Midland Army Air Field Museum Grand Opening a Success

On Friday, Feb 5, the High Sky Wing held an invitation-only grand opening for our new Midland Army Air Field Museum. Well over one hundred attended including members of the press, Midland City Council, Midland Chamber of Commerce, friends of the HSW, and of course the wing members who made it all happen.

Saturday, the first day the museum was open to the public, was also a success, with more visitors in one day than the hangar has seen in a long time.  The MAAFM will be open every Saturday from 9:00 am – 3:00 pm and volunteers are needed to staff the foyer to greet visitors and answer questions.  Please let a staff member know that you are interested.

ACAHOF plaques line the entrance fuselage to the museum.

ACAHOF plaques line the entrance fuselage to the museum.

Lauri Skinner puts the finishing touches on one of the hors d'oeuvre tables just before guests arrived.

Lauri Skinner puts the finishing touches on one of the hors d’oeuvre tables just before guests arrived.

Event Coordinator Kelly Blackwell declares the hors d'oeuvre table perfect.

Event Coordinator Kelly Blackwell declares the hors d’oeuvre table perfect.

Mrs. Robin Donnelly and former Mayor and Mrs. Ernest Angelo sample the hors d'oeuvre table.

Mrs. Robin Donnelly and former Mayor and Mrs. Ernest Angelo sample the hors d’oeuvre table.

Members of the Desert Squadron showed their support by attending the grand opening and by allowing the High Sky Wing to display their Stearman during the event.  Thanks again.

Members of the Desert Squadron showed their support by attending the grand opening and by allowing the High Sky Wing to display their Stearman during the event. Thanks again.

A good crowd showed up for the dedication, including the boy scouts who helped freshen the Bush exhibit.

A good crowd showed up for the dedication, including the boy scouts who helped freshen the Bush exhibit.

H.A. Tuck stalks the podium to capture another memorable image.

H.A. Tuck stalks the podium to capture another memorable image.

Steve Buss, VP of Membership for CAF visits with wing members Steve Bolin and Mike Hedrick with Bob and Carol Keating in the background.

Steve Buss, VP of Membership for the CAF, visits with wing members Steve Bolin and Mike Hedrick with Bob and Carolyn Keating in the background.

High Sky Wing members John Meyer, Michael Clinton, and Mark Haskin, and Steve Buss, VP of Membership from CAF Headquarters, discuss the new museum.

High Sky Wing members John Meyer, Michael Clinton, and Mark Haskin, with Steve Buss, discuss the new museum.

HSW member Paul Cooper gathers some snacks.

HSW member Paul Cooper gathers some snacks.

Members of the Midland Chamber of Commerce and High Sky Wing staff applaud after the reading of the certificate of congratulations for opening the Midland Army Air Field Museum.

Members of the Midland Chamber of Commerce and High Sky Wing staff applaud after the reading of the certificate of congratulations for opening the Midland Army Air Field Museum.

As Midland Chamber of Commerce members look on, Brent Collins, Mark Haskin (hidden) and Michael Clinton cut the ribbon officially opening the Midland Army Air Field Museum.

As Midland Chamber of Commerce members look on, Brent Collins, Mark Haskin (hidden) and Michael Clinton cut the ribbon officially opening the Midland Army Air Field Museum.

Steve Bolin prepares to say a few words about the new museum and the effort involved as wing staff members (L to R)Michael Clinton,  Mark Haskin, Gena Linebarger and Brent Collins look on.

Steve Bolin prepares to say a few words about the new museum and the effort involved, as wing staff members (L to R)Michael Clinton, Mark Haskin, Gena Linebarger and Brent Collins look on.

Wing Leader Gena Linebarger addresses the crowd as staff members Michael Clinton, Mark Haskin and Brent Collins look on.

Wing Leader Gena Linebarger addresses the crowd as staff members Michael Clinton, Mark Haskin and Brent Collins look on.

HSW members David Linebarger of the Blastards, Bill Coombes the wing PIO and Paul Cooper socialize during the event.

HSW members David Linebarger of the Blastards, Bill Coombes, the wing Public Information Officer, and Paul Cooper socialize during the event.

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