The people who make the Greenwood Military Aviation Museum what it is had the opportunity to mark the last year’s – and the last 30 years’ – milestones June 19.
A volunteer appreciation pizza party at the VP International building at 14 Wing Greenwood gathered volunteers – retirees, aviation enthusiasts, military members who lend a hand – and a range of others with unique and valuable skill sets.
“You are the museum; you are the people who drive it,” said GMAM society chairman Ian Patrick, himself a founding volunteer. “Even if it’s only a few hours, what you leave behind is this and, 50 years from now, people are going to look at what you did. Nothing is too small – it all makes a difference.
“Keep up the good work.”
GMAM society president and chief executive officer Brian Handley used notes and reminders as he looked around the room of guests, prompting his recap of the past year’s restoration, public relations, education and modernization work by volunteers. The marquee Flight Education program hosted eight visiting schools for its 23rd year, sharing flight theory and 14 Wing heritage with over 700 Grade 6 students – close to 11,000 since its start. Work continued on display aircraft, including the return of the Dakota C47 to the airpark from repair at 14 Air Maintenance Squadron and the start of year 17 on the extensive Bolingbroke MK IV restoration. Interior museum displays continue to be updated and expanded, including a full revamp of the engine room and the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan exhibit. Artifact care and control, society board responsibilities, website, video tours, finances and more all add up to “too much to mention.
“And we get great 14 Wing support, with aircraft work and movements, care for the building and grounds and more,” Handley said.
14 Wing Colonel Luc Vachon said the museum – and volunteers’ effort, have an impact on the community.
“We see so many people visiting, the impact of Flight Education – shaping the minds of students who are exposed to aviation and the air force…. They want to come back,” he said. “All the work to make that happen is here. You are part of the community, and the base.”
Vachon highlighted some 14 Wing imminent developments, including the arrival of new aircraft, capabilities, personnel and facilities; and that equipment and daily operations happening now will also soon find space in the museum, growing the heritage on display.
