Finalizing Details

The devil is in the details or so they say. I've had the opportunity to really take a look at some of the pictures I've shot in the Wings of Angels Project while gathering pictures for the blog and it's created a sense of discipline for me to see things with new eyes. I am still finalizing pictures for the Wings of Angels Book to make sure that the ones that you see when the book is published will be something that I am truly pleased with. I've been given me one last opportunity to look over everything to ensure that I am satisfied with what will be coming out.

The most incredible thing about the Wings of Angels Project has been the stories that have been uncovered in the process. From talking to some actual WWII veterans and hearing what really went on during the war, to those current military personnel that are returning home for the war. Then there are the survivor stories, the stories of families that are part of the current war effort I discover during the photo shoots. I found out its not just about taking pictures of beautiful models and fantastic WWII aircraft. It's learning from the models themselves that their grandparents or family had served in the war, much like my own grandfather. It's being able to capture those stories in the photos I took to be able to give back a sense of that servitude and honor of our military heroes and their family.

It has also taken the models into a different sense of history as well to see these war birds up close and personal. The stories that they are even getting from emails from military personnel or interactions with people they meet has engaged them in a profound and life changing way. They have shared those in previous model spotlight posts on my blog. It really has taken this project to a whole new level and I hope that this project conveys the honor and respect that is due to every single person who has served both in the war or as a family supporting the cause.

Sponsor Center Stage ~ Yanks Air Museum

 So many of you have often left me questions wondering where are the planes located that I have used in my Wings of Angels Photographs, where you can find the wardrobe, lingerie, shoes or makeup my models use in their photos or even some of the people responsible for helping me make the Wings of Angels project a success. I decided I would dedicate these posts to a Sponsor Center Stage to give you a more in-depth look at the individual sponsors who have helped make the Wings of Angels Project a success. Today we will put Yanks Air Museum on Center Stage.

Yanks Air Museum supplied the majority of the aircraft used in the Wings of Angels Project. Yanks is a non profit organization dedicated to preserving and restoring American aircrafts and artifacts. Yanks’ houses the largest private collection of American WWII fighter, dive and torpedo bombers in the world! They are located in Chino, California and offer visitors to the Air Museum a unique look back into the aircraft of our history.

"It is appropriate that Yanks be located at Chino airport or Cal Aero Field as it was known in the 1940’s. With war imminent and the need for pilots great, the new Cal Aero Academy was built at a cost of $700,000 and was one of 42 flight schools then in operation.  Over 10,300 new pilots were trained here, most utilizing the Stearman and Vultee trainers.  In 1944 the school closed and the airport became a home to hundreds of WWII aircraft awaiting salvage or sale.  At that time a good used P-51 Mustang could be purchased for about $500."  

"Since its inception in 1973, the Yanks Air Museum has always called Chino Airport (KCNO) home.  In 1987 the museum relocated to the West end of the runway into an historic 1950’s hangar.  The original location is still used for storage of the ever growing collection.  The restoration hangar is open to allow all visitors to experience the techniques and materials used by our master craftsmen to bring these aircraft back to life. Now spread over ten acres and 170,000 square foot of display hangars and a “boneyard” the museum offers a dynamic experience to visitors of all ages." (Yanks Air Museum Website)

Yanks Air Museum offers its guests a unique experience every third Saturday of the month, An Open Cockpit Day where you can take a flight aboard a variety of aircraft from a Boeing Stearman Trainer to a AT-6 Trainer for a nominal fee. Yanks is always hosting a wide variety of events from special guest speakers to jumper training for the kids. You'll want to make sure you check their website at Yanks Air for more details. You can also stop by their Yanks Air Museum Facebook page for more information.

Yanks Air Museum is located at 7000 Merrill Avenue # 35-A270, Chino, CA 91710. Their hours are 8:00 am to 4:00pm, Monday through Saturday. They are closed on Sundays and major holidays. You can also call for more information at (909) 597-1735.