Hey Guys-
Just want to clear up some possible misinformation as someone who has spent a lot of time at Lone Star over the last several years as a humble volunteer. I can't profess to know what goes on behind closed doors but can speak for what I have seen.
Yes, it is true that the museum is fortunate to have some generous supporters BUT - the musuem staff and managment works VERY hard for these relationships as well as every penny it takes to keep the doors open. Sometimes that takes some creative work and really long hours to accomplish. There is no sugar daddy supporting the organzation and writing blank checks, the museum has been very much and very formally seperated(althought on very good terms) from its founder for several years now. Notice the lack of several aircraft that until recently we were lucky enough to have staying in the hanger. I hope that folks out there aren't getting the idea that the museum is financially on easy street and the repair of this airplane is just going to magically happen. - Trust me - this is not going to as easy as sending out the airplane for repair, there ain't no one writing a blank check here. Prime Example - have you noticed the progression of work on the PB4Y lately
- the willingnes is there to get her in the air, but funding is slow. You all would be in shock if you saw what the utility bill alone on that hanger is each month, especially in the perfect summertime climate of Galveston TX.
By the logic of some on this thread I geuss we could also say that because the CAF has a big hanger, a fulltime staff, and a large fleet of aircraft as well as corporate sponsorship and the support of folks like Mr. Cavanaugh they don't need our support either
- I think we all know better.
Now don't get me wrong - the museum is certianly not on the rocks or in a bad financial state, but that has more to do with Larry Gregory and those who came before him, coupled with the staff and volunteers such as Elroy and Tom Crawford working there ass off to keep the doors open, airplanes in the air and come up with new ways to make ends meet in an economy that is tight and getting tighter when it comes to discretionary funding and donations. The Ride program is a perfect example of some of the new things that are necessary to keep the birds in the air. ( which btw makes a great gifts
) But at the end of the day that won't do it alone. When was the last time anyone even mentioned National Warplane AKA WIngs of Eagles on this board. That too was a powerhouse of a museum which a lot folks probably thought was less worthy than some others.
Everyone has the right to choose where and how they spend there money but to imply that people willing to make donations to us should not because you feel that the musuem is not worthy is incredibley shortsighted, ignorant and insulting and exactly what will close the doors on the place. That would certianly be a tragedy for the Warbird community as a whole(just ask Spanner), not to mention the fact that it would put an end to a lot of education outreach, preservation, and curatorial programs that are not as glamorous or visible as flying airplanes and which folks on this board probably don't even realize are going on as a result of this organization.
Do we have a good organization- yes
- is because of a sugar daddy NO
- is it because of volunteer support and good Management Most DEFINITLY
- is LSFM on easy street- Certinaly not -
- DO we need your support - Absolutely
Please don't punish us because we have worked hard to build up something good.
Steve S. stepping down off my soapbox once again
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Steve can tell you that we can never have enough active volunteer/members!