MUSEUM OF MOUNTAIN FLYING

The Museum held the following events and participated in the activities below to promote, educate and inspire current and future generations of people and to generate interest and insight into the world of aviation as well as to promote the Museum of Mountain Flying and its projects.The Museum maintained a hangar at the Stevensville airport with expanded storage for artifacts to have a presence in the area where members live. An open house was held to encourage participation. The Red Sleighs Over Montana project focused on children for distribution of gifts. On Memorial Day, the Museum hosted several veterans and their spouses with flights in Miss Montana which culminated in a low pass over the Montana State Veterans' Cemetery in Missoula.The Museum hosted the Marine Corps Ball. In May, Miss Montana was named the State's Airplane during a ceremony in the Museum. The Governor made the presentation and founders Charles Komberec and Kathy Ogren were inducted into the Museum's Hall of Fame. Miss Montana attended the 75th Anniversary of the Twin Falls, Idaho, airport. Miss Montana and crew also visited Choteau and McCall, Idaho airports for the 80th Smokejumpers' anniversary. Lewiston, Idaho was also visited by Miss Montana and crew. The Museum of Mountain Flying & Fishing Camp, organized by Kaye Ebelt was held in July for students who learned about how to identify fish, fishing regulations, construction of a fishing pole, etc., as well as aspects of aviation. The camp was funded through registration fees. Miss Montana and crew attended the Billings Air Show at which the Navy's Blue Angels appeared. An appearance by Miss Montana at the Polson, Montana library also helped the library raise $50,000.In recognition of the passing of founder and board member Charles Komberec, the High Flight Scholarship was created through the Museum to finance a student pilot each year as funds are available. For the fourth year the museum gathered toys, clothing, blankets and other necessities and distributed them to rural communities where families in need had been identified. Several Santa and elf volunteers traveled by plane, helicopter or car to deliver the gifts, which brightened many children's Christmas.