The Mid America Museum of Aviation and Transportation will host the traveling photo memorial the Iowa Memorial Wall opens Thursday, September 5.  A very emotional memorial, Remembering Our Fallen, is a stark reminder of the ultimate sacrifice made by over 90 Iowan service members killed in The War on Terror in Afghanistan and Iraq, over 25 are from NW Iowa.  The photo memorial includes military and personal photos of each of Iowa’s Fallen Heroes
 
Schedule:  September 5 – September 24
Hours:  10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Days open:  Monday – Saturday
Admission:  Free, donations will be accepted
 
Sponsorship of the memorial is Rev Tac Training, Security National Bank, Powell Broadcasting, KCAU 9, Revv Aviation, and Hawthorne Global Aviation. 
 
Kevin Blosch, Executive Director of the air museum and Desert Storm veteran believes, “It is important that we never forget our soldiers and their sacrifice. These are soldiers from Iowa, our sons and daughters, our next-door neighbors, and they gave up everything for us. I just want to provide an opportunity for people to know their names and faces.” 
 
Co-creator of the memorial, Bill Williams said “We must remember these American Heroes and speak their names when we see their family members.  While this memorial is about those who have died, it was created for the living…to help the families in their grief.  The memorial is also a reminder for the rest of us of the terrible price paid for our freedom by our current generation of military.” 
 
The Iowa Memorial Wall and 14 other state memorials represents 60% of our country’s Fallen since 9/11/01 and created by Patriotic Productions of Omaha, Nebraska.  A national traveling memorial has also been created and includes over 5,000 of our country’s Fallen.  The national memorial was unveiled in Washington, D.C. in late 2017.  More information about Patriotic Productions can be found at RememberingOurFallen.org.

Kevin Blosch has been appointed as the Executive Director for the air museum. His duties began in mid-July. 

Blosch recently completed his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration at Morningside University. Previously he served the United States Army as Shop Supervisor in Hanau, Germany where he was awarded two Air Medals and multiple commendation medals for service during Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm.  His experience includes being an executive director of a local assisted living facility as well as the Dakota County Public Health Director.
 
Rick Alter, President of the Board says, “Blosch has extensive background in military aviation, sales, and management which uniquely positions him to lead the museum in an exciting new chapter.  We look forward to the innovative contributions he will bring to our team.”
 
In his new role, Blosch will oversee the museum's daily operations, spearhead fundraising initiatives, and drive overall sales. 
 
Blosch says, "It is an honor being a part of preserving the history and legacy of Siouxland and its prestigious citizens." 
 
The Mid America Museum of Aviation and Transportation is dedicated to preserving and showcasing the rich aviation and transportation history of the Siouxland region. For more information, visit the website at https://www.midamericaairmuseum.org/ for hours and activities.  The museum is located at the northeast corner of Sioux Gateway Brig. Gen. Bud Day Airfield at 2600 Expedition Court. ###

Blosch is pictured by the UH1 Army Helicopter, one of his favorite exhibits.

35th Anniversary of United Flight 232
Open House and Special Presentation at Air Museum
July 19, 2024
10:00 am - 3:00 pm Open House
3:45 pm  Facebook Live also available on the air museum account
4:00 Moment of Silence
5:30 Conclusion, discussion, Susan White comments, proceed to refreshed 232 Garden
 
The Mid America Museum of Aviation and Transportation will host an Open House and Special Presentation for the 35th anniversary of United Flight 232 crash landing at Sioux Gateway airport on Friday, July 19.  
 
The museum and the presentation will be open and free to the public.  Free will donations will be accepted.  The presentation will begin at 3:45 pm with introductions, a moment of silence at 4:00:16 in recognition of the 112 victims, the survivors, and community heroes.  The presentation will conclude around 5:30. Dr. Mitchell Simmons is presenting his research, Flight Crew Communications Through the Eyes of United Flight 232 Flight Attendant Susan White.  Susan White’s appearance details are still being worked out. 

Dr. Simmons is a full professor and an Associate Dean at the National Intelligence University in Bethesda, Maryland where he teaches a graduate course Infrastructure Vulnerability Assessment. He has used Flight 232 as a case study on vulnerability and the human element of infrastructure disasters. He says, “I stumbled upon a Flight 232 group on Facebook that Susan White runs and she agreed to my writing an article mainly through her eyes and during the almost year of research we identified new information on how communication in the aircraft undoubtedly saved lives.”  Simmons’ intention is not to amplify Susan White’s role or diminish the role of others of the flight crew so critical on that fateful day, but uses his eight step “Survival Bridge” to illustrate the challenges of surviving an infrastructure disaster so someone can get from the side of danger and death to the side of safety and life. Simmons developed his “Survival Bridge” framework while documenting the stories of three Sept 11th survivors who escaped the World Trade Center South Tower.
 
Pam Mickelson, Air Museum board member and past president, adds, “We look forward to hosting Dr. Simmons discussion and having Susan White available during his talk for comments or assist in answering questions. Even 35 years later, the museum gets visitors weekly to see the exhibit created during the 25th anniversary and see the runway area.  This community event is an opportunity for a new generation of Siouxlanders to hear the details about that July 19, 1989 day where our local heroes were called to help.” 
 

Ryan Lihs of Sioux City will bring his 1929 Prospector New Standard D25 to the SUX FLY IN and Pancake Breakfast May 4 for everyone to see.  The Alaskan Airways plane was restored by Ted Davis of Wisconsin to airworthiness, only one of a few barnstormers still flying. 

Ryan acquired Prospector in the early stages of restoration. The story of a 1931 crash while in service in 1931, the various rescue trips including a dog sled team near the Iditarod Trail, the family who owned it and brought it back to Missouri, and Davis finding and restoring the aircraft piece by piece in Wisconsin. 

The DOM Magazine has the details of the aircraft history as a cargo and transport plane in Alaska, and it's rescue in the bush and the restoration journey.  https://edition.pagesuite-professional.co.uk/html5/reader/production/default.aspx?pubname=&edid=d0289dee-cbf4-40f2-ae22-38f025308b4f

Ryan and his wife Ashley own Redline Aviation, an aerial application service.  His love for aviation began as a teenager and worked hard to accumulate over 10,000 hours. 
https://www.eaa.org/eaa/apps/magazines/sport-aviation?btx_i=817401&btx_pub_id=26782&btx_m=53731&btx_p=1
 



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rqu89HC5FwI

Northwest Iowa Region of the Governor’s Stem Advisory Council is hosted an Aviation Festival at the Mid America Museum of Aviation & Transportation and 185th Air National Guard Refueling Wing on November 9, 2023, in Sioux City. 

Over 200 students from 19 different schools attended. The event was developed for students in grades 6-12. 

 
Festival Showcase
 
The festival gave students the opportunity to explore STEM careers and opportunities in aviation specifically in the Siouxland area. 
 
Presenters offered hands-on STEM activities for students to engage in and explore.  Activities and learnings were real-world of work skills present in the presenters’ careers. 
 
At the 18th Air Refueling Wing, attendees experienced the Boom Simulator, manipulated a lifelike patient simulator, helped with vehicle stabilization and extraction demonstration, toured the KC135 refueling aircraft, and toured their new operations headquarters.
 
At the air museum, attendees learned about avionics and flight training from REVV Aviation and Iowa Lakes Community College, hydraulics and the United 232 tragedy, aviation maintenance featuring museum engine exhibits, and complete a SuperCub preflight, and work with Morningside University aviation director on propulsion and a rocket launcher.
 
We are proud of this event and look forward to working with Mary Trent, NW STEM Regional Manager, [email protected] on another event in the Spring.

Students, teachers, and bus drivers were gifted a STEM backpack with area gifts including Palmer Candy Twin Bing, Jolly Time popcorn, SUX post cards, stickers, pens, and key chains from the teacher's organizations. 

Mid America Museum of Aviation and Transportation was awarded a Ready, Set, Drone grant by the Iowa Governor’s STEM Scale Up Program. 

The program is designed to aid 4th – 8th graders explore STEM learning and drone careers.  The curriculum will be featured in museum summer camps or after school programs.
 
Using mini drones, students will explore UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles) technology, safety in using drones, capture aerial photos and videos, and explore the real-world applications and possibilities of drones. Students will use physics, collaborate in flight teams, tackle engineering challenges and use science notebooks to reflect on their UAV experiences.
 
Jenn Taylor, board member and grant author said, “We strive to bring aviation related experiences to youth to foster a passion and excitement that may encourage them to seek an aviation related career in the future. The drone program would offer youth the opportunity to use technology and problem-solving skills to enrich their education.”
 
 “The air museum is proud to be a part of Iowa’s best STEM education programs,” says Larry Finley, Executive Director.  “We are also integrating this curriculum into our new 727 STEM Learning Center that is sponsored by FedEx Express based in Memphis, Tennessee.  The 727 is in the final stages of renovation.”
 
Through legislative appropriation, the Iowa Governor’s STEM Advisory Council is able to offer exemplary STEM programs throughout the state.  Iowa Governor’s Council reviews applicants from a competitive field and awarded the air museum the grant.  The mission of the council is to ensure that Iowa has a world class STEM education system consistently supported at the state level. 
 
The implementation of the Scale-Up program would allow the museum to engage with youth in the Siouxland community that wouldn't necessarily have access to this technology. School districts are encouraged to contact the museum.  The program will run in conjunction with the museum Tennis Shoes on the Tarmac and Junior Pilot School that is led by area school teachers and volunteer FAA certified fight instructors.
 

Conroe, TX (June 1, 2022)  In cities across the U.S., vintage military aircraft rest quietly in museums, where school children and tourists admire them, take their pictures and leave them behind closed doors at the end of each day.  This summer, aviation history blasts out of the museums and into the skies as the Commemorative Air Force thunders into Sioux City. Sioux Gateway Airport will host American aviation history as the Commemorative Air Force (CAF) holds an event featuring restored WWII aircraft for public viewing and flights. Led by the iconic B-17 Flying Fortress Texas Raiders, four vintage aircraft will be in Sioux City June 19th through 24th to reunite for 80th Anniversary of Sioux Gateway Airport.
 
The B-17 Flying Fortress Texas Raiders is one of only three remaining that are actively flying in the U.S. today. This aircraft was the first Flying Fortress to be restored solely for the sake of education and use as a flying museum, and is an accurately restored B-17, bristling with machine guns and featuring period-specific equipment. Hosted by the Mid America Museum of Aviation and Transportation, local chapter 291 of the Experimental Aircraft Association and Hawthorne Aviation, the event will also include the only flying example in the world of the notorious Helldiver dive-bomber, plus the popular SNJ/T6 Texan advanced trainer in which thousands of airmen trained for combat, and a twin engine Navy transport in which the whole family can fly together. Notable for their historic importance and excellent level of restoration, all four warbirds will offer cockpit tours and flights to the public beginning Tuesday July 19th.    
 
The public is invited to enjoy on-board tours and warbird flights with the aircraft crews at Revv Aviation, 6121 Pershing Street, Sioux City, Iowa 51111.  Admission to the event is $15 each for adults and teens, $10 for children under 12, and $25 for a family of up to five and includes access to all the aircraft for cockpit tours as well as full admission to the Mid America Museum of Aviation and Transportation located nearby at 2600 Expedition Court.  Warbird flights start as low as $100 on the Navy transport, and on the T6 advanced trainer for $380. Seats on the B-17 start at $495 and a flight on the dive-bomber is $995. Ground tours will be conducted from 10:00 PM to 4:00 PM on Tuesday through Sunday July 19th through 24th, excluding flying times. Those who wish to fly can call 855-FLY-A-B17 (1-855-359-2217) or reserve online at B17TexasRaiders.org  See more on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/B17TexasRaiders .
 
About the 80th Anniversary of Sioux Gateway Airfield
The CAF B-17 Flying Fortress Texas Raiders will reunite with Sioux City Army Air Base as part of the 80th Anniversary of the airfield in Sioux City.  Now called Sioux Gateway Airport, the air base was built after the bombing of Pearl Harbor, and was dedicated in July of 1942.  In addition to the CAF Warbird Expo, the museum will host other events as well as participate in additional River-Cade celebrations including a parade appearance on Wednesday July 20 and a Pancake Breakfast and Car Show on Saturday, July 23.
 
About the Commemorative Air Force
Collecting, restoring and flying vintage historic aircraft for more than half a century, the CAF mission is to educate, inspire and honor through flight. The CAF is a 501 (c) 3 educational organization, and has over 12,000 members and a fleet of 180 airplanes distributed throughout the U.S. For more information, visit commemorativeairforce.org   

     On May 12 - 15, 2022, Liberty, a beautifully restored airliner of 1928 will fly passengers at Sioux Gateway Brigidare General Bud Day field (SUX).  The aircraft is part of EAA's tour planes and will be at Hawthorne Aviation Services.  The visit is part of the summer activities sponsored by the local EAA Chapter 291 and the air museum. 
     The full background and stats of Liberty follows.  We think you'll enjoy it -- we did.  Come see Liberty when it arrives.  Those who purchase a seat will also receive a complimentary pass to see the air museum. 
     Liberty Aviation Museum’s 1928 Ford Tri-Motor 5-AT-B, serial No. 8, flew its first flight on December 1, 1928. It was sold to Transcontinental Air Trans-port (TAT, the logo that graces the aircraft’s fuselage today) in January 1929 where it became NC9645 and was named City of Wichita.
     It inaugurated westbound transcontinental commercial air service on July 7, 1929; with sister ship City of Columbus. In April 1931, ownership of the aircraft was transferred to Transcontinental and Western Air (TWA). Here the aircraft helped in the development of TWA’s route system. In July 1935, NC9645 was sold to G. Ruckstill and entered the fleet at Grand Canyon Airlines. From there the Tin Goose was sold to Boulder Dam Tours in February 1937, where it entered sightseeing air tour service. The Ford was registered AN-AAS with Transportes Aereos del Continente Americano (simply known as TACA Airlines) in Honduras in December 1937, where it stayed until 1942 when purchased by an unknown operator in Compeche, Mexico, and reregistered as XA-FUB.
     The registration changed again in 1950 to XA-NET while under the ownership of another individual in Compeche. 1951 brought major overhaul and repairs for serial No. 8, including removal of the aircraft’s corrugated skin, which was replaced with flat sheet metal. This change earned the aircraft nickname “the smooth-skin Ford.” The aircraft was sold to another private owner in July 1953 and was damaged in an accident in January 1954, after which it was put in storage. Eugene Frank of Caldwell, Idaho, acquired the aircraft in 1955, moving it back to the U.S. and reregistering it as N58996.
     It remained in storage until July 1964, when it was purchased by Nevada’s William F. Harrah of Harrah’s Hotel and Casinos. Harrah returned the plane’s registration to NC9645 and began an extensive seven-year restoration, which brought the aircraft back to airworthy status and replaced the smooth skin with corrugated sheet metal. The former smooth-skin Ford had its first post-restoration flight in 1971 and flew in Reno several times before being moved to static display as part of Harrah’s impressive automobile collection. After Harrah’s death, parts of his collection, including NC9645, were auctioned off in June 1986 to high bidder Gary Norton of Athol, Idaho. In February 1990, the Evergreen Aviation and Space Museum in McMinnville, Oregon, acquired the aircraft. It remained in storage there until 1996 when another restoration of the aircraft started, returning it to flying condition once again.
     In 2014, the aircraft was acquired by Ed Patrick and the Liberty Aviation Museum in Port Clinton, OH. After further maintenance to ensure the aircraft was tour-ready, Liberty entered into a lease agreement with EAA, working together to showcase the historic aircraft around the country.

Cruise Speed – 122 MPH Range – 560 Miles
Ceiling – 18,500 Feet
Wing Span – 77 Feet 6 Inches
Length – 50 Feet 3 Inches
Height – 12 Feet 8 Inches
Max Seating – 12
Cruise Speed – 122 MPH
Turning Radius – 60 Foot-Wide Runway
Fuel – 100LL Avgas (Capacity 277-355 Gallons)

PHOTO SOURCE:  Photographs of Liberty are owned and copyrighted by EAA 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aLgTlTCxitg (for more history)

Mid America Museum of Aviation and Transportation Selected to Participate in National Museum Assessment Program
by Pam Mickelson
 
The Mid America Museum of Aviation and Transportation in Sioux City has been selected to participate in the Museum Assessment Program (MAP), which is administered by the American Alliance of Museums (AAM).  Through guided self-study assessment and on-site consultation with a museum professional, participation in MAP will empower the museum to better serve the citizens of the Siouxland Region by facilitating its meeting and exceeding the highest professional standards of the museum field.
 
The museum’s participation is made possible through funding provided by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). MAP helps museums strengthen operations, plan for the future, and meet standards through self-study assessment and a consultative site visit from an expert peer reviewer.
 
MAMAT has chosen to do a MAP Organizational Assessment in order to develop a strategic plan and align resources to bring the history of aviation and transportation to the region.  Board director Pam Mickelson says, “the AAM resources and self-assessment study is very enlightening.  We are excited to have been selected for the 2021 class with 90 other museums across the United States and look forward to learn from the industry leader with a reviewer on site this Fall.” 
 
“Choosing to be part of the MAP program is indicative of the commitment to civic involvement, public service and overall excellence on the part of Mid America Museum of Aviation and Transportation,” said Laura Lott, president of AAM. “Studies have shown America’s museums to be among the country’s most trusted and valued institutions. MAP is designed to make them even better.”
 
Since its creation in 1981, the MAP program has served over 5,000 museums. MAP is supported through a cooperative agreement between AAM and IMLS. The Institute of Museum and Library Services is the primary source of federal support for the nation’s 123,000 libraries and 35,000 museums. To learn more about the Institute, please visit: http://www.imls.gov.

    The Boeing 727 Fed Ex plane was donated to the museum and put in place by EAA volunteers with the Jetway in 2010.  It was a major contribution to the museum and a big project that required many partners to change the way the museum delivers an education program.
    The FedEx was briefly open for the public, but a new education program called Tennis Shoes on the Tarmac gives the retired cargo plane another purpose.  But first the interior needed some love.  NCCC AmeriCorps team worked diligently in 2014 to strip the interior to prep it for the next phase.  In fact, last fall, one of the team members stopped in to see what his team did.  He was very proud to be part of the project and wanted to see a bucket of the bolts he helped remove.   
    In addition, funds from the Gilchrist Foundation and MRHD supported interior renovation including electrical, insulation, and air units that are in place. 
    The Siouxland Junior League were the first to fund the curriculum called Tennis Shoes on the Tarmac.  Tennis Shoes on the Tarmac curriculum first began as a set of slides developed to take a young visitor around the museum on a quest to answer questions and find artifacts to do so.  A sort of aviation and transportation inspired scavenger hunt.  The Iowa Governors STEM grants supported faculty to be trained in curriculum used in leading elementary STEM schools.  The Tennis Shoes on the Tarmac is now an umbrella title that inspired and jump started work with young people and their families.  
     Suzanne Bartels is the Education Director and developed a day camp for the summer of 2019.  She interviewed each family, and one mom was so excited to find a new program for her sons.  She said it was nice for her family to meet new kids with like interests and learn cool lessons around aviation. 
     The curriculum uses STEM learning strategies – hands on activities with self-discovery and continuous reflection.  The supplies are common items – coffee filters, string, notebooks, pencils, etc.  Each child records actions they witnessed, discussed the similarities and differences, and at the end took home a journal, a certificate, new books, and new friendships.
     Now, what is needed is a new place for the students and the families to learn more....and get more Tennis Shoes on the Tarmac and in the FedEx.