PRESS RELEASE
For the third consecutive year, Commemorative Air Force (CAF) Airbase Georgia has met its annual 12 Planes of Christmas fundraising program goals to help restore its Republic P-47N Thunderbolt fighter. The online campaign has raised $11,200 to date for the P-47N. Adding a $50,000 grant from the Ray Foundation pushed donations over the original $50,000 goal, helping ensure the purchase of rims and new leading edges for the wings of the rare and historic aircraft.
“This fundraising campaign is essential in helping us restore the Thunderbolt,” said Airbase Leader Joel Perkins. “We sincerely thank all of the individual donors this year, especially the Ray Foundation, for its continued generous support of what will be a beautiful example of an iconic World War II fighter. We have now set a stretch goal of $70,000 with a few days left in the 2024 campaign.”
The Ray Foundation, Inc., was co-founded by James C. Ray, a distinguished World War II pilot who believed that American youth could benefit from aviation lessons. When completed, the P-47N will be one of 13 Thunderbolts flying in the world. The P-47N is one of the original aircraft acquired by CAF founder Lloyd P. Nolen in 1963.
The 12 Planes of Christmas online fundraising campaign also funds a Boeing N2S Stearman Kaydet trainer dedicated to “Rosie the Riveter,” the women who worked in factories and shipyards during World War II. The Stearman is nearing completion of fabric work and awaiting an engine. Last year, the campaign raised $15,185 for the Stearman; this year’s goal is $10,000.
The 12 Planes of Christmas campaign has raised more than $300,000 for Airbase Georgia projects over the past three years, with funds earmarked solely for the restoration of specific aircraft. To support the two projects, please click HERE for the P-47N Thunderbolt and HERE for the N2S Stearman.
About the CAF Airbase Georgia Warbird Museum
CAF Airbase Georgia, based in Peachtree City, Ga., was founded in 1987. The Airbase is one of the largest units of the Commemorative Air Force (CAF). The group maintains and flies seven vintage military aircraft, including a P-51 Mustang, an FG-1D Corsair, an SBD Dauntless, an LT-6 Mosquito, Tuskegee Airmen PT-19 Cornell, a P-63A Kingcobra and a T-34 Mentor. The Airbase, composed of more than 300 volunteer members, is a founding partner of the Georgia WWII Heritage Trail launched in 2021. The Airbase is part of the CAF, a non-profit, tax-exempt organization that relies on contributions of time and funds to conduct its mission. For more information, go to https://airbasegeorgia.org/.
Born in Milan, Italy, Moreno moved to the U.S. in 1999 to pursue a career as a commercial pilot. His aviation passion began early, inspired by his uncle, an F-104 Starfighter Crew Chief, and his father, a military traffic controller. Childhood adventures included camping outside military bases and watching planes at Aeroporto Linate. In 1999, he relocated to Atlanta, Georgia, to obtain his commercial pilot license, a move that became permanent. With 24 years in the U.S., he now flies full-time for a Part 91 business aviation company in Atlanta. He is actively involved with the Commemorative Air Force, the D-Day Squadron, and other aviation organizations. He enjoys life with his supportive wife and three wonderful children.
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