The theme of the Palm Springs Air Museum’s annual fundraising Gala was “Honoring The Brave.”
Ten highly decorated Vietnam veterans were honored (one in memoriam) at the event held Feb. 7 at Palm Springs Air Museum.
The Raise The Paddle Auction that added $249,000 to the museum’s education programs included a matching $100,000 from the Berger Foundation, $50,000 from Fred Noble and $25,000 from Harold Matzner. Honoree Maj. Gen. Ken Miles pledged $250,000 for a new museum hangar.
Other veteran honorees present were Brig. Gen. Robert L. Cardenas USAF (Ret.), Capt. Jack Ensch USN (Ret.), Col. Joe M. Jackson USAF (Ret.), Col. Gordon Jenkins, USAF (Ret.), Col. Tom Kirk (USAF) Ret,), Capt. Ronald E. McKeown USN (Ret.), and Test Pilot Robert J. Gilliland. CDR Wayne Connell was recognized in memoriam.
The 400 attendees enjoyed hosted cocktails and appetizers, dinner, and dancing to Wayne Foster Music and Entertainment.
Speakers included Managing Director Fred Bell, Board Chairman Dan Gilbertson, and Chairman Emeritus Fred Noble. Lisa Bell chaired the evening.
The mission of the Palm Springs Air Museum, just named one of the best aviation museums in the world by CNN, is to “Preserve and fly the unique aircraft of World War II, educate future generations by teaching the history of World War II, and honor the veterans who have protected our democracy.”
Col. Gordon Jenkins and Mary Pat Jenkins.
Palm Springs Air Museum Gala Honors 10 Vietnam Vets
Photo by Pat Krause
Fred Bell, Lisa Bell, Dan Gilbertson and Phil Hixon.
Palm Springs Air Museum Gala Honors 10 Vietnam Vets
Photo by Pat Krause
Capt. Jack Ensch, U.S. Navy Retired; Brigadier General Robert Cardinas, U.S. Air Force Retired, and Capt. Ron LaForest.
Palm Springs Air Museum Gala Honors 10 Vietnam Vets
Photo by Pat Krause
Joan MacPherson and Stan Stokes with Test Pilot Robert Gilliland
Palm Springs Air Museum Gala Honors 10 Vietnam Vets
Photo by Pat Krause
Dan Gilbertson, Marguerita Maassen-Gilbertson, Dorothy and Harold Meyerman.
Palm Springs Air Museum Gala Honors 10 Vietnam Vets
Photo by Pat Krause
Ron and Karen LaForest, Linda Chapman-Henry and Tom Henry.
Palm Springs Air Museum Gala Honors 10 Vietnam Vets
Photo by Pat Krause
Ellen McEnivy, C/1LT CAP Jackson Lindley and Dr. Lisa Lindley.
Palm Springs Air Museum Gala Honors 10 Vietnam Vets
Photo by Pat Krause
Treneta and Rusty Burns, Tuskegee airman.
Palm Springs Air Museum Gala Honors 10 Vietnam Vets
Photo by Pat Krause
Col. Joe Jackson, USAF Retired.
Palm Springs Air Museum Gala Honors 10 Vietnam Vets
Photo by Pat Krause
Stephanie Roose, Michelle Whittaker and Linsey Vanderbos.
Palm Springs Air Museum Gala Honors 10 Vietnam Vets
Photo by Pat Krause
John and Jackie Glenn with Harold Matzner.
Palm Springs Air Museum Gala Honors 10 Vietnam Vets
Photo by Pat Krause
Karen Miles, Ron and Sherrie Auen and (seated) Major General Ken Miles, U.S. Air Force Retired.
Palm Springs Air Museum Gala Honors 10 Vietnam Vets
Photo by Pat Krause
James R. Houston and Phil Hixon.
Palm Springs Air Museum Gala Honors 10 Vietnam Vets
Photo by Pat Krause
Richard Oliphant, Jo Pond and Jan Oliphant.
Palm Springs Air Museum Gala Honors 10 Vietnam Vets
Photo by Pat Krause
Dorothy and John Nocita and Peggy Cravens.
Palm Springs Air Museum Gala Honors 10 Vietnam Vets
Photo by Pat Krause
Capt. Jack Ensch U.S. Navy Retired.
Palm Springs Air Museum Gala Honors 10 Vietnam Vets
Photo by Pat Krause
Fred Noble, Diane Anderson and Col. Paul Cook, retired.
Palm Springs Air Museum Gala Honors 10 Vietnam Vets