About Barry Meldrum

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So far Barry Meldrum has created 117 blog entries.

VIP Visit

2019-06-26T12:49:39-07:00

US Navy Reserve Force Master Chief Chris Kotz stopped in to visit the very first Force Master Chief MCPO Richard “Dick” Johnson at the Museum recently. The event was video recorded for posterity and other USNR publicity purposes by Master Communication Specialist Second Class Merc Cuenca of Navy Public Affairs Support Element NW (NASWI Detachment).

VIP Visit2019-06-26T12:49:39-07:00

NASWI Open House

2019-06-26T12:41:20-07:00

Naval Air Station Whidbey Island opened its gates on June 22 for an annual Open House. The PBY Museum participants were Mike (Bones) Legere, Osaretin Omofonmwan,  John Love, Stan Prince, Patty Henry, Wayne Hill and Sonny Starks.  Wil Shellenberger supervised coordination.

NASWI Open House2019-06-26T12:41:20-07:00

Library Display

2019-06-26T12:09:28-07:00

Museum volunteer Dave Strohmeyer puts final touches on the “Battle of Midway” remembrance display erected at the Freeland, WA library. John Hughes assisted in the endeavor. The battle occurred between June 4 – 7 1942 and gave the US Navy carrier aircraft a decisive advantage that turned the tide of WWII in the Pacific Theater. The display will be on exhibit at various libraries till the end of the year. (Photo by John Hughes)

Library Display2019-06-26T12:09:28-07:00

From the Desks of Onee and Richard

2019-06-26T11:10:30-07:00

From the Desks of Onee and Richard …

I have been volunteering as much as I can at the Museum thus far this year. Knee surgery has slowed me down a bit, but I know I am better because lately when I arrive at my car, I realize my walking stick is still back at the Museum!

It is always enjoyable to talk with our many donors. So many thank us for preserving history with our artifact displays, the PBY-5A, and our Homoja Hut. Often people who begin as donors join us as Museum members to further help support our mission.

Our […]

From the Desks of Onee and Richard2019-06-26T11:10:30-07:00

Dinner Auction Success

2019-06-26T11:06:28-07:00

The PBY- Naval Air Museum’s 3rd Annual Dinner and Auction was a resounding
success. Over $43,000 was raised. Our Emcee, Mayor Bob Severns and Auctioneer,Chris Skinner, combined to keep guests entertained and their bid cards raised.
Dinner music was provided by a Saratoga Orchestra string quartet and the delicious meal was provided by Jackie Huerta’s Zanini Catering and Events.

Dinner Auction Success2019-06-26T11:06:28-07:00

Chairman’s Corner

2019-06-26T10:57:52-07:00

“Spring is finally here; Winter is gone and the world begins anew…

again.”

 

Just as the seasons end and renew themselves, our hopes and dreams become final and we soldier on with accomplishments or new goals and dreams.

I was hoping to tell you about a land purchase for our new museum. It was a dream about to come true that would put us on track to fulfill the hopes, dreams and prayers of the founders of the PBY Memorial Foundation over twenty years ago.

As fate or luck (or finances) would have it, we were outbid on a piece of property we […]

Chairman’s Corner2019-06-26T10:57:52-07:00

President’s Corner

2019-06-26T10:50:47-07:00

Our bid for land north of Oak Harbor was unsuccessful. However, the Capital Improvement Task Force (CITF) still has other properties under review. The 3rd Annual Celebration of Flight Dinner and Auction was very successful. Cat Chat is going digital. In July, the annual mid-year fund raising drive gets underway.

As last quarter’s Cat Chat went to press, the CITF was submitting a bid on land for a new museum site. This land had been under review but came to market on short notice. Although we obtained a bank prequalification letter and submitted a bid above the City of Oak […]

President’s Corner2019-06-26T10:50:47-07:00