The Membership Newsletter for The Military Aviation Museum Winter 2018

INsIde ThIs Issue: Message from the Director 2

Snoopy and the Red Baron 2

Big Band Hangar Dance 3

Snowy Jerrassic Park 3

Tickets Now on Sale:

Warbirds Over the Beach 4

Flying Proms 5

Biplanes and Brews 5

Holiday Hangar Concert 6

Volunteers Make a Difference 6

Planes, Trains and Santa 7

Museum Weddings 7

Military Aviation Museum www.MilitaryAviationMuseum.org

Virginia Beach Airport www.VBairport.com

Fighter Factory www.FighterFactory.com

uPCOMING AIR shOWswww.VBairshow.com By definition, a water tower is an elevated structure

supporting a water tank constructed at a height sufficient to pressurize a water supply system for the distribution of potable water, and to provide emergency storage for fire protection. Water towers are able to supply water even during power outages since they rely on hydrostatic pressure produced by elevation of water (due to gravity) to push the water into domestic and industrial water distribution systems. However, they cannot supply the water for a long time without power, because a pump is typically required to refill the tower.

When the Military Aviation Museum was built, a fire suppression and protection system was installed. This system required a large quantity of water and a well was dug for this purpose. Yet the size and magnitude of any kind of fire in a structure of this nature required a greater quantity of water than could be initially supplied from a well system. The answer was to find and construct a water tower that could supply the initial requirements.

A suitable water tower that matched the style of the museum was located in Tennessee. Review of all the purchasing documents failed to reveal exactly where the tower was originally located, but some say it was from an airfield in Kentucky. This type of water tower was common in both civil and military airfields.

By mid 2005, a water tower had been located and construction started. It was a 1930’s style 60,000-gallon steel water tower on a 100-foot tower structure. It consists of a steel

tank with a hemispherical bottom supported by a steel trestle. From the ground up to the tank bottom is 100 feet and was built to withstand winds up to 100 MPH (1).

Other trivia facts for background information include: The inlet pipe is 2 inches, while the outflow pipe to the fire protection system is 8 inches. It has a 2-foot manway around the tank. Like all water towers, to maintain a constant volume of water there is a float system to maintain proper water levels.

The red and white checkerboard (actually white and what is officially called Aviation Orange) is a FAA aviation hazard marking required of all hazards to aviation, be it at an airport, out in the pastures, civilian or military (2). It does not in any way signify anything specific to the military.

You will see the Aviation Orange and White checkerboard at many military facilities that are not aviation connected because that facility may have rotorcraft operations so they conform to FAA guidelines. However, that isn't a military requirement but a safety requirement. They also have to do it for any structure that is deemed a hazard to aviation if the structure falls within the FAA requirement to be painted. Water towers usually always qualify, thus, the water tower was painted in a red and white checker board paint scheme with all the appropriate bells, whistles and lights (OK, no bells and whistles).

The tower was completed in August 2005 and repainted just last year. q

The Military Aviation Museum Water Tower

Needed, but not appreciated.Functional, but not used.There, but unseen. Until: a disaster.

PAGE 2 VOLUME 11, ISSUE 1

Message from the Director

MUSEUM NEWS

2017 proved to be a great year for the Military Aviation Museum. Nearly 10 years ago, this museum opened to the public for the first time. With an enterprising founder in Gerald Yagen and a corps of dedicated volunteers, the dream of sharing a living flying aviation collection was born. This year, the museum received 52,406 visitors, a new milestone and 14% higher than last year. We had record audiences at Biplanes & Triplanes (1924 guests) and Planes, Trains and Santa (3734 guests). We had a 32% increase in revenue and 26% increase in net income. We also had 98 facility rentals (17% increase) and 97 group tours (54% increase). The volunteer corps continues to be the soul of the museum, serving over 42,000 hours in 2017 alone.

I hope 2018 proves to be just as exciting as2017. 2018 represents the 10th anniversary of the Military Aviation Museum being open to the public and we’re planning a few celebrations. One big way we’re going to celebrate is by doing more of what we’re known for... flying! As part of our celebration, we are planning to fly a part of our collection every Saturday from Warbirds to Biplanes, making it a full summer of flight. We will also bolster our education programming, and the Snoopy exhibit flies into the museum in July. You’ll also see a few exhibit upgrades along the way, including opening the Goxhill Tower fully to the public with interior exhibits.

Cheers to a happy 2017, and an even better 2018!

Thank you for a great 2017!

Jarod Hoogland

A New Exhibit on the Horizon

With your support, we are bringing the Snoopy and the Red Baron exhibit to the Military Aviation Museum in July 2018. This traveling exhibition from the Charles M. Schulz Museum and Research Center tells the full story of the charismatic and beloved character, from the origin of the story line, to how Schulz researched all aspects of the Great War (1914-1918) to bring authenticity to the strips.

From the Charles M. Schulz Museum, “Dressed in a leather flying cap, goggles and scarf, Snoopy took to the skies atop of his doghouse, which his imagination transformed into a Sopwith Camel biplane. Throughout the years, Snoopy’s dogfights against the elusive and infamous Red Baron, based on a real German flying ace named Manfred von Richthofen, captured reader's hearts and imaginations. As their aerial battles raged on, Snoopy could often be seen waving his fist in the air and shouting “Curse you Red Baron!” – a phrase that still lives on in popular culture.

Snoopy and the Red Baron brings the full story of THE World War (1914 – 1918) Flying Ace to life. The exhibition will delight fans who grew up with the Ace, and introduce new audiences to Snoopy’s adventures in the sky.”

Please help us bring this fantastic exhibit to Virginia Beach. Discuss it with all your neighbors and friends. All donors giving $250 or more will be recognized on our exhibit sponsor display. All donors giving $25 or more will be invited to an exhibit open house hosted by the Military Aviation Museum.

For more information, visit http://www.military aviationmuseum.org/snoopy_2018.html q

Help us bring this fantastic exhibit to Virginia Beach this summer.

VOLUME 11, ISSUE 1 PAGE 3

The Annual Big Band Hangar Dance Fundraiser

The 2018 Big Band Hangar Dance was a swinging good time. A record crowd of 548 turned out to dance the night away at the Virginia Beach Convention Center. Theresa Eaman, guest artist, opened the festivities with soulful tunes to set the mood of the evening. So many couples were eager

to hit the dance floor that Theresa changed up her repertoire to accommodate them. After dinner, an excellent three course meal, served by Distinctive Gourmet, the lights dimmed as the Terry Chesson Swing Band took the stage. For the next few hours the audience was transported back in time, as

familiar tunes rang out over the crowd. Mark your calendars for next year, as we’ll do it all again on February 9th, 2019! We hope to see you again at our next hangar dance at the Warbirds Over the Beach Air Show, May 18th - May 20th! q

Dinosaurs Trek through a Snowy Jerrassic Park

PAGE 4 VOLUME 11, ISSUE 1

UPCOMING Events

Warbirds Over the Beach | May 18th - May 20th

Tickets https://www.eventbrite.com/e/warbirds-over-the-beach-tickets-40140200420?aff=erelpanelorg

VOLUME 11, ISSUE 1 PAGE 5

Biplanes & Brews | October 6th - October 7th

Flying Proms | July 16th

Tickets https://www.eventbrite.com/e/biplanes-brews-tickets-40140661800?aff=es2

Tickets https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-flying-proms-symphony-air-show-tickets-40144358858?aff=erelpanelorg

The volunteers at the Military Aviation Museum continue to be one of its strongest assets. It is obvious that the museum’s success, in part, is directly related to the active support volunteers provide to virtually every event conducted at the museum (and off-site programs as well). TripAdvisor.com comments include many which compliment the quality, friendliness and competency of our volunteers!

In May of this year, the museum will have been open for ten years. During that phenomenal run, volunteers have provided over a quarter of a million hours of service with over 42,000 in 2017 alone! Our volunteer corps has done an amazing job over these years to enhance the guest experience. In 2017, the Volunteer Hampton Roads organization awarded our museum its annual award for the best volunteer organization!

The current roster of approximately 200 has 79 senior volunteers each with over 1000 hours

of service, and last year 124 volunteers served over 100 hours each. The top five volunteers in terms of hours given in 2017 were: Bob Brockman-1426 hours, Warren Curd-1128 hours, Tom Owen-822, Jim McConathy-778 and Dave Von Rump-695 hours.

Eight of our current volunteers were awarded the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award for serving over 4000 hours. They were: Bob Brockman, Ken Craig, Warren Curd, Ed Dillingham, Nelson Eskey, Jim McConathy, Tom Owen and Felix Usis.

Volunteers may earn different service awards and airplane rides when they achieve various service milestones. During 2017, volunteers earned a total of 172 of these awards.

Volunteers can also attend classes to certify them as Aircraft Safety Observers (ASO). The ASOs assist with aircraft movement, guest flight line safety and

with the aircraft ride program. Several of the most skilled volunteers qualify to train as Aircraft Handlers.

Volunteers keep current with a variety of classes offered annually along with a newsletter which is written by volunteers under the watchful eye of our editor and historian, Felix Usis.

The heart of the museum operation is each day’s shift. Two four-hour shifts are operated daily, 363 days every year. The shift leadership is provided by senior volunteers who ensure all aspects of the museum’s policies and procedures are followed. New volunteers are encouraged to join a shift whenever possible.

Our volunteers demonstrate a passion for their service. Many are military veterans or retirees who know what it means to serve. Why not become an active member of this award-winning volunteer corps? q

“Volunteers Make a Difference at MAM!”

PAGE 6 VOLUME 11, ISSUE 1

OUR COMMUNITYReviews & Recaps

Our Inaugural Holiday Hangar Concert was a great way for families to help kick-off their holiday season. Symphonic Artistry had a blast playing their favorite holiday melodies during the 2 ½ hour concert. The casual atmosphere of the Navy Hangar, and uncharacteristically chilly December evening didn’t seem to bother the nearly 300 people who braved the cold evening for some holiday warmth and good

cheer. The sing-a-long seemed to be the best part of the evening, although the children probably feel it was the reading of T’was the Night Before Christmas.

The Symphonic Artistry and Museum already have this concert scheduled again this year, on Saturday, December 8th at 6pm… so mark your calendars and come join the fun! q

Holiday Hangar Concert 2017

By Warren J. Curd, Volunteer Coordinator

WOW… what a weekend we had for this past year’s event! We set records for attendance on both Friday and Saturday and ended the weekend with over 3500 people visiting the Museum. Santa got to speak with all who waited to see him. The Marine Corps Reserve filled three and a half boxes of donated new toys. They received cash donations from our guests, the Pungo Independent Fire Company who gave rides on their fire engine, and from Blackwater Caterers Food Truck who donated part of their weekend’s proceedings as well!

The biggest winners were the kids (of all ages). It was an absolute fantastic holiday party throughout the museum as kids watched and ran numerous model train exhibits, petted rescue dogs, rode fire engines and motorcycle side cars. Some took airplane rides and all enjoyed the arrival of the Big Guy!! One guest was overheard saying, “This sure beats the crowded mall over Thanksgiving weekend!” q

VOLUME 11, ISSUE 1 PAGE 7

Santa Lands at the Military Aviation Museum! Weddings at the Museum

2017 proved to be a season of love as a record number of weddings were held within the hangars at the Military Aviation Museum, with 2018 promising even more happy beginnings. With a motto of “Love is in the Air”, the museum is a perfect location to tie the knot.

Surround your guests with antique aircraft in our Navy or Army hangar during your celebration. Dance the night away with the hangar doors open, to give an outdoor feel to your wedding, but not have to worry about rain. If you really want to awe your guests, schedule a flight demonstration with one of our vintage aircraft or end the evening with fireworks.

If you’re looking for a more rustic or whimsical wedding, our all wooden WWI hangar is the venue for you. Upon walking in, your are surrounded by antique aircraft, wooden rafters and amazing natural light. This is the perfect setting to take your guests breath away, as you walk down the aisle and say your vows in front of the opened hangar doors with a scenic view of lush lawns as your backdrop.

For the adventurous couple who wants a “fun and wild” ceremony, we offer Jerrassic Park. It is our dinosaur sculpture park that is surrounded by lush lawns and a beautiful fountain. Entertain your guests in the park and have an amazing time celebrating and dancing around the dinosaurs.

The museum's sales and event coordinators are ready to take you on a tour of the venues and get you on your way to your happily ever after. If you would like to schedule a tour or have any questions, please contact Julia Sarten, venue@aviationmuseum.us or Mitch Welch, events@aviationmuseum.us. You may also call the museum at 757-721-7767. We look forward to hearing from you and hope you choose us to assist in celebrating your big day! q

Membership Newsletter for the Military Aviation Museum

1341 Princess Anne RoadVirginia Beach, VA 23457

(757) 721-PROP

Open Daily 9:00 am - 5:00 pm

eLeCTRONIC seRVICe RequesTed

NONPROFIT ORG.U.S. POSTAGE

PAIDVIRGINIA BEACH, VA

PERMIT NO. 235

PAGE 8 VOLUME 11, ISSUE 1

EVENT CALENDAR

Mark IX Spitfire

Warbirds Aviation summer CampWe are pleased to announce the

dates for its 2018 Warbird Aviation Summer Camp. From Monday, July 16th through Friday, July 20th, boys

and girls rising into 4th Grade through 10th Grade will have fun learning

about the museum's aircraft collection, warbird restoration, aeronautics,

virtual air combat, flight operations support and their future in aviation.

“Mid-Atlantic dawn Patrol” R/C Model Aircraft 7th Annual event is hosted by

Tidewater Radio Control. Come out and enjoy 5 days of R/C flying.

TRAACA Annual swap Meet Come visit the Tidewater Region

AACA Annual Auto Parts Swap Meet on Saturday, March 10 from 7am – 3 pm.

There you will find Antique and Collectible vehicle parts, accessories,

equipment, and transportation-related memorabilia only.

saving Kids dreams Youth unplugged event

Mark those calendars! The 4th Annual Saving Kids

Dreams Youth Unplugged Event  on April 21st 2018 at the Military

Aviation Museum in Pungo!

March 10 April 21

Flying Proms symphonic Air show

Join us for the annual “Flying Proms" Symphonic Aerial Ballet. This makes

for a great Father’s Day gift.

July 16-20JUNE 16 October 3-7

"Biplanes and Brew" WWI Centennial

Join us for Biplanes and Brew at the Military Aviation Museum.

Celebrate the centenary of WWI, satisfy your hunger at our food vendors, or

shop for memorabilia. Enjoy continuous musical entertainment, from 10:00am on Saturday and Sunday. All five of our hangars will be open for guided tours.

 Warbirds Over the BeachJoin us for the 9th-annual WWII air

show. Among the stars of the weekend will be one of only three airworthy de

Havilland DH.98 Mosquitos in the world!With over 300 re-enactors on site,

representing all theatres of WWII-era operations, you will feel as if you have

stepped back in time. Interact with friendly Allied and Axis troops at their

encampments, featuring demonstrations of vehicles, arms, and armour.

May 18-20

October 6-7