F-86H Restored and Ready for Debut
Dedicating the recently restored F-86H with a 50s Style Sock Hop Hangar Dance!
The restoration of our F-86H is complete and
more than 100 guests helped us celebrate its
debut, along with the team that restored this
mighty aircraft, Aug. 29, at our 50s style sock
hop hangar dance.
The evening featured the restoration team
while live music was played by Six-Foot Joe
and the Red Hot Rhinos.
The F-86 Sabre was used in the 50s & best
known for its Korean War role, where it was
pitted against the Soviet MiG-15 to obtain
United Nations air superiority. The F-86 Sabre
was America’s first swept-wing fighter jet.
It gained its highest fame during the Korean
Conflict as a “MiG Killer.” Though the
Russian-built Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-15 jet
fighter was slightly superior to the F-86, Sabre
The Official Newsletter for Members and Friends of Wings Museum
pilots were able to gain the advantage.
During that conflict, Sabres shot down 792
MiGs with only 76 Sabres lost – a victory
ratio of 10 to one. All 39 of the United
Nations’ jet aces in that conflict were F-86
pilots.
The “H” Series
Our restored aircraft at Wings is the North
American F-86H Sabre. The F-86H, perfected
after the signing of the Korean Armistice, rep-
resented the practical application of knowl-
edge gained from the thousands of combat
missions flown by the earlier F-86A, E and F
variants.
The museum obtained the F-86H in 2004. It
is exhibited with part of its stressed skin
removed to show the internal structure.
F-86H Restoration Sock Hop
Featuring the restored F-86H
and music by Six-Foot Joe and
the Red Hot Rhinos
August 29, 2009
7 - 11 p.m.
Wings Over the Rockies
Tickets: $20 in advance,
$25 day of event
Call 303.360.5360 ext. 105 for
more information.
3rd Quarter 2009
Denver, CO 80230-6929
7711 E. Academy Blvd.
The Official Newsletter for Members and Friends of Wings Museum
VOL. 15, ISSUE 3 3rd QUARTER 2009
Actor/Pilot Harrison Ford to be Honored at
Wings Over the Rockies Annual 2009 Gala
Star Wars; Air Force The Spreading Wings Gala celebrates
One; Six Days, Seven and sustains Colorado’s distinguished
Nights; and the leadership in aviation and space with
Indiana Jones series. proceeds supporting the Wings Over the
Ford is an accom- Rockies Museum and the Spreading
plished pilot who Wings Education Outreach program.
generously gives his Contact 303-360-5360 ext. 170 or
time to help support a Gala@WingsMuseum.org for more
variety of aviation- information.
related organizations,
including the 2009 Wings of Wonder
Experimental Aircraft
Association (EAA).
Event Series*
Harrison Ford is the 2009 Spreading Wings' Honoree
Ford is a national
6th Annual Spreading Wings Gala Celebrates F-86H Rollout & Hangar Dance
spokesperson for
Ford’s Passion for Aviation & Wings Over the Rockies
Colorado’s Leadership in Aerospace Education EAA Young Eagles, Aug. 29, 7 - 11 pm.
which provides vol-
Wings Over the Rockies Air and Space unteer pilots to fly more than 1.4 million Open Cockpit Demo Days
Air and Space Museum has announced young people giving them a personal flight Wings Over the Rockies
Harrison Ford as this year’s honoree at Sept. 12, 10 a.m.- 2 pm.
experience.
its 6th Annual Spreading Wings Gala Oct. 10, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
taking place on Nov. 14. “We are honored to recognize Harrison Ford Hauntings at the Hangar
with the Spreading Wings Award at this year’s Wings Over the Rockies
Ford will receive the organization’s Gala for his tireless dedication to promoting Oct. 31, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
distinguished Spreading Wings Award aviation and the aerospace community,” said
Spreadin Wings Gala
at the event honoring those who have Greg Anderson, president and CEO of the
dedicated their lives to flight and Wings Over the Rockies
Wings Over the Rockies. “His continued sup-
advances in aviation. In addition to Nov. 14, 6 p.m.
port of aviation-related organizations and non-
promoting his personal love of aviation profits makes him the ideal recipient for this *All events are subject to change; visit
www.WingsMuseum.org for more information.
through many of his films, including unique award."
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
News from the Cockpit P.2 B-17 Air Power Heritage Week P.4 Vote Wings for Best Museum P.6
Wings' Volunteer of the Year P.3 B-17 Hangar Dance P.5 Research Library Update P.7
MK36 Restored & on Exhibit P.3 Wings' Youngest Fund Raiser P.6 40th Anniversary Moon Landing P.7
2 7
Greg Anderson, President & CEO
Partly Cloudy Equals Partly Sunny
A meteorologist will tell you that a
partly cloudy forecast means clouds will
cover between 3/10ths and 7/10ths of
the sky. Of course, during daylight
hours, that means that the sky condition
will also be partly sunny.
As we continue to hear (and prepare for)
economic forecasts that stress the
negative, there are almost always
positive things happening as well. It is
up to each of us to find the proper
balance, plan ahead and create positive
opportunities. Such are the times for
Wings Over the Rockies as we begin the
second half of 2009.
I am very excited about what the next
six months will bring. Our Board of
Directors’ meeting in late June carefully
considered our forecast as well as
opportunities.
Hangar 2 Plans
We continue to work closely with
Hangar 2 Partners to make the most of
our Hangar 2 redevelopment plans.
Around storage spaces created in the
hangar (including an area for Wings),
and boutique retail in the north and
south buildings, a “dining district” is
planned for free-standing buildings
along the west and south side streets.
Designs have the look and feel of
Larimer Square.
While entitlements and the economy are
challenging, closing should happen
Greg Anderson, President & CEO
Matthew Burchette, Curator & Grants Manager
Liz Ann Fischer, Volunteer Coordinator
Jeff Franta, Facilities Manager
Yael Franzen, Grant and Program Development Manager
Kristin Love, Director of Administration
Ed Massman, Controller
Nancy McCurdy, Museum Store Manager
Joseph ‘Moo’ Muniz, Director of Marketing; Editor Wingspan
Wingspan is a quarterly publication of Wings Over The Rockies Air & Space Museum • 7711 E. Academy Blvd., Denver, CO 80230-6929 • (303) 360-5360
FROM THE COCKPIT
within the next six to eight months, allowing
planning to proceed for capital
improvements in 2010. We are already
working with an architect to conceptually
plan for a new entrance that will include a
Welcome Theater and vending area for
refreshments, possibly with an outside deck
overlooking an elevated B-52 and plaza area.
Centennial Airport
The success of our B-17 Airpower Heritage
Week in early June continues to draw
community support and memberships from
the Centennial Airport area. We have
accepted a generous offer of a leased hangar
which will allow museum activities and
aircraft storage for airplanes such as the
Canadair Tudor jet which has been offered to
the Museum. In addition, long-range
planning can continue for a second site at
Centennial. As part of this planning, we will
be investigating the possibility of an
aerospace charter school to be developed in
conjunction with the Centennial site.
Spreading Wings Gala
We anticipate the biggest and best Spreading
Wings Gala ever this November 14th. We
will honor Harrison Ford with the prestigious
award by the same name. Few people have
promoted flight to more people than
Harrison through his best-selling movies,
and through tireless advocacy for general
aviation and youth programs. He is also a
great pilot of several types of aircraft.
Harrison believes in the mission of Wings
Kevin Smith, Education Program Manager
Courtney Walsh, Director of Sales & Corporate Events
Darci Wert, Director of Education
Directors & Officers:
Harold Smethills, Chairman
Pat Wiesner, Co-Vice Chairman
Jack Cronin, Secretary-Treasurer
Over the Rockies, and we are excited
about what he will do for our cause.
What About Those Clouds?
In addition to the “sunny”
opportunities above, we have also
planned for the clouds in our skies.
Our June Board meeting reduced our
2009 budget in several areas. We
have frozen salaries, wages and
planned hires; we have reduced
expenses in exhibits, maintenance
and overhead; and we have made
changes, such as bringing our
“Wingspan” newsletters to you
on-line in order to save printing and
postage expenses.
Meanwhile, our programs continue to
serve veterans, families and young
people. From our growing education
programs to exhibits and B-17
activities, there has never been a
more exciting time to be part of the
Wings family.
Our core mission has not changed ...
“Education and inspiration of all ages
through aviation and space” has never
been more important. AS
MEMBERS AND VOLUNTEERS,
YOU ARE THE FUEL FOR OUR
MISSION.
We are prepared to fly through sunny
or cloudy skies with your continuing
support.
Moon Landing Event
Closes Out Stories
From Space Series
To conclude the Stories From Space
series the Museum hosted VAdm. (Ret.)
Richard Truly, USN. who discussed
his role in space along with the rami-
fications the moon landing had on his
career and space missions and noted
author Craig Nelson author of the new
book Rocket Men, was on hand to
discuss his new book Rocket Men. The
book chronicled the efforts leading up
to and those following the landing on
the moon a voyage into the unknown
motivated by politics, faith, science
and wonder that changed the course of
history.
The event also debuted a special
showcase of 40th Anniversary Tribute
Exhibit Items – commemorating the
events of the 1969 Moon Landing. The
complementary exhibit items are on
loan from NASA and includes; Apollo
Photographs, Six Moon Rock Repli-
cas, Apollo Mock Up Suit W/Helmet,
Manned Space Flight Panels, Apollo
Suit Display and Project Apollo Panels.
This exhibit is a perfect complement
to our permanent exhibit “Colorado’s
Astronauts: In Their Own Words,
presented by Lockheed Martin.” This
exhibit features the personal reflections,
memorabilia and artifacts of more than
60 astronauts with Colorado ties.
Craig Nelson (left), author of Rocket Men, Jim Dolan, Museum
volunteer and Astronaut VAdm. (Ret.) Richard Truly, USN.
Behind the Ropes
Wings' Research Library Update
The all-volunteer Research Library staff con-
tinues to be quietly busy. Jean Armstrong has
been again invited to research on an author’s
second book about heroes of WWI. George
Blood and Dick Palmer are immersing
themselves in a massive cataloging effort to
make a cohesive picture of the ever-growing
collections. Ray Casperson is succeeding
in keeping over 513 titles in the Periodical
Section under control and located for speedy
reference. Don Wippermann is concentrating
on Colorado Aviation and has been adding
to the Library’s various databases. The staff
is also looking for a replacement for our
dedicated map/chart volunteer, Bob Brown.
• Apollo Moon Missions, the Unsung
Please contact a staff member if you can
Heroes. (Billy Watkins) (Above).
help.
The Library’s perpetual project to identify • Chariots for Apollo, the NASA History
exact duplicates in our collection has pro- of Manned Lunar Space craft to 1969.
duced another crop of materials for sale at (Courtney Brooks).
rock bottom prices. Please see contact note
below to arrange to come and harvest! From • Last Man on the Moon. (Eugene
time to time, informal sales will be held fol- Cernan).
lowing the Saturday Volunteer meetings.
• NASA Apollo 11 Owner’s Workshop.
To commemorate Apollo 11’s Monumental (Christopher Riley).
Achievement, the Research Library has
If you are interested in reading these
acquired several new titles:
new additions, or any of our books,
• Apollo 11, the NASA Mission
of course, please contact the Research
Reports, Vol. 1-3, CDS included. (Robert
Library library@wingsmuseum.org or
Godwin, ed.).
call (303)360-5360 ext. 119 and leave a
• Apollo, the Epic Journey to the Moon. message.
(David Reynolds).
Also, the staff can offer other books
and still other alternatives to items the
• Journey to the Moon, the History of the
library may not hold in its collection.
Apollo Guidance Computer. (Eldon Hall).
This is true for many aspects of aviation
and space exploration.
• Live from Cape Canaveral. (Jay Barbee).
• NASA Engineers and the Age of Apollo. For more information you can visit
(Sylvia Doughty Fries). these interesting Web sites for special
Apollo information, http://www.nasa.
• Moon Shot, the Inside Story of America’s gov/mission_pages/apollo/40th/, www.
Race to the Moon. (Alan Shepard/Deke klabs.org, www.spacecraft.it and www.
Slayton). waltercunningham.com.
- Marilyn Chang, Librarian
6 3

Behind the Scenes at the Wing News and Info from Wings
Wings' Newest Fund Raiser is itsYoungest Fund Raiser Long Time Volunteer Named 2009 Volunteer of the Year
We’ve all seen the news, read the papers and possibly watched As part of their Portfolios, each student must complete a service Harry Blout Recognized as Twelve volunteers were nominated by the mu- delights visitors with stories of the
Wings' Ultimate Ambassador seum staff and Harry was selected by his peers. “old days” at Lowry. Harry is also is
portfolios drop. There is no denying that times are tough. And project and do a write up on it. Some of the things suggested at
Harry’s dedication and love of the museum is an exceptionally professional docent
most nonprofits are seeing a decline in giving. That’s why this the third grade level are helping an elderly neighbor, donating to a
expressed in many ways beginning with his for our Education department. His
story is so remarkable. food bank, or collecting toys for a Long time volunteer, Harry Blout,
commute to serve as a volunteer at the Muse- versatility is obvious if you listen
shelter. Tristan and his mother has received the Donald B. Welsh
Tristan Ropa just turned nine- um. Harry travels more than 64 miles each way as he leads a tour of three-year olds
were discussing what kind of Volunteer of the Year Award for
years old. Most boys his age from his home in Colorado Springs. in our “Top Gun for Tots” program
service would be meaningful to 2008-2009. The award, presented by
are focused on sports or video and then deftly conducts a tour for a
him, and he asked if Wings was Greg Anderson, CEO of Wings, at
games, not on giving back to Through the years Harry has held a variety of group of senior citizens.
a nonprofit organization (he the Annual Volunteer Appreciation
the community. Not in this volunteer positions at Wings. In 1998 he began
knows what nonprofits are, Picnic held on July 11.
case. as the soaring curator and Additionally, Harry is often a greet-
since Lori works for one). He
continues to work in many er for our many public corporate
Tristan is in third grade at the said he loved the museum and
different departments. Ev- events he represents the Museum’s
Rocky Mountain School of really wanted to donate some
ery Tuesday you can find values and education mission as
Expeditionary Learning money to it so it would always
Harry greeting members a member of the Speakers Bureau
(RMSEL) in Denver. The be there.
and guests from his post at – covering an array of aviation
school’s mission is to
On May 9th, Tristan, Lori and the Welcome Center. He topics for discussion to community
empower their students “to be
his friends arrived at Wings to is genuinely concerned in organizations.
learners, thinkers, citizens,
present his donation. Museum each guest’s experience
and explorers engaged in and
staff rewarded his efforts with and engages them in con- The staff and volunteers of Wings
inspired by the real world.”
an orange Wings T-shirt, versation about the many Over the Rockies are very proud to
Their motto is: “We are crew,
customized dog tags, a wonderful features of the have Harry Blout on our volunteer
not passengers.”
certificate of appreciation and a Museum. team.
According to Tristan’s mother, An aerial view shows Wings Over the Rockies Air and Space museum (right) and Hangar 2 (left). lapel pin for when Tristan
Lori, students at RMSEL do begins to wear suits. There was Harry served as an Air Be sure to say hello to Harry on
not receive traditional grades a brief pause as the Museum’s Force pilot here at Lowry your next visit to Wings Over the
for their work, but have Portfolios that demonstrate their curator explained to Tristan exactly what a lapel was! After the Wings' Volunteer Harry Blout (left) accepts the Donald B. Welsh Volunteer of the Year Award Air Force Base in the Rockies. – Liz Ann Fischer, Volun-
learning and character. informal ceremony, Tristan and his friends toured the Museum for 2008-2009 from Greg Anderson, CEO Wings Over the Rockies.
1960’s and entertains and teer Coordinator
and even had a chance to get pictures taken with some of the
At several points (3rd, 5th, 8th, and 10th grades) RMSEL
students go through “Passages,” an intensive process of putting
Museum’s costumed Star Wars volunteers.
Restoration Team Completes Latest Project – Restoration of MK36
together their Portfolios and reflections on their work, all for Tristan’s selfless act shows us that Wings Over the Rockies means
presentation to a Passages Panel that will determine whether or something to everyone. Tristan, we hope to see you back as a This July marked the com- system to generate yields
not the student is ready to move on to the next grade level. volunteer when you turn 16! pletion of Wings’ Restora- up to about 10 megatons.
tion team’s latest project –
the restoration of a MK36 The MK 36 was a more
Wings Nominated for Denver Channels A-List as Best Museum thermonuclear bomb. The advanced version of the
restoration of this item earlier MK 21 nuclear
Wings Over the Rockies has been nominated as one of the As the premier image-based has been underway, led bomb, which itself was
top MUSEUMS in the Denver area as part of the Best of guide of local businesses, by Wings’ volunteers Jack a weaponized version of
Denver's 7 A-List. the Denver's 7 A-List brings Lenten and Dave McCord, the "Shrimp" design, the
together information and vi- since April. first "dry" (lithium deu-
The Denver's 7 A-List features a promotional contest and sual content to form a unique teride) fuel thermonuclear
city guide through Denver's 7 and CityVoter that profiles lo- place for local businesses to promote their business. The MK36 was a heavy bomb the U.S. tested, in
cal businesses and allows consumers to vote for their favorite high-yield US nuclear the Castle Bravo ther-
local businesses. Voting is conducted online at http://kmgh. Vote for Wings as best Museum today! Contest ends Sept. 19. bomb designed in the monuclear test in 1954.
cityvoter.com. Help us to become Denver’s 7 A-List best museum. 1950s. It was a thermonu- About 920 MK 36 bombs
clear bomb, using a multi- were produced as new or
stage fusion secondary converted. Wings' MK36 after four months of restoration work. All MK36 nuclear bombs were retired between August
1961 and January 1962, replaced by the B41 nuclear bomb. The MK36 bomb is 56.2 to 59 inches in diameter,
depending on version and 150 inches long. It weighed 17,500 or 17,700 pounds depending on version.
4 5

B-17 Air Power Heritage Week 2009 B-17 Air Power Heritage Week 2009
Hangar Dance Wraps Up B-17 Week
More Than 4,000 People Take Part in B-17 Week
Wings Over the Rockies hosted EAA’s First Female Jet Demonstration Pilot Delivers
B-17 Aluminum Overcast: “Keep Inspirational Presentation at Hangar Dance
it Flying Tour,” at Signature Flight
Support at Centennial Airport the first More than 375 people came out to the annual Airpower Heri-
week of June in honor of Veterans tage Hangar Dance to dance under the wings of the mighty
since WWII while also offering guests B-17 Aluminum Overcast and support Wings Over the Rock-
a chance to fly on one of the few still- ies.
flying B-17s.
This year’s featured guest speakers for the event were Air
More than 4,000 people attended Force Maj. Nicole Malachowski, current White House Fel-
the fifth annual heritage week event, low and MajGen. Mike Edwards, Adjutant General, Colorado
hailed as one of the best B-17 tour National Guard.
stops in the country, offering them
The beautifully restored B-17 Aluminum Overcast comes in for a landing at Centennial Airport following a flight during B-17 Air Power Heritge Week.
not only the opportunity to take flight Maj. Malachowski holds the distinction as the first ever, high
“missions” on this spectacular aircraft performance jet demonstration pilot in the U.S. military as
but also take ground tours this mag- a member of the Air Force Thunderbirds. She delivered an
nificently restored aircraft. inspirational presentation that chronicled her achievements in Guests on hand at TAC Air Hangar at Centennial Airport for the Hangar Dance under Aluminum Over-
the Air Force with a slide show presentation and speech that cast during the B-17 Air Power Heritage Week.
Daily events included; B-17 flight brought the gathering to its collective feet.
simulators, Veteran’s corner, airpower
theater, free young eagle flights, pedal MajGen. Edwards is responsible for the command administra-
planes for children, static vintage tion of over 5,000 Colorado Army and Air National Guard
WWII military vehicles – including a members currently deployed to operations in Iraq and Afghani-
tank – and WWII military reenactors. stan. He also serves as the Executive Director of the Depart-
Above Left: (Clockwise): Wings Volunteer Dale Bristol
shows visitors how to fly the B-17 flight simulator as ment of Military & Veterans Affairs and is a member of the
According to Wings’ CEO Greg An- part of the events at B-17 week. (Above) The B-17 Governor’s cabinet.
ground crew volunteers take a break between flights at
derson the event will take place again Centennial Airport. (Below) Young Eagle flyers depart
next year, so mark your calendars now the flightline after a complimentary flight, part of
B-17 week that offers free flight experiences to youths During the Hangar Dance, guests dined on USO–style BBQ
for 2010. between the ages of 8-17. while dancing under the wing of a B-17 to the “big band” spins
from our house DJ. Guests dressed in vintage WWII attire
while paying tribute to the B-17 bomber and veterans. Above: (Clockwise): Air Force Maj. Nicole Mala-
chowski leans over to talk to a young lady at the B-17
Hangar Dance. (right) Vanity Dollz performers pose
in a vintage jeep on display at the Hangar Dance.
(below) MajGen. Mike Edwards, Adjutant General,
Colorado National Guard, Maj. Malachowski and
Greg Anderson, CEO Wings Over the Rockies, in front
of Aluminum Overcast. (left) A guest tours the B-17
during the Hangar Dance.

B-17 flight participants walk around Aluminum Overcast prior to

their "mission."

Wings Over the Rockies Would Like to Thank our Sponsors for B-17 Week