We’ve been reporting on the ongoing saga of the breakup of the Pearson Aviation Museum at Pearson Field in Vancouver, Washington. In a dispute between the US National Parks Service and the local non-profit, Fort Vancouver Trust, which until recently operated the Pearson Air Museum, the Park Service objected to the Pearson Air Museum making its historic hangar facility, collection and grounds available for dances, marriage ceremonies, church picnics and other fundraisers that the museum insisted were necessary to financially support its continuing operation.
The impasse resulted in the Park Service taking possession of the hangar which had housed the museum and attempting to create an aviation attraction within, while the Fort Vancouver Trust moved out the historical artifacts and planes to a different hangar at Pearson Field where it has been regrouping and is now relaunching itself as the Pearson Field Education Center.
The new Pearson Field Education Center has focused on fostering education in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) and straight out of the gate is announcing ambitious plans; partnering with Embry Riddle Aeronautical University for the first annual Aviation Education Resource Fair, scheduling of Open Cockpit Days, Young Eagles programs, Aviation Merit Badge programs for the Boy Scouts of America, hosting school field trips and the unveiling of a summer camp program that will inspire the future aviators of tomorrow.
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.
June 21, 2014 “Let’s Take Flight” Event at Pearson Field Education Center (KVUO) – You can help make dreams come true! Join us as a 2014 sponsor or donor. http://fortvan.org/Education/Aviation.html