By Ashley Palandri

Pearl Harbor was a day in United States history that shaped our country forever. The lasting impacts are still felt to this day, and every December American’s take some time out of their busy lives to reflect on the past and remember those who were lost.

It was on December 7, 1941, just before 8 a.m., when hundreds of Japanese fighter planes attacked the American naval base at Pearl Harbor near Honolulu, Hawaii. The attack lasted just two hours but the devastation and impact shocked the U.S. During that short time the Japanese destroyed almost 20 American naval ships, including USS Arizona. 200 airplanes were also destroyed. The most devastating news was the 2,000 American soldiers that were lost with another 1,000 soldiers that were injured. This attack lead President Roosevelt to ask Congress to declare war on Japan and ultimately lead to the United States joining World War II.

This event shaped not only the United States history, but also the history of many soldiers that served in the armed forces and in WWII from Iowa. When the attack on Pearl Harbor occurred, there were numerous soldiers from Iowa who survived that devastating day. There were a total of 87 soldiers who survived that day and the men represented the USS Arizona, the USS Oklahoma, the USS West Virginia, the USS Shaw, the USS Nevada, the USS Tennessee, and the USS California.  Out of these 87 men, 3 were from the Siouxland area; Kenneth Bosley, George Branham, and Harry Nichols.

Pearl Harbor is a day that many Americans will never forget, especially those who were there or those who lost someone on that devastating day of December 7th. This is a day that all Americans should remember; this is a day where everyone should take the time to think about the men and women who lay down their lives for people like you and me, and this day should never be forgotten. This year on December 7th, take a few minutes out of your day to reflect on the past and to remember those who lost their lives defending our country. 

Morningside College Junior: Corporate Communications &

Advertising


Hometown: Glenwood, Iowa




Why did you become an intern? I was ready to learn new things, as well as what it takes to be an intern.


Favorite display at the Museum: The Helicopter

Adam Fullerton
Occupation: Library Director at Morningside College 

Position on Board: Secretary

Why did you join the board? I joined MAMAT because I love history and believe in developing and serving the community in which one resides.

What do you think you can contribute to the museum? I have experience and knowledge in information organization, website design and creation, graphic design and a general love and desire to learn and use technology.

What is your favorite exhibit or display at the museum? The entire museum is pretty neat; however, if forced to chose, I enjoy the full size exhibits of plans and automobiles.

Kelsey Martin
Occupation: Community Manager at Chatterkick

Why did you join the MAMAT board? As an undergrad at Morningside, I helped develop an advertising plan for the museum in a group project for Principles of Advertising. I wanted to get more involved in the community and was encouraged by Pam Mickelson to join the board to help improve marketing and digital strategies. I joined to get more involved in the community, support a local business, continue learning from a long-time mentor, and more importantly, to honor a special veteran closed to my heart, my grandfather who recently passed.

What do you think you can contribute to the museum by being on the board? I hope to develop and implement new marketing strategies, update cohesive graphic design work, and incorporate social and digital strategies. More importantly, I look forward to supporting an organization and team that deserves recognition from Siouxland.

What is your favorite exhibit or display in the museum? My favorite thing about the museum isn't the exhibits or the displays but the people and stories behind them.

The Mid America Museum of Aviation and Transportation celebrated Fall Fest with Siouxland organizations for it’s second year on October 11th. 

The museum hosted numerous activities that the whole family could enjoy! Activities included a raffle drawing for a pilot's lesson, watching Disney’s ‘Planes’ in first class seating, interactive exhibits, paper crafts, and the main event of a Kid’s Quest scavenger hunt for prizes! Ask any family who attended and they will tell you that they had a fun filled Saturday with the Museum! If you missed out on the event, don’t worry! Sioux City and your Mid America Museum of Aviation and Transportation are looking forward to bringing this event back to you next year.

The EAA flies the 1929 Ford Tri-Motor to the Mid America Museum of Aviation & Transportation in September for an opportunity to take flight in the "Tin Goose!"

A one-of-a-kind flight experience landed at the Mid America Museum of Aviation and Transportation when the Experimental Aircraft Association’s immaculate 1929 Ford Tri-Motor adventure came to Sioux City, Iowa on September 4-7th, 2014. 

Passengers had the opportunity to experience a flight aboard the world's first mass-produced airliner. During the EAA’s Ford Tri-Motor Tour, passengers traveled  back to the early days of what was considered luxurious commercial air travel. The Ford Tri-Motor, known as the ’Tin Goose’ was first built by the Ford Motor Company in the late 1920’s. EAA’s Ford Tri-Motor was constructed in 1929 and has a colorful history, with roles ranging from service as a Cuban airliner to fighting forest fires and transporting smoke jumpers. The airplane also has a Hollywood pedigree making cameo appearances in major motion pictures, including "Public Enemies" starring Johnny Depp.

"The Tin Goose"
The Tri-Motor was the first all-metal, multi-engine transport in the United States. It was named " Ford’s Tri-Motor aircraft, nicknamed “The Tin Goose,” was designed to build another new market, airline travel. To overcome concerns of engine reliability, Ford specified three engines and added features for passenger comfort, such as an enclosed cabin. The first three Tri-Motors built seated the pilot in an open cockpit, as many pilots doubted a plane could be flown without direct “feel of the wind.” The Tin Goose" & "The Model T Of The Air" because its three 1,260 horsepower Pratt & Whitney Engines.

The crash landing of United Flight 232 unfolded in Sioux City, Iowa in 1989 - 25 years ago on July 19, 2014. A commemorative weekend was held on July 18, 19, and 20 reuniting the crew, survivors, families, and responders.  The three days were designed to reflect on United 232’s crash-landing, to learn from and thank the Siouxland responders, and to honor those lost.  A committee of 50 community leaders planned the events for a year that was free and open to the public.

Incredibly, 184 survived a fiery landing, 138 of them walked away, 112 of the 296 passengers and crew died. Over 400 Siouxland first responders from 50 surrounding communities were ready to help and 100’s more in the area continued with random acts of kindness.  The tragedy still remains one of the most gripping stories in aviation history. 

On Friday, July 18 at the Orpheum Theatre Jim Wharton lead a discussion with United Airlines Captain Al Haynes, Head Flight Attendant Jan Brown, Retired SC Fire Chief Bob Hamilton, Woodbury County Emergency Director Gary Brown, retired President of Briar Cliff Sr. Margaret Wick, St. Luke’s Surgeon Dr. Larry Foster, Mercy ER Physician Dr. David Greco, and Retired 185th Commander Dennis Swanstrom.  Pierce Street hosted many area responders who brought their emergency vehicles.

Saturday, July 19 was host to open houses at The Security Institute, Briar Cliff University, Mid America Museum of Aviation and Transportation, and the 232 Memorial at the Riverfront. LifeServe Blood Center and the Mayor’s Youth Commission collected over 200 pints of blood and Laurence Gonzales, was on hand to release his new book Flight 232: A Story of Disaster and Survival will be on hand for book signings. The air museum opened the new Flight 232 exhibit and reflection garden.

An afternoon ceremony was held at the museum.  Reverend Greg Clapper, retired chaplain of the 185th Air National Guard, lead the afternoon ceremony.  Iowa’s Governor Terry Branstad who was also governor in 1989, Mayor Bob Scott who served on the city council in 1989, Woodbury County Board of Supervisors chair George Boykin, retired Captain Al Haynes currently residing in Seattle, and survivor Jerry Schemmel of Denver all spoke. Kevin Keane, Ron DeMars, Sioux City Police Sergeant Mike Manthorne provided special music.  A joint color guard from the Sioux City Police, Sioux City Fire, Woodbury County Sheriff, and 185th ARW presented and retired the colors.  President John Reynders of Morningside College and President Bev Wharton of Briar Cliff University did a tribute to the 112 lives lost by reading their names.  It was the first time in 25 years that the names were read.  The ceremony closed by the crew laying a wreath in the new outdoors 232 Reflection Garden at the threshold of Runway 22. 

On Sunday morning, Morningside Lutheran Church and Pastor Darrin Vick will host an ecumenical service on the riverfront at the Anderson Dance Pavilion. Reverend Greg Clapper will preach and Reverend Marvin Boes will do the readings.  Guests are asked to park at Bev’s on the River and use a shuttle that will be on hand. The service will conclude by walking over to the 232 Memorial.  Artist Dale Lamphere of Sturgis, SD was present.