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I hope you all have taken the opportunity to enjoy reading the Spring/Summer 2026 Edition of the Virginia Eagles Newsletter emailed to all members on Monday June 22.  This edition is loaded cover to cover with interesting and useful information that reflects very favorably on VAHS.  Congratulations and many thanks to Administrator Sue Baker for an outstanding product!  Since the newsletter is hot off the presses, I only have a couple short but important items to cover in this message.

June 28 is a significant date in VAHS history.  On that date in 1977, the founding fathers met in Fredericksburg at the Shannon Air Museum and decided to create an organization to preserve Virginia aviation history.  Sidney Shannon Jr, founder of Shannon Airport and the museum hosted the event.  Later that year, the VAHS would be officially founded in Richmond on November 30.  The articles of incorporation stated “The purposes of this organization shall be to promote interest in the study, research, interpretation, preservation and dissemination of Virginia’s aviation and aeronautical heritage, and to preserve, acquire, and display those items pertaining to Virginia’s aviation and aeronautical heritage”.  Fulfilling that charter is a big job that requires a lot of time, effort and funding from dedicated volunteer members and supporters.  In that regard, I ask that all members actively recruit new members and solicit donations.  If you have not renewed your membership for 2026, please do so ASAP.  And this/next year please consider renewing at the Sustaining Member level and participating in our donor program.  Incidentally, we will be celebrating the 50th anniversary of VAHS next year.  More to follow on plans for the celebration in future messages.

On Saturday July 11, VAHS will be participating in the Commemorative Air Force Capital Wing Wheels and Warbirds event at Culpeper Airport.  See attached flyer for details.  VAHS will showcase Hall of Fame and archives displays at the event.  Should be a great time!  Please come out and support the CAF Capital Wing and the VAHS.  Two volunteers are needed to help work the VAHS table.  Please contact Sue Baker at vahsonline@gmail.comor (540) 376-3265 if you can volunteer.

That’s all for now.  Hope everyone has a very enjoyable and safe July 4th Independence Day celebration!

Dick Genaille

Chairman of the Board