November 30th, 2023

No: 2316

There is an event that took place in the life of this writer over ten years ago, that will stay with me the rest of my life. That particular moment was the opportunity I took flying on the 1943 Douglas C-47B, Betsy's Biscuit Bomber. I remember where I sat taking off from Paso Robles, when I stood watching the grounds pass below flying over San Luis Obispo, and the excitement of seeing Morro Bay, the Rock, and then Hearst Castle down below. I marveled at the structure of the aircraft and imagined how members of my family felt flying in the same type of aircraft during World War II, and how little protection this aircraft would have provided from anti-aircraft guns. I imagined how this same type of aircraft was utilized during the Viet Name conflict and compared it in my head with the aircraft and modern technology provided the flying machines of today, all of which did not exist in the 1940's through the 1960's. I was amazed, I was honored to have been taken back to relive history of times past.

If you have not thought of a particular holiday gift this year, there is a perfect opportunity to either fly or give a gift of flight aboard Betsy's Biscuit Bomber. A small donation of $200 to Estrella Warbirds Museum will reserve your seat. The next flight is scheduled for Saturday, December 16th at 11:00 a.m. Reserve your space today click here.

From the President of Estrella Warbirds Museum, Inc.

Dear Museum Supporters;

The last three years has proven to be very challenging for the Museum. We were able to secure some limited government funding,; both Paycheck Protection Program rounds, a Shuttered Venue Grant, as part of COVID-19 relief, which really helped keep the Museum open. However, the Museum's day-to-day Operations are still very challenged. For 2023, the board faced painful budget adjustments; cutting all department budgets by 25%, which included staff reductions, and consolidation of Museum's positions for day-to-day operations. Everyone, individuals and businesses alike, have felt the financial crunch of higher expenses, utility, wage and food costs.

Looking forward, the Museum is still thriving and growing! We are still planning, and moving forward with the West Property Expansion, however, our operations budget is foremost for this year's Annual Appeal campaign. We ask that you consider sending a tax deductible 2023 year-end donation to the following address in support of the Estrella Warbirds Museum.

Annual Appeal

Estrella Warbirds Museum

4251 Dry Creek Road

Paso Robles, CA 93446

Alternately, feel free to donate via your favorite credit card or PayPal.

We graciously appeal to you for your continued support for our beautiful Museum, and we are always looking for new recruits to our team of volunteers. Thank you!

Sincerely,

John Couch, President

Estrella Warbirds Museum

A Very Unique Donation.

Woodland Auto Racing was present once again in Ventura at the 81st Turkey Night Grand Prix and 360 Sprint Cars, Thanksgiving weekend. It was not a bad showing for a new car, new engine combination and a new driver, Chase McDerrmand, whom had never seen the Ventura track before. Woodland Racing was pitted against 75 other competitors, which included national and regional champions including the likes of Kyle Larson, NASCAR champion driver and 2012 Turkey Night Grand Prix Champion. The goal was to make the main event and with a 6th fastest quick qualifying time, they were locked in. Unfortunately, with a missed the chassis setup a bit by lap 70 of the 98 lap race, the tires were gone. The short version: Started 6th, did not finish but scored 17th place.

There was lots of good TV and Internet coverage for the Woodland Auto Display. Next stop, Tulsa Oklahoma, in January, for the Chili Bowl Nationals.

Above is the Woodland Racing Car plus JC Agajanian, Lisa Unser and Claudia and Dick Woodland admiring the winners trophy for the Grand Prix. Unfortunately, they were not the ones to take it home. Some character named Kyle Larson was the recipient of it.