March Field Air Museum will be hosting its fourth “SR-71 Symposium” on April 6 and April 7. Eighteen former SR-71 personnel will lead discussions, sign books and be available for photo opportunities during the two day event. The SR-71 Blackbird is still the fastest manned aircraft ever built, and the March Field Air Museum is home to one of only twenty on display in the world. The aircraft is on permanent display in the museum’s main hangar.
Mr. Jamil Dada, President of the Board of Directors says “ the museum is very proud to host such an important event. It is a great opportunity for our local citizens to learn about this amazing aircraft directly from the people who actually flew and maintained it during its years of service to our great country.”
Presenters at the symposium include pilots, engineers, intelligence and maintenance personnel. Daily cost for the event is $10 for adults and $5 for children ages 5 to 11 years. Schedule of personal appearances at the two day sessions are:
Saturday, April 6
10:30 AM Gil Bertelson – MODERATOR (Pilot)
Ken Collins (Pilot): Mike Relja (Maint)
Frank Stampf (RSO): Jack Veth (Pilot)
12:00 PM SR-71 Cockpit Presentation
Jerry Glasser (Pilot)
1:30 PM Jim Shelton – MODERATOR (Pilot)
Bob Gilliland (Pilot): Stormy Boudreaux (Pilot)
Ed McKim (RSO); Don Campbell (Maintenance)
9:00 AM-4:00 PM Kid’s Workshop
Sunday, April 7
10:30 AM Don Walbrecht – MODERATOR (Pilot)
Rod Dyckman (Pilot): Kirk Knutson (Maintenance)
Al Payne (RSO): Maury Rosenberg (Pilot)
1:30 PM Jerry Glasser – MODERATOR (Pilot)
Al Payne (RSO): Lew Williams (Maintenance)
Jim Shelton (Pilot): Randy Wolfgang (Maintenance)
9:00 AM-4:00 PM Kid’s Workshop
A Special event, “Wine and Dine with the SR-71 Crew” is also planned for Sat. April 6 beginning at 6PM with a no-host bar. Tickets for this event are $60 per person (Children 5-11 $25.00) and includes a buffet dinner and program with keynote speaker Col. Gil Bertelsen (Pilot). Tickets may be purchased by calling Viviana at 951.902.9405.
March Field Air Museum is AAM Accredited Museum and is located at 22550 Van Buren Blvd, Riverside CA. The museum is open six days a week Tuesday thru Sunday from 9-4PM.