Volunteer in the Spotlight

Fall, 2003

Our Fren’ Ben

Dewayne (Ben) Bennett has been a veritable fixture at the 390th Memorial Museum for more than sixteen years. Ben started as a volunteer and has served your museum in a variety of tasks steadily ever since. For several years in the early 90’s Ben was even the Museum Manager.

Many of the displays have Ben’s stamp on them. He built or participated in the building of something in just about every corner of the museum. Most recently Ben was asked to take on the job of Curator. In typical Bennett fashion he accepted this very challenging task and learned on the job. His versatility and willingness to perform whatever job he is asked to do make him one of your most valuable volunteers.

Ben’s humor is legendary to those of us who have heard his many stories. He uses his actual experiences to concoct the most outrageous tales ever told. He is always in good spirits in spite of many unfortunate episodes in his life and our lives are richer for his presence.

Ben’s contributions to his neighborhood association, as one of the co-founders, dedicated to as he says “if we keep one little child on the straight and narrow, its worth all the effort” speaks for our “Ben”.

Ben served with the 384th Bomb Group and was the skipper of “Squawkin’ Chicken”. He flew 31 missions and in spite of some very harrowing experiences managed to complete his tour with no casualties among his crew. On his second mission his plane was the sole survivor in his squadron and became known as “the last man standing.”

This farm boy from Iowa went from ‘Plow Boy’ to ‘Bomber Pilot’ and after a lengthy and circuitous journey, arrived at the 390th Memorial Museum. We are most fortunate that he has dedicated his time to our museum. He has made truly important contributions of time and effort on our behalf.