PETE’S PAST

JOURNAL OF THE AIR & SPACE MUSEUM

FOUNDATION – DECEMBER 2002

OUR MISSION:

"…..dedicated to preserve and portray the heritage and missions of the Peterson Air Force Base and the Colorado Springs Municipal Airport Historic District."

FROM THE PRESIDENT:

2002 has proven to be a great year for the Peterson Air & Space Museum. As the end of the year approaches, I feel its time to give you and update on our efforts and seek your support as we move forward. You’ll see from the information below that we have made major strides, thanks primarily to a growing list of volunteers and a renewed dedication to make our museum one of the best in the Air Force. 2003 looks even brighter, as the museum Board and Foundation have developed a vision and a set of priorities for the future. We will keep you informed of our progress and hope that you have the time to stop by to say hello and offer thanks to our many volunteers. We look forward to next year with great anticipation and hope that you feel the same way. Thanks again for your support and have a happy Holiday season.

Mike Drennan

A GOOD START:

Yes, it’s been a good year for the Museum. It’s appropriate that we take a moment to reflect on our accomplishments. WE:

- repainted and remounted our F-102A, installing it in a landscaped park.

- changed the lighting and restored the bathrooms in the old Passenger Terminal Building.

- trucked the Connie tail to Tinker AFB who restored and repainted it.

- hosted the AF Secretary and Chief of Staff’s summer CORONA TOP meeting.

- continued restoration work on our P-47N aircraft (approximately 40% complete).

- reconstituted the Foundation Board of Directors and Officers.

- upgraded the inventory and reopened the Museum’s Gift Shop.

- Completed a total restoration and rededicated our F-106A.

- converted the Operations Building garage from a storage area to work shops.

- began construction of our Five Year Strategic Plan.

- obtained a 3K grant from the Association of AF Missileers for an ICBM exhibit.

- created a Web Site (www.petemuseum.org).

- restored our BOMARC missile.

- established a Foundation Organization Structure.

- created a new Museum Logo.

- obtained 25K from the 21^st Space Wing for redesign for the "Old City Hangar."

- established a plan for membership recruitment and benefits.

- created a volunteer recognition program.

- supported the AF Space Command’s 20^th Anniversary Celebration.

- developed an Exhibits Display Plan.

- recruited a staff of highly motivated volunteers.

- hosted the deactivation of the 11^th Space Warning Squadron and dedicated an interactive "ALERT" exhibit.

- established operating instructions for aircraft and exhibit Crew Chiefs.

THANKS:

We couldn’t have accomplished all of this without the help of many people and organizations. To our volunteers, to NORAD & NORTHCOM Commander General Ed Eberhart, to 21^st Space Wing Commander Brigadier General Duane W. Deal and his staff, to the 552d AWAC Wing, to the 21^st Civil Engineering Squadron, to the 144^th Fighter Squadron, to the Colorado State Historical Society and many more….

THANK YOU! THANK YOU!

NOW WHAT:

Yes, it’s been a good start, but it’s only that….a start. There’s much more to do as we look forward to the challenge of making the Peterson Air & Space Museum one of the premier Air Force Museums. We’ll keep you informed of our progress and invite you to visit your Museum. Finally, if you want to get even more involved, we’re always looking for talent or strong backs. Once again, thanks for your support!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS AND BEST WISHES FOR THE NEW YEAR!