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Historic USAF Academy Graduation
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June 2013
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WWII Aircraft Fly For Graduation
| When the impact of sequestration on the USAF Academy graduation ceremonies became fully understood, several organizations including the Museum discussed the possibility of flying World War II vintage aircraft for the Organizational Awards Parade, the Graduation Parade, and Hat Toss ceremonies. Ultimately, a four-ship of privately owned T-33 aircraft, the Texas Flying Legends, the Mile High Wing of the Commemorative Air Force, and our Museum B-25 and P-47 participated in graduation activities.
Aircraft began arriving the Sunday before Graduation and were supported by the Museum and Westpac Restorations. Aircraft from the Houston-based Texas Flying Legends included "Betty's Dream", a B-25J; P-51Ds "Dakota Kid" and "Little Horse"; "Aleutian Tiger", a P-40K; a Navy Wildcat FM-2P, and an Avenger TBM-3E. Warren Pietsch, Minot Director of Warbird Operations and Chief Pilot for the Texas Flying Legends, led the group and flew the Navy Wildcat. Missouri Congressman Sam Graves flew the Avenger.
 What made the event unique for the Colorado Springs community was that, since the warbirds were housed at Westpac Restorations, the Museum visitors could not only view and photograph the aircraft up close, they could also visit with the pilots and crew. Engine starts, takeoffs and landings were easily viewed from the Museum ramp on the Colorado Springs airport. We cannot remember a time in recent history when this number and variety of World War II historic flyable aircraft were available for public viewing. A B-17 also flew into Colorado Springs and participated in the Graduation Parade with two additional P-51 Mustangs.
Although we did not conduct our normal docent-led tour of the Museum, thousands were able to visit the Museum and see the vintage aircraft up close. Some were able to experience a docent-led tour of the Westpac Restoration facilities. Many were able to talk with World War II veterans.
Special invitations were sent out to World War II veterans in the Pikes Peak region who had previously visited the Museum but not had the opportunity to be interviewed. Several spent time, with our staff and visiting media, by the aircraft they flew or serviced during the Second World War. Coverage of the three-day event was carried by local and national media highlighting the Academy Graduation, the Texas Flying Legends, and the National Museum of World War II Aviation.
Our exceptional group of Museum volunteers took on every task you might imagine when hosting an aviation event. Their professionalism in parking cars, assisting visitors, marshaling aircraft, and keeping everyone safe resulted in a very successful and memorable graduation event. Volunteers are now a part of the daily fabric of the museum. Some are building display cases while others are restoring WWII equipment for display or as teaching aides. If you have some time and talent, contact our volunteer coordinator through the Museum website. We have lots of projects and welcome exceptional volunteers.
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Meet Our Volunteers
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 Mr. Phillip Heacock is in charge of our docents and ensures that each visitor gets an informative and rewarding tour of the Museum and Westpac Restorations. Phil was the Vice President of Harris Information Technology Services Air Force Services organization. He was responsible for Air Force and Army space activities related to Harris contracts around the world.
Mr. Heacock began his professional career with a Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering from the University of Illinois. That was followed by a Masters in Business Administration in Management from George Washington University. Phil progressed through the technology side of the United States Air Force working with space systems. He was a distinguished graduate of Squadron Officers School, the Air War College. He later graduated from the Industrial College of the Armed Forces and attained the rank of Colonel. Phil joined Harris Corporation after retiring from the Air Force and worked as the primary interface between government agencies, other contractors, the specific customer, and Harris engineers.
Since becoming a volunteer at the National Museum of World War II Aviation, Phil has "totally" immersed himself in World War II history and the associated human interest stories of our veterans. We are extremely fortunate to have his knowledge, technical expertise, and total dedication to the mission of the Museum. We all consider him very special in the way he trains and manages the docent program. All of our docents are top notch historians and educators.
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Special Thanks
|  As a result of the USAF Academy graduation support, articles in the newspapers, television and radio coverage, and your words to friends and family after visiting the Museum, the National Museum of World War II Aviation is no longer a Colorado Springs secret. Thanks to you for visiting the Museum and relating your experiences across the Pikes Peak region. What you have toured is only a small version of the ultimate museum to be built across the ramp from our three current hangars. We have preliminary designs in place and know that it will cost approximately $15 million to build to our design. We expect the 20-acre complex to be a center of excellence for Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) studies encompassing aviation, space, and related technologies.
Your continued support of the Museum and our events is your statement about the future of the Pikes Peak region. We are already attracting visitors and interest from across North America and around the world. Visitors are coming to Colorado Springs specifically to see this specialized World War II museum. You are enthusiastic about volunteering and the quality of work is exceptional. We have received some significant financial gifts which have allowed for the introduction and funding of a K-12 STEM education program.
Tammy, at the Pinery and Derick, at Jimmy Johns assisted in feeding our guests from the Texas Flying Legends. Pizza Hut was also supportive. Special thanks to the many parents and supporters who sent great comments about our commitment to the United States Air Force Academy and Graduating Class of 2013. The Colorado Springs airport staff was also supportive in hiding their red tape behind a can-do spirit of cooperation.
Your gifts of money and time will assist in getting the final Museum constructed and operating in the next few years. Thanks for what you have already done in support of this exceptional Museum and a special thanks for what you will actually do in the future to make this a world class tribute to our greatest generation, and a training facility for our future generations. Pay tribute to our WWII veterans for their sacrifices to preserve and defend the freedom we enjoy today.
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| Your Comments | Thanks for your great comments and suggestions posted through our website. We read every submission and work to implement your great ideas.
We have put in place an iPad where you can sign up for this newsletter during the check-in process. Some have asked about a membership program and we hope to have that in place in the next few weeks. Things are happening fast at the Museum as volunteers continue to build exhibits and construct displays. We are excited about the graduation flying opportunity and look forward to many visitors over the summer.
The Facebook page for the Museum is a great way to follow the daily activities including veterans' visits, new artifacts, and warbirds that may be visiting and could be seen during your tour. The Facebook link is http://www.facebook.com/wwiiaviation or click on the link above. In the footer below, you will notice a link to Update Profile/Email Address. Please take a moment to update your information so we can personalize our contact with you. Spread the word. This is your tribute to the greatest generation and the opportunity to educate the next generations. For Twitter users, you can find us at www.twitter.com/wwiiaviation |
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