Our volunteers invested their time and efforts into creating and maintaining a quality visit experience.  Some of those volunteers continue to build, maintain, and invent new ways of displaying exceptional artifacts from World War II.  The full size P-47 turbocharger display is an example of the creativity and work these folks put into each new display.  The gun turrets and weapons displays are all a product of these highly talented folks.

During this first year, volunteers also prepped, painted and put in place a C-45 display at the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo to inspire youth toward aviation and make visitors aware of the Museum.

A classroom with audio visual capabilities has been created inside the hangar space to support our visiting students and their learning activities.  Our docents have found it a great venue to prep visitors for their experience in the museum and Westpac Restorations.

During this first year, we have watched the restoration and flight testing of the F-7F Tigercat and marveled at its power and beauty as a WWII Navy flying aircraft.  The P-38 under restoration has begun to take shape and gathered a lot of interest during this first year of Museum operations.  The museum has hosted military reunions and other functions which have increased public awareness and supported our veterans.

A major highlight for this first year has been the superb support provided to Colorado Springs and the United States Air Force Academy during 2013 graduation activities.  The 2013 Graduating Class of USAF Academy officers will remember the unique aviation support they received when the Thunderbirds were precluded from performing at Graduation.

Bill Klaers, Richard Cole, Phil Heacock

During this year, our Docents treated each World War II visiting veteran to a special experience as we honored their sacrifices and service.  We shall never forget the October 24th visit of Lieutenant Colonel Richard Cole who did not reveal his identity until the tour was complete and we had talked in depth about his flight as a Doolittle Raider.  Our docent received high marks from this Raider who was Jimmy Doolittle's copilot.

2013 was a great year as we matured our educational program for elementary and high school students in conjunction with our friends from the Challenger Learning Center.  But there remain facilities to be built, curricula to be enhanced, and monies to be raised as we move toward a premier educational campus at the Colorado Springs airport.  Our educators are exceptional individuals who have worked with the school system to produce a quality learning experience for each visiting student.

2014 promises more highly motivated volunteers, docents, and community friends who will move this museum to strong national recognition.  As the educational campus expands, the aviation, space, and museum communities will realize the direct impact this complex is having on science, technology, engineering, and math learning in our school systems.  We look forward to funding the final museum design and construction as well as the complementary facilities which will make this a true educational campus.

A membership program is a part of our to-do list for 2014 as well as improved outreach to you, our friends and supporters.  Your strong positive comments in TripAdvisor and other media have made us the top Museum and the number 7 attraction in Southern Colorado. With your continued strong support, the top of the list is possible. 

 
During our first year we lost two very dear friends to this museum effort in the passing of Bill Beck and Suzette Cherry.  Their commitment, efforts, and friendship are truly missed.