Warbirds to fly at Warhawk Air Museum

   Over 20 vintage aircraft are slated to fly at the Warhawk Air Museum, located at 201 Municipal Dr. in Nampa, during the 19th annual Warbird Roundup Aug. 28-29.
 The Roundup is one of the premier air events in the Pacific Northwest, attracting thousands from across the country.
“They come from all over the place,” said Warhawk Air Museum co-founder and former Executive Director Sue Paul. “We are expecting to have three to four [P-51] Mustangs and at least three P-40s in addition to other aircraft.”
 The team from the renowned Planes of Fame Air Museum in Chino, Calif. will be on hand with its Grumman F8F-2 Bearcat and Vaught F4U-1A Corsair, which were extensively used in the filming of the $90 million, Korean War-era film, “Devotion,” which is currently in post-production.
 The movie is based on the true story of Jesse L. Brown and Thomas Hudner. Brown, born in rural Mississippi, was the first African American to complete the Navy’s basic flight training program. He and Hudner, from New England, became friends and wingmen in the same fighter squadron.
 Triple Ace, Col. Clarence “Bud” Anderson, 99, is scheduled as a guest speaker both days.
 Anderson was assigned to the 357th Fighter Group “Yoxford Boys,” 8th Air Force at Leiston Field, U.K. during World War II.
 He became the highest scoring ace in the 363rd Fighter Squadron, with 16¼ victories, flying his Mustang “Old Crow.”
 Anderson was inducted into the National Aviation Hall of Fame in 2008 and the International Air and Space Hall of Fame in 2013, among other distinctions.
 Gates open at 9 a.m. both days, with aircraft flying throughout the day until 4 p.m., according to the Warhawk Air Museum website. Gates close at 5 p.m.
 Cost is $30 general admission, $28 for seniors, and kids 14 and under are free.
 Money raised will directly benefit the museum’s educational programs and aid in the purchase of additional displays.
The Museum
 The Warhawk Air Museum was founded in 1989 by Sue and museum President John Paul, as a place to preserve military aviation. Today, it enjoys a reputation as the most unique museum in the northwest, offering visitors the opportunity to view displays depicting personal memorabilia of men and women who served during the country’s many conflicts.
 “Nobody does it like we do it,” Sue explained. “No other museum in the whole northwest has a number of personal collections to tell their story. The Warhawk Air Museum represents stability, strength and love of country, and the sacrifices that were made.
 “It’s the men, women, and children who tell the story of serving in the military and why it means, or meant, so much to them to protect this country, and to preserve freedom throughout the world.”
 Some 5,000 youth take part in the museum’s education program annually.
 “We have an incredible educational program and we have a strong team of volunteers who are there every day, teaching people and helping people, and the museum has just become so beloved in this Valley, in the state, and, really, in the world.”
 For more information, visit www.warhawkairmuseum.org or call (208) 465-6446.