From the Executive Director
by Tom Drugan

Fall, 2003

We have just returned from the annual 390th Bomb Group Veterans reunion. It is most gratifying to talk with the veterans and their families about the museum. Everyone is so enthusiastic about this monument and the steps we are taking to improve our visitors’ museum experience. Of course that is the primary mission of the staff and volunteers here. Our goal is to educate and inform everyone who comes through our doors of the courage and sacrifice of our World War II airmen of the 390th Bomb Group.

Over the years we have lost contact with several hundred former Foundation members. Last year we instituted a search for these people and have turned up over a hundred. But our search continues. On page 12 we have provided a list of sixty-four names with their last known city and state of residence. Please read that list and let us know by letter, phone or e-mail the status of any of the people that you recognize. Your help will be greatly appreciated.

On another page you will find the names of those who assisted our cause with donations during the third quarter. Without their generosity we would not be able to function. One thing everyone will notice about the page is all the white space. Perhaps it is a sign of the times, but during this quarter we have received the smallest number of contributions that we have had in a great many years. That accounts for the white space…not very many names. This museum is a very worthy enterprise and all of you undoubtedly have an interest in its success. Please be sure we are on your list of charitable organizations that you support.

Frank Drain mentioned the B-17 that descendant and Board member of the 390th Foundation, Don Brooks, is in process of restoring. That plane will be scheduled to be present at several air shows throughout the United States next year. When the schedule is available it will be published in the J Bulletin and we encourage everyone to see this aircraft when it is near you.

Our third annual Museum Foundation reunion will take place April 14-15, 2004. We will have new and exciting things to do next year. Everyone attending in 2003 gave the reunion very high marks and most indicated they would be back for 2004. Who knows, maybe we will be able to get Don Brooks to park his B-17 nearby. Plan now to attend.