Local Veterans Restoring Aviation History
By: Kayleigh Klaustermeier
Updated: January 27, 2013
MONROE -- Monroe's history in aviation runs deep. During World War II one of its most famous residents, General Chennault, played a large role in the war in China. He was in charge of the famous Flying Tigers.
Twelve volunteer veterans are recreating history piece by piece.
Once a week, the group meets at the Chennault Aviation and Military Museum in Monroe to get to work.
"We start about 8 and finish about 3," says Veteran Charles Tullos.
Restoring at C45 plane is the veteran's goal. Right now the plane is the shell of a c-45. Once work is complete it will be an exact replica of the planes flown by the Flying Tigers.
Some of the veterans are using skills from the past.
"I was in the military for 20 years, and I worked on planes. I've done this kind of work," says veteran Joe Stidams.
Others are learning the work for the first time
"It's fun, it's easy. We have a good time," Tullos says.
For all, it's a chance to spend time reliving the past while bringing it back to life.
"We swap stories and we have an enjoyable time. It's something to do that will last for years. We enjoy the work," says Stidams.
Retired from the Air Force, Jerry Smith now runs of the group. Smith says the restoration will be complete in 3 years.
Giving the museum and its visitors a boarding pass into the area's rich aviation history
"This is history that Louisiana and especially Monroe can be proud of it," says Smith.
For more information on the museum or how you can volunteer click here.
Twelve volunteer veterans are recreating history piece by piece.
Once a week, the group meets at the Chennault Aviation and Military Museum in Monroe to get to work.
"We start about 8 and finish about 3," says Veteran Charles Tullos.
Restoring at C45 plane is the veteran's goal. Right now the plane is the shell of a c-45. Once work is complete it will be an exact replica of the planes flown by the Flying Tigers.
Some of the veterans are using skills from the past.
"I was in the military for 20 years, and I worked on planes. I've done this kind of work," says veteran Joe Stidams.
Others are learning the work for the first time
"It's fun, it's easy. We have a good time," Tullos says.
For all, it's a chance to spend time reliving the past while bringing it back to life.
"We swap stories and we have an enjoyable time. It's something to do that will last for years. We enjoy the work," says Stidams.
Retired from the Air Force, Jerry Smith now runs of the group. Smith says the restoration will be complete in 3 years.
Giving the museum and its visitors a boarding pass into the area's rich aviation history
"This is history that Louisiana and especially Monroe can be proud of it," says Smith.
For more information on the museum or how you can volunteer click here.
