Holiday Giving Campaign Supports Historic WWII Aircraft

From the Gulf Coast Wing of Commemorative Air Force:

SPRING, TX - This year the Commemorative Air Force’s Gulf Coast Wing will participate in a new online giving campaign that supports the organization’s mission of restoring and flying vintage military aircraft.

Located at www.SupportCAF.org and starting tomorrow through December 31st, this campaign provides an opportunity to support the WWII B-17 Flying Fortress Texas Raiders along with the rest of the CAF fleet. The iconic bomber has resided in the greater Houston area since the 1970’s and celebrates her 50th anniversary in 2017 in service to the Commemorative Air Force. This aircraft is part of the CAF’s mission to preserve and fly these important World War II aircraft for the education and enjoyment of others. Today the Gulf Coast Wing is launching a campaign to raise funds to repaint the aircraft, and re-apply her distinctive markings and nose art. The new paint job is critical to the preservation of the bomber, protecting her from the elements and corrosion.

During WWII, the U.S. manufactured 12,731 B-17’s and only about nine are actively flying today. These aircraft are fading away, along with the important history they represent, and the Commemorative Air Force and the Gulf Coast Wing believe it is vital to ensure these airplanes continue to fly, in order to honor those who fought for our freedom. Texas Raiders occupies an important place in military aviation history as an aircraft that served the U.S. military at home and abroad. She was delivered at the very end of WWII, and served in the Pacific in the Korean conflict, and had a subsequent civilian career as a seismic survey plane. She was acquired by the CAF in 1967 and was the first B-17 ever to be restored solely for the purpose of education and use as a flying museum. This airplane is often seen in the skies locally, performing in airshows, in flyovers and providing tours and flights to the public and veterans, all in support of her mission of education and remembrance.

“Our aircraft are maintained and operated by volunteer members who donate countless hours to the meticulous care of each airplane,” said Wing Leader Wayne Kennedy. “To offset costs, we rely on fundraising events like this one. All contributions are tax-deductible and go directly to our educational mission so generations of Americans will value and support the contributions of military aviation in assuring our nation’s freedoms.” The new campaign will ensure that Texas Raiders will continue to fly in service to this important mission.

About the Gulf Coast Wing:

The Gulf Coast Wing is part of the Commemorative Air Force (CAF), an educational non-profit organization founded in 1957. The CAF has more than 12,000 members and 166 vintage military aircraft located around the nation. These aircraft comprise the world’s largest flying museum, and are operated for the education and enjoyment of present and future generations. The crew of the Gulf Coast Wing are responsible for the maintenance and operation of the B-17 Flying Fortress Texas Raiders. Learn more about the unit at www.B17TexasRaiders.org or see us on Facebook atwww.Facebook.com/B17TexasRaiders

To support this project, please visit https://www.crowdrise.com/boeing-b-17-flying-fortress-texas-raiders or go to www.supportcaf.org.

Image via Gulf Coast Wing Commemorative Air Force