President’s Message
by Frank Drain

Fall, 2002

The 2002 Veteran’s Association reunion in Harrisburg presented our first opportunity to hold a Foundation general meeting, where anyone interested in the Foundation (Veterans, descendants, spouses) was invited to attend. Our thanks to Ken Rowland and the Veteran’s Association for providing time on their reunion agenda for this meeting. Especially effective was an appeal by our endowment fund committee chairman Norm Coats. He emphasized the tremendous opportunity afforded us until December 1st of this year, through which time all endowment fund donations (and pledges for next year) will be matched by Dorothy Moller.

At the Wednesday wine and cheese gathering, Board Member Don Brooks made an interesting presentation on his efforts to recover a B-17 from a lake in Canada. His presentation was so well received that a petition was started to present to the Canadian government in support of this project. Don’s long term goal is to have a “Square J” B-17 flying again!

Planning will start shortly for another annual Foundation event to be held in Tucson next year. Any suggestions to make the event a success would be appreciated, especially from those who attended our first event in 2002. Our goal is to build and improve the event each year, thereby increasing awareness and appreciation of this museum and what is stands for.

This will be my final chance this year to remind everyone of the matching endowment fund program that was generously set up by Dorothy Moller. You have until December 1st of 2002 to make your donation eligible to be matched. Don’t forget that any pledges made by December 1st, to be paid in 2003, will also be matched. This is a tremendous opportunity and I encourage everyone to be a part of this effort.

Frank Drain