Visit, Honor, Learn, Fly -- Commemorative Air Force Museum Veterans Forum
HEBER CITY, Utah.- The Utah Wing of the Commemorative Air Force (CAF) Museum will host a Veteran’s forum on Saturday June 5, 2021, as part of a commemoration of the Normandy D-Day landings in 1944.
Six veterans spanning the period from World War II to the Southeast Asia War will convene to tell the stories of their service with the U.S. military. The talks will be moderated and recorded for later broadcast via internet sources. The program will start at 10:30 a.m. and run approximately 4 hours. Guests are welcome to participate and there will be a short Question and Answer period following the veteran’s stories.
The Commemorative Air Force - Utah Wing museum is open May – October, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays, and by appointment. The museum is located at Russ McDonald Field at Heber City, Utah.
The museum was established in 2009 by four local Utah Worls War II veterans and two long-standing CAF members. The CAF Utah Wing is dedicated to the restoration, preservation, and demonstration of the magnificent aircraft that dominated the skies during World War II. Our goal is to perpetuate, in the memory and hearts of all Americans, the spirit in which these great planes flew in defense of our nation and to honor the brave men and women who fought on our behalf.
The centerpiece of our museum is a 1943 Boeing N2S Stearman open-cockpit bi-plane – currently under restoration. During World War II, Stearman aircraft were primary trainers for all branches of the military. Approximately 1,000 remain in the air today. A North American Aviation T-6 Texan is also on display. This single-engine aircraft was the advanced trainer for the US Navy, Marines, and Army Air Force during World War II. In addition to historical aircraft, the museum includes a number of supporting displays depicting the story of the War and other significant historic military events and a complete library.
Featured Museum Displays Museum contributing veterans. Hear the interesting stories of the museum’s founding veterans and see their memorabilia on display: • Harry Moyer – WWII P40 pilot (now 100 years old and still flying!) • Jackson Wells – WWII B-17 pilot • Burnis Watts – WWII Glider pilot • Malcolm McGregor – WWII B24 pilot and prisoner of war • Ike Isaacs – WW II B-17 Pilot • Ray Brim – WW II Pathfinder B-17 Pilot
Russ McDonald. Learn about the adventures and aviation career of Captain Russ McDonald – Heber City Airport’s namesake. Did you know that Russ used to fly with a kitten? 1943 Stearman Restoration. Observe first-hand the delicate re-construction of this vintage biplane.
Women in Aviation. Learn about the important roles women played in WWII as nurses, aircraft builders and mechanics, test pilots, aircraft ferry pilots, radio operators, doctors, attorneys, engineers, mathematicians, and chaplains – to name a few.
2021 Museum Events
Veterans Forum - D-Day memorial event -- June 5, 2021: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
This event commemorates the 77th anniversary of the June 1944 Normandy D-Day -- the main Allied invasion of continental Europe, which allowed the Allies to defeat Germany. WW II Aircraft Rides -- BOOK YOUR RIDE -- Rides@CAFUT.org • North American T-6 Texan rides • Stearman bi-plane rides
Planes and Horsepower Car Show – August 7, 2021 – 8:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m.
FEATURED WARBIRD -** SUPERMARINE SPITFIRE** from CAF Camarillo, California Over 50 classic cars plus a number of vintage aircraft will be on display for photo ops. $5 general admission; kids and WWII vets free VEHICLE REGISTRATION IS LIMITED – CAFUT.org, Facebook “cafutahwing” or 801.928.6950 • $20 vehicle admission without photo ops • $50 vehicle admission – vehicle photo ops with 2 warbirds • $65 vehicle admission – photo ops with 3 warbirds Pancake breakfast – 8am-10am -- $8 adults; $3 seniors; kids and WWII vets free 50s Swing Dance Party 6-10pm -- $15 adults; $25 couples; kids and WWII vets free
On-going Museum Opportunities – May — October 2021 -- CAFUT.org 435.709.7269 (during open hours) ? Available as a unique setting for a wedding or reception, photo shoot, group outing or dinner, corporate retreat, family reunion, or other party. Rent our museum. ? Unique and interesting volunteer opportunities. ? BOOK SALE: Aviation books, coffee table books, vintage magazines, posters – priced to sell!
Museum sponsors: Point S Auto Service, Erickson Foundation, Heber Valley Chamber of Commerce, Utah Division of Arts & Museums, Heber City Corporation, Holiday Inn Express, Redmond Real Salt, Lees Market, Ridley’s Market, Smiths Markets, Zions Bank, Ackerson Eye Care, Walmart, Diversify, UAMPS, Wasatch Wave, Walgreens, OK3 Air, Midway Mercantile, The Corner.
