, WWII was one of the most significant events of the 20th century and that history should be preserved - especially for young people. Dr. Clark has shown this commitment in many ways – such as through donations of time, money, and effort - going back to restoration efforts on the B-17 Yankee Lady. He has donated his and Marie’s military uniforms for permanent display at the Museum. Additionally, Dr. Clark has established a scholarship program for youth to study aviation, math, or science, and included the Museum in the Legacy Giving Program. The Museum is very grateful for this generosity.

Dr. Clark’s efforts fit in perfectly with the Museum’s mission of “educating individuals through the history of US military aviation, technology …. while inspiring generations through personal experiences to instill pride in our national accomplishments.” The Museum’s long-term ability to preserve Southeast Michigan’s aviation history is dependent of the generosity of supporters such as Dr. Clark – and you. Our work in displaying aircraft and artifacts, as well as renovating the Bomber Plant, is an expensive proposition – and we need your help to fulfil our mission.

If you are interested in learning about the investment and planning tools that are available to you, and how you can help support the Museum for years to come please call Elisa Guyton, 734-483-4030, x227 or email Elisa at [email protected]

The Great Traverse City Getaway JUNE 21-23, 2019

itinerary Details FRIDAY, JUNE 21, 2019 • Exclusive Yankee Air Museum Member Trip • Must be current member at time of booking and time of trip • Trip begins at the Willow Run Airport where you will fly in the C-47 “Hairless Joe” to Traverse City, Michigan • Nonrefundable deposit of $495 per person is due at time of booking • Group Lunch • Remaining balance is due May 31, 2019 • Wine tour around the peninsula • Limited to 12 persons • Check- in at Chateau Chantal • Seats will be reserved once deposit and forms have • FREE NIGHT to explore Traverse City been completed

SATURDAY, JUNE 22, 2019 INCLUDED • FREE DAY! Enjoy exploring Traverse City and all it has to • Round trip flight on C-47 “Hairless Joe” offer. Go shopping downtown, visit the beach, lighthouses, The Village, etc and enjoy summer on Lake Michigan! • Accompanied by Yankee Air Museum Tour Coordinator • Meet the group for a sail and ice cream on Tall Ship Manitou • Beautiful accommodations at the Chateau Chantal • Join the group for a dinner at the Boathouse Restaurant • Group lunch while enjoying the view of West Grand Traverse Bay • Ground transportation to and from airport • Gratuities to drivers, hotel, dinner SUNDAY, JUNE 23, 2019 • Dinner and Nonalcoholic beverages at Boathouse Restaurant • Group will be transported to airport and depart on the • Sailing trip aboard Manitou Tall Ship & Ice Cream C-47 “Hairless Joe” to Willow Run Airport EXCLUSIONS • Incidentals that include taxis, meals, shopping during free time, personal expenses at hotel, etc. • Alcoholic beverages at group lunch and dinner, etc. TOTAL PRICE $1,195 Price is per person and based on double occupancy.

For more information or to schedule your trip, please contact Membership Manager, Ashley Myers at [email protected] or (734) 483-4030 ext. 222

TheThe GreatGreat OshkoshOshkosh GetawayGetaway JulyJuly 25,25, 20192019

itinerary Details THURSDAY, JULY 25, 2019 • Exclusive Yankee Air Museum Member Trip • Must be current member at time of booking and • Trip begins at the Willow Run Airport where you will time of trip fly in the C-47 “Hairless Joe” to Oshkosh, Wisconsin • Nonrefundable deposit of $395 per person is due • Full day to tour AirVenture at time of booking • Visit displays, flea markets, seminars • Remaining balance is due June 14, 2019 • View Warbirds up close • Limited to 12 persons • Depart Oshkosh at 6:00 PM • Seats will be reserved once deposit and forms have • Arrive at Willow Run Airport at 8:00 PM been completed • Parking in Warbird area

INCLUDED • Round trip flight on C-47 “Hairless Joe” SOLD • ShowOUT admission EXCLUSIONS • Incidentals that include meals at airshow, shopping, personal expenses

2019 TOTAL PRICE $595 Price is per person.

For more information or to schedule your trip, please contact Membership Manager, Ashley Myers at [email protected] or (734) 483-4030 ext. 222

TheThe GreatGreat LouisvilleLouisville GetawayGetaway SEPTEMBER 13-15, 2019

itinerary Details FRIDAY, SEPTMEBER 13, 2019 • Exclusive Yankee Air Museum Member Trip • Must be current member at time of booking and time • Trip begins at the Willow Run Airport where you will of trip fly in the C-47 “Hairless Joe” to Louisville, KY • Nonrefundable deposit of $495 per person is due at • Check-in at Hyatt Regency Louisville time of booking • FREE DAY to explore downtown Louisville! Visit the • Remaining balance is due August 9, 2019 Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory, Kentucky Derby Museum, distilleries, and more! • Limited to 12 persons • Group dinner at the Doc Crows • Seats will be reserved once deposit and forms have been completed SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2019 INCLUDED • Bourbon tour in Kentucky! Join the group for an all day private tour around Louisville tasting locally made • Round trip flight on C-47 “Hairless Joe” spirits, lunch included • Accompanied by Yankee Air Museum Tour Coordinator • Free night to explore Louisville • Hotel accommodations at Hyatt Regency Louisville • Ground transportation to and from airport SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2019 • Gratuities to drivers, hotel, dinner • Check out at Hyatt Regency Louisville • Dinner and Nonalcoholic beverages at Doc Crows • Free morning and early afternoon to explore • Bourbon tour & lunch downtown Louisville • Group will be transported to airport and depart on EXCLUSIONS the C-47 “Hairless Joe” to Willow Run Airport • Incidentals that include taxis, meals, shopping during free time, personal expenses at hotel, etc. • Alcoholic beverages at group dinner, etc. TOTAL PRICE $1,295 Price is per person and based on double occupancy.

For more information or to schedule your trip, please contact Membership Manager, Ashley Myers at [email protected] or (734) 483-4030 ext. 222

YANKEE AIR FORCE, INC. CONTACT US FOR MORE INFO hangarhapps@ 47884 D Street (48111) 734.483.4030 yankeeairmuseum.org YankeeAirMuseum.org Belleville, Michigan USA 48112