Mary Ellen Bixler toured the National Museum of World War II Aviation recently and returned a few days later with some artifacts from her father's experience during World War II as a B-17 pilot with the 708th Bomb Squadron, 447th Bomb Group, 4th Wing, of the 8th Air Force.    Lt. Robert Keith Phaneuf was a 22 year old B-17 pilot of Crew 7212 with a wife and young daughter back in the United States.  He made a habit of hanging her baby shoes in the cockpit for good luck so his crew named their B-17 "Mary Ellen" after their pilot's  baby girl.  Lt. Phaneuf and his crew flew 35 missions in B-17 Flying Fortress #43-38892 before the war's end.

 Lt. Phaneuf had wanted to fly fighters during the war but came to love the B-17 because of its reliability and great crew members.  He attended Greenville Army Flying School and was stationed at Walnut Ridge Army Airfield.  Bob's brother in law completed an oil painting of B-17G "Mary Ellen" which has been donated to the museum.  Among other items in the collection are his silk scarf and his silk escape and evasion map showing Holland, Belgium, France, and Germany.

After World War II, Robert Phaneuf served in the Reserves until the beginning of the Korean War when he was returned to active duty.  He flew C-118s in Japan along with the C-54, C-131B, and T-33.  He retired from the Air Force in 1970 but his service to this nation is not forgotten by Mary Ellen (Bixler) who had a B-17 named after her.  

  Ms. Nancy Kely contacted the Museum in early December and wondered if she could give the Museum tour experience to her friends as a Christmas gift.  After talking with her to learn a little about her guests that would be attending, we agreed upon the tour date and time.  Upon arriving we found that her friends covered the spectrum from youth to seasoned veterans.  Their knowledge and interest was high and they were estatic about the artifacts, aircraft, equipment, and history that they experienced.

   But just to make the tour even more special, Ms. Kely's husband got the opportunity to participate as co pilot when Bill Klaers, President of the Museum, and owner of Westpac Restorations, performed a maintenance run on his B-25 Mitchell Bomber.  This was a special treat for the group who were able to see and hear this vintage World War II bomber.  Not every tour includes an engine run or aircraft flight but our guests have found that every tour has unique aspects and draws repeat visitors.   

Nancy Kely & Bill Klaers

Our collection of artifacts is growing both in numbers and in historical significance.  We will only accept items related to the World War II aviation period of our history and the military industrial complex in the United States during the war which led to our success in aviation.  The Kely group and all our visitors end their tours understanding our strong link to the education of future generations while preserving the history of our World War II Aviation experience.

 We would be happy to set up a tour for your group and share with them this unique and rewarding educational experience.  Log onto our website www.worldwariiaviation.org and schedule your individual or group tour.  You cannot beat the experience and you certainly can't beat the price.  We would love to hear your World War II story or visit with your veteran.  Don't forget to tell you friends to sign up for this newsletter by visiting the link on our website. 

   We lost a great Colorado Tuskegee Airmen recently.  Colonel Fitzroy "Buck" Newsum took his last flight on January 5, 2013, in Denver, Colorado.  He and his fellow airmen fought segregation, bigotry, the enemy in Europe, and an ungrateful America upon their return.  Colonel Newsum was born May 22, 1918, in New York City and was inthe second graduating class of pilots from Tuskegee.  The exemplary service of the Tuskegee Airmen to the Nation has finally been recognized and this American hero lived to see America finally begin to appreciate his contributions to the winning of World War II.  A gentleman, an aviator, and a true American hero.  Rest in Peace.

Colonel and Mrs. Alex Banachowski gave a significant cash donation to the Museum in honor of close relative who had a strong love for our United States Air Force and its aviation history.  Special thanks to the Banachowskis of Phoenix, Arizona.

Mr. Stephen Woodford is a Founding Member and gave an important donation to the Museum with a recurring commitment.

Ent Federal Credit Union gave a special donation and has been an exceptional partner in the vision and development of this Museum which celebrates the military, youth, and education.