September, 2017 No: 17010
Hot Links!
Never Too Old To Fly
Thunder Over Michigan
This Chick's Awesome!
MegaSwap Meet September
Growing, Growing, Growing,...
Come Grow With Us!
The Estrella Warbirds Museum has always been known for its constant change and quality of the displays.  If you have not been to the museum in a while, there is no better time then this summer to catch up on the latest aircraft, military vehicle or automotive display that has become part of the museum since the last time you visited.

If you have a little bit of extra time on your hands and are looking for a new hobby or willing to share your knowledge or even learn something new, we are always looking for gift shop workers,  docents or volunteers in the restoration or maintenance areas.  We are all family and would like you to join us!  It's fun! There are plenty of new friends to meet and enjoyable times to be had. Contact us today!  We'd love to hear from you.
 
September Dinner
Special Guest Speaker

Harry Moyer
"WWII Pilot"

Wednesday, Sep 6, 2017 
No Host Bar starts at 6:00 p.m. 
Dinner starts at 7.p.m.

 

This 96-year-old pilot has been flying for a long time - since 1942, to be precise, when he joined the U.S. Army Air Corps as an aviation cadet while studying engineering at the University of Akron in Ohio.

During World War II, Moyer flew in North Africa, Sicily, Italy and China. He managed to down several enemy aircraft and damaged a few more. A photo of Moyer standing next to a P-40 in China in May 1944 now graces bottles of Tribute, a 2013 Red Blend produced by Pianetta Winery in San Miguel as homage to those who have served or are serving in the U.S. Military. With each bottle purchased, the winery made a donation to Honor Flight Central Coast California, which takes veterans to Washington, D.C., to visit memorials. Moyer traveled to D.C. in 2013 with the group.

Harry still flies his 1964 Mooney from the San Luis Obispo Airport. Over the years, Harry and Gabrielle have flown many cross-country flights and made numerous trips in the western U.S. and to Mexico. Moyer estimated he's logged about 5,500 flight hours.

When asked how long he might continue to fly, Moyer said: "As long as I can. As long as I feel I'm capable of getting it up and down without damaging anybody. It's hard to think that one of these days I shouldn't do it. But if I'm still capable of it ..." 
 
Make sure you have signed up on line or have a current reservation. Hope to see you there!  More information about  Harry Moyer and the event plus pictures from a previous dinner  can be found at this link.   Dinner is catered and open to the public ($20/person), reservations are required prior to 6 p.m., Monday prior to dinner, either on-line or call call 805 296-1935.
Betsy's Biscuit Bomber, C-47B, Thunders Over Michigan
Betsy's Biscuit Bomber
2d from left
Participating in what was the largest paratrooper drop in the world, Betsy's Biscuit Bomber, piloted by Sherm Smoot, thundered over Ypsilanti, Michigan during Labor Day Weekend. 
 
The paratroop drop was part of Thunder Over Michigan Air Show, which featured a world record number of paratroopers jumping out of WWII aircraft at the same time.  Air Show web site is here. For more news story information, click here
H-19D Restoration Completed
Sikorsky UH-19 Chickasaw

This Sikorsky UH-19D Chickasaw has gone through quite a renovation by the all volunteer Restoration Crew.  Many thanks to all hands, feet, heads and minds of all the guys who dedicated many hours to save this bird from becoming another forgotten hunk of metal. Special thanks to the William Hearst family, no strangers to Estrella Warbirds Museum, sponsors of the purchase and restoration of this craft, as a tribute W.O. George Hearst, Jr., whom flew the H-19 type helicopter during the Korean War.  Yes,  it's the same type of aircraft depicted on the Korean War Mural painted by Gerri Obrien, which dons the northern wall of Freedom Hall.  Click on H-19 pic for more information.
Coming next Weekend!
Click on picture for full information 
Coming on Sunday, September, 10th, 2017, we will be hosting our third  MegaSwap Meet! This recurring event has brought new people to the museum, many of whom never knew we existed and were very impressed with the museum  and the Woodland Auto Display. Plan now to attend, either as a swapper or as a buyer/visitor. Click on poster for complete details.

How We Keep On Growing!
Estrella Warbirds Museum is a 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization

We have been funded over the years solely from private sources, benefactors, groups, individuals and members.  We receive no funding from your tax dollars. We exist because of your generous support and we are forever grateful.  We've continued to grow as more people have seen what can happen when individuals and  community seek a common goal - preserving our heritage for future generations.  As we continue to grow, our expenses, unfortunately, continue to increase also.  We are ever vigilant as to how your donations are spent to insure 100% goes to the support of the museum.  If you would help support us or would  like more information, please visit our website at this link, or call us at 805 238-9317

Are You a Member?
Membership has its benefits! Why become a member? The museum is supported solely from private sources.  Minimal membership dues go a long way in helping to preserve history for tomorrows generation. Membership gives you free access to the museum and our wonderful research library. Individual memberships are pro-rated at $50/year or $100/year for families. We have six different categories.  You can find more information on membership and how to sign up the the link listed below. 
Yes! I'm interested in membership with Estrella Warbird Museum