| |
The "Ready Room" Newsletter
Volume 16 Issue 11 | |
Our Mission is to increase the awareness of aviation through the flight of historic aircraft while supporting the Anna Shaw Children’s Institute. | |
Message From the Chairman | |
In the last few months, things have been progressing quickly. Going back to August of last year, the museum has seen a ton of activity. Most recently, there was a change in the Board of Directors. Doug Woodruff, who led us through a term of transition, stepped down as Chairman but will remain on as a board member. Since accepting the nomination, I realized I have not had the opportunity to properly introduce myself to you, the membership.
I am a lifelong Aviation enthusiast who only recently, in 2020, started my pursuit of flight. I come from a family of aviators going back to my grandfather who got his private license after his return from WWII. I served in the Navy as an Air Intercept Controller on the USS Forrestal (CV-59) during the Gulf War and received a business degree while serving in the Navy. For the last 30 years, I have worked in franchising, with the last 20 years owning and developing markets across the southeast. I fly quite a bit for business, but my true love is Warbird aviation. I own and operate a T-28C (Blue), which can be seen at many museum events. I have been married to my wife, Rhonda, for 38 years, and we have three children who have blessed us with seven grandchildren. It is an honor to serve as the current Chair, and it is my goal to ferry this organization into the next chapter. Everyone involved in this process has committed to each new challenge and idea to improve. For this, I am thankful. There are many very important members of this organization, including volunteers, docents, pilots, mechanics, staff, and the official museum dog. In the months to come, I intend to keep everyone up to date on our progress to “Keep ‘em flying” along with our mission to educate the masses on aviation history through our display museum and ultimately the completion of our display hangar in Paulding, GA. Blue Skies and Tailwinds, Rich Henderson Board Chair | |
| |
Pete O'Hare: The Specialized Advisor
by Matthew Davis | |
| |
Below is a writing assignment from Matthew Davis. While the assignment is in Army format, the intent is clear. Pete O'Hare had a significant impact on those around him. | |
There are only a few times that you will meet someone that has a lasting impact on your life. This essay is about the Warrant Officer who has had that impact on me. This person possessed the Warrant Officer competencies and that of the Army Profession, even though he was a Marine Corps Warrant Officer. His military expertise and leadership capabilities allowed him to be an innovative integrator during his service to our nation. The Warrant Officer I am going to write about is Chief Warrant Officer 5 Peter “Wheeler” O’Hare. Pete started as a 1390 Expeditionary Fuels Officer in the United States Marine Corps in 1979. Pete served in several operations, from counterdrug operations to deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan. Pete integrated and improved systems while deployed in Iraq and Afghanistan, where he improved the fuel offload capabilities from six miles offshore to seventy miles inland, bolstering abilities to get fuel along the route we controlled by a factor of ten. Even after retirement, Pete continued to serve his community and nation. From providing hurricane support with one of his historical airplanes that he restored to helping me find the role of a Warrant Officer. Pete O’Hare is a man [who] is worth remembering and showing as an example of an outstanding Warrant Officer.
Continue reading the entire writing assignment on the website.
| |
| |
The Secret Service uses what they have available, which was the MOF truck, as part of surveillance during a recent visit to Rome, GA, by the President of the United States, Donald Trump. | | | |
| |
The Bellanca Champ Could Be Yours! | |
| |
Win a 1971 Bellanca Champ 7ACA airplane. Tail Number: N9176L - Annual inspection July 2, 2025
- Airframe TT as of 7/25: 1056 hrs
- Engine -Continental: C-85 (85 HP Upgrade from 65 HP Franklin)-TSMOH: 920.95 hrs-Compressions: 1) 75 2) 75 3) 78 4) 78
- Propeller: Sensenich Wood.-Zero-Time since refurbishment
Raffle ticket WINNER will be chosen on April 25, 2026. The raffle is a fundraiser for the Museum of Flight in Hixson. The winner does not need to be present to win. Contact information must be accurate when submitted. Delivery of the aircraft is the winner’s responsibility. The winner must complete the transfer of ownership and delivery by 31 May 2026 (1 month after winning). | |
| |
| |
| |
"Get 'r Done" Maintenance Crew | |
| |
The T-28 Bravo prop has been reinstalled after its five-year AD (Airworthiness Directive) inspection. We truly appreciate John Cater from Antique Airlines!
| |
| |
| |
Field Trips at the Museum | |
| |
Not all our field trips are from local schools. This group in February was a homeschoolers' tour of the FBO, followed by a visit to the museum. Thank you to the docent volunteers who made the event work smoothly. | |
| |
| |
| |
| Date | Event | Location | March 7, 2026 | Murder Mystery Dinner | Paulding Airport
| | March 27 - 29 | Flyby T-28 | Meridian, MS | | April 24 | Flyby T-28 (3) | Augusta, GA | | May 30 | T-28s | Calhoun, GA | | July 4 | Flyover T-28 (3) | Meridian, MS | | July 11 | First Annual Auction & Taste of Local | Paulding Airport | | Oct 17 - 31 | Haunted Hangar | Rome Airport | | December (TBD) | Santa Flying - Toys for Tots Event | Paulding Airport |
| |
| |
We send out the newsletter once a month plus an occasional update or request.
Mission: Our Mission is to increase the awareness of aviation through the flight of historic aircraft, while supporting the Anna Shaw Children’s Institute.
Past issues of the Ready Room can be found on the website. Watch your email or Facebook for upcoming events.
Just a side note. Be sure to add communications@mofts.org to your email contact list so you receive this newsletter in your e-mail and it doesn't end up in the spam folder. | |
The inside aviation, military memorabilia and outdoor displays are open 10-4 (Tues-Sat) at the Paulding County Airport. Paulding Co. Airport 730 Airport Parkway, Dallas, GA 30157 | |
Tours of our flying aircraft in Rome (Richard B. Russell Airport) by appointment only. (423) 228-2FLY. Rome Hangar 304 Russell Field Rd NE, Rome, GA 30165 | |
| |
| |
Our new mailing address is:
MOFTS
1759 Thrasher Pike
Hixson, TN 37343
| |
