The Membership Newsletter for The Military Aviation Museum Winter 2020

INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

New Year, New Staff 2

Fokker Dr.I 2

Officer MacAllister Memorial 3

USCAA Cross Country Meet 4

Planes, Trains & Santa 5

Holiday Hangar Concert 6

Military Aviation Museum www.MilitaryAviationMuseum.org

Virginia Beach Airport www.VBairport.com

Fighter Factory www.FighterFactory.com

Warbirds Over the Beachwww.VBairshow.com

Welcoming the New Year and Our New Staff!

As we prepare for another exciting year here at the Military Aviation Museum, we take pride in sharing the news that the Museum has just set an all-time attendance record! With more than 80,000 visitors in 2019 we are reaching more people than ever before with our world-class collection of vintage military aircraft. Each of these immaculately restored wartime aircraft provide us a tangible connection to the lessons of the Greatest Generation, and our commitment to keep them flying serves to captivate and inspire audiences from all walks of life.

Our airplanes are time machines used to create engaging experiences aimed at fostering an understanding of the important role of military aircraft and their crews in our nation’s history, and it is support from our donors, members and dedicated volunteers that makes it all possible. In addition to our record setting attendance, 2019 was also a banner year for participation in education programs and our annual events, as well as for the enrollment of new museum members.

This growth has been made possible through an enormous effort on the part of the staff and the volunteers who support museum operations daily, so it is with heavy hearts that we bid Museum Director Jarod Hoogland farewell in December. We wish Jarod all the best in his new role as Director of the Mission Inn Foundation in Riverside, CA. As Director for the past two and a half years, Jarod introduced many new events and opportunities for the community to connect with the museum and its mission, while finding new ways to reach audiences who might not have traditionally visited the museum.

The Hangar Dance is Back Valentine's Day WeekendThe Military Aviation Museum is bringing out

its best this year with our annual Big Band Hangar Dance fundraiser. The dance lands on Saturday, February 15, 2020 with dinner, live music, swing dancing, fine food, auctions and romance! Cut a dash and dance the night away here at the museum.

Be sure to get your dinner tickets now as they are only available through February 8th. Dinner this year includes a reception with hors d’oeuvres, exclusive auction preview and cash bar. VIP options are also available for tables of eight that include reserved seating throughout the evening and wine with dinner. Doors open at 5:00 PM and dinner will be served at 6:30. The Dance portion of the evening kicks off at 7:30 PM.

Enjoy your meal while listening to the golden voice of Ms. Theresa Eaman as she regales you with timeless tunes from days gone by. Afterwards, dust off your dance shoes and hit the floor as national swing dance instructors from local dance

club, Swing Virginia, will once again be with us to entertain and show you how it’s done. Learn the classics such as the Charleston, the Jitterbug, and the Lindy Hop. Be sure to save them a dance!

Jazz septet, Grace Street Seven, will keep you on the floor all evening long, but be sure to take some time to explore the silent auction and bid on some wonderful prizes. Put on your best vintage clothing and enter our costume contest. Make a date and bring your friends along with you to the dance event of the season!

Don’t need dinner? Dance only tickets are also available, so there’s no excuse not to come out and enjoy the evening! Dance tickets are onsale thru the 8th and available at the door. Full details of both options can be found at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/big-band-hangar-dance-2020-tickets-78021810335?aff=Website. Tickets may also be purchased by visiting the museum or by phone at 757-721-7767. q Check out our new team

PAGE 2 VOLUME 13, ISSUE 1

The Fokker Dr.I collection of the museum may be the largest number of “Dreidecker” (meaning three wings) replicas in one place in the U.S., with four examples. The type first flew in July of 1917.

The Dr.I is perhaps the most recognizable aircraft of the ‘Great War’. Developed as a response to the British Sopwith triplane, it was thought by some to be too slow and too small until it became obvious that its superior maneuverability made it a potent weapon.

There are many replicas of the Dr.I flying, but no flying originals survive. Originally powered by Le Rhone rotary engines, three of ours have radials and one has a Rotex rotary engine installed.

Our all red Dr.I represents the aircraft delivered to Jasta 11 on January 8th, 1918. It was this aircraft that was flown by the “ace of aces” Baron Manfred von Richthofen the day he was killed. The “Red Baron” had 80 confirmed victories and he was the leading ace of the Imperial German Army Air Service. Baron von Richthofen shot down his last 20 aircraft in Dr.I’s and the Baron told designer Tony Fokker that it “climbed like a monkey and maneuvered like the devil."

Our all-red Fokker Dr.I, the one with the rotary engine (N-number N917RB), is of “Redfern” pedigree. In the world of Fokker Triplane reproductions, there are generally two sets of plans you choose from; one is by Walter Redfern. The Walter Redfern Company, also called Redfern Plans, was based in Post Falls, Idaho and founded by Walter “Wimpy” Redfern. They specialized in the design and provision of plans for homebuilts, particularly replica aircraft of WW I. Redfern’s plans were adapted from original aircraft drawings with assistance from Peter Bowers and Reinhold Platz, one of the original design team members for the Fokker DR.I. Platz continued to collaborate with Redfern until Platz’ death in 1966. This particular DR.I was built in Brazil (Jose Dante Zanaga Neto). q

Museum's 1917 Fokker Dr.I

HANGAR Happenings

Written By Jack McGinnNew Staff, continued

Assuming the position of Museum Director from Jarod is Keegan Chetwynd who joins the Museum team from San Diego, CA and the Comic-Con Museum. Originally from Nova Scotia, Canada, Keegan has built a career working in Museums featuring subject matter ranging from Maritime Culture and Fisheries, to Comic Books and Pop Culture, but says that Warbirds have always been a particular interest of his.

Prior to moving to San Diego, Keegan was located in Dallas, TX working with the Commemorative Air Force on their National Headquarters Project, as well as participating in the finding, recovery and restoration of That’s All, Brother, the airplane that led the D-Day Invasion.

In addition to welcoming a new Director, the Military Aviation Museum is also pleased to welcome a new Volunteer Coordinator, Victoria Reed. A graduate of Virginia Tech (Let’s Go Hokies!) and Virginia-beach born and raised, Victoria joins the team from the Georgia Sea Turtle Rescue Center. She has a depth of experience working with passionate volunteers during outreach activities, recruitment & orientation, and the creation of volunteer recognition events, which will be welcome support to our museum volunteers.

Victoria also has a specific connection to military aviation through her father, who is a veteran and Naval Aviator who flew the F-4 Phantom II, F-8 Crusader and A-4 Skyhawk.

With the transition period between Directors now complete and Victoria working with the previous coordinator, Warren Curd, to continue expanding the volunteer program, the staff team has started to work on several proposed facility improvements, exhibits and new event ideas that will keep the museum growing into the future. We all continue to be humbled by the ongoing support of our members, volunteers and donors, and look forward to seeing you all out at the museum in 2020. q

Museum Director, Keegan Chetwynd

Volunteer Coordinator, Victoria Reed

USAAF Goxhill Veteran Goes West: Officer Pershing Edwin "Mac" MacAllister

VOLUME 13, ISSUE 1 PAGE 3

The first American combat unit to occupy the former RAF Goxhill airfield in 1942 was the 78th Fighter Squadron of the First Fighter Group. Armaments Officer P.E. “Mac” MacAllister was one of the first to arrive at Goxhill. “Mac” went on to North Africa and other assignments, and after the war became one of the driving forces in industry and the arts in his hometown of Indianapolis.

“Mac” joined us at the museum for a ceremony to share his Goxhill experiences during Warbirds Over

the Beach several years ago, along with personnel from Langley’s 1st Fighter Wing to honor “Mac.” He toured the Goxhill Watch Office with Mr. Yagen and was truly impressed with what the museum was accomplishing.

Living a full 101 years, “Mac” was a perfect example of the many young Americans who served in the Air War in Europe, and who went on to lead a life of purpose to build our country and shape a better world for generations to come. q

” “Living a full 101 years, “Mac” was a perfect example of the many young Americans who served in the Air War in Europe.

Courtesy of www.macallister.com

Goxhill Tower Watercolor Painting

PAGE 4 VOLUME 13, ISSUE 1

EVENTS In REVIEW

Museum Hosts First National Cross Country Meet

The museum is no stranger to outdoor 5K races throughout the year and in 2019, we were selected to host our first collegiate cross country meet on Friday, November 8th. The United States Collegiate Athletic Association (USCAA) selected the museum to host the fall Small College National Championships. The USCAA exists to provide small colleges the opportunity to compete against institutions of like size and resources for National Championships and student-athlete recognition.

The two races (Women’s 6K and Men’s 8K) were held on a cold blustery morning. The schools from the New England area seemed to enjoy the weather, while the southerners bundled up until their scheduled races. The meet hosted 14 men’s teams and 5 women’s teams from as far away as Dallas and Vermont.

USCAA was very pleased with our course and our event hosting team. We hope to see them again next year! qA close up of our P-51 Mustang painted by Marc Stewart.

Visit the museum to see it in person!

”The schools from the New England area seemed to enjoy the weather, while the southerners bundled up until their scheduled races. “

VOLUME 13, ISSUE 1 PAGE 5

2,500 Museum Visitors Enjoy Planes, Trains & Santa

Despite a rainy Sunday, the Museum was pleased to welcome more than 2,500 participants to the 2019 edition of Planes, Trains and Santa. One of the museum’s most popular family-focused events annually, visitors were able to observe Santa’s arrival in the North American SNJ, call sign Reindeer One. In addition to taking Santa Selfies after his arrival, participants were also invited to take photos with Santa overlooking the Army Hangar and its incredible assortment of aircraft.

A big thank you to the Tidewater Division of the National Model Railroad Association for setting up several of their display layouts, including one where the kids could run the trains! Engine 21

of the Virginia Beach Fire Department also came out for the event and was a huge hit with families.

We are also pleased to share that owing to the generous contributions of event participants, the Marine Corps Reserve was able to fill four and a half boxes of toys for their annual Toys-for-Tots drive. Each person who donated a toy received a free motorcycle sidecar ride around the museum ramp courtesy of volunteer Mike Potter and a couple of his riding friends.

Missed it in 2019? Planes, Trains and Santa will return November 27 – 29, 2020 with fun for the whole family! q

Symphonic Artistry directed by Gabriel Clemons

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Held on December 8, the third annual Holiday Hangar Concert welcomed more than 500 attendees who came in from the cold for some old-fashioned holiday warmth and good cheer among our collection of Navy Aircraft. Featuring Symphonic Artistry, directed by Gabriel Clemons, and the Young Musicians of Virginia, directed by Karla Robinson, performing many audience-favorite holiday melodies. The highlight of the show was the grand finale when both groups performed a

sing-along with attendees.

This year’s new additions, the Young Musicians of Virginia, established in 1991, are the premier home-school music enrichment program in Virginia, and we were pleased to welcome their traditional brand of holiday cheer to the concert!

Preparations for next year’s Free Holiday Concert are already underway, so mark your calendars for December 6, 2020. q

Christmas Cheer Warm’s Up the Navy Hangar: Holiday Hangar Concert 2019

EVENTS In REVIEW

VOLUME 13, ISSUE 1 PAGE 7

Purchase your tickets

today!

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Membership Newsletter for the Military Aviation Museum

1341 Princess Anne RoadVirginia Beach, VA 23457

(757) 721-PROP

Open Daily 9:00 am - 5:00 p.m.

PAGE 8 VOLUME 13, ISSUE 1

Junkers Ju 52

APR 18MAR 21FEB 15 JUN 20MAY 15-17MAY 9

10th Annual Flying Proms Symphony

Air Show

Experience a musical spectacle unlike anything

you’ve ever seen at the Flying Proms Symphony Air Show! This one of a kind event in America, inspired by a rich British tradition, features

a full symphonic orchestra playing alongside vintage warbirds flying overhead.

This outdoor concert and air show is the perfect

opportunity for a picnic, family outing or to

share a uniquely British experience with friends.

Warbirds Over the Beach

Commemorate the 75th Anniversary of the end of

World War II and join us for the 11th annual "Warbirds

Over the Beach" at the museum. Among the stars of the weekend will be one

of only three airworthy de Havilland DH.98

Mosquitos in the world!

Schedule yourself a ride in a historic Warbird, satisfy

your hunger at our assorted food vendors, or shop for

military antiques at various vendor booths. Enjoy live

musical entertainment and engaging living history

programs from 10:00 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday.

Saving Kids Dreams Unplugged

Youth Event

Get the kids outside to enjoy fresh air, outdoor activities and wildlife.

The biggest FREE youth event on the East Coast!

Saving Kids Dreams is hosting the 6th Annual Youth Unplugged Event

on May 9th from 12:00 to 5:00 p.m. at the Military

Aviation Museum.

COVA Battle of the Burgers

Start the spring off right with local craft brews paired with freshly grilled burgers

as area restaurants battle it out for the title of Best

Burger in Hampton Roads.

Pathways to Aviation Career Fair

Pathways to Aviation is a career fair which will showcase the range and variety of opportunities

available to young people in aviation. In the morning,

students can visit booths set-up by organizations representing different

aviation careers and in the afternoon, students can participate in hands-on

activities, demonstrations and discussions from panelists

who have careers in aviation.

To participate in the career fair with a booth or to pre-

register your child for this free museum event, please contact Abigail Fulton at education@

aviationmuseum.us.

Big Band Hangar Dance

With dinner and dancing, fine food and unique

performances, the Annual Big Band Hangar Dance

returns on Valentine's weekend, Saturday,

February 15th. Enjoy dinner, live music, swing

dancing, auctions and an experience like no other under the wings

of our historic Warbirds. Save the date and bring

some friends to the dance event of the season!

Tickets on sale now!• Call the Museum• Stop by the Museum• Visit our Event Page

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/78021810335