| | | | The "Ready Room" Newsletter
Volume 16 Issue 5 | | Our Mission is to increase the awareness of aviation through the flight of historic aircraft while supporting the Anna Shaw Children’s Institute. | | | | Message From the Chairman | | By the time this issue of our newsletter is sent out, we will all be gearing up for the big 4th of July celebrations for our country’s 250th birthday. There will be patriotism galore to go around. Our museum planes will be on display for a flyover at the Dallas city festivities. It’s days like these that I never want to take for granted the men and women who laid the foundation of our freedoms.
Earlier this month, along with Crash and L.A., I visited Arlington Cemetery in Washington, DC. Although I had driven past it countless times, this was the first time I had the honor of going into the grounds. It’s difficult to stand at any of the thousands of headstones and not think of how great we are as a nation because of those who are laid to rest there. I realize there are other national cemeteries and, of course, those buried in their hometowns. Arlington just brings it all together with honor and majesty. We were able to visit our own Pete O’Hare and pay our respects. L.A. placed flowers next to his headstone, and we all had a moment of silence in his honor.
From there, we had the unique opportunity to receive a tour and history lesson from the CO of the unit standing guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. After watching the changing of the guard, we went below to their quarters and learned firsthand what it meant to be part of the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment, “The Old Guard.” What struck me was that while we were getting our history lesson, members of the unit were behind another door, competing for the honor of standing the watch. They don’t rotate evenly. Only the most polished, patriotic, knowledgeable soldier with the most passion will stand the next watch. And then only after he passes inspection down to every detail, ensuring he is going to look the part, can he take the watch until relieved.
Our museum preserves a small piece of history relative to this great country’s past. There are small reminders everywhere of why being patriotic is another way of being thankful that we live in a country built on the backs of people, here and gone, who believed our way of life was worth preserving. I believe we honor those people by supporting the museum’s mission of sharing history and Keeping them Flying!
Blue Skies and Tailwinds, Rich Henderson Board Chair | | | | | | Wings and Wheels - Calhoun, GA | | Another successful airshow! Thank you to all the volunteers that help out. | | | | | | | | | | | | | | On a recent field trip, one of the children asked about this picture, so I figured I would do some research. I knew the image was from WWII, but I had little knowledge beyond that. Actually, it is pretty interesting, not only about the lion cub but also the pilot.
The image is of Franz von Werra (1914-1941), a German Luftwaffe fighter pilot and flying ace of WWII. He is shown with his pet lion cub and squadron mascot, Simba.
Von Werra was credited with 21 aerial victories during WWII. Simba was the living mascot of the Gruppe, Jagdgeschwader 3 (fighter wing). In the photo, Simba is playing with the 20mm cannon barrel from von Werra's Messerschmitt Bf 109 airplane.
Von Werra was shot down over Kent, England, on September 5, 1940, during the Battle of Britain. After multiple failed escape attempts, he was sent to a POW camp in Canada in January 1941. He escaped from a moving train in Canada, crossed into the neutral United States, and traveled through Mexico, South America, Spain, and Italy to reach Germany in April 1941. Von Werra is famous for his legendary status as the only German prisoner of war (POW) to successfully escape Allied custody and return to Germany during the war. | | | | | | Your donation is instrumental in ensuring that we can:- Maintain our aircraft, motor pool, and artifacts, preserving the rich history of aviation and military history for future generations.
- Develop and deliver educational programs that inspire young minds and foster a love for aviation and STEM fields.
- Host engaging exhibits and events that share the magic of flight with all ages.
We are deeply grateful for any support you can provide. DONATIONS ARE TAX-DEDUCTIBLE. | | | | | | | |
| Date | Event | Location | March 7, 2026 | Murder Mystery Dinner | Paulding Airport
| March 27 - 29 | Flyby T-28 | Meridian, MS | April 24 | Flyby T-28 (3) | Augusta, GA | May 30 | T-28s | Calhoun, GA | | July 4 | Flyover T-28 (3) | Meridian, MS | | July 11 | First Annual Auction & Taste of Local | Paulding Airport | | Oct 17 - 31 | Haunted Hangar | Rome Airport | | December (TBD) | Santa Flying - Toys for Tots Event | Paulding Airport |
| | | | We send out the newsletter once a month plus an occasional update or request.
Mission: Our Mission is to increase the awareness of aviation through the flight of historic aircraft, while supporting the Anna Shaw Children’s Institute.
Past issues of the Ready Room can be found on the website. Watch your email or Facebook for upcoming events.
Just a side note. Be sure to add communications@mofts.org to your email contact list so you receive this newsletter in your e-mail and it doesn't end up in the spam folder. | | The inside aviation, military memorabilia and outdoor displays are open 10-4 (Tues-Sat) at the Paulding County Airport. Paulding Co. Airport 730 Airport Parkway, Dallas, GA 30157 | | Tours of our flying aircraft in Rome (Richard B. Russell Airport) by appointment only. (423) 228-2FLY. Rome Hangar 304 Russell Field Rd NE, Rome, GA 30165 | | | | | | Our new mailing address is:
MOFTS
1759 Thrasher Pike
Hixson, TN 37343
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