March 2009       
Mission Update! News from the Mighty Eighth Air Force Museum 		Vol 4, Issue 1
Crewman Logo
175 Bourne Ave
Pooler, GA 31322
912.748.8888
Open daily 9:00 a.m - 5:00 p.m.
(Closed New Year's Day, Easter, Thanksgiving & Christmas)
Museum names new CEO
Henry Skipper

Henry SkipperHenry Skipper has been named President and Chief Executive Officer of the Mighty Eighth Air Force Museum.   

Dr. Walter Brown, former CEO, will continue to serve the Museum as Vice President of Projects.

Henry was previously the Museum's Director of Marketing and worked for Great Dane Trailers, Inc., as senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing. In his new role, Henry will direct the overall operations of the Museum and work with a very talented staff to keep the Museum strong and focused on continuing its mission.
Meet Jim Donatelli
Museum Volunteer and Tour Guide
By Heather Thies
Jim Donatelli
 
Jim Donatelli grew up being reminded every day by his father that his cousins and uncles were overseas fighting to keep him safe and free.  Jim's cousin served in the 8th in WWII as a waist gunner in the 448th BG/712th squadron and completed his thirty five missions successfully.   Jim grew up idolizing these men and as a result he began volunteering at the Mighty Eighth in the Mission Experience in 2002 and then progressed into tour guiding.  Because of his belief in the honor and sacrifice of military service, at the end of the Mission Experience films he tells visitors to shake the hand of veterans and active duty military to thank them since freedom isn't free
 
Jim recently moved beyond guiding visitors through the museum into exhibit building.  Jim generously devoted over 500 personal hours into building B-24 models for each bomb group in the Second Air Division.  Jim became interested in models when as a child during the war he drew and built paper airplane models.
 
Jim lived in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania until his retirement when he moved to the Savannah area.  Jim and his wife have four children who live within a day of driving.  He served in the Army in Germany in late 50's-early 60's.  Jim enjoys reading spy/espionage/military books that are non-fiction as well as fiction.
 
Jim leaves a lasting impression with all students by speaking from the heart and emphatically saying they can be anything they want to be, don't let anyone tell them differently, as long as they work hard enough.
 
Welcome New Volunteers
This month we have had several new volunteers begin working with us here at the Mighty Eighth.  Casey Cotter began training in the Mission Experience on Thursdays with long time volunteer, Del Lamb.  Casey holds a PhD in Engineering and a commercial pilot's license.  He will be working the Mission Experience and helping with the Education Department's Science of Flight classes. 
 
Cara Sanders enjoyed the museum so much she is willing to volunteer on weekends because she is still working full time.  Her grandfather served in the 8th in WWII as a tail gunner in a B-17 after flying with General Eisenhower during the Africa Campaign.  
 
George Turnbull began volunteering as a Museum Greeter a short time ago.  He owned a book binding company in Detroit, Michigan and moved to Savannah in 1996. 
 
Keith Glenn is retired Air Force. He graduated from the Air Force test pilot school and has lived in Savannah for eleven years.  He trained as a tour guide and will begin on his own this month.   
Flying Legends Summer Camp 2009
Kids CampThe Mighty Eighth Air Force Museum is offering Flying Legends Summer Camp again this year. This day camp is perfect for kids ages 6 to11 years old.  Heather, our education director, teaches about roles of children in the home front; navigation, bombardier, and pilot training during WWII; and other exciting activities during camp.

Camp is Monday - Friday from 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. with lunch included and the cost is only $60 per child. There is one extended session on June 22-26 from 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. that includes lunch and airplane model assembly.  The cost for the extended session is $150

Regular Sessions 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. with Lunch $60
June 15-19
July 20-24
August 3-7

Extended Session 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. with Lunch and Airplane Model building $150
June 22-26

For more information or to register, call Heather Thies at 912.748.8888 ext 106 or email her education@mighteighth.org. 
Museum Staff

Henry Skipper
President and CEO
Brenda Elmgren
Chief Administrative Officer
Tom Cannon
Development Director
Rochelle Conley
Admission & Group Tours
Susan Eiseman
Meetings & Events Director
Rick Ennis
Facility Manager
Tameka Ford
E-Commerce and Membership
Peggy Harden
Memorial Gardens
Mandy Livingston
Meeting & Special Events Assistant 
Jean Prescott
Library Reference Specialist
Vivian Rogers-Price
Research Center Director
Sheila Saxon
Executive Assistant
Pam Sconyers
Finance Director
Felice Stelljes
Museum Gift Store Manager
Heather Thies
Education Director
Quick Links
Call for Volunteers
Do you have a few spare hours?  Need something fun and exciting to do?  Do you enjoy meeting people from all over the country and World?  If you answered "Yes" to any of the these questions, the Mighty Eighth Air Force Museum is the perfect place for you to volunteer your time. 

Volunteers Ed and Betty
Volunteers Ed and Betty Robarts

To be a volunteer or for more information, please call Heather Thies, 912.748.8888 ext 106, or email her education@mightyeighth.org
Upcoming Features!


Be sure to see our next edition of the "Mission Update!" online newsletter for the latest news, "What's New in the Archives", "World War II Memorial Updates", and much more.
 
Super Museum Sunday 2009 
 
Super Museum Sunday 2009
A great time was had by all during Super Museum Sunday. The Mighty Eighth Air Force Museum was the place to be on February 8, 2009. Over 2000 visitors toured the Museum.
A Special "Thank You"
Jean Prescott, keeper of the library, wishes to acknowledge her long-time volunteer staff that has been so faithful over the past few years.  Judy Roddy, Rebecca Hester, John McCamish, Rich Rickenbach. Our newest volunteer is Dennis Casey. 

Their combined efforts have raised the database entries to 103,000, just 247,000 to go! They are all trained to be of help to our visitors who are seeking information on someone in the Mighty Eighth.
The Wall of Valor in the Memorial Gardens
More than a memory...
 Wall of Valor
The Mighty Eighth Air Force Museum's Wall of Valor stands as a tribute to the men and women of the Eighth Air Force...a memorial celebrating their courage and sacrifice for generations to come. It is not difficult to imagine the pride felt by families and friends as they read and touch Wall of Valor plaques honoring their loved ones, and recall their heroic deeds.
 
The Wall of Valor is seen by tens of thousands each year, reminding all visitors of the extraordinary service of the members of the Eighth Air Force. Every rank or service of Eighth Air Force veteran is accorded equal status on the Wall of Valor.
 
Please take this opportunity to ensure that one of these plaques will forever honor a WWII veteran you love. Your donation to the Wall of Valor helps ensure their gallantry is never forgotten.
 
The Wall of Valor is similar to the American Cemetery in Cambridge, England. Its numbered sections frame the Memorial Gardens, with plaques visible from almost every angle. The individual 4" x 12" polished stone plaques are grouped by date of donation, and bear the veteran's name, rank and unit number. Call Peggy Harden 912.748.8888 ext 103 or by email finance@mightyeighth.org for more information. 

B-17 Flight Simulator now at Museum
    
B-17 Flight SimulatorA new interactive Flight Simulator allows museum visitors to experience what it was like to fly a B-17. Three computer monitors arranged to reflect cockpit windows and a full complement of flight controls including a yoke, as well as a rudder, elevator, trim and throttle controls contribute to the realism of an actual flight experience.   Of equal importance are the sounds of the engines and the spinning of the propellers. Guided initially by the preflight checklist, visitors take off, fly, and land a B-17.

While experiencing what it is like to fly a B-17 each visitor is reminded of the significance of the   B-17 to the 8th Air Force during World War II, since the aircraft in this simulation is painted with 401st Bomb group markings identical to those on the B-17 flown by pilot Arthur R. Sedar, Jr. 

This new museum flight simulator was conceived and donated by Arthur R. Seder, Jr., who is a member of the Museum's Board of Trustees. His son-in-law Joe Whistler fabricated this exciting acquisition.
Turn your Gold into a Museum Donation
With gold at an All-Time-High, Anderson Jewelers is buying your unwanted gold.
 
Come into Anderson Jewelers in Savannah, GA  to sell your scrap gold & 10% of the sale will be donated to the Mighty Eighth Air Force Museum. Be sure to mention the Mighty Eighth.

For more information, call Janice at 912.355.8515 or Click here for the website
Upcoming Museum Events
March 14 - 17, 2009
Special St. Patrick's Day Admission Rates.  Half price Adult and Child's admissions.
The Mighty Eighth Store
The Mighty Eighth Air force Museum Gift Store is a unique shopping experience. In it you will find everything from clothing, jewelry, and books to models, patches and pins, and collectibles found nowhere in this area. Click on the link below to begin shopping today.  Mighty Eighth Online Store
   
                                                                              B-17 Flying  Fortress T-Shirt
City of Savannah T-Shirt 
 
 City of Savannah T-Shirt
Sizes: sm - xxl
 
 
 
   
 
 
 U.S. Air Force Baseball CapU.S. Air Force Baseball Cap
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                                                                                                

                                           U.S.A.F Flag
USAF Flag (large) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Allison Stelljes-James
   Allison Stelljes-James
The Mighty Eighth Air Force Museum is an amazing place and has been an active and vibrant environment in which to work. When I started at the Museum in September of 2006, it was the same week that then President George W. Bush visited the Museum and promised a B-17 Flying Fortress.  While it did take two and a half years, we got our airplane.
 
With that being said, I have been presented with an opportunity of employment that I cannot pass.  I have accepted a job offer as the Director of Sales and Marketing at the Holiday Inn and Suites in Pooler.

Thank you for such a wonderful experience. I have learned so much and had the opportunity to  work with many great individuals. Although I am no longer employed by the Museum, I will still continue to promote the Mighty Eighth Air Force Museum throughout the community. 
B-17 Project Participation
Be a part of the Mighty Eighth Air Force Museum B-17 project. The airplane needs major restoration. The Museum appreciates all financial gifts, and for contributions of $100 or more you will receive a certificate of participation, suitable for framing, which recognizes your part in this historic Museum event.

Please make all checks payable to "B-17 Project" and mail to the Mighty Eighth Air Force Museum, 175 Bourne Ave, Pooler, GA 31322.  If you would like to pay by credit card, please call Tameka Ford 912.748.8888 ext 101.
Tell Us What You Think!
Winged 8
You are very important to us. We have created a short survey to help us improve membership privileges and encourage others to join.  Please take a moment to answer the questions and offer suggestions. We are open to ideas and want to hear from you. Click here to begin the survey.