Please join us for the 13^th Annual Planes of Fame Air Museum ‘Taste of Flight’ Gala, October 26, 2019

When: Saturday, October 26, 2019

Where: Planes of Fame Air Museum

14998 Cal Aero Dr., Chino, CA 91710

At the corner of Merrill and Cal Aero Dr., Chino Airport

Great food, wine and beer tasting, a fantastic silent auction, and presentation of the “Achievement in Aviation” award await guests to the 13^th annual Taste of Flight Gala.

The Taste of Flight Gala is an annual fundraiser and the primary source of support for the Planes of Fame Air Museum educational programs. The Planes of Fame touches the lives of nearly 10,000 schoolchildren each year. For many of these children, the museum is their first introduction to the wonders of aviation. These learning experiences set the stage for a life-long interest in history, science, and technology.

A portion of this year’s event will go towards the completion of our Korean War Memorial. The Korean War Memorial will be located in front of the Planes of Fame Air Museum. The memorial will commemorate the sacrifices of the 5.8 million Americans who served in the U.S. armed services during the three-year period of the Korean War.

One of the best experiences of the Taste of Flight Gala is the samplings of delectable food tastings combined with fantastic wines, beers, and spirits.  We’ve assembled a great line-up of restaurants, caterers, vintners and brewers who’ll serve and pour to your heart’s content.

Our extensive Silent Auction features hundreds of items including artwork, weekend getaways, craft items, one-of-a-kind aviation novelties and more.

The evening also marks the culmination of our annual Student Art Contest.  We’ve invited grade school students throughout Southern California to submit aviation-themed drawings, paintings, and illustrations.  Guests to Taste of Flight serve as judges to pick the winning entries.

Capping the night’s events is the presentation of the Planes of Fame “Achievement in Aviation” award.  For 2019 we have chosen to honor Captain E. Royce Williams.

Captain Williams is the top-scoring Navy carrier-based pilot of the Korean War.  On November 18, 1952 Royce engaged seven MiG-15s over the Sea of Japan.  Even though the MiG’s were far superior to William’s F9F-5 Panther aircraft, Royce shot down four of the Soviet fighters.

This was the only time that a US Pilot in a US aircraft engaged Soviet pilots in Soviet aircraft during the Korean War, and was immediately declared Top Secret until the Russian government released the names of the four pilots following the end of the Cold War.  Captain Williams also flew the F-8 Crusader and commanded three different air groups during deployments during the Vietnam War.

For over half a century Captain Williams’ achievement was classified; nobody knew what he did that day over the skies of Korea.  Now retired Navy Captain E. Royce Williams is one of the Korean War’s forgotten heroes.

The Achievement in Aviation award is presented annually to individuals who have made a significant contribution to aviation over time.  Past recipients include the Doolittle Raiders of 1942, Major General William Anders, Louis Zamperini, Bob Hoover, Clay Lacy, Bud Anderson, and Sean D. Tucker.

Get Your Tickets Now – online at www.poftasteofflight.org is the quickest and easiest way to purchase your ticket(s).  However, if you prefer by phone or mail, please call 909-927-5300.  You can mail a ticket request to Liz Esparza c/o Planes of Fame Air Museum 14998 Cal Aero Dr. Chino, CA 91710

If you would like to Sponsor an amount not listed in the Sponsorship Opportunities, please contact Liz Esparza at 909-927-5300.

If you can’t attend the 13^th Annual Taste of Flight, but would like to make a donation, please contact the Gift Shop at 909-597-3722 (preferred) or Liz Esparza at 909-927-5300.

We look forward to seeing you on October 26, 2019 at the Planes of Fame Air Museum’s 13^th Annual Taste of Flight Gala.  Doors open at 5:30pm.

Questions: Contact Liz Esparza at Liz.esparza@planesoffame.org or direct 909-927-5300.