Lee Nellist
F-106 Skilled
Founding Member
Currently: Offline
Posts: 189
Location:
Joined: April 2004
Retired: USAF
|
Post by Lee Nellist on Nov 18, 2010 9:47:05 GMT 9
I am very sad and heavy hearted as I write this. It looks like the K.I. Sawyer Heritage Air Museum will permanently close in the spring. Many things have contributed to this:
1. Ridiculous insurance requirements by the AF Museum.
2. Lack of support both monetarily and volunteer wise.
3. Closure of the Fitness Center where we had a small museum that we could afford.
I could write a book about the 38 years I have been here and the deep involvement I've had with K.I. when it was open, during the closure, and during the post closure years. I think what irks me the most is that the landlords, business men, and wheels in general virtually walked away from the AF history here when there were no longer any GI's to take advantage of and no longer a SAC wing commander to rub elbows with. And what really irks me is that the way the ex-airmen and retirees here act. You would think that the AF had never been here. All the AF did was pay for their schools and provide jobs for now retired civil servants along with providing young men to take the young ladies out of here to civilization.
A good example is the F106. Where do you think the support came from for that? It sure didn't come locally. Instead 80% came from sixers outside this area. The AF museum has no say over the 106 (Thank God) but I don't know exactly what we are going to do with it. Park it in my front yard?
Lani Duquette and I have had to back out due to failing health and it seems no one will step up. Lani has asked me to spread the word that he will be clearing stock in the museum store. If you ever wanted additional 87th or 62nd FIS memorabilia you need to order it now. A lot of it will be listed on EBay and can be gotten from him. His e-mail address is: nolan359@charter.net
It is a shame it has come to this but what can we do?
A note to Jim. The beautiful clock you made for the project is going to land on my wall here at the house if I have to steal it!!!!
Lee Nellist
|
|
|
Post by Mark O on Nov 18, 2010 10:06:42 GMT 9
Oh my God Lee! I can't believe it. My kids still remember the wonderful visit we took there for the Six dedication. They may have been just a hair young to realize what all the museum items represented, or the significance of all the aircraft, but they sure remember getting to wade in the shore of Lake Superior!
What's going to happen to all of the other aircraft?
There has to be a better option with everything in that museum than sell it on eBay. Sure, folks will buy the items, but sooner or later these items will get stuffed in a box, destroyed by children, resold because the wife is tired of it, or who knows what else. What a shame.
Closing in the spring, eh? There has to be time to come up with another solution - I hope. What can be done? (Yes, I know, MONEY.)
Mark
|
|
Lee Nellist
F-106 Skilled
Founding Member
Currently: Offline
Posts: 189
Location:
Joined: April 2004
Retired: USAF
|
Post by Lee Nellist on Nov 18, 2010 10:43:06 GMT 9
It's really sad. All the hard work we have put into it.
The other airplanes will be given back to the AF museum. They have forced all sorts of small museums out of business with their crazy insurance requirements. It all started when the Yankee museum down state burned. They now require insurance at the levels they decide for each airplane and THEY are the recipient if something happens. It is really stupid because there is no airplanes to replace these if something happens. We tried to convince them to do something different here because the airplanes are buried in snow for seven months of the year but they wouldn't listen. The scrap value of these aircraft is way, way below what they require.
It is very frustrating locally to see the lack of support. Marquette always advertised that K.I. was just south of the city when it was open. Is 24 miles just south of the city? When it closed it quickly belonged to Gwinn which is only four miles away.
I told you. I could write a book!!!!
Lee
|
|
|
Post by Mark O on Nov 18, 2010 11:10:45 GMT 9
Damn, I wish I could help somehow. You know, I met Maj Gen (Ret) Metcalf once about 10 years ago, and although I understand his responsibility as the director of the museum, I just don't care much for him.
How in the world are they going to move all of the aircraft from there, and where are they going to go?!
I was just re-reading the original post, and it got me thinking. Are you all just getting rid of the normal, for sale "store" items, or all of the items on display in the museum? There has to be other museums that will take, and display those items. Is it a money issue, or can the really significant items be donated to say, the National Museum of the USAF for proper storage/display. They just can't all be dumped off to who-knows-who on eBay!
I'm irritated as you-know-what, but I can't even imagine the heartache you all are going through.
Mark
BTW, I'd read that book of yours!
|
|
|
Post by Jim on Nov 18, 2010 12:04:50 GMT 9
A note to Jim. The beautiful clock you made for the project is going to land on my wall here at the house if I have to steal it!!!!
Steal away Lee, as the maker and donor of said clock, I believe I have proprietory ownership with the museum closed........ Can't think of anyone else that should have it................. The Old Sarge
|
|
Lee Nellist
F-106 Skilled
Founding Member
Currently: Offline
Posts: 189
Location:
Joined: April 2004
Retired: USAF
|
Post by Lee Nellist on Nov 18, 2010 12:08:39 GMT 9
Right now it is store items. Lani tells me Thur night they are going to discuss the rest of it. I just don't know if storage of the artifacts is an option. Where? At what cost?
They would probably cut up the B52. Unmovable. The others they would offer to other museums and move them.
I'll try to you guys all posted on developments.
Lee
|
|
MOW
Administrator
Owner/Operator
Currently: Offline
Posts: 5,821
Location:
Joined: September 2003
Retired: USAF, Civil Service
|
Post by MOW on Nov 18, 2010 19:59:23 GMT 9
Holy Crap Lee! What the hell are they thinking? :angry That is a damn shame all the hard work to create one of the most beautiful exhibits there can be and all for not now, there ought to be a law against such stupidity.
AF Museum = :banned
|
|
|
Post by jimpadgett on Nov 18, 2010 22:29:27 GMT 9
Would there be an American Legion, VFW or DAV post nearby that could adopt the six?
|
|
|
Post by Jim on Nov 18, 2010 23:43:46 GMT 9
We, here at the forum owe Lee Nellist and Lani Duquette a big heart felt thanks for their work in getting the SIX for KI.......... Lani spent his own time and money helping get that bird from DM to KI.......... AND LANI was really a 101 medicine man........... About 3 years ago he had a program called REDO THE VOODOO to repaint their 101 showing the 62nd FIS to be a William Tell Champion (another clock)........... Although the AFA chapter was the prime for the museum, there were just not enough bodies in that group( 5 members at a meeting when I was a guest at that meeting)..................... The SIX is not owned by any US govt entity, so it could possibly be sold and the money divided amongst the museum owners............................. Thanks Lani and Lee, be proud of what you did, we are of you two......... :salute :drunk :salute :drunk The Old Sarge
|
|
|
Post by pat perry on Nov 21, 2010 1:37:43 GMT 9
I am very sad and heavy hearted as I write this. It looks like the K.I. Sawyer Heritage Air Museum will permanently close in the spring. Many things have contributed to this: 1. Ridiculous insurance requirements by the AF Museum. 2. Lack of support both monetarily and volunteer wise. 3. Closure of the Fitness Center where we had a small museum that we could afford. I could write a book about the 38 years I have been here and the deep involvement I've had with K.I. when it was open, during the closure, and during the post closure years. I think what irks me the most is that the landlords, business men, and wheels in general virtually walked away from the AF history here when there were no longer any GI's to take advantage of and no longer a SAC wing commander to rub elbows with. And what really irks me is that the way the ex-airmen and retirees here act. You would think that the AF had never been here. All the AF did was pay for their schools and provide jobs for now retired civil servants along with providing young men to take the young ladies out of here to civilization. A good example is the F106. Where do you think the support came from for that? It sure didn't come locally. Instead 80% came from sixers outside this area. The AF museum has no say over the 106 (Thank God) but I don't know exactly what we are going to do with it. Park it in my front yard? Lani Duquette and I have had to back out due to failing health and it seems no one will step up. Lani has asked me to spread the word that he will be clearing stock in the museum store. If you ever wanted additional 87th or 62nd FIS memorabilia you need to order it now. A lot of it will be listed on EBay and can be gotten from him. His e-mail address is: nolan359@charter.net It is a shame it has come to this but what can we do? A note to Jim. The beautiful clock you made for the project is going to land on my wall here at the house if I have to steal it!!!! Lee Nellist Lee, This is very sad news. If it is not possible to find a local Michigan museum home for the F-106 and the F-101, you may want to talk to the folks at Tyler Tx www.tylerhamm.org/ . They have aircraft on loan from the USAF and some others are privately owned by them. They were trying to get a Dart from AMARC for several years and couldn't get price quotes from them. The guy leading the effort finally resigned and the museum got bogged down in a move across the runway which they have now completed. They have a local guy with a double drop low-boy rig who can haul it. I'm sure we can find a home for the six but the closer to home it is in Michigan, the better for all the guys who worked hard to keep her alive. Keep us posted on progress up there and stay warm... winter's a'comin. Pat P. :us_flag
|
|
MOW
Administrator
Owner/Operator
Currently: Offline
Posts: 5,821
Location:
Joined: September 2003
Retired: USAF, Civil Service
|
Post by MOW on Nov 21, 2010 10:58:39 GMT 9
Lee, This is very sad news. If it is not possible to find a local Michigan museum home for the F-106 and the F-101, you may want to talk to the folks at Tyler Tx www.tylerhamm.org/ . They have aircraft on loan from the USAF and some others are privately owned by them. They were trying to get a Dart from AMARC for several years and couldn't get price quotes from them. The guy leading the effort finally resigned and the museum got bogged down in a move across the runway which they have now completed. They have a local guy with a double drop low-boy rig who can haul it. I'm sure we can find a home for the six but the closer to home it is in Michigan, the better for all the guys who worked hard to keep her alive. Keep us posted on progress up there and stay warm... winter's a'comin. Pat P. Who would have thought that back in 2003 when I was working with Lee and others on the original Sawyer Six Project website (which I still have archived, go figure) that showed acquisition progress, photos, information and a Paypal link to accept fund donations that it would ever come to this Too much blood, sweat, tears, volunteer-ship and time has gone into getting F-106A 56-0461 (beautifully painted as 57-0231 Toro 1) to see this aircraft just disappear. Maybe it's time to rally the troops once again and as Pat mentions try and help find a home for this girl I can put together another dedicated website for it if we want to. We can come with another Save the Six campaign
|
|
Lee Nellist
F-106 Skilled
Founding Member
Currently: Offline
Posts: 189
Location:
Joined: April 2004
Retired: USAF
|
Post by Lee Nellist on Nov 21, 2010 12:10:08 GMT 9
Lani and I have been kicking this around. As we own the 106 and the AF don't we may be able to move it closer to the retreat center and maintain it with the help of the township or the local American Legion. I sure do hate to see Lani lose his beloved 101.
Stay tuned.
Lee
|
|
|
Post by oswald on Nov 23, 2010 22:15:41 GMT 9
Lee, Is the museum at this time still open? Maybe, it would be my last chance to see it. I guess I better not procrastinate much longer.
|
|
Lee Nellist
F-106 Skilled
Founding Member
Currently: Offline
Posts: 189
Location:
Joined: April 2004
Retired: USAF
|
Post by Lee Nellist on Nov 24, 2010 12:05:50 GMT 9
The artifacts are basically in storage. With snow on the way and everything buried soon we figure we don't have to make another move til spring. Who know, maybe something good will happen.
Lani is going to continue selling the hats, etc.
Lee
|
|
|
Post by randygarmon on Dec 16, 2010 22:25:45 GMT 9
Lee, my name is Randy Garmon. I am an Adjunct Instructor in the Aviation and Supply Chain Management Department at Auburn University. I teach a class called Airspace Management and am currently involved in two research projects. We have a fairly active multi-service ROTC program at Auburn and a nice facility there with small parade ground out front. What this facility has never had is a static display. This may be just a pipe dream but I was wondering how we could get something like this F-106. I remain clueless about the red tape behind static displays. I know I'm always told we don't have the funds for anything so I'm just wondering. Incidentally, as you may have guessed, these kids probably don't know the rich history behind Century series fighters, ADC and the cold war. But I do and much of my USAF experience from the 70's and early 80's was controlling F-106, F-101 and T-Bird aircraft. I would fill privileged if we had something like this at our school to serve as a daily reminder of how important our military mission from this era was. My email is randygarmon@charter.net. I would be delighted to hear form you at your convenience. Kind Regards, Randy
|
|
Lee Nellist
F-106 Skilled
Founding Member
Currently: Offline
Posts: 189
Location:
Joined: April 2004
Retired: USAF
|
Post by Lee Nellist on Dec 17, 2010 0:15:04 GMT 9
Clicked the wrong reply button. I guess it really don't matter. Move it if you wish, Pat.
Lee
|
|
Lee Nellist
F-106 Skilled
Founding Member
Currently: Offline
Posts: 189
Location:
Joined: April 2004
Retired: USAF
|
Post by Lee Nellist on Dec 21, 2010 10:07:55 GMT 9
The airplanes are buried in snow and the artifacts are in cold storage in the building we are trying to use. A blitz has started to see what we can do about the situation. We have decided for the time being that if we are going down it will be in a blaze of glory!! If this does not succeed the museum will just not be open again.
So far the blitz has produced five things;
(1) Bob Vick (AFA and museum president) has got a discussion going with the developer who bought K.I. Sawyer to donate and then write a building off against their taxes. This is attractive because we are a non-profit organization. Also ownership of the building is VERY important because as long as we don't own the building we are not eligible for grants.
(2) A local family has proposed to us for every $10,000.00 we raise they will kick in $5,000.00.
(3) Two former Civil Engineer commanders/superintendents are willing to donate. We do know that one of them will donate $1,000.00 if the rest of the members will match it.
(4) Forsyth township believes in us and will stand behind us as far as occupancy permits and ADA requirements. They just can't donate public owned cash.
As far as fund raising, we would prefer at this point that if someone wants to donate money that they pledge the money for the time being. If the project would not happen to go thru, there would be no money to return.
Questions?? Suggestions?? As I cannot physically help them much, I have volunteered to spread the word in an effort to help.
Lee
(5) Norther University's Building Trades has offered to come in and go over and repair utility problems free of charge as a class project if we can beg some material for them.
|
|
|
Post by pat perry on Dec 22, 2010 1:56:11 GMT 9
The airplanes are buried in snow and the artifacts are in cold storage in the building we are trying to use. A blitz has started to see what we can do about the situation. We have decided for the time being that if we are going down it will be in a blaze of glory!! If this does not succeed the museum will just not be open again. So far the blitz has produced five things; (1) Bob Vick (AFA and museum president) has got a discussion going with the developer who bought K.I. Sawyer to donate and then write a building off against their taxes. This is attractive because we are a non-profit organization. Also ownership of the building is VERY important because as long as we don't own the building we are not eligible for grants. (2) A local family has proposed to us for every $10,000.00 we raise they will kick in $5,000.00. (3) Two former Civil Engineer commanders/superintendents are willing to donate. We do know that one of them will donate $1,000.00 if the rest of the members will match it. (4) Forsyth township believes in us and will stand behind us as far as occupancy permits and ADA requirements. They just can't donate public owned cash. As far as fund raising, we would prefer at this point that if someone wants to donate money that they pledge the money for the time being. If the project would not happen to go thru, there would be no money to return. Questions?? Suggestions?? As I cannot physically help them much, I have volunteered to spread the word in an effort to help. Lee (5) Norther University's Building Trades has offered to come in and go over and repair utility problems free of charge as a class project if we can beg some material for them. Lee, I'll pledge $100. Suggestion: It might be time to take another run at the Red Bull Energy Drink company to see if they would sponsor a naming credit to the building. Good Luck, Pat P. :us_flag
|
|
|
Post by Jim on Dec 22, 2010 4:31:47 GMT 9
The airplanes are buried in snow and the artifacts are in cold storage in the building we are trying to use. A blitz has started to see what we can do about the situation. We have decided for the time being that if we are going down it will be in a blaze of glory!! If this does not succeed the museum will just not be open again. So far the blitz has produced five things; (1) Bob Vick (AFA and museum president) has got a discussion going with the developer who bought K.I. Sawyer to donate and then write a building off against their taxes. This is attractive because we are a non-profit organization. Also ownership of the building is VERY important because as long as we don't own the building we are not eligible for grants. (2) A local family has proposed to us for every $10,000.00 we raise they will kick in $5,000.00. (3) Two former Civil Engineer commanders/superintendents are willing to donate. We do know that one of them will donate $1,000.00 if the rest of the members will match it. (4) Forsyth township believes in us and will stand behind us as far as occupancy permits and ADA requirements. They just can't donate public owned cash. As far as fund raising, we would prefer at this point that if someone wants to donate money that they pledge the money for the time being. If the project would not happen to go thru, there would be no money to return. Questions?? Suggestions?? As I cannot physically help them much, I have volunteered to spread the word in an effort to help. Lee (5) Norther University's Building Trades has offered to come in and go over and repair utility problems free of charge as a class project if we can beg some material for them. Lee, I'll pledge $100. Suggestion: It might be time to take another run at the Red Bull Energy Drink company to see if they would sponsor a naming credit to the building. Good Luck, Pat P. ME TOO, Lee.................. The Old Sarge
|
|
Lee Nellist
F-106 Skilled
Founding Member
Currently: Offline
Posts: 189
Location:
Joined: April 2004
Retired: USAF
|
Post by Lee Nellist on Dec 22, 2010 10:43:29 GMT 9
Thanx Pat and Jim for your pledges. We may have to do this the hard way as we did for getting the 106.
Lee
|
|