As you've probably seen on TV or read in the newspaper, the recent nationwide rash of copper theft knows no bounds. Thieves are destroying the air conditioning units at schools, churches, businesses, government offices, and even private homes in order to rob the copper refrigerant tubing and electrical wiring so they can sell it for scrap in order to feed their drug and booze habits. I'm angry and saddened to report that the Vintage Flying Museum is one of their latest victims. The other day, thieves scaled our fences (8 feet high and topped with barbed wire!) and climbed up onto the roof of our building and ransacked the a/c unit that cools the museum display areas, offices, conference room, restrooms, and kitchen. In short, the damaged a/c unit took care of everything except the hangar floor and maintenance shops (which are not cooled). According to the TV news report, the damage estimate is something on the order of $5,000. The Museum had to close its doors because of the oppressive heat (it's over 100 degrees here every day this time of year). So, not only do we need a new a/c unit, but we're losing money by being closed! Hopefully the TV exposure will prompt some folks to come out and see us. . . once we are cool again. . .
As always, donations are greatly appreciated. We have a link to PayPal on the Museum's web site:
http://www.VintageFlyingMuseum.org