Museum seeks volunteers to maintain aircraft, missile displays

Wash day

Air Academy HS JROTC cadets recently spent a Saturday afternoon washing the Peterson Museum's F-15 aircraft as part of the Museum's "Adopt-A-Plane" program. The museum is seeking other organizations to help preserve its aircraft and missile collection with periodic washing, waxing and minor maintenance. (U.S. Air Force photo)

Published March 16, 2007
By Jeffrey Nash
Peterson Air and Space Museum assistant director

PETERSON AFB, Colo. -- In a neatly landscaped and manicured setting occupying the middle of Peterson, a group of war veterans still stand guard.

Some of these veterans are "forward deployed" geographically around the base. While most of them never fired a shot in anger, they all guarded the skies of North America against the dangers of their day: the threat of nuclear war.

The area where these Air Force, Army and Canadian Forces aircraft and missiles stand vigilant now is part of the Peterson Air and Space Museum, and the war they fought was the Cold War.

Like any sharp Airman or Soldier, these veterans still like to look their best. But these days they need some help.

The Peterson Museum is looking for military organizations on base or in the Colorado Springs area willing to provide some time, caring, and good old-fashioned "elbow grease" to help museum staff maintain and preserve its display aircraft and missiles.

This "Adopt-A-Plane" volunteer program consists of periodic washing, waxing and performing minor maintenance of an airframe and its display location. A few have been adopted already, but many others are waiting.

To help contribute to the preservation of military history and heritage, call 556-4915, or click here for museum information.