The Commemorative Air Force

          Based in Midland, Texas, this association of historical airplane enthusiasts has their headquarters on Wright Drive (an appropriate street name given their focus). Their Adopt-A-Plane program funds the acquisition of antique wartime aircraft, or “warbirds,” and also sponsors their refurbishment and exhibition. There are three different sponsorship levels, allowing everyone to get involved whether you can afford a $150 or $10,000 gift. Sponsors are also invited to participate actively in warbird maintenance as crew chiefs, navigators, bombardiers, mechanics, etc. (depending on their qualifications, of course).

The CAF AirPower History Tour is an initiative which seeks to offer rides in historic WWII aircraft (prices range from $75 to $1,995) to families, veterans and individuals. From Florida to California, this event brings together 70 different CAF units from across the United States to honor the history of flight. A B-29 Superfortress, a B-24 Liberator, a P-52 Mustang, a B-17 Flying Fortress and a B-25 Mitchell are some of the star attractions of their traveling show. With affectionate names such as Fifi, Diamond Lil, and Sentimental Journey, these planes are more than just old fixed-up machines—they are like veterans themselves. More, they bring veterans together from state to state.   

Although formerly known as the Confederate Air Force, today the Commemorative Air Force makes it their mission to promote knowledge of the legacy of anti-racism aviation pioneers such as the Tuskegee Airmen. With approximately 9,000 members, about 150 planes, and more than 10 million spectators a year, the CAF leaves a huge footprint on the historical conscience of this country.

Endearing stories such as the restoration of Sentimental Journey, a B-17 which was finally restored to completion when the owners of an Oregon diner decorated for 37 years with a defunct Flying Fortress on its roof agreed to donate the top turret of their machine, are a hallmark of the Commemorative Air Force’s painstaking and persevering work to keep WWII warbirds alive and flying.