From the Executive Director
by Tom Drugan

Winter, 2003-2004

Farewell 2003

We consign another year to history. All I can say is that a year is not as long as it used to be. January begins a period of frantic activity as we close the accounting records for the year, prepare a myriad of government reports, prepare for the annual Board of Directors meeting and organize the upcoming Foundation reunion. Of course regular business continues.

We consider 2003 to be a very good year for your museum. During the year your Endowment Fund topped $1 million, thanks to your generosity and a favorable turn in the market; we enrolled approximately 175 new members; some much needed major electrical work was completed in the building, thanks in large measure to some special financial help as described in “Around the Museum” on page 9; and our merchandise sales hit a record high. But sadly, we learned of the passing of 170 of our treasured members.

All of this emphasizes a truism well known to business people…organizations must grow or die. To that end we will continue to strive for membership increases and sustaining donations. All of you can help in this effort. You can promote membership and contributions among friends and relatives. We welcome such help.

Reunion 2004
Elsewhere in this Bulletin you will find the announcement for the third annual Foundation membership reunion. All members of the Foundation are invited to attend this outstanding event. There will be new tours, a new golf course and a combined reunion/volunteer appreciation dinner. Festivities begin Thursday evening, April 15, 2004 with a hosted cocktail party, and end on Saturday evening, April 17, 2004. Packages will be in the mail in the next few weeks. April is a wonderful time to visit the desert. Come and join us!

Don Brooks Liberty Belle
Don’s restored B-17 should be in the air by the time of the reunion. You will find more on that subject elsewhere in the Bulletin, but come to the reunion and hear a full report from Don himself. You will be amazed at his plans for this grand old bird.

Museum Support
There are several hundred people who were paid up members in 2002 and 2003 who have not yet renewed their membership for 2004. If you are included in that number, we urge you to renew now so that we can continue our mission to memorialize the legacy of courage and sacrifice established by your fathers, sons and brothers.

On to 2004
Ready or not, here it comes! We have a great many plans for the new year…some will be completed and some will be longer term. We have an ambitious agenda and will need your support more than ever to make it all happen. I know we can count on all of you!