Aviation Museum Keeps Veteran History Alive in Arizona: The Commemorative Air Force Arizona Wing Aviation Museum

The Arizona Wing of the Commemorative Air Force includes an aircraft museum dedicated to preserving aviation history and wartime memorabilia from WWII to Vietnam. The museum, located near Falcon Field Airport in Mesa, AZ, provides a definitive trip back in time. Frequent events include big band dances and special honorary events for Arizona veterans.

Rick Senffner, Wing Leader of the Arizona Wing, has volunteered at the museum for 24 years. He attended an air show in November 1984 and saw a B-17 Sentimental Journey parked on the ramp. He visited the Sentimental Journey so many times that one of the older volunteers asked him to volunteer on the weekends. Some of the duties Senffner has held include public information office and "Night in the 40's" dance chairman. He is often involved in many wing events. In November 2007, a committee elected him the Arizona Wing's Wing Leader. Senffner's uncle was a Navigator on a B-17 and he along with the rest of his crew was killed on a mission in 1943. For this reason, Senffner feels it is very important to remember our veterans and to keep the history alive for future generations.

How do people get involved with the museum?
Many of our members visited our museum and were then interested in becoming a member and volunteering. When we hold public events like the "Night in the 40s Big Band Dance" individuals that come to the dance might not have even know about the Arizona Wing. Public events often create the interest in becoming a member.

How can people learn more about volunteering with the museum?
We hold a monthly orientation and a new member can see the different areas of the wing where they can volunteer. The wing's newsletter has upcoming events and we send emails about events or an upcoming work party. Many areas of the wing require talents of every kind.

What are some of the programs the museum supports?
Summer Aviation Camp for grade school students where schools children come to the museum to learn the basics of flight and history, school field trips to the museum, veteran organizations and community events.

How can the public get involved?
The museum opens new exhibits throughout the year and is open to the public. Retirement communities and schools can schedule trips to the museum. Membership is open anyone that is interested in preserving history. The museum is available for private events. We have had events ranging from weddings, corporate events and school proms to name a few.

What are some of the restoration projects currently underway? Who are the individuals who undertake the restoration jobs?
The museum is currently in the final restoration of our B-25 Mitchell named "Maid in the Shade". We are also starting the restoration of a Mig 15. Wing members interested in working on these projects volunteer their time.

What should people expect when they make a trip out to the museum?
The Commemorative Air Force Arizona Wing Aviation Museum displays and flies a variety of aircraft from WWI through Vietnam, including the most full restored B-17 flying today B-17G Flying Fortress Sentimental Journey. Our B-25 Mitchell is in the final stages of restoration. Other aircraft on display range from C-45, SNJ, F4 Phantom, Migs 15 & 21 and other warbirds. Visitors can experience a flight back in time by taking a ride in the B-17, SNJ or C-45 and by viewing memorabilia displayed from WWII as well as the aviation gift shop.

A staff of all volunteers maintains and operates the Aircraft Museum through fundraising events, gift shop items and donations. The Arizona Wing is located at 2017 N. Greenfield Rd. at Falcon Field Airport in Mesa. For more information contact www.arizonawingcaf.com or email info@arizonawingcaf.com.