November, 2014No: 1411
Hot Links!
Monthly Dinner
Tributes
Under Construction
Color up for fall
The Estrella Warbirds Museum has always been known for its constant change and quality of the displays.  If you have not been to the museum in a while, there is no better time then this summer to catch up on the latest aircraft, military vehicle or automotive display that has become part of the museum since the last time you visited.

If you have a little bit of extra time on your hands and are looking for a new hobby or willing to share your knowledge or even learn something new, we are always looking for docents or volunteers in the restoration or maintenance areas.  We are all family and would like you to join us!  It's fun! There are plenty of new friends to meet and enjoyable times to be had. Contact us today!  We'd love to hear from you.
 
Best Links
Current Events Here
Group Tours 805 238-3897
Facility Rental Call Rick Brandt at 805 226-8605
Got a Question?
Roger MariastRoger Mariast

 

Special Guest Speaker
Monthly Dinner
Wednesday, November 5th
No Host Bar starts at 6:00 p.m., 
Dinner starts at 7.p.m.

 

Author Roger William Maraist never knew his father, Lt. Roger Jamison, nor until recently, the remarkable story of his service as a B-25 pilot.  Roger will be our special guest speaker next Wednesday and you will be riveted at the account he gives on his path of discovery of a fallen hero - the father he never knew. On the day B-25 pilot Lt. Roger Jamison learned his son Roger Jr. was born, his plane was shot down on a mission over Tunisia and crashed in flames in the Mediterranean.

Roger grew up believing all crewmen perished. Seventy years later, a series of uncanny circumstances, in a short period of time, across half the country, led son Roger to personal encounters with veterans or their families that flew with his father with the "Earthquakers" of the 12th Bomb Group in North Africa. Their recollections and written accounts along with memorabilia, his father's letters, eyewitness accounts and even a War Department film showing his dad the day he died and chilling captivation of his plane on fire as it dropped from the echelon were all part of the puzzle to at last reveal his father, his love for Roger's mother, his strong belief in God and his reflections of a young man in harm's way. The recounting of this search offers universal appeal of unraveling mysteries and discovering one's past. Not only did the author find answers, but perplexing questions arose that convince him there is yet more to the story. Could his father have lived? There are conflicting eyewitness accounts of the crash and circumstances that add to the puzzle. Illustrations, photos, personal anecdotes, eyewitness accounts by WW ll airmen, as well as historical events occurring at this time plus history of the 12th Bomb Group "Earthquakers" provide a valuable reference to the Army Air Force in the North African Theater. Rich in detail, history and emotion, Roger's book, Letters Home From a Fallen Hero is totally engrossing.


 

For more information about Robert William Mariast and for pictures from previous dinners click here.


Dinner is catered and open to the public ($17/person), reservations are required prior to 6 p.m., Monday prior to dinner, either On-line HERE or call 805 296-1935.

A Tribute to the Fallen
 
Jim Stainbrook
Jim Stainbrook

This past month brought some sad times to Estrella Warbirds Museum members.  Three of the most wonderful people, active volunteers in service to Estrella Warbirds Museum took their final flight into the eternal. Jim Stainbrook, an active organizer for auto shows and auto docent;
Ward Sterling, whom we alway saw driving one of the EWM vehicles in community parades (and husband of another cherished volunteer, Mary Biamonte);
and lastly, Chuck Miller. Chuck was a highly dedicated individual, former B-17/B-25 pilot and one of the original members of the Estrella Squadron founding the Museum, and long term board of directors member.

Words can't always express our fullest gratitude, deepest condolences, and thanks for sharing your lives and experiences with all at the museum with whom you worked with over the years. It was an honor to know all three.

A memorial service for James Stainbrook will be held on Saturday, November 8th, at 11:00 a.m.
LTC Chuck Miller"

A memorial service for Chuck Miller will be Sunday, November 9th, at Estrella Warbirds Museum, 2 p.m.
Under Construction, Again!
 
Woodland Building Construction
Once again, the wheels are churning, dirt is moving and the concrete is pouring! Three new construction projects are underway as part of our continuing expansion. The Woodland Auto Museum will be adding another 5,000 square feet of display area. The Pfauter building (Redball Express) will be a completely new facility to house a new collection of WWII vehicles. Hangar 1 will be expanded to house additional aircraft. Last, and not least will be a new centralized restroom facility.

In keeping with our longstanding museum policy, new construction projects are not started until we have funding for the projects. Estrella Warbirds Museum continues to expand due to the incredible people whom have developed a great deal of respect and confidence in the museum and its ongoing history. Thank you to everyone who has played a part in our growth. We build and preserve together!
Are You a Member?
Membership has its benefits! Why become a member? The museum is supported solely from private sources.  Minimal membership dues go a long way in helping to preserve history for tomorrows generation. Membership gives you free access to the museum and our wonderful research library. Individual memberships are pro-rated at $50/year or $100/year for families. We have six different categories.  You can find more information on membership and how to sign up the the link listed below. 
Yes! I'm interested in membership with Estrella Warbirds. Museum