The 20th year of the Wings of Freedom had a great start! Nice to see so many folks take the opportunity to come tour through and fly in these American Icons. If you have not had the chance to see these aircraft - it is highly recommended. Hard to describe what a flight experience in a WWII bomber is like. One thing is certain - once in the air, you realize it is a history lesson you will never forget. Living History tours like this provide a much greater appreciation of what our WWII veterans had to endure. We hope, by better understanding our history, we can better dictate our future.

Our strength comes from everyone who participates. So round up the troops! Tell your family members, friends and "partners in crime" to come out and visit the Wings of Freedom tour. Take a look, save your money and go flying. You will love it! Check out national schedule. Chances are we will be landing near you. Gad! Who knows how long these aircraft will be accessible to the public-, which leads to the next article below... ___________________________________________________________________
TSA 2008 - 0021 Large Aircraft Security Program, Other, Aircraft Operator Security Program and Airport Operator Security Program.

As Americans, it is our duty to question authority. In this case, we have a lot of questions! Time is of the essence - write a letter to contest this legislation - or use ours...
America's Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is proposing a new set of security regulations for the nation's General Aviation community that is ineffective, porous, a violation of private citizen's rights, cause substantial job losses and endless additional tax payer's expenses. If this passes, the Wings of Freedom tour and programs similar will end -

For a copy of this legislation click here.
Comments can be submitted online to regulations.gov click here.
Download the Collings Foundation's letter click here.
Send a letter to President Obama click here.
Send a letter to your State Senator. Find yours click here.
Send a letter to the House of Representatives. Find yours click here.

Please feel to use our letter as a template or write your own. Most important is that this piece of legislation needs to be defeated. We cannot let the TSA "railroad" this into law under current structure.

Act now or forever hold your peace. ___________________________________________________________________
UH-IE "Huey" Helicopter
chop chop chop chop chop chop chop chop chop chop chop chop chop chop chop
All over Texas....

The Collings Foundation's Houston / Ellington Field crew is getting the Huey helicopter ready for a busy tour in Louisiana and Texas. The Huey will join the Wings of Freedom tour in New Iberia, LA and will stay with the bombers and fighter through Tyler, TX. Flying in this helicopter is a real kick! Flights will be available at each location listed to the left. For more information click here. After flying with the Wings of Freedom tour the Huey will be available for viewing and flights at the following locations and events:

April 4th - Texarkana, TX
April 24th and 25th - OV-10 Cowtown Warbird Roundup, Meacham Field, Ft. Worth.
May 9th - Ellington Field Charity Event - Ellington Field, Texas.
May 16th and 17th - Texas State Rail Road Armed Forces Day Salute, Palestine, Texas.
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Wings of Freedom tour - Volunteer
We always need help spreading the good word that the tour is coming to town. Help "turn the props", clean the bugs off the nose glass, keep the oil off the tarmac, man the gate, - all the good stuff. Hang out with some beautiful airplanes - what could be better?!
Looking for additional volunteers in:

Panama City, FL 2/23 - 2/25
New Iberia, LA 3/2 - 3/4
Lake Charles, LA 3/4 - 3/6
Beaumont, TX 3/9 - 3/11
Temple, TX 3/23 - 3/25
Arlington, TX 4/1 - 4/3
Glendale, AZ 4/21 - 4/24

Volunteering is great fun! Check to see if the tour is landing near you.
If you are interested in volunteering or have questions please contact Hunter Chaney, Director of Marketing at: hchaney@collingsfoundation.org ___________________________________________________________________
Corporate and Company matching programs for non-profit donations
Something to consider...
There are many companies that offer matching programs for employees who make donations to educational non-profit foundations. The Collings Foundation is a 501c3 educational non-profit foundation. Donations to the foundation help us continue operating and maintaining our living history programs and tours. We encourage you to ask your employer if this is available and make twice the impact with your donation! Questions regarding this please contact Hunter Chaney, Director of Marketing at: 978.562.9182 ____________________________________________________________________
WWII Crew Fantasy Camp - Getting ready...
Space still available! First group: May 26th and 27th, Stockton CA. Sign up now.
Have you ever dreamed of becoming part of a bomber crew and flying your very own mission? The Collings Foundation will be offering a very unique two-day training program in which you train for and fly a simulated WWII bombing mission aboard the B-24 Liberator "Witchcraft". No doubt, this will be one of the most amazing things you will ever experience.

We have pilots confirmed to fly in the P-51 Mustang and Me 262 during the first mission. We are all looking forward to this flight! Mustang will be flying escort and the Me 262 will be flying intercept. For more information click here or call us at 800.568.8924

WE KEEP ADDING COOL STUFF TO THE PX STORE...
Gifts, books, DVDs and more - for the aviation enthusiast! See our online PX Store. Shopping is very easy and secure. Looking for the ultimate gift for "the person that has everything"? Flight Certificates are a unique and exciting present for anyone. The Wings of Freedom tour visits over 110 cities all over the United States. Once your certificate arrives just check our stop schedule to see when the bombers are near you- then call us to reserve a seat. Check our web site for confirmed schedule and locations). Flight Certificates are a tax deductible donation! We also have a great selection of books, videos, DVD's, T-shirts, polos, toys, calendars, hats and much more. Have to mention the prints we are selling from Aviation Artist - Robert Brun. Hand signed and numbered prints that will look great on any wall!

Excellent stuff for anyone interested in WWII and Vietnam era aircraft and history. Your purchase helps the Collings Foundation!


B-17 At War book and B-24 Calendar
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Your contributions are only way we are able to continue our programs. Make your tax-deductible donation before the year is over. Our new annual membership program lets you "Join the Ranks" and help "Keep 'em Flying"! Regular Membership ($70 annual contribution) includes a member card, free admission to The Wings of Freedom Tour and the annual Collings Foundation Open House in Stow, MA, a 10% PX discount with the member card, a subscription to the Collings Foundation Newsletter, and a Collings Foundation window decal. The Participating Membership ($100 annual contribution) includes all the same benefits as the Regular Member and adds free admission to The Wings of Freedom Tour and the CF Open House for one extra guest as well as a one-time $50 discount on a flight experience in the B-17, B-24, or B-25. Distinguished Flying Command Members ($1500 one time contribution) includes the gets his or her name on either the B-17 or B-24 and two between cities flights in addition to the Regular Membership benefits. Plane Sponsors ($5000 one time contribution) includes a lifetime subscription to the Collings Foundation newsletter, honored name on the Plane Sponsor section of either the B-17 or B-24, a leather flight jacket and life time between cities flight privileges for sponsor and guest.

There are many ways one can help support Collings Foundation. We can receive donations in the form of IRA contributions, bequests, stock, fine art, aircraft, rare automobiles, real estate and much more. In-kind or monitory corporate sponsorships are also greatly appreciated. We can work closely with your company to help promote each other’s goals and services. Of course, flying in the planes is a great way to donate! We do not receive any funding from the Federal Government! Your support is essential. Please call 800-568-8924 with any questions.

For more information on how to become a Collings Foundation member, please go to our Membership section on the website.